Information to Visiting the London Eye in 2023

One in all London’s most recognizable and fashionable sights is the London Eye.

This huge remark wheel has been offering guests with great views throughout London for the reason that flip of the millennium, and is simply as fashionable in the present day because it was then. In truth, it is without doubt one of the UK’s hottest paid sights.

We’ve ridden the London Eye a lot of occasions on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most not too long ago in 2022. At the moment we’re going to share every thing that you must know to assist plan your go to.

We’ll cowl every thing from find out how to purchase tickets, the completely different experiences accessible on the London Eye, find out how to save money and time, and find out how to get the most effective images out of your go to.

London Eye Details

Earlier than we get into planning your London Eye go to, let’s cowl some historical past and information about this well-known London landmark.

What’s the London Eye?

The London Eye is a cantilevered remark wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the earth.

In contrast to an everyday Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 individuals, the London Eye options 32 giant pods, every of which may carry as much as 25 individuals who can transfer across the cabin space.

It’s discovered on the sting of the River Thames diagonally reverse the Homes of Parliament, and it affords guests incredible views from its remark pods.

 

Why was the London Eye Constructed?

The London Eye was constructed to mark the Millenium, and it was initially known as the Millenium Wheel.

It was function constructed as a vacationer attraction, and very like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not really meant to be a everlasting set up.

Nonetheless, as a result of its reputation, it was given everlasting standing in July 2002, solely two years after it began working.

The London Eye is at present owned by Merlin Entertainments. It has partnered with a lot of corporations in sponsorship offers, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The present sponsor is lastminute.com.

 

Attention-grabbing Details concerning the London Eye

The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered remark wheel. There are bigger Ferris wheels, however none with a cantilevered design.

There’s actually some debate as as to if or not the cantilevered design really qualifies it as a Ferris wheel, though as there’s no formal definition of a Ferris wheel that we will discover we expect it’s superb to seek advice from it as such.

Should you had been questioning, a cantilevered design implies that it’s supported solely from one facet, not like extra conventional Ferris Wheel designs which have helps on each side.

This design implies that it’s really suspended over the River Thames itself.

The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife workforce Julia Marks and David Barfield, and it took round seven years from imaginative and prescient to completion. Their imaginative and prescient was to construct London’s equal of the Eiffel Tower by way of a customer attraction.

The passenger capsules, or pods, are positioned on the surface circumference of the wheel moderately than inside. Because the wheel rotates, these additionally rotate, so the capsules all the time stay degree.

There are 32 capsules, every of which may maintain as much as 25 passengers. Because of this as much as 800 individuals will be on the London Eye at anybody time, or 1,600 per hour. Capsules are numbered from 1-33, with no capsule numbered 13 as some would think about it unfortunate.

Capsules transfer at simply over half a mile per hour, with passengers journeying round 1 / 4 of a mile within the half hour rotation. The capsules don’t cease (apart from particular conditions), so that you get on and off as it’s shifting. Every year the London Eye rotates virtually 8,000 occasions, protecting over 2,000 miles!

From the highest, you may see as much as 40km (25 miles) on a transparent day, that means you may see all the way in which to Windsor Fortress in case you are fortunate.

The London Eye is a well-liked location for wedding ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals thus far. Over 500 {couples} have even gotten married on board!

The London Eye can be no stranger to the silver display screen, having appeared in quite a few movies and TV, together with the Harry Potter movies.

 

Planning Your Go to to the London Eye

Now you understand extra concerning the London Eye, let’s have a look at some helpful info that can assist you plan your go to right here.

 

The place is the London Eye?

The London Eye is discovered on the south financial institution of the River Thames in entrance of London’s County Corridor constructing.

The deal with is Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, London, SE1 7PB.

The London Eye is a couple of five-minute stroll from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Homes of Parliament.

 

The right way to Get to the London Eye?

The London Eye could be very centrally situated and is simple to get to from most areas in London.

If you’re already in central London, then it is perhaps best to stroll to the London Eye. From Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament it’s round a 10-minute stroll. It’s 20 minutes’ stroll from Covent Backyard and 35 minutes from London Bridge.

The London Eye can be straightforward to succeed in by public transport. The closest tube and prepare station is Waterloo which is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & Metropolis strains, in addition to by varied overland prepare companies.

From Waterloo prepare station it’s round a 5-minute stroll to the London Eye.

The London Eye can be a well-liked cease for many Hop on Hop off buses in London, with buses stopping a couple of couple minutes’ stroll from the London Eye.

If you’re touring by river, the London Eye is correct subsequent to a cease, the London Eye Waterloo Pier. That is served by each commuter and hop on hop off sightseeing cruises.

You may also attain the London Eye by bicycle. There’s free cycle parking proper subsequent to the bottom of the London Eye right here.

We’d suggest in opposition to driving to the London Eye as a result of site visitors and the congestion cost. Nonetheless, should you do drive, the closest automobile parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.

Generally the London Eye affords parking reductions at close by automobile parks, verify their web site right here for extra info.

 

When is the London Eye Open?

Opening occasions for the London Eye differ relying on the time of 12 months.

• For February and March 2023, it’s open from 11am till 6pm. These are the occasions of the primary and final boarding home windows.
• From April 2023 onwards opening occasions differ. On weekends it’s usually open from 10am – 8.30pm. In the course of the week, opening occasions differ, both from 11am to 6pm or from 10am – 8.30pm.

It’s open each day besides main holidays, together with Christmas Day (twenty fifth December), New Years Eve (thirty first December) and New Years Day (1st January).

In earlier years the London Eye has opened as early as 10am and closed as late as 9.30pm, so you need to verify the official web site for the most recent opening dates and occasions.

 

How Lengthy is the London Eye Trip?

Formally, the London Eye experience lasts for half-hour. Nonetheless, your experience is perhaps barely longer or barely shorter than this. It is because typically the experience pauses, particularly when serving to these with accessibility wants on and off the capsules.

On a latest go to to the London Eye we timed our experience from the second we stepped onto the capsule to the second we stepped off, and it was precisely 25 minutes. So we really feel that a median experience time of half-hour might be correct.

 

What Are you able to See from the London Eye?

If you experience the London Eye you’ll attain a most top of round 135 metres (443ft). This top makes the London Eye one of many tallest constructions within the surrounding space, and means you’ll get an unbelievable view of the vast majority of London.

How far it is possible for you to to see will after all rely upon the climate situations and air readability, however on a transparent day you may see as much as 25 miles (40km) from the highest.

Clearly, which means you may see so much, nonetheless, the principle highlights that you will notice will embrace:

After all, you may see much more as all of central London might be at your toes, however the above are a few of London’s extra recognizable landmarks that you just’ll be capable to see.

A few notable London landmarks that you just received’t be capable to simply see are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, that are partly obscured by different buildings.

If you would like a information to assist clarify what you’re seeing, we suggest choosing up the 360-degree viewing information which is on the market for a small payment (2 or 3 kilos once we visited) within the present store earlier than your experience. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise experience once we did that.

There’s nothing contained in the capsule by way of indicators or audio to stipulate the view. In earlier years there was an app however that is not accessible.

 

Do you Want a Ticket for the London Eye?

Sure, all guests to the London Eye require a ticket. You e-book a ticket for a particular 15-minute window, which is the time you’re allowed to hitch the queue, not the time your experience will begin.

Even with the timed entry system, you’ll nonetheless be a part of a line for safety and boarding.

Kids below 3 get free rides on the London Eye, however they nonetheless want a legitimate ticket to experience.

 

The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets

The simplest approach to purchase London Eye tickets is on-line on the official web site right here. This web site has your best option of tickets, and it’s also possible to save by reserving on-line upfront.

When reserving a ticket on-line, you may select to print your ticket at dwelling, gather it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cellular gadget for show.

You may also purchase identical day tickets on-site for the London Eye on the ticket workplace. There are self-service kiosks in addition to a manned ticket counter.

Nonetheless, London Eye workers have knowledgeable me which you could solely buy full worth identical day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving upfront, or need to e-book upfront typically, you will want to e-book on-line.

You may also purchase London Eye tickets through third social gathering websites comparable to GetYourGuide right here. These are usually simply the usual and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the complete vary of experiences. They do typically have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.

Observe that when shopping for a ticket through a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you may experience with, as a substitute you get a reserving quantity. This must be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk. Be sure you give your self some further time to gather your ticket should you select this selection.

 

How A lot Does the London Eye Price?

Ticket costs for the London Eye differ. Usually, identical day tickets, and tickets for fashionable days (comparable to weekends and holidays) are costlier in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less fashionable days comparable to weekdays.

There are three principal ticket choices for the overall London Eye expertise. These are the usual ticket, the household ticket and the fast-track ticket.

There are additionally extra premium experiences you may e-book for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.

As you will notice, should you e-book your ticket on-line not less than a day upfront, you usually save in your ticket costs.

No matter whether or not you’re visiting on a peak or off-peak day although, we nonetheless suggest reserving on-line upfront right here as you’ll keep away from the frustration of turning up and discovering there isn’t any availability.

Worth under are appropriate as of March 2023, however do verify the official web site for the hottest pricing info and ticket choices.

 

Normal London Eye Ticket Worth

The normal ticket is the fundamental ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute experience on the London Eye.

The entry is timed, with the ticket granting you entry to the London Eye normal queue on the timeslot you select.

It is very important do not forget that your ticket time shouldn’t be your experience time, however the time you’re allowed to hitch the road/queue.

So when planning your time in London, make sure you think about the queue time as effectively.

Pricing for the London Eye varies relying on the day you go to, in addition to the time of day you go to. One of the best costs are usually accessible should you e-book on-line for much less busy (off-peak) days not less than three days upfront. As a basic concept, pricing for traditional tickets is as follows:

• £30.50 – £40 for adults (16+), most tickets are round £38 in our expertise
• £27.50 – £36 for youngsters ages 3-15.
• Free for youngsters below 3.

If you’ll be able to e-book at quieter occasions, it is possible for you to to make the most of higher pricing. Nonetheless, extra fashionable occasions comparable to rides on the weekend, throughout faculty holidays and rides round sundown carry a premium.

Peak days differ, so you will want to verify costs on the web site to see in case your chosen day is a peak day. We’d nonetheless suggest reserving on-line to keep away from disappointment on the day. 

 

Quick-Observe London Eye Ticket Worth

The fast-track ticket affords the identical experience expertise as the usual ticket, however has the benefit of providing you with entry to the devoted fast-track ticket line on the time you select.

This ticket provides you entry to a sooner ticket line as usually fewer individuals e-book these tickets. The experience expertise is identical as normal ticket holders, and also you share the identical capsules. The one distinction is you’ll in all probability stand in line for much less time.

As with the usual ticket, the time you e-book is the time you may be a part of the road, not the time of your precise experience, which is able to differ relying on the size of the road.

Quick-track costs additionally differ relying on the day you go to and if you e-book.

Typically, fast-track pricing is as follows:

• £42.5-£55 for adults (16+).
• £38.5 – £51 for youngsters ages 3-15.
• Free for youngsters below 3.

The London Eye additionally affords what is named a flexi fast-track ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, providing you with extra flexibility over if you experience.

These tickets price £58 for adults, £52 for youngsters aged 3-15 and are free for youngsters below 3. These tickets can solely be booked on-line.

 

Household London Eye Normal Ticket

The household London Eye ticket affords the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you just be a part of the usual ticket queue. Nonetheless, it affords households a less expensive possibility.

If you’re visiting with not less than two kids aged 3-15, this ticket possibility will doubtless prevent cash. The household tickets price as follows:

• £28 per grownup (minimal of 1 grownup)
• £28 per baby (3-15) (minimal of two kids on this age vary)
• Free for youngsters below 3.

These costs are at present the identical when reserving on-line for each identical day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though after all pricing can change so all the time verify the web site.

If you’re visiting with a household that meet the above standards, it is a excellent worth possibility. Should you had been visiting with 2 adults and a pair of kids ages 3-15, you’d save as much as £40 relying on the time of day and 12 months you go to.

Observe that typically the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a toddler below 3, regardless of the web site stating that they want a ticket.

On this case, you will want to go to this web page to e-book a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you may be introduced with the choice to e-book a timeslot for a person, or for a kid below 3. Barely confusingly, at this level that you must e-book for a person as once we final checked the web site didn’t permit for reserving a timeslot for an below 3 on their very own.

I confirmed with the London Eye that that is the proper process for including a toddler below three to a household ticket if it doesn’t present on the household ticket web page.

 

VIP London Eye Experiences

In addition to the overall tickets, there are usually a lot of premium experiences which you could e-book on the London Eye.

These are the Champagne Expertise, the Non-public Pod, and the Cupid Pod.

We’ll undergo every of those and canopy what they price and what they embrace.

It’s additionally price noting that every so often there are extra experiences and pods accessible. For instance, there was a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do verify the official web site to see the most recent experiences on provide.

 

Champagne Expertise

The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it contains:

• VIP check-in and time to chill out within the London Eye lounge earlier than boarding
• a number who will lead you thru safety and to your pod
• a glass of Champagne for every grownup (smooth drinks additionally accessible, and served to these below 18).
• quick monitor boarding by the fast-track lane
• a 360 diploma viewing information

The Champagne Expertise is shared with different individuals who have booked it, however it’s restricted to a most of 15 individuals per pod.

Observe that the pod shouldn’t be shared with basic ticket holders, so if reserving as a gaggle ensure you all get the identical ticket varieties with a purpose to experience collectively. An individual with a typical or quick monitor ticket can’t share a pod with a Champagne Expertise ticket holder.

The Champagne Expertise prices £60 for ages 3+, and is free for these below 3. Simply make sure you e-book them a free ticket if you e-book your champagne expertise.

We actually loved the champagne expertise once we did it, and it was by far our favorite London Eye expertise.

We additionally suppose it affords good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket possibility because it contains fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.

 

Non-public Pod

You’ll be able to rent a whole non-public pod for between 2 and 25 individuals. This is able to make for a enjoyable group celebration possibility, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly an economical possibility. A non-public pod contains:

• unique entry to a pod for two – 25 individuals
• fast-track boarding
• the choice to order foods and drinks (extra payment applies)

You aren’t allowed to carry your personal alcohol onto the pod. A non-public pod on the London Eye prices £675 for a gaggle. Teams should have a minimal of two friends over 18, however can in any other case encompass adults and kids.

If there are solely two of you, a extra enjoyable and cost-effective possibility although can be the Cupid Pod.

 

Cupid Pod

If you’re on the lookout for the final word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, think about reserving the Cupid’s Pod package deal. This can be a couple’s expertise, and contains:

• a non-public pod for 2 friends (should be 18 or older)
• A bottle of champagne
• A field of luxurious chocolate
• A private host in your rotation
• Precedence boarding

A Cupid Pod package deal prices £550, which we expect makes it a superb worth possibility in comparison with the non-public pod possibility if there are solely two of you. This is able to positively be a good selection for a special day.

 

Are you able to Cancel or Reschedule a London Eye Ticket?

Tickets for the London Eye bought through the official web site are non-refundable.

Should you would like to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually accessible on GetYourGuide right here, though do verify the situations earlier than buying to make certain.

Observe that when shopping for a ticket through a 3rd social gathering these have to be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so make sure you give your self loads of time should you select this selection.

If you buy a typical, quick monitor or household ticket by the official web site, you may change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your experience.

Should you e-book a premium expertise comparable to a Non-public Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If that you must change these bookings, you will want to contact customer support.

 

Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?

Sure, it’s doable to improve some London Eye tickets.

When you find yourself onsite you may improve from a typical ticket to a fast-track ticket. Once we checked in 2023, the value of this improve was £10. To do that, you will want to go to the ticket workplace.

This improve really works out barely cheaper than simply reserving a fast-track ticket on-line, nonetheless there’s a threat of there not being availability, so we might not suggest counting on this.

You may also do a refund and rebook of a typical ticket to a quick monitor ticket, whereby you’re refunded the complete quantity of the usual ticket and also you then pay for a fast-track ticket. You are able to do this upfront of your go to by contacting customer support.

If you wish to improve to the Champagne Expertise from a typical or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally doable nonetheless it additionally entails refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be completed on-site or on-line with customer support.

All ticket upgrades are topic to availability after all. We’d typically suggest simply reserving the ticket sort you’re most concerned about from the start to keep away from later disappointment.

That is particularly the case for costlier experiences as these have restricted availability.

 

How Lengthy are the Queues on the London Eye?

Queue occasions on the London Eye differ relying on the time of 12 months and the time of day. The official web site states that queue occasions for traditional entry will be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.

When we’ve got visited, we’ve got usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for traditional entry, and customarily solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nonetheless we’ve got not visited in the course of the busiest occasions when the strains will be for much longer.

 

Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?

If in case you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd social gathering, then you’ll first want to hitch the ticket line contained in the ticket workplace. There are each self-service machines and ticket counters with workers.

With the intention to skip the ticket line we suggest reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official web site right here.

Upon getting your precise boarding ticket, you may be a part of the entry line on the time specified by your ticket. There are two entry strains on the London Eye, the usual line and the fast-track ticket line.

You can not skip the safety and entry line; nonetheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of all the time sooner as fewer individuals have these tickets. After all, you might be fortunate and go to when neither line is busy, through which case each strains will take the identical period of time.

Each strains have a safety verify in addition to a cease for a photograph previous to boarding, so it does take a short while to clear these two processes.

 

London Eye Low cost Tickets

You is perhaps questioning if there are discounted tickets accessible for the London Eye.

First, you may usually get monetary savings by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Typically, these tickets are the most effective worth possibility. Households also can save with the household ticket.

One other approach it can save you is in case you are visiting London by prepare, and you’ll make the most of the 2FOR1 provide from Nationwide Rail. This can help you e-book two normal grownup tickets for a complete of £36, or the equal of £18 every. Examine the web site for phrases and situations, in addition to exclusions.

If you’re a scholar, it can save you as much as 35% with the London Eye scholar low cost. Info is on the market right here on how to do this.

One other approach it can save you on London Eye tickets is to purchase a multi-attraction ticket or go which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion should you had been already planning to go to the opposite sights. If that’s the case, you may positively save by shopping for in a bundle.

For instance, you may e-book:

We cowl the passes that embrace the London Eye within the subsequent part.

 

Passes which embrace the London Eye

Should you plan on visiting a lot of sights when in London, then you definitely would possibly be capable to get monetary savings with a multi-attraction go. These usually embrace a lot of sights, and the value of the go is often lower than shopping for particular person entry.

After all, these passes will solely prevent cash should you go to the included sights. It’s additionally vital to verify precisely what they embrace, find out how to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.

The principle passes we’re conscious of which embrace the London Eye are the next.

• Massive Metropolis Saver Cross. This go is on the market in a lot of variations, protecting as much as 5 premium sights in London. These sights embrace Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
• London Metropolis Cross. This go contains the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
• Merlin Annual Cross – Should you plan on visiting a lot of sights throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Cross is perhaps a superb possibility. This contains practically 30 sights, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fortress. That is in all probability greatest suited for many who reside within the UK.

Observe that the London Cross, which is one in every of our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at present embrace the London Eye.

 

Is the London Eye Price It?

The London Eye is actually a premium attraction in London, so that you would possibly ask whether it is price it. We really feel that the expertise is unquestionably price it.

The views are excellent, particularly on a transparent and sunny day, and there actually isn’t one other expertise prefer it in London.

 

Is the Quick Observe London Eye Possibility Price It?

You is perhaps questioning whether it is price shopping for the quick monitor London Eye ticket. The reply to this comes down to private selection and the way a lot you worth your time.

If you’re visiting the London Eye at a busy time, comparable to in the course of the summer time season, faculty holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll more than likely save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor go, in all probability not less than half an hour if no more.

Nonetheless, in case you are visiting at a quieter time of 12 months, then the distinction in queue time might be not price it in our opinion.

One factor to say is that in case you are already contemplating the quick monitor possibility, then you definitely would possibly as a substitute think about the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with a lot of extra advantages that we expect makes it price contemplating.

 

Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?

We’ve ridden the London Eye a lot of occasions, and our favorite experience thus far was positively the Champagne Expertise.

While that is costlier than the usual and fast-track choices, it positively felt extra particular.

One of many principal causes for this was that it was a hosted expertise. Our host met us within the London Eye lounge, escorted us by the fast-track space, and rode with us on the experience.

In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally received to get pleasure from a glass of champagne, and our host was capable of inform us issues concerning the London Eye and what we had been seeing. He was additionally very comfortable to take images of us.

General, we extremely suggest contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your finances stretches to it, particularly should you had been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.

 

Amenities on the London Eye

The London Eye has the next amenities accessible on-site:

• Child altering amenities
• Bathrooms (together with accessible bogs)
• Free WiFi
• Present store
• Ticket workplace & self-service ticket kiosks

 

Safety and Restrictions on the London Eye

The London Eye, like most sights, has safety in place previous to boarding, in addition to some guidelines on what you can’t carry on board.

The safety line is a part of the ticket line, and is often separated between quick monitor and normal ticket holders.

When we’ve got visited, they usually verify inside baggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nonetheless, safety practices can change over time so this will likely differ.

They’re typically on the lookout for sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The total record of prohibited objects will be discovered right here, and contains:

• giant baggage and baggage
• any merchandise deemed to be a weapon
• glass bottles
• sharp objects together with knives and scissors
• alcohol
• skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
• drones
• animals (besides service animals)

These are pretty widespread sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s price being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make certain you don’t get caught out.

We suggest not bringing quite a lot of stuff with you should you may also help it to make sure that safety goes as shortly and easily as doable.

Pushchairs and strollers that may be accomplished folded down are allowed contained in the pods. However they have to be folded up earlier than becoming a member of the road and shouldn’t be used once more till you exit the pods.

 

Accessibility on the London Eye

The London Eye is absolutely accessible, and there’s a lot of detailed details about accessibility which you’ll entry on their web site right here.

There’s step-free entry to the London Eye, and ramps are supplied for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye utterly stops for wheelchair customers and people with restricted mobility to board and disembark.

It must be famous that solely two wheelchair customers are allowed per pod, and wheelchair customers have to e-book a particular wheelchair slot along with reserving their normal ticket.

Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and will be completed right here. This enables the London Eye to make sure no-one is dissatisfied on the day as a result of limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers also can e-book a free carer ticket right here.

All customers must queue to board the London Eye. Nonetheless when you’ve got restricted mobility or issue standing you may request assisted boarding with the onsite workforce if you arrive.

There are additionally absolutely accessible bogs inside the principle constructing the place the ticket workplace is situated. There aren’t any bogs on board any of the London Eye pods.

 

Baggage Storage on the London Eye

There isn’t any official baggage storage on the London Eye, and enormous baggage, suitcases, and different outsized objects should not permitted on board.

There are a variety of close by baggage storage amenities within the neighborhood, together with at Waterloo and Charing Cross prepare stations.

Ideally although, we’d suggest not bringing your baggage to the London Eye, and leaving it together with your resort of their safe baggage space if doable.

 

What Time of Day is Finest for Visiting the London Eye?

One of the best time to go to the London Eye will rely upon what your goals are.

From a queuing perspective, when we’ve got visited we’ve got observed that the London Eye is busier within the mornings and fewer busy within the afternoons.

Nonetheless, this can differ relying on the day and time of 12 months, so we might not suggest basing your go to time completely on these observations!

What we really feel is extra vital to contemplate is when to go to primarily based on the most effective situations for getting the most effective views and images.

Clearly, you do want to contemplate the climate situations, because the views are greatest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, then you definitely would possibly need to e-book for the afternoon.

After all, climate forecasts should not all the time correct, and if you e-book upfront you won’t know what the climate goes to be like.

Our general advice is that the morning or late afternoon are the most effective occasions to go to the London Eye. One of the best time will rely upon the time of 12 months, and likewise the opening hours.

Should you go to within the morning, then the solar might be to the east of the London Eye. This implies you’ll get higher mild on the river Thames and Homes of Parliament, and received’t be capturing into the solar.

Should you go to within the afternoon, then you will have an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which suggests it should set throughout the Thames within the course of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very stunning expertise in case you are fortunate to get a superb one.

After all, sundown occasions within the UK differ, from round 9.30pm in summer time to simply earlier than 4pm in winter. So relying on the opening occasions of the London Eye and the time of 12 months you go to, viewing the sundown from the London Eye won’t be doable. On this case, we’d suggest a morning go to for the most effective mild.

You’ll be able to verify sundown occasions in London for various months right here.

 

Is the London Eye Air Conditioned?

Sure, all of the London Eye capsules are local weather managed and sealed from the weather, so they’re heat in winter and funky in summer time.

Nonetheless, the road for the London Eye shouldn’t be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So you’ll want to gown appropriately for the climate as you might want to face open air for a time period while in line.

 

Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?

Food and drinks shouldn’t be permitted on the London Eye, apart from bottled water. Consuming or ingesting on the pods shouldn’t be permitted.

Should you e-book the Champagne Expertise, this can embrace Champagne or a smooth drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.

Should you e-book a non-public pod expertise, you may pay further for foods and drinks as effectively. Particulars of the choices might be despatched to you after reserving.

 

Is Images Allowed on the London Eye?

Sure, pictures is allowed on the London Eye for private use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, however tripods {and professional} video cameras should not.

Should you want to do promotional filming, permission should be sought upfront.

Observe that two images are taken throughout your expertise (as soon as in line and as soon as within the pods themselves) and these can be found for buy after you exit the pods.

 

Sights Close to the London Eye

The London Eye is clearly a well-liked attraction, however there’s heaps extra to do in London.

In truth, there are a variety of different fashionable sights that are simply accessible from the London Eye, which may make for a full day in London.

The closest sights to the London Eye are as follows:

• London Eye River Cruise. This sightseeing cruise departs from immediately below the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mix ticket that features the London Eye, or you may e-book it individually.
• The London Dungeon. An entertaining and barely scary attraction which is correct subsequent to the London Eye. We’ve visited different Dungeon sights and all the time had enjoyable. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Cross which may embrace the London Eye.
• Jubilee Park & Backyard. This small backyard is correct subsequent to the London Eye and options some good inexperienced areas in addition to an journey park for youngsters as much as 11 years previous. It’s free to go to.
• Shrek’s Journey London. This fashionable interactive household attraction is 2 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Cross which may embrace the London Eye.
• SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium affords a spread of aquatic reveals. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Cross which may embrace the London Eye.
• Hop on Hop off bus. A great way to get round London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets will be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Cross which may embrace the London Eye.
• Florence Nightingale Museum. Present in St. Thomas’s Hospital, a 7-minute stroll from the London Eye, this museum focuses on the life and work of the founder of contemporary nursing. There’s a small payment to go to.
• Nationwide COVID-19 Memorial Wall – simply 5 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, on the south financial institution of the River Thames by Westminster Bridge, is that this memorial to all those that misplaced their lives in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic within the UK. Free to go to.
• The Graffiti Tunnel – road artwork lovers will need to go to the Leake Road tunnel, also referred to as the Graffiti tunnel. Right here there’s a 300-metre stretch of wall which anybody is legally allowed to color on. 5 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye and free to go to.
• Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the humanities is discovered simply 6 minutes’ north alongside the river. Right here there are performances, retailers, and eating choices, in addition to on of the UK’s most well-known skate parks.
• Palace of Westminster – Also referred to as the Homes of Parliament, this iconic constructing can simply be seen from the London Eye. It’s a couple of 10-minute stroll away.
• Westminster Abbey – round quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye, this historical cathedral is open for guests and an entrance payment applies for vacationer visits
• Churchill Conflict Rooms – throughout World Conflict 2, this was the key underground headquarters from the place then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the conflict. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there’s an entrance payment to go to.

After all, there are various extra sights inside straightforward attain of the London Eye. For extra planning concepts, try our guides to spending 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London.

 

Options to the London Eye

You is perhaps questioning if there are any options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there isn’t any good direct substitute for the London Eye. Definitely there isn’t any different enormous remark wheel expertise, which affords you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.

There’s additionally nothing equal within the close by space that might offer you such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.

Nonetheless, should you needed some various views of London, then think about the next:

• The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an remark deck spanning the 69th and 72nd flooring. The Shard simply over a mile east of the London Eye, so naturally you don’t get the identical views. As a substitute, you get good views of the Tower of London and Metropolis of London. We’ve visited and might positively suggest for the great metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
• Sky Backyard. Virtually immediately reverse the Shard on the north facet of the river Thames, the Sky Backyard is an effective free viewing platform on the forty third flooring. It affords wonderful sundown views particularly. Nonetheless, it is rather fashionable and the free tickets go very quick
• Tate Trendy. This free fashionable artwork gallery is present in a former energy station, reverse St. Paul’s Cathedral on the south financial institution of the River Thames. It has a viewing platform on the fifth flooring which affords good views of the Millenium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome. This iconic dome is a spotlight of the London skyline, and it’s open for guests. On the Golden Gallery degree, 85 metres (278ft) above the bottom, you get beautiful views of town of London and alongside the river. An entrance payment applies.

As you may see, there are fairly just a few areas for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is effectively definitely worth the go to!

 

The place to Keep Close to the London Eye

The London Eye could be very central, and there are various inns inside straightforward strolling distance of it. We’d suggest studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some suggestions. Nonetheless, some close by inns we suggest are the next.

These are all inside a 10-15 minute stroll of the London Eye, and are ordered roughly by finances from low to excessive.

• Walrus Bar and Hostel – simply 8 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this hostel affords each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
• Level A Resort London – This finances resort is a 10-minute stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here; the rooms are tiny however clear and it’s an amazing finances possibility, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
• Park Plaza County Corridor – it is a well-priced resort simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here not too long ago and located the rooms snug and the workers environment friendly and pleasant. A number of the rooms provide spectacular views of the London Eye, particularly at sundown.
• Sea Containers London – discovered proper on the south financial institution of the River Thames, this 5-star resort is a 13-minute stroll to the London Eye. En-suite air-conditioned rooms are of a superb measurement and a few provide river views. There’s additionally a rooftop bar, on-site restaurant, and spa.
• The Clermont Charing Cross – proper subsequent to Charing Cross prepare station, this well-reviewed 4* resort is 12 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic free WiFi and air-conditioning in addition to Nespresso espresso makers. There’s additionally an on-site restaurant and bar.
• London Marriott Resort County Corridor – it might be onerous to discover a resort nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – a few of the pods go inside metres of the rooms right here (so make sure you draw curtains if you need privateness)! In addition to wonderful proximity to the London Eye, many rooms permit for beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament and an expensive 5* expertise
• The Savoy – this world well-known 5* resort affords true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic marble bogs, air-con and tea/espresso making amenities. There are additionally top-rated eating places on web site.

As you may see there are many choices! You’ll be able to try much more inns close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.

 

London Eye Images Suggestions

As knowledgeable photographer I needed to share some suggestions for taking images, each at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these enable you to get some beautiful images to recollect your go to.

 

Images from the London Eye

The London Eye affords great pictures alternatives throughout most of central London.

The principle problem you’ll have as a photographer is that the clear glass partitions of the pods can have reflections in them. To unravel this, attempt to maintain the digicam lens as near the glass as doable, which is able to minimise reflections.

If you would like a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods accessible for telephones and cameras which go up in opposition to the glass and take away the reflections utterly.

In some areas, you’ll discover that the partitions are extra curved than in different components. The curved glass may cause distortions in your photos, so ideally attempt to shoot by the flatter components of the glass. This will require you to kneel right down to the decrease components of the capsules.

When it comes to pictures alternatives, the Homes of Parliament are fairly an iconic sight and are one of many closest landmarks. These will be photographed all through the rotation, however in direction of the top of the experience you may be nearer to them. If you’re on the lookout for a pleasant selfie or picture of these you’re using with, I’d counsel the Homes of Parliament make a superb backdrop.

Usually when taking images of your self I’d suggest utilizing a tripod, however these aren’t allowed on the London Eye. So I’d counsel asking another person on board to take your picture if doable.

Should you occur to experience the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then make certain to disable your digicam flash if capturing topics outdoors the capsule. It’ll simply replicate again from the capsule glass and destroy the picture, and it isn’t going to have ample energy to light up the world outdoors anyway!

 

The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From

In addition to making for an amazing location to take images from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic pictures topic.

There are just a few areas the place I might suggest taking images of the London Eye from.

First, on the financial institution of the River Thames immediately reverse the London Eye, you may get a stunning straight-on picture. This can be a good location at each sundown and dawn, in addition to at night time when the attention is illuminated.

This may work effectively with lengthy publicity pictures because the motion of the Eye could make some good mild trails.

If you would like extra up shut images of the London Eye, then the most effective place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photographs of the help construction are additionally fairly fascinating, with the main strains taking your eye naturally alongside the help cables to the principle physique of the wheel.

One other good location for pictures of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This affords a facet on view of the Eye, and you’ll transfer forwards and backwards throughout the bridge relying on how a lot of an angle you need. This will also be a superb alternative to border the London Eye with a pink bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.

Should you plan on taking a River Thames cruise, these all go by the London Eye and provide nice views.

Lastly, should you occur to e-book a close-by resort to the London Eye, this may also work as a superb possibility for views. Good examples embrace the rooftop suites of the close by Park Plaza County Corridor and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Simply remember that their rooms with London Eye views are priced greater than their different rooms.

 

Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye

Now that you need to know every thing that you must know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.

We’ve really visited the London Eye on a lot of events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date normal entry.

Normal Entry Expertise

We’ve completed the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences had been fairly comparable. We’ll share our most up-to-date expertise in 2022.

We booked on-line for an 11:15am timeslot on a weekday. We booked on the official web site and printed out our tickets at dwelling earlier than our go to to London. It was not very busy and we had been allowed to hitch the road round 11:08am.

Once we arrived, there was a reasonably quick queue, it took us 12 minutes to get to the safety level after which 5 extra minutes to undergo the picture sales space. We boarded at 11:26am.

Our pod had 13 individuals on board. We additionally counted the pod after ours, and that had 18 individuals on board. So the quantity positively varies relying on how the queues are shifting because the pods don’t cease shifting.

The pods themselves, as you may see from the photographs, are very spacious. You by no means really feel crowded and there’s loads of room to maneuver round and for everybody to get an amazing view. There’s additionally seating within the centre of the pod space.

The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you have a look at it when boarding), so we began rising away from the Homes of Parliament, with good views down the River Thames of landmarks together with Charing Cross prepare station. It’s additionally enjoyable at this level to search for and see the opposite pods ascending above you.

Our pod paused a few occasions as we rotated, this usually occurs when individuals with accessibility wants are boarding or disembarking. The pods transfer very slowly, and the stops are very easy, so that you by no means really feel the necessity to grasp a handrail or something!

Our favorite views are because the pod nears the highest and begins to descend, as this offers beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to areas such because the MI6 headquarters, dwelling of James Bond!

We had affordable climate, though it was pretty overcast. Nonetheless, we may simply make out all of the close by landmarks, in addition to the Crystal Palace transmitting station (round 6 miles / 10km away).

We took a number of images as you’d think about, and earlier than you knew it our experience was coming to the top. Close to the top of the experience your picture is taken by an automatic digicam setup.

That is introduced clearly previous to it taking place, and there are areas marked within the pod for the place to face if you wish to be featured within the picture.

Lastly, we disembarked from the pod at precisely 11:51am, so our experience was 25 minutes lengthy from boarding to getting off.

 

Champagne Expertise

We additionally booked our Champagne Expertise on-line, and printed out our tickets. For the Champagne Expertise we booked our timeslot for 4:30pm.

We had been a bit apprehensive about being late as we had been coming into London by prepare, however really arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.

The method for the champagne expertise is a bit of completely different, as it’s a must to check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names had been checked in opposition to an inventory, and we got the chance to go upstairs to attend within the London Eye lounge.

We had been additionally given a 360-degree viewing information, which got here in very helpful on the London Eye experience to assist us know what we had been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally accessible on the market within the present store.

The London Eye lounge is a first-floor lounge providing good views of the London Eye in addition to drinks menu consisting of soppy drinks and alcoholic drinks which you could buy if you are ready.

Within the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We requested just a few questions concerning the expertise, and learnt that it’s restricted to 18 individuals per pod though in his expertise, on common, there are usually 12 – 15 individuals. He additionally shared that he’s ridden the wheel over 1,000 occasions so we figured he knew what he was doing!

As soon as the remainder of our group arrived, a complete of 15 individuals, Arnie collected his two hampers and led us throughout from the ticket workplace space to the fast-track boarding space. The London Eye was not notably busy on the afternoon we visited, so there weren’t many individuals in entrance of us and we didn’t have to attend lengthy.

We went by safety and the picture sales space, then all of us boarded. The Champagne Expertise is an unique occasion, so that you solely share the pod with individuals who have booked the identical expertise.

Arnie mentioned that often individuals did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the end result was disappointment that they weren’t capable of experience collectively. So when reserving tickets, we positively suggest everybody books the identical sort of ticket.

As soon as on board the pod, Arnie welcomed us all on board. He was tremendous pleasant and fairly humorous in addition, and actually helped to create a enjoyable and relaxed setting on board. He additionally started working pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally provided everybody the choice to have juice or soda as a substitute in the event that they most popular.

Because the London Eye began to rise and people began to take a number of images, Arnie additionally identified what we had been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally provided to take images of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody received an amazing picture.

The climate was great for our experience, with sunshine and delightful blue skies. We had been pleasantly shocked because it had been grey and overcast once we had arrived earlier.

The experience itself lasted slightly below half-hour, however it felt a lot shorter. The climate was fairly heat once we visited, however fortunately the pods local weather management meant it was very snug.

On the finish of the experience we thanked Arnie for his wonderful internet hosting, and disembarked.

General we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly identified what to anticipate, and the mix of the wonderful host, comparatively small group, and private consideration made it really feel actually particular. The glass of Champagne actually helped too!

 

London Eye Suggestions for Visiting

We’ve famous a lot of suggestions and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply needed to record right here a few of the extra vital suggestions to be able to profit from your go to to the London Eye.

• E-book upfront immediately on-line right here to save cash and for the most effective availability
• Be sure that everybody in your group books the identical form of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to experience collectively in the identical pod
• If touring with a toddler age 3 or youthful, they will experience totally free however you continue to have to e-book them a ticket
• Should you plan to go to different sights in London such because the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, or the SEALIFE London Aquarium, it can save you cash by reserving tickets/passes such because the Massive Metropolis Saver go
• Do not forget that the time in your ticket is the time you have to be there to hitch the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So make sure you permit sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the experience itself.
• Be sure you verify the safety restrictions and to go away your baggage and any restricted objects at your resort to keep away from slowdowns and having objects confiscated by safety.
• There isn’t any commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For these wanting extra details about what you’re seeing in the course of the experience, you would possibly think about buying a viewing wheel from the present store earlier than your experience or utilizing a mapping app in your telephone
• We suggest reserving on a day with a superb climate forecast if doable. This will provide you with the most effective views and images from the pods.
• Take pleasure in your self and take a number of images!

 

Additional Studying for Visiting London

That’s it for our full information to visiting the London Eye! We hope you discovered it helpful.

We’ve additionally received a lot of different sources that can assist you plan your journey to London and the UK typically which we expect you’ll discover helpful.

• We’ve detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
• We’ve an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London, one other iconic London attraction
• You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis should you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some options throughout all budgets.
• Should you plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll doubtless get monetary savings with a London Cross. See our full London Cross evaluation right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
• We’ve a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
• Should you’re flying into one in every of London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
• We’ve an in depth information to what to pack for London, that can assist you put together in your journey to London.
• We put collectively some recommendations on discovering the greatest Images Places in London
• For the Harry Potter followers amongst you, check out our information to discovering Harry Potter in London
• 8 Issues to Do in Kensington, London, in case you needed to focus extra on a particular area of town
• Should you get pleasure from army museums, check out our information to London’s greatest army museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
• Tips about spending Two Weeks within the UK, must you need to have London as the beginning of a much bigger journey
• For finances planning, see our information to how a lot it prices to journey within the UK
• Our expertise taking a full day strolling tour of London, in case you want the concept of a totally guided day
• Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
• Different good day journeys from London embrace Oxford and Cambridge. See our information to Oxford in a day in addition to issues to do in Cambridge for concepts.
• Heading additional north? We’ve a great deal of content material on Scotland, together with a 2 Day Edinburgh itinerary, guides to the North Coast 500 and a 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• How about heading to Paris from London? We’ve an in depth information to the greatest solution to get from London to Paris that can assist you plan
• The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all types of data inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts in your journey
• Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a superb supply of related info

And that’s it! We hope you discovered our information to visiting the London Eye useful, and as all the time, when you’ve got any questions, simply pop them within the feedback and we’ll reply them as quickly as we will!

So you understand: On one in every of our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary normal tickets for the London Eye to expertise the usual experience as media. We paid for all of our different London Eye rides, together with the Champagne Expertise, in addition to our transport and lodging in London.