Thursday, March 28, 2024

Information to Visiting the London Eye in 2023


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

This monumental statement wheel has been offering guests with fantastic views throughout London for the reason that flip of the millennium, and is simply as standard at the moment because it was then. Actually, it is without doubt one of the UK’s hottest paid sights.

We’ve ridden the London Eye various instances on numerous visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most just lately in 2022. As we speak we’re going to share all the things it’s essential to know to assist plan your go to.

We’ll cowl all the things from how you can purchase tickets, the completely different experiences out there on the London Eye, how you can save money and time, and how you can get the perfect 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 statement wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was constructed it was the tallest Ferris wheel on this planet.

In contrast to a daily Ferris wheel which usually seats 2 to 4 folks, the London Eye options 32 massive 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 presents guests improbable views from its statement pods.

London Eye Sunset

 

Why was the London Eye Constructed?

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

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

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

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

Jess in front of the London Eye

 

Fascinating Details concerning the London Eye

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

There’s the truth is some debate as as to whether or not the cantilevered design truly qualifies it as a Ferris wheel, though as there’s no formal definition of a Ferris wheel that we are able to discover we predict it’s positive to discuss with it as such.

For those who had been questioning, a cantilevered design implies that it’s supported solely from one aspect, in contrast to extra conventional Ferris Wheel designs which have helps on each side.

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

The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife group 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 when it comes to a customer attraction.

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

There are 32 capsules, every of which may maintain as much as 25 passengers. Which means as much as 800 folks might 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 contemplate 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 (aside from particular conditions), so that you get on and off as it’s shifting. Annually the London Eye rotates virtually 8,000 instances, overlaying over 2,000 miles!

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

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

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

London Eye pod

 

Planning Your Go to to the London Eye

Now you already know extra concerning the London Eye, let’s have a look at some helpful info that will help 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.

Houses of Parliament from London Eye

 

The best way to Get to the London Eye?

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

If you’re already in central London, then it may be 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 also be straightforward to achieve by public transport. The closest tube and prepare station is Waterloo which is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & Metropolis traces, in addition to by numerous overland prepare providers.

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

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

We’d advocate in opposition to driving to the London Eye as a result of visitors and the congestion cost. Nevertheless, in the event you do drive, the closest automotive parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.

Typically the London Eye presents parking reductions at close by automotive parks, verify their web site right here for extra info.

London Eye and Big Bus London

 

When is the London Eye Open?

The London Eye is at the moment open from 11am till 6pm. These are the instances of the primary and final boarding home windows.

It’s open every single 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 it’s best to verify the official web site for the most recent opening dates and instances.

London Eye Heart

 

How Lengthy is the London Eye Experience?

Formally, the London Eye journey lasts for half-hour. Nevertheless, your journey may be barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because typically the journey pauses, particularly when serving to these with accessibility wants on and off the capsules.

On a current go to to the London Eye we timed our journey 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 journey time of half-hour might be correct.

London Eye Pods

 

What Are you able to See from the London Eye?

Whenever you journey the London Eye you’ll attain a most peak of round 135 metres (443ft). This peak makes the London Eye one of many tallest constructions within the surrounding space, and means you’re going to get an unimaginable view of nearly all of London.

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

Clearly, meaning you’ll be able to see lots, nevertheless, the primary highlights that you will notice will embody:

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

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

If you’d like a information to assist clarify what you’re seeing, we advocate selecting up the 360-degree viewing information which is out there for a small price (2 or 3 kilos after we visited) within the present store earlier than your journey. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise journey after we did that.

There’s nothing contained in the capsule when it comes to indicators or audio to stipulate the view. In earlier years there was an app however that is not out there.

Buckingham palace from London Eye

 

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 selected 15-minute window, which is the time you’re allowed to affix the queue, not the time your journey will begin.

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

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

 

The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets

The best means to purchase London Eye tickets is on-line on the official web site right here. This web site has the only option of tickets, and you may as well save by reserving on-line upfront.

When reserving a ticket on-line, you’ll be able to select to print your ticket at dwelling, accumulate it in individual from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your cellular machine for show.

You too can 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.

Nevertheless, London Eye employees 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 wish to e-book upfront normally, you will have to e-book on-line.

You too can purchase London Eye tickets through third occasion websites reminiscent of 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.

Be aware that when shopping for a ticket through a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you’ll be able to journey with, as an alternative 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 additional time to gather your ticket in the event you select this selection.

London Eye self service kiosk London Eye ticket office

 

How A lot Does the London Eye Price?

Ticket costs for the London Eye differ. Usually, identical day tickets, and tickets for standard days (reminiscent of weekends and holidays) are dearer in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less standard days reminiscent of weekdays.

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

There are additionally further premium experiences you’ll be able to e-book for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.

As you will notice, in the event you e-book your ticket on-line at the very least a day upfront, you usually save round 10% in your ticket costs, excluding peak days.

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

Worth under are right as of November 2022, however do verify the official web site for the hottest pricing info and ticket choices.

 

Normal London Eye Ticket Worth

The commonplace ticket is the essential ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute journey on the London Eye.

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

It is very important keep in mind that your ticket time is just not your journey time, however the time you’re allowed to affix the road/queue.

So when planning your time in London, make sure you contemplate the queue time as nicely.

Normal identical day and peak day particular person entry for the London Eye is:

  • £36 for adults (16+).
  • £32.50 for kids ages 3-15.
  • Free for kids underneath 3.

For those who e-book on-line upfront, costs for non-peak days are as follows:

  • £32.50 for adults (16+).
  • £29.50 for kids ages 3-15.
  • Free for kids underneath 3.

As famous, there are some exceptions for busier instances, when the costs would be the identical on-line and if reserving in individual.

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

London Eye ticket Line

 

Quick-Monitor London Eye Ticket Worth

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

This ticket offers you entry to a quicker ticket line as usually fewer folks e-book these tickets. The journey expertise is similar as commonplace ticket holders, and also you share the identical capsules. The one distinction is you’ll most likely stand in line for much less time.

As with the usual ticket, the time you e-book is the time you’ll be able to be a part of the road, not the time of your precise journey, 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 once you e-book.

Identical day and peak day fast-track entry for the London Eye is:

  • £51 for adults (16+).
  • £46 for kids ages 3-15.
  • Free for kids underneath 3.

Advance fast-track tickets for non-peak days price as follows:

  • £46 for adults (16+).
  • £41.50 for kids ages 3-15.
  • Free for kids underneath 3.

The London Eye additionally presents what is called a flexi quick monitor ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, supplying you with extra flexibility over once you journey.

These tickets price £55 for adults, £48.50 for kids aged 3-15 and are free for kids underneath 3. These tickets can solely be booked on-line.

London Eye fast track entry line

 

Household London Eye Normal Ticket

The household London Eye ticket presents the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you simply be a part of the usual ticket queue. Nevertheless, it presents households a less expensive choice.

If you’re visiting with at the very least two kids aged 3-15, this ticket choice will doubtless prevent cash. The household tickets price as follows:

  • £26 per grownup (minimal of 1 grownup)
  • £26 per little one (3-15) (minimal of two kids on this age vary)
  • Free for kids underneath 3.

These costs are at the moment 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 at all times verify the web site.

If you’re visiting with a household that meet the above standards, this can be a excellent worth choice. For those who had been visiting with 2 adults and a couple of kids ages 3-15, you’ll save £20 on the overall off-peak worth, and much more if visiting peak or identical day.

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

On this case, you will have to go to this web page to e-book a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you’ll be introduced with the choice to e-book a timeslot for a person, or for a kid underneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level it’s essential to e-book for a person as after we final checked the web site didn’t enable for reserving a timeslot for an underneath 3 on their very own.

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

Top of the London Eye view

 

VIP London Eye Experiences

In addition to the final tickets, there are usually various 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 embody.

It’s additionally value noting that once in a while there are further experiences and pods out there. 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 calm down within the London Eye lounge earlier than boarding
  • a bunch who will lead you thru safety and to your pod
  • a glass of Champagne for every grownup (smooth drinks additionally out there, and served to these underneath 18).
  • quick monitor boarding via 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 folks per pod.

Be aware that the pod is just not shared with normal ticket holders, so if reserving as a bunch ensure you all get the identical ticket varieties with a purpose to journey collectively. An individual with a normal or quick monitor ticket can not share a pod with a Champagne Expertise ticket holder.

The Champagne Expertise prices £55 for ages 3+, and is free for these underneath 3. Simply remember to e-book them a free ticket once you e-book your champagne expertise.

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

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

London Eye and Houses of Parliament

 

Non-public Pod

You may rent a complete personal pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This could make for a enjoyable group celebration choice, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly an economical choice. A personal pod contains:

  • unique entry to a pod for two – 25 folks
  • fast-track boarding
  • the choice to order foods and drinks (further price applies)

You aren’t allowed to convey your individual alcohol onto the pod. A personal pod on the London Eye prices £625 for a bunch. Teams should have a minimal of two company over 18, however can in any other case include adults and youngsters.

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

 

Cupid Pod

If you’re searching for the final word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, contemplate reserving the Cupid’s Pod bundle. This can be a couple’s expertise, and contains:

  • a personal pod for 2 company (should be 18 or older)
  • A bottle of champagne
  • A field of luxurious chocolate
  • A private host on your rotation
  • Precedence boarding

A Cupid Pod bundle prices £470, which we predict makes it worth choice in comparison with the personal pod choice if there are solely two of you. This could undoubtedly be a good selection for an important day.

London Eye champagne experience

 

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

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

For those who would favor to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually out there on GetYourGuide right here, though do verify the situations earlier than buying to make sure.

Be aware that when shopping for a ticket through a 3rd occasion these should be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on web site, both on the ticket desk or on the self-service kiosk, so remember to give your self loads of time in the event you select this selection.

If you buy a normal, quick monitor or household ticket via the official web site, you’ll be able to change the time on-line after reserving, as much as 24 hours earlier than your journey.

For those who e-book a premium expertise reminiscent of a Non-public Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If it’s essential to change these bookings, you will have to contact customer support.

London Eye Sunset

 

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’ll be able to improve from a normal ticket to a fast-track ticket. Once we checked in 2022, the value of this improve was £10. To do that, you will have to go to the ticket workplace.

This improve truly works out barely cheaper than simply reserving a fast-track ticket on-line, nevertheless there’s a danger of there not being availability, so we’d not advocate counting on this.

You too can do a refund and rebook of a normal 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 normal or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally doable nevertheless it additionally includes refunding the unique ticket and shopping for a brand new ticket. This may be accomplished on-site or on-line with customer support.

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

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

London Eye Sunset

 

How Lengthy are the Queues on the London Eye?

Queue instances on the London Eye differ relying on the time of yr and the time of day. The official web site states that queue instances for normal entry might be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.

When we have now visited, we have now usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for normal entry, and customarily solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nevertheless we have now not visited through the busiest instances when the traces might be for much longer.

 

Can You Skip the Line on the London Eye?

When you’ve got not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd occasion, then you’ll first want to affix the ticket line contained in the ticket workplace. There are each self-service machines and ticket counters with employees.

To be able to skip the ticket line we advocate reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official web site right here.

After you have your precise boarding ticket, you’ll be able to be a part of the entry line on the time specified by your ticket. There are two entry traces on the London Eye, the usual line and the fast-track ticket line.

You can’t skip the safety and entry line; nevertheless, the fast-track ticket line is almost at all times quicker as fewer folks have these tickets. After all, it’s possible you’ll be fortunate and go to when neither line is busy, through which case each traces will take the identical period of time.

Each traces 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 fast track entry line

 

London Eye Low cost Tickets

You may be questioning if there are discounted tickets out there for the London Eye.

First, you’ll be able to usually lower your expenses by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Usually, these tickets are the perfect worth choice. Households may save with the household ticket.

One other means it can save you is in case you are visiting London by prepare, and you may reap the benefits of the 2FOR1 provide from Nationwide Rail. This may permit you to e-book two commonplace grownup tickets for a complete of £36, or the equal of £18 every. Test the web site for phrases and situations, in addition to exclusions.

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

One other means 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 in the event you had been already planning to go to the opposite sights. If that’s the case, you’ll be able to undoubtedly save by shopping for in a bundle.

For instance, you’ll be able to e-book:

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

London Eye information board

 

Passes which embody the London Eye

For those who plan on visiting various sights when in London, you then may be capable of lower your expenses with a multi-attraction go. These usually embody various sights, and the value of the go is normally lower than shopping for particular person entry.

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

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

  • Massive Metropolis Saver Go. This go is out there in various variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium sights in London. These sights embody Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
  • London Metropolis Go. 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 Go – For those who plan on visiting various sights throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Go may be choice. This contains practically 30 sights, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fortress. That is most likely finest suited for many who reside within the UK.

Be aware that the London Go, which is one in every of our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at the moment embody the London Eye.

London Eye and Houses of Parliament

 

Is the London Eye Price It?

The London Eye is actually a premium attraction in London, so that you may ask whether it is value it. We really feel that the expertise is certainly value 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 Monitor London Eye Possibility Price It?

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

If you’re visiting the London Eye at a busy time, reminiscent of through the summer season season, faculty holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll probably save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor go, most likely at the very least half an hour if no more.

Nevertheless, in case you are visiting at a quieter time of yr, then the distinction in queue time might be not value it in our opinion.

One factor to say is that in case you are already contemplating the quick monitor choice, you then may as an alternative contemplate the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with various further advantages that we predict makes it value contemplating.

 

Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?

We’ve got ridden the London Eye various instances, and our favorite journey to this point was undoubtedly the Champagne Expertise.

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

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

In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally acquired to take pleasure in 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 joyful to take pictures of us.

General, we extremely advocate contemplating the Champagne Expertise in case your price range stretches to it, particularly in the event you had been already contemplating the fast-track expertise.

London Eye champagne experience

 

Amenities on the London Eye

The London Eye has the next amenities out there on-site:

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

London Eye gift shop

 

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 not convey on board.

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

When we have now visited, they usually verify inside luggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nevertheless, safety practices can change over time so this will differ.

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

  • massive luggage 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 frequent sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s value being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make sure you don’t get caught out.

We advocate not bringing a number of stuff with you in the event you can assist 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 should 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 be able to 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 must e-book a selected wheelchair slot along with reserving their commonplace ticket.

Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and might be accomplished right here. This permits the London Eye to make sure no-one is dissatisfied on the day because of the limitation on the variety of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair customers may e-book a free carer ticket right here.

All customers should queue to board the London Eye. Nevertheless when you’ve got restricted mobility or problem standing you’ll be able to request assisted boarding with the onsite group once you arrive.

There are additionally absolutely accessible bogs inside the primary constructing the place the ticket workplace is situated. There are not any bogs on board any of the London Eye pods.

London Eye accessibility

 

Baggage Storage on the London Eye

There isn’t any official baggage storage on the London Eye, and enormous luggage, suitcases, and different outsized objects aren’t 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 advocate not bringing your baggage to the London Eye, and leaving it together with your lodge of their safe baggage space if doable.

 

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

The most effective time to go to the London Eye will depend upon what your goals are.

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

Nevertheless, this may differ relying on the day and time of yr, so we’d not advocate basing your go to time completely on these observations!

What we really feel is extra vital to think about is when to go to based mostly on the perfect situations for getting the perfect views and pictures.

Clearly, you do want to think about the climate situations, because the views are finest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, you then may wish to e-book for the afternoon.

After all, climate forecasts aren’t at all times correct, and once you e-book upfront you may not know what the climate goes to be like.

Our total advice is that the morning or late afternoon are the perfect instances to go to the London Eye. The most effective time will depend upon the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.

For those who go to within the morning, then the solar might be to the east of the London Eye. This implies you’re going to get higher mild on the river Thames and Homes of Parliament, and received’t be taking pictures into the solar.

For those who go to within the afternoon, then you may have an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which suggests it is going to set throughout the Thames within the route of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very stunning expertise in case you are fortunate to get one.

After all, sundown instances within the UK differ, from round 9.30pm in summer season to simply earlier than 4pm in winter. So relying on the opening instances of the London Eye and the time of yr you go to, viewing the sundown from the London Eye may not be doable. On this case, we’d advocate a morning go to for the perfect mild.

You may verify sundown instances in London for various months right here.

London eye at sunset with Houses of Parliament

 

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 season.

Nevertheless, the road for the London Eye is just not enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So you’ll want to costume appropriately for the climate as it’s possible you’ll want to face outdoor for a time period while in line.

 

Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?

Food and drinks is just not permitted on the London Eye, excluding bottled water. Consuming or consuming on the pods is just not permitted.

For those who e-book the Champagne Expertise, this may embody Champagne or a smooth drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.

For those who e-book a personal pod expertise, you’ll be able to pay additional for foods and drinks as nicely. Particulars of the choices might be despatched to you after reserving.

Jess inside London Eye with Champagne

 

Is Pictures Allowed on the London Eye?

Sure, images is allowed on the London Eye for private use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, however tripods {and professional} video cameras aren’t.

For those who want to do promotional filming, permission should be sought upfront.

Be aware that two pictures 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.

Side vide of London Eye

 

Points of interest Close to the London Eye

The London Eye is clearly a well-liked attraction, however there may be tons extra to do in London.

Actually, there are a variety of different standard 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 underneath the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mixture ticket that features the London Eye, or you’ll be able to 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 at all times had enjoyable. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody 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 kids as much as 11 years previous. It’s free to go to.
  • Shrek’s Journey London. This standard interactive household attraction is 2 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody the London Eye.
  • SEA Life Centre London Aquarium. Additionally simply a few minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this aquarium presents a variety of aquatic displays. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody the London Eye.
  • Hop on Hop off bus. A great way to get round London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets might be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Massive Metropolis Saver Go which may embody 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 price 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 through the Covid-19 pandemic within the UK. Free to go to.
  • The Graffiti Tunnel – road artwork lovers will wish to go to the Leake Avenue tunnel, also called 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, outlets, 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 historic cathedral is open for guests and an entrance price 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 battle. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there may be an entrance price to go to.

After all, there are lots of 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.

Shreks Adventure

 

Options to the London Eye

You may be questioning if there are any alternate options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there is no such thing as a good direct substitute for the London Eye. Actually there is no such thing as a different enormous statement wheel expertise, which presents you views from the underside to the highest of your journey.

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

Nevertheless, in the event you needed some various views of London, then contemplate the next:

  • The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an statement 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 got visited and may undoubtedly advocate for the great metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
  • Sky Backyard. Virtually immediately reverse the Shard on the north aspect of the river Thames, the Sky Backyard is an effective free viewing platform on the forty third flooring. It presents glorious sundown views specifically. Nevertheless, it is extremely standard and the free tickets go very quick
  • Tate Trendy. This free trendy 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 presents 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 price applies.

As you’ll be able to see, there are fairly a number of places for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is nicely definitely worth the go to!

London Eye view of the Shard

 

The place to Keep Close to the London Eye

The London Eye could be very central, and there are lots of resorts inside straightforward strolling distance of it. We’d advocate studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some ideas. Nevertheless, some close by resorts we advocate are the next.

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

  • Walrus Bar and Hostel – simply 8 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this hostel presents each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
  • Level A Resort London – This price range lodge is a 10-minute stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here; the rooms are tiny however clear and it’s an incredible price range choice, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
  • Park Plaza County Corridor – this can be a well-priced lodge simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here just lately and located the rooms snug and the employees environment friendly and pleasant. A few 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 lodge is a 13-minute stroll to the London Eye. En-suite air-conditioned rooms are of 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* lodge is 12 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms function 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 will be onerous to discover a lodge nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – among the pods go inside metres of the rooms right here (so remember to draw curtains once you need privateness)! In addition to wonderful proximity to the London Eye, many rooms enable for beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament and an opulent 5* expertise
  • The Savoy – this world well-known 5* lodge presents true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms function marble bogs, air con and tea/espresso making amenities. There are additionally top-rated eating places on web site.

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

Hotel Room with view of London Eye

 

London Eye Pictures Ideas

As an expert photographer I needed to share some ideas for taking pictures, each at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these enable you get some beautiful pictures to recollect your go to.

 

Pictures from the London Eye

The London Eye presents fantastic images alternatives throughout most of central London.

The principle problem you should 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 digital camera lens as near the glass as doable, which is able to minimise reflections.

If you’d like a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods out there 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 could cause distortions in your photographs, so ideally attempt to shoot via the flatter components of the glass. This will require you to kneel all the way down to the decrease components of the capsules.

When it comes to images alternatives, the Homes of Parliament are fairly an iconic sight and are one of many closest landmarks. These might be photographed all through the rotation, however in the direction of the tip of the journey you’ll be nearer to them. If you’re searching for a pleasant selfie or photograph of these you’re driving with, I’d recommend the Homes of Parliament make backdrop.

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

For those who occur to journey the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be certain to disable your digital camera flash if taking pictures topics exterior the capsule. It would simply replicate again from the capsule glass and wreck the photograph, and it isn’t going to have enough energy to light up the world exterior anyway!

Laurence photographing from inside London Eye

 

The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From

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

There are a number of places the place I might advocate taking pictures of the London Eye from.

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

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

If you’d like extra up shut pictures of the London Eye, then the perfect place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Photos of the help construction are additionally fairly attention-grabbing, with the main traces taking your eye naturally alongside the help cables to the primary physique of the wheel.

One other good location for images of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This presents a aspect on view of the Eye, and you may transfer forwards and backwards throughout the bridge relying on how a lot of an angle you need. This may also be alternative to border the London Eye with a pink bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.

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

Lastly, in the event you occur to e-book a close-by lodge to the London Eye, this may additionally work as choice for views. Good examples embody 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.

London eye blue hour long exposure landscape

 

Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye

Now that it’s best to know all the things it’s essential to know to plan your go to to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.

We’ve got truly visited the London Eye on various events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date commonplace entry.

Normal Entry Expertise

We’ve accomplished the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences had been fairly related. 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 affix 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 photograph sales space. We boarded at 11:26am.

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

The pods themselves, as you’ll be able to see from the photographs, are very spacious. You by no means really feel crowded and there may be loads of room to maneuver round and for everybody to get an incredible 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 lookup and see the opposite pods ascending above you.

Our pod paused a few instances as we rotated, this usually occurs when folks 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 provides beautiful views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to places such because the MI6 headquarters, dwelling of James Bond!

We had cheap climate, though it was pretty overcast. Nonetheless, we might 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 lot of pictures as you’ll think about, and earlier than you knew it our journey was coming to the tip. Close to the tip of the journey your photograph is taken by an automatic digital camera setup.

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

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

London Eye cloudy day London Eye capsule Laurence and Jess London Eye

 

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 truly arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.

The method for the champagne expertise is a bit completely different, as it’s important 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 useful on the London Eye journey to assist us know what we had been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally out there 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 sentimental drinks and alcoholic drinks which you could buy while you’re ready.

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

As soon as the remainder of our group arrived, a complete of 15 folks, 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 significantly 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 via safety and the photograph 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 folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the end result was disappointment that they weren’t capable of journey collectively. So when reserving tickets, we undoubtedly advocate 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 set to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally provided everybody the choice to have juice or soda as an alternative in the event that they most well-liked.

Because the London Eye began to rise and folk began to take a lot of pictures, Arnie additionally identified what we had been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally provided to take pictures of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody acquired an incredible photograph.

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

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

On the finish of the journey we thanked Arnie for his glorious internet hosting, and disembarked.

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

London Eye champagne experience Interior London Eye Pod Champagne Experience London Eye 360 view card London Eye champagne experience

 

London Eye Ideas for Visiting

We’ve got famous various ideas and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply needed to record right here among the extra vital ideas with the intention to take advantage of your go to to the London Eye.

  • Guide upfront immediately on-line right here to save cash and for the perfect availability
  • Make certain everybody in your group books the identical sort of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to journey collectively in the identical pod
  • If touring with a baby age 3 or youthful, they’ll journey at no cost however you continue to must e-book them a ticket
  • For those who 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 need to be there to affix the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So remember to enable sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the journey itself.
  • Be sure you verify the safety restrictions and to depart your baggage and any restricted objects at your lodge 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 through the journey, you may contemplate buying a viewing wheel from the present store earlier than your journey or utilizing a mapping app in your telephone
  • We advocate reserving on a day with climate forecast if doable. This offers you the perfect views and pictures from the pods.
  • Get pleasure from your self and take a lot of pictures!

Jess in front of the London Eye

 

Additional Studying for Visiting London

That’s it for our full information to visiting the London Eye! We hope you discovered it helpful that will help you determine on the perfect property on your journey to town.

We’ve additionally acquired various different sources that will help you plan your journey to London and the UK normally which we predict you’ll discover helpful.

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

A complete guide to visiting the London Eye. Facts about the London Eye, tips on visiting, discount London Eye tickets and more!

So you already know: On one in every of our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary commonplace tickets for the London Eye to expertise the usual journey 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.

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