The London Eye on the River Thames (the giant Ferris wheel seen on many London exhibits) is meant to provide great views. It spins around slowly, offering the view of an invisible bird on the south bank of London. However, those who are afraid of heights should be careful. When you are over 400 feet tall, the 360-degree view can be a bit off.
Some travelers say that the London Eye is a must-do. Others found that the experience was out of place. Some recent tourists said the lines were too long (up a few hours) and tickets were too expensive. However, many others were surprised by the comments, especially about Parliament and Buckingham Palace. The journey, which takes at least 30 minutes with an average wheel rotation, is not fast, so visitors are eager for this. You can combine it with a tour of the London Eye.
The ticket price range varies depending on the type of package expected. But the standard entry for adults starts at 27 pounds (about $ 38). If you book your ticket online in advance, keep in mind that you will save a few pounds. Visit the website to see a complete list of ticket options or to book your ticket online. Check out the website for start-up times that vary by season. At Waterloo Tube Station you will find this place (also known as the Millennium Wheel).
What you don’t know about the London Eye
- It is not a Ferris wheel. It is known as the tallest cantilever observation wheel in the world.
- Supermodel Kate Moss has been in the London eye 25 times. It is a record for a celebrity in the UK.
- It is usually visited by more visitors than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- You can see up to 40 km in all directions (up to Windsor Castle on a clear day)
- In December 2005, the London Eye lit up pink to celebrate the first civil partnership on the wheel.
- The London Eye Capsule 32 is representative of 32 London cities, each weighing about 1,052,631 pounds.
- Although there are only 32 capsules, they are numbered from 1 to 33 due to superstition. Fortunately, there is no 13th capsule.
- It can carry 800 people in one roundabout, comparable to the passengers in 11 London Red Double Decker buses.
- The precursor to the London Eye, the Great Wheel, was in operation from 1895 to 1906.
- The capsule travels at a speed of 26 centimeters per second. It doubles the speed at which the tortoise travels.