Information to Visiting the London Eye in 2023

Considered one of London’s most recognizable and fashionable sights is the London Eye.

This huge commentary wheel has been offering guests with great views throughout London because the flip of the millennium, and is simply as fashionable at present because it was then. In truth, it is likely one of the UK’s hottest paid sights.

We’ve ridden the London Eye a lot of instances on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most not too long ago in 2022. Right now we’re going to share the whole lot you’ll want to know to assist plan your go to.

We’ll cowl the whole lot from tips on how to purchase tickets, the completely different experiences obtainable on the London Eye, tips on how to save money and time, and tips on how to get the perfect pictures 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 info about this well-known London landmark.

What’s the London Eye?

The London Eye is a cantilevered commentary 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 an everyday 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 affords guests implausible views from its commentary 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 similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not really meant to be a everlasting set up.

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

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

Fascinating Details concerning the London Eye

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

There’s actually some debate as as to whether 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 are able to discover we predict it’s superb to discuss with it as such.

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

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

The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife staff 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 stage.

There are 32 capsules, every of which may maintain as much as 25 passengers. Which means that as much as 800 folks may 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 (apart from particular conditions), so that you get on and off as it’s shifting. Every year 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 best way to Windsor Fortress if you’re fortunate.

The London Eye is a well-liked location for marriage ceremony proposals, with over 5,000 proposals thus far. 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.

Planning Your Go to to the London Eye

Now you recognize 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 few five-minute stroll from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Homes of Parliament.

Easy methods to Get to the London Eye?

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

In case you are 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 simple 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 also be a preferred cease for many Hop on Hop off buses in London, with buses stopping a few couple minutes’ stroll from the London Eye.

In case you are 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 as well attain the London Eye by bicycle. There’s free cycle parking proper subsequent to the bottom of the London Eye right here.

We might suggest towards driving to the London Eye on account of site visitors and the congestion cost. Nevertheless, when 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, examine their web site right here for extra info.

When is the London Eye Open?

Opening instances for the London Eye range relying on the time of yr.

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

It’s open day-after-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 examine the official web site for the most recent opening dates and instances.

How Lengthy is the London Eye Experience?

Formally, the London Eye experience lasts for half-hour. Nevertheless, your experience may be barely longer or barely shorter than this. It’s because generally the experience 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 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?

Once 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 buildings within the surrounding space, and means you’re going to get an unbelievable view of nearly all of London.

How far it is possible for you to to see will after all rely on 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 loads, nonetheless, the principle highlights that you will note will embody:

In fact, you’ll be able to see much more as all of central London shall be at your toes, 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 would like a information to assist clarify what you’re seeing, we suggest choosing up the 360-degree viewing information which is accessible for a small charge (2 or 3 kilos once we visited) within the reward 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 obtainable.

Do you Want a Ticket for the London Eye?

Sure, all guests to the London Eye require a ticket. You guide 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.

Youngsters beneath 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 the only option of tickets, and you too can save by reserving on-line upfront.

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

You may as well 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 guide upfront typically, you will want to guide on-line.

You may as well purchase London Eye tickets by way of third get together 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 generally have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.

Be aware that when shopping for a ticket by way of a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you’ll be able to experience 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. You should definitely give your self some further time to gather your ticket when you select this selection.

How A lot Does the London Eye Value?

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

There are three important ticket choices for the overall 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 guide for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.

As you will note, when you guide your ticket on-line no less than a day upfront, you usually save round 10% in your ticket costs, except peak days.

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 February 2023, however do examine the official web site for the hottest pricing info and ticket choices.

Commonplace London Eye Ticket Worth

The customary ticket is the essential 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 customary queue on the timeslot you select.

It is very important keep in mind 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 contemplate the queue time as effectively.

Pricing for the London Eye varies relying on the time of day you go to. The perfect costs are usually obtainable when you guide for off-peak tickets on-line no less than three days upfront. As a common thought, pricing for normal tickets is as follows:

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

If you’ll be able to guide at quieter instances, it is possible for you to to make the most of higher pricing. Nevertheless, extra fashionable instances reminiscent of rides on the weekend, throughout college holidays and rides round sundown carry a premium.

Peak days range, so you will want to examine 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 supplying you with entry to the devoted fast-track ticket line on the time you select.

This ticket provides you entry to a quicker ticket line as usually fewer folks guide these tickets. The experience expertise is identical as customary 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 guide is the time you’ll be able to be a part of the road, not the time of your precise experience, which can range relying on the size of the road.

Quick-track costs additionally range relying on the day you go to and while you guide.

Usually, fast-track pricing is as follows:

£53-£55 for adults (16+).
£49 – £51 for youngsters ages 3-15.
Free for youngsters beneath 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, supplying you with extra flexibility over while you experience.

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

Household London Eye Commonplace Ticket

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

In case you are visiting with no less than two youngsters aged 3-15, this ticket choice will probably prevent cash. The household tickets price as follows:

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

These costs are presently 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 examine the web site.

In case you are visiting with a household that meet the above standards, it is a excellent worth choice. For those who have been visiting with 2 adults and a couple of youngsters ages 3-15, you’d save as much as £40 relying on the time of day and yr you go to.

Be aware that generally the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a baby beneath 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 guide a timeslot for the London Eye. Right here you can be introduced with the choice to guide a timeslot for a person, or for a kid beneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level you’ll want to guide for a person as once we final checked the web site didn’t permit for reserving a timeslot for an beneath 3 on their very own.

I confirmed with the London Eye that that is the proper process for including a baby beneath 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 guide 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 occasionally there are further experiences and pods obtainable. For instance, there was a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do examine the official web site to see the most recent experiences on supply.

Champagne Expertise

The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it contains:

VIP check-in and time to loosen up 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 (mushy drinks additionally obtainable, and served to these beneath 18).
quick observe 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 shouldn’t be shared with common ticket holders, so if reserving as a bunch be sure to all get the identical ticket sorts in an effort to experience collectively. An individual with a normal or quick observe ticket can not share a pod with a Champagne Expertise ticket holder.

The Champagne Expertise prices £60 for ages 3+, and is free for these beneath 3. Simply make sure you guide them a free ticket while you guide 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 assume it affords 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.

Non-public Pod

You may rent a whole non-public pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This may make for a enjoyable group celebration choice, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly a cheap choice. A non-public pod contains:

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

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

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

Cupid Pod

In case you are 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 friends (should be 18 or older)
A bottle of champagne
A field of luxurious chocolate
A private host to your rotation
Precedence boarding

A Cupid Pod bundle prices £550, which we predict makes it a great worth choice in comparison with the non-public pod choice if there are solely two of you. This may undoubtedly be a sensible choice for a special day.

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

Tickets for the London Eye offered by way of the official web site are non-refundable.

For those who would favor to buy a refundable ticket, these are usually obtainable on GetYourGuide right here, though do examine the situations earlier than buying to make certain.

Be aware that when shopping for a ticket by way of a 3rd get together these must 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 when you select this selection.

If you buy a normal, quick observe 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 experience.

For those who guide a premium expertise reminiscent of a Non-public Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If you’ll want to 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’re onsite you’ll be able to improve from a normal ticket to a fast-track ticket. After 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 danger of there not being availability, so we might not suggest counting on this.

You may as well do a refund and rebook of a normal ticket to a quick observe 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 observe ticket, that is additionally doable nonetheless it additionally entails 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 might usually suggest simply reserving the ticket kind you’re most eager 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 instances on the London Eye range relying on the time of yr and the time of day. The official web site states that queue instances for normal entry may be as much as 45 minutes, while quick observe 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 observe. Nevertheless we have now not visited in the course of the busiest instances when the strains may 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 get together, 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 employees.

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

After getting 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 strains on the London Eye, the usual line and the fast-track ticket line.

You can’t skip the safety and entry line; nonetheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of all the time quicker as fewer folks have these tickets. In fact, you might be fortunate and go to when neither line is busy, wherein case each strains will take the identical period of time.

Each strains have a safety examine 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 may be questioning if there are discounted tickets obtainable 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 also save with the household ticket.

One other approach it can save you is if you’re visiting London by prepare, and you may make the most of the 2FOR1 supply from Nationwide Rail. It will will let you guide two customary 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.

In case you are a pupil, it can save you as much as 35% with the London Eye pupil low cost. Data is accessible 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 move which incorporates the London Eye. That is solely a good suggestion when you have 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 guide:

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

Passes which embody the London Eye

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

In fact, these passes will solely prevent cash when you go to the included sights. It’s additionally essential to examine precisely what they embody, tips on how to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to buy.

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

Huge Metropolis Saver Go. This move is accessible in a lot of 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 move 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 a lot of sights throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Go may be a great choice. This contains practically 30 sights, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fortress. That is most likely greatest suited for many who stay within the UK.

Be aware that the London Go, which is considered one of our favorite passes for London, doesn’t presently embody the London Eye.

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 unquestionably 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 Observe London Eye Choice Price It?

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

In case you are visiting the London Eye at a busy time, reminiscent of in the course of the summer season season, college holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll most certainly save fairly a little bit of time with a quick observe move, most likely no less than half an hour if no more.

Nevertheless, if you’re 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 if you’re already contemplating the quick observe choice, then you definately may as an alternative contemplate the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with a lot of further advantages that we predict makes it value contemplating.

Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?

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

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

One of many important 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 experience.

In addition to the advantages of fast-track entry, we additionally acquired to take pleasure in a glass of champagne, and our host was in a position to inform us issues concerning the London Eye and what we have been seeing. He was additionally very pleased to take pictures of us.

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

Services on the London Eye

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

Child altering amenities
Bogs (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 convey on board.

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

When we have now visited, they usually examine inside baggage and use a safety wand to scan your physique. Nevertheless, safety practices can change over time so this may occasionally range.

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

massive 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 frequent sense restrictions we really feel, however it’s value 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 when you may help it to make sure that safety goes as rapidly and easily as doable.

Pushchairs and strollers that may be accomplished folded down are allowed contained in the pods. However they must 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 offered for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye utterly stops for wheelchair customers and people with restricted mobility to board and disembark.

It ought to be famous that solely two wheelchair customers are allowed per pod, and wheelchair customers have to guide a particular wheelchair slot along with reserving their customary ticket.

Reserving the wheelchair slot is free and may 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 also guide 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 staff while 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 gadgets should not permitted on board.

There are a selection 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 lodge of their safe baggage space if doable.

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

The perfect time to go to the London Eye will rely on what your goals are.

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

Nevertheless, this may range relying on the day and time of yr, so we might not suggest basing your go to time solely on these observations!

What we really feel is extra essential to think about is when to go to primarily based 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 greatest when it’s sunny. So if the forecast is for rain within the morning and solar within the afternoon, then you definately may wish to guide for the afternoon.

In fact, climate forecasts should not all the time correct, and while you guide upfront you may not know what the climate goes to be like.

Our general suggestion is that the morning or late afternoon are the perfect instances to go to the London Eye. The perfect time will rely on the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.

For those who go to within the morning, then the solar shall 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 capturing into the solar.

For those who go to within the afternoon, then you’ve gotten an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which suggests it can set throughout the Thames within the route of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very lovely expertise if you’re fortunate to get a great one.

In fact, sundown instances within the UK range, 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 suggest a morning go to for the perfect mild.

You may examine sundown instances 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 season.

Nevertheless, the road for the London Eye shouldn’t be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s lined. So you’ll want to gown appropriately for the climate as you might want to face outside for a time frame while in line.

Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?

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

For those who guide the Champagne Expertise, this may embody Champagne or a mushy drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.

For those who guide a personal pod expertise, you’ll be able to pay further for food and drinks as effectively. Particulars of the choices shall be despatched to you after reserving.

Is Pictures 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.

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.

Sights Close to the London Eye

The London Eye is clearly a preferred attraction, however there may be 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 beneath the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mixture ticket that features the London Eye, or you’ll be able to guide 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 may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge 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 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 may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge 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 affords a spread of aquatic displays. Tickets may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge 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 may be purchased individually or it can save you with a multi-attraction Huge 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 recent nursing. There’s a small charge 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 – avenue artwork lovers will wish to go to the Leake Road tunnel, often known 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 called the Homes of Parliament, this iconic constructing can simply be seen from the London Eye. It’s a few 10-minute stroll away.
Westminster Abbey – round quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye, this historic cathedral is open for guests and an entrance charge applies for vacationer visits
Churchill Warfare Rooms – throughout World Warfare 2, this was the key underground headquarters from the place then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the struggle. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there may be an entrance charge to go to.

In fact, there are various extra sights inside simple 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.

Alternate options to the London Eye

You may be questioning if there are any options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there isn’t any good direct alternative for the London Eye. Definitely there isn’t any different large commentary 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 may offer you such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Homes of Parliament.

Nevertheless, when you wished some different views of London, then contemplate the next:

The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an commentary 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 suggest for the good metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
Sky Backyard. Nearly immediately reverse the Shard on the north facet of the river Thames, the Sky Backyard is an efficient free viewing platform on the forty third ground. It affords glorious sundown views particularly. Nevertheless, it is rather fashionable 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 ground 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 stage, 85 metres (278ft) above the bottom, you get pretty views of town of London and alongside the river. An entrance charge applies.

As you’ll be able to see, there are fairly just a few places 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 simple strolling distance of it. We might suggest studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some ideas. Nevertheless, 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 Lodge London – This finances lodge is a 10-minute stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here; the rooms are tiny however clear and it’s a terrific finances choice, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
Park Plaza County Corridor – it is a well-priced lodge simply 6 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. We’ve stayed right here not too long ago and located the rooms comfy and the employees environment friendly and pleasant. Among the rooms supply 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 a great dimension and a few supply 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 characteristic free WiFi and air-conditioning in addition to Nespresso espresso makers. There’s additionally an on-site restaurant and bar.
London Marriott Lodge County Corridor – it might be laborious to discover a lodge nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – a number of the pods move inside metres of the rooms right here (so make sure you draw curtains while you need privateness)! In addition to superb proximity to the London Eye, many rooms permit for pretty views of the Homes of Parliament and an opulent 5* expertise
The Savoy – this world well-known 5* lodge affords true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic marble loos, 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 inns close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.

London Eye Pictures Suggestions

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

Pictures from the London Eye

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

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

If you would like a extra superior resolution, there are lens hoods obtainable for telephones and cameras which go up towards 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 may increasingly require you to kneel all the way down to the decrease components of the capsules.

By way of pictures alternatives, the Homes of Parliament are fairly an iconic sight and are one of many closest landmarks. These may be photographed all through the rotation, however in the direction of the top of the experience you can be nearer to them. In case you are searching for a pleasant selfie or picture of these you’re driving with, I’d recommend the Homes of Parliament make a great backdrop.

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

For those who occur to experience the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be certain that to disable your digital camera flash if capturing topics exterior the capsule. It’s going to simply mirror again from the capsule glass and destroy the picture, and it’s not going to have enough energy to light up the world exterior anyway!

The place to {Photograph} the London Eye From

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

There are just a few places the place I might suggest 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 night time when the attention is illuminated.

This could 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 pictures of the London Eye, then the perfect place is probably going proper subsequent to it. Pictures of the help construction are additionally fairly attention-grabbing, 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 may transfer forwards and backwards throughout the bridge relying on how a lot of an angle you need. This may also be a great 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 move by the London Eye and supply nice views.

Lastly, when you occur to guide a close-by lodge to the London Eye, this may also work as a great choice for views. Good examples embody the rooftop suites of the close by Park Plaza County Corridor and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Simply bear in mind that their rooms with London Eye views are priced increased than their different rooms.

Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye

Now that you need to know the whole lot you’ll want 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 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 customary entry.

Commonplace Entry Expertise

We’ve accomplished the usual entry on the London Eye twice. Each experiences have 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 residence earlier than our go to to London. It was not very busy and we have been allowed to hitch the road round 11:08am.

After we arrived, there was a reasonably brief 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 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 a terrific 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 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 pretty views of the Homes of Parliament, in addition to upriver to places such because the MI6 headquarters, residence of James Bond!

We had cheap 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 numerous pictures 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 digital camera setup.

That is introduced clearly previous to it taking place, and there are places 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 have been a bit fearful about being late as we have been coming into London by prepare, however really arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.

The method for the champagne expertise is slightly completely different, as you need to check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names have been checked towards a listing, and we got the chance to go upstairs to attend within the London Eye lounge.

We have been additionally given a 360-degree viewing information, which got here in very useful on the London Eye experience to assist us know what we have been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally obtainable on the market within the reward 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 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 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 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 stated that sometimes folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the outcome was disappointment that they weren’t in a position to experience collectively. So when reserving tickets, we undoubtedly suggest everybody books the identical kind of ticket.

As soon as on board the pod, Arnie welcomed us all on board. He was tremendous pleasant and fairly humorous as well, and actually helped to create a enjoyable and relaxed surroundings 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 people began to take numerous pictures, Arnie additionally identified what we have 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 a terrific picture.

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

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

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

Total we actually loved the Champagne Expertise. We hadn’t fairly recognized 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 got famous a lot of ideas and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply wished to checklist right here a number of the extra essential ideas with the intention to profit from your go to to the London Eye.

Guide upfront immediately on-line right here to save cash and for the perfect availability
Ensure 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 baby age 3 or youthful, they’ll experience without cost however you continue to have to guide 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 Huge Metropolis Saver move
Keep in mind 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.
You should definitely examine the safety restrictions and to go away your baggage and any restricted gadgets at your lodge to keep away from slowdowns and having gadgets 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 may contemplate buying a viewing wheel from the reward store earlier than your experience or utilizing a mapping app in your cellphone
We suggest reserving on a day with a great climate forecast if doable. This offers you the perfect views and pictures from the pods.
Take pleasure in your self and take numerous pictures!

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 to your journey to town.

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

We’ve got detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
We’ve got an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London, one other iconic London attraction
You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis when you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some ideas throughout all budgets.
For those who plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll probably lower your expenses with a London Go. See our full London Go evaluate right here to see if this may prevent cash on sightseeing.
We’ve got a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
For those who’re flying into considered one of London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
We’ve got an in depth information to what to pack for London, that will help you put together to your journey to London.
We put collectively some tips about discovering the greatest Pictures Areas 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 wished to focus extra on a particular area of town
For those who take pleasure in army museums, check out our information to London’s greatest army museums and memorial. Additionally see our Winston Churchill in London information.
Recommendations on spending Two Weeks within the UK, do you have to wish 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 thought of a totally guided day
Ideas on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day journey
Different good day journeys from London embody 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 got 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 got an in depth information to the greatest option to get from London to Paris that will help you plan
The Eyewitness Journey Information to London, which has all types of data inside, together with extra itineraries and concepts to your journey
Rick Steve’s London information, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK journey guides, and all the time a wonderful 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 are able to!

So you recognize: On considered one of our rides, the corporate gave us a pair of complimentary customary 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.