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A follower on Instagram advised me to not trouble happening The London Eye, considered one of London’s prime vacationer sights as a result of it was expensive and the traces lengthy.
Initially I used to be uncertain and nervous. Was this going to be slightly overrated like my expertise climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Facet Be aware: Since I’m shut sufficient to being a born and bred Sydneysider, The Sydney Harbour views are so acquainted to me that the WOW issue was in all probability lacking. However, I nonetheless suggest individuals to do it.
I lived in London for over two years earlier than the completion of the London Eye, so I knew the River Thames views effectively. I used to be ho-humming about it.
Did I must see the Thames and the Homes of Parliament and Massive Ben from atop of the London Eye? Wouldn’t it be simply one other kitschy vacationer entice?
NO! NO! NO…in London, there isn’t a kitschy vacationer entice. It’s simply not that sort of metropolis or tradition. Really, I don’t assume anyplace in England or the UK could be referred to as kitschy!
I completely cherished our expertise on the London Eye, as did everybody in our household. This is likely one of the great London sights for youths.
The views of London are extraordinary and well worth the worth. (We have been company of the London Eye and beneath no obligation to jot down this submit. However I’m as a result of I cherished it and it’s so value it for any customer to London).
Whenever you go to London, you’ll love seeing it from above as typically as you may.
The London Eye is one that can stand out as an enormous WOW second. It wasn’t only a snapshot of 1 London scene, however a rotating perspective that slowly modified over 30-minutes.
You can simply take in each angle, seize household images, in addition to discover time to bop as you may see from our dancing Savannah. I’ve about twenty images of her doing her leg splits and cheer strikes. I don’t assume she’ll ever overlook dancing on prime of London.
So YES! The London Eye is completely value it. I feel similar to you’d go to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, you’d go to the London Eye in England’s capital.
We skilled many unimaginable views of London throughout our 10-days on this metropolis. And shall be writing a submit sharing all of them quickly. Leap in our digital suitcase so that you don’t miss our London journey suggestions and future journey updates and suggestions. Join beneath:
What’s The London Eye?
It actually is like an eye fixed to the world of London.
The peak of the London Eye is 135m, making it the world’s tallest cantilevered commentary wheel, much like a bicycle wheel. This implies it’s supported on one aspect solely and is what separates it from a Ferris wheel. It’s referred to as an structure marvel due to this distinctive design.
Conceived and designed by husband-and-wife duo David Marks and Julia Barfield in response to a 1993 competitors inviting Londoners to construct a brand new landmark to commemorate the brand new millennium. The competitors was a flop, and not using a decisive winner, however as soon as an thought like that is born, life has a method of bringing it into actuality.
The wheel opened on March 9, 2000 and was an prompt hit. They initially supposed to open for 5 years, nevertheless it was quickly fairly evident it wanted to turn into a everlasting London landmark.
Initially referred to as the Millennium Wheel, it was renamed the London Eye in 2011 due to the beautiful panoramic views of the town that the experience gives – some name it the Eye of London – however it isn’t the London Ferris Wheel.
It has since turn into the primary paid attraction in London for the previous decade, with over 3.5 million guests per yr. It has received over 85 awards for nationwide and worldwide tourism, excellent architectural high quality, and engineering achievement.
This world icon has turn into the fashionable image representing the Metropolis of London.
The London Eye usually adjustments colours and lights, relying on occasions taking place in London and throughout the UK. It additionally has dramatic fireworks each New Yr’s Eve, much like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and is turning into simply as widespread.
The London Eye Expertise
The London Eye revolves at a pace of 26sm per second, which is 1 / 4 of the common strolling pace. Not like a Ferris Wheel, which can cease and begin to let individuals on and off, the London Eye retains on transferring. Due to its gradual tempo you may simply board the capsule.
There are a complete of 32 capsules, one for every borough in London. The capsules nonetheless, are numbered 1-33 as they’ve taken out quantity 13 to protect good luck. Phew. I used to be anxious.
Capsules maintain as much as 25 passengers and your complete London Eye can maintain 800 individuals per revolution – the equal of the capability of 11 pink double-decker buses in London. Traces can transfer fairly rapidly because of this.
When you’re on, it’s merely a matter of enjoyable into the views for the following thirty minutes. Disconnect from social media and use your time to go searching and observe one of many largest and greatest cities on this planet.
Since it’s within the space of London the place there aren’t any skyscrapers, and also you’re on the sting of the water, your view is unobstructed.
I like how in a single rotation your view factors change from floor stage, to entrance on, and as much as chook’s eye. Hold trying the entire time because it adjustments a lot and the upper you go the extra, you’ll see.
I additionally cherished trying again, down, and throughout to the capsules as we rotated.
On the very prime, I felt like I used to be a spaceship floating within the air. That was the one time my tummy fluttered slightly. Apart from that, I wasn’t afraid in any respect on the London Eye. In case you’re afraid of heights, chances are you’ll discover it slightly unnerving.
Throughout the capsules are interactive guides on-board with data on 55 prime London landmarks.
What are you able to see on the London Eye?
What you see when you’re on the London Eye will rely on how clear these clouds are. On a sunny day, you may see so far as 30 miles away over to Windsor Citadel.
Even when it’s cloudy, you’ll see a lot of London’s prime sights and notable sights. Most of your viewing shall be north, or reverse the London Eye, however don’t overlook to show round and see what’s behind you as effectively.
Listed below are the well-known landmarks to look out for:
- Massive Ben and Homes of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- St James Park
- Hyde Park
- St Paul Cathedral
- Tate Trendy
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Jubilee Gardens subsequent to London Eye
- Whitehall Gardens
Actually, it’s extra about what can’t you see? On the London Eye you may see All. The. Issues.
You’ll be able to see extra in our London Eye Reel.
Non-public Pods
To have all of the house (and freedom to bop) take into account a personal pod. London Eye gifted that have to us and it was great. Savannah wouldn’t have been doing the splits in any other case. And we had no strangers crowding our view and have been capable of seize nice photos and video.
If you’re touring with a big group of individuals, personal pods might make extra sense.
And passengers in personal capsules get quick monitor entry!
Traces for the London Eye can get very lengthy. We have been so joyful to go to throughout March 2022, earlier than the summer time crowds, and nonetheless recovering from the pandemic so queue occasions have been very quick.
In an effort to bypass the in depth line, buy a skip the road ticket.
With so many unimaginable issues to do in London, I’d spend the cash to keep away from ready in traces and losing time. If that’s not possible for you, get the usual ticket and arrive as early as you may.
Pre-pandemic, the London Eye additionally had a 4D Cinema expertise and different choices like a VIP Champagne Expertise. Make sure you examine with them on your go to to see what has, hopefully, returned.
The place is the London Eye?
The London Eye is positioned in South financial institution of the River Thames in a chief location reverse Massive Ben and the Homes of Parliament.
It’s inside simple strolling distance from the next London Underground stations:
- Waterloo Station (the closest)
- Embankment
- Charing Cross
- Westminster.
- Waterloo and Charing Cross are the closest prepare stations.
When is the most effective time to experience the London Eye?
The London eye is open each day from 11am to 6pm, with the final time slot for boarding at 5:30pm.
In case you get there very first thing, chances are you’ll beat the queues. You’ll additionally need to take into account the way you time it with the River Thames cruise (see that down beneath) and different London sights chances are you’ll need to see within the space (see beneath).
My prime tip can be to goal to get there for nightfall to see the London skyline bathed in golden mild. Within the wintertime that can imply additionally seeing some twinkling lights!
The sunshine for images shall be higher throughout the afternoon hours. In fact, timing it for nightfall is dependent upon what time of yr you’re visiting.
We initially deliberate to go to for nightfall round 5pm so we’d catch the views of London within the day and because it moved into sundown.
Nonetheless, we didn’t anticipate a time change to sunlight financial savings whereas we have been visiting London, which pushed sundown again to after the London Eye closing occasions!
Test the climate forecast and take into account transferring your schedule round to swimsuit the climate if you happen to’re versatile.
Though the climate in London is often cloudy with an opportunity of rain, November, December, and August see the very best rainfall in London.
Lastminute.com London Eye River Thames Cruise
Once more, some might marvel if a cruise on the River Thames is value it?
Sure. Sure. And extra, sure! There may be nothing like seeing London from the angle of its snaking River Thames.
The Lastminute.com London Eye River cruise is a 40-minute round tour of the Thames on a small open-top ferry with guided commentary. The departure touchdown dock is true beneath the London Eye.
I cherished the commentary that taught us loads in regards to the historical past of the Thames and the function it’s performed in London life.
Do you know the Thames is taken into account to be the cleanest river on this planet flowing via a serious metropolis? Because it was once a cesspool for the town’s filth, this can be a main accomplishment to have a good time.
The cruise will take you previous Massive Bend and the Homes of Parliament earlier than turning round to move east passing beneath a lot of London’s bridges spanning the river – every with their very own title and story.
You’ll be taught many tales in regards to the iconic Landmarks you’ll move like Massive Bend, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Tate Trendy, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge, which you’ll get to sail beneath earlier than turning round to cruise again.
For your complete journey, you’ll be beneath the ever-watchful eye of St Pauls’ Cathedral dome, which quickly got here to be considered one of my beloved London landmarks.
London has made it attainable so that you can see St Pauls’ Cathedral from wherever you go within the central London space (and generally additional).
As our cruise host advised us, with a purpose to assemble buildings taller than ten tales, the town made a legislation in 1938 that St Paul’s have to be considered from eight locations in London.
That is one motive the fashionable skyscrapers in London have distinctive shapes. It’s so that they don’t overshadow or impede the views of this magnificent cathedral.
The one drawback I had with the river cruise is that it’s open deck – the most effective for views – nevertheless it meant that it was tough to listen to the commentary on the best way again once we have been going towards the wind.
We had fairly a windy day. I might nonetheless hear it nevertheless it was a problem, and I cherished the commentary.
Clearly, there may be not a lot you are able to do in regards to the climate, and I nonetheless acquired loads of worth out of the cruise and would do it once more.
There may be inside seating downstairs if you wish to escape the climate, however I do suggest sitting up prime for these clear London views. In case you can snag a entrance or outdoors seat, they’re the most effective. Make sure you line up about 30-minutes earlier than to extend your probabilities.
E-book your Thames River cruise forward of time.
I feel it’s greatest to do your London River Cruise first because it’s a timed expertise, after which do the London Eye after.
It departs at 45-minutes previous each hour. The cruise is wheelchair accessible and audio commentary is accessible.
You’ll be able to see extra in our Reel of the River Thames cruise. (Observe us over there for extra enjoyable journey adventures and suggestions!)
London Eye Tickets / Combo tickets
Click on on the hyperlinks beneath to e-book in your London Eye expertise:
Need splendid views of the London Eye?
Stroll over the Golden Jubilee Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge spanning the River Thames between Charing Cross and Southbank. There are two of them on both aspect of the Hungerford Bridge.
In case you take the aspect closest to the London Eye you’ll have splendid views from the aspect.
As you cross over the bridge flip left and stroll alongside the north aspect of the river for extra views of the London Eye again over the river.
Moored on the Thames is the Tattershall Citadel, a former passenger ferry turned pub with views of the London Eye.
We didn’t get to step in for a drink because it was all the time busy and we weren’t positive how family-friendly it was. I feel ingesting a Pimm’s right here on a heat English afternoon with these views can be a reminiscence.
The Whitehall Gardens listed below are additionally very lovely and price .
It’s also possible to see the London Eye from the 72nd ground of The Shard, the tallest constructing in Western Europe. We visited The Shard on our first evening in London.
The London Eye seems so small from up there, which was another excuse I puzzled if the view can be any good. If you’re pondering the identical, let me inform you, the views are that good. It’s a a lot totally different perspective, however simply as great. Generally getting the furthest away will not be all the time the easiest way.
What’s there to do close to the London Eye?
When exploring an unlimited metropolis like London, it is advisable plan your days fastidiously. We explored one area at a time and across the prime sights in London.
It’s vital for us to know what was close to the London Eye so we might plan accordingly.
As our suggestions in our getting round London submit share, strolling between sights is likely one of the greatest methods to see London (plus it’s free, good on your well being, and Mom Earth).
Close to the London Eye on the South financial institution of the Thames
- SEA Life Middle London Aquarium (I personally wouldn’t go to London to go to an aquarium)
- The London Dungeons: We did the same London Bridge Expertise, and it was a lot enjoyable! Our women cherished it – effectively in between the scary bits. It was one of many sights on our London Go by Go Metropolis.
- You can maintain strolling alongside the south financial institution of the river to:
- Oxo Tower (one other London view)
- Shakespeare’s Globe (20 minutes)
- Borough Markets (half-hour)
North of the Thames
When you stroll over the bridge you’re within the Westminster space of London, so can go to the next London sights:
- Massive Ben
- Westminster Abbey
- St James’ Park
- Churchill Struggle Rooms
- Buckingham Palace
- Trafalgar Sq.
- Covent Backyard
A strolling route that connects these London sights is three miles lengthy. I’ve mapped it for you. Click on this hyperlink and make a duplicate of it. Along with your copy you may add every other sights you need to go to for this London Eye day expertise, together with locations to eat and drink.
E-book your London Lodging
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Take a look at the map beneath for pricing!
Supply: Breaking Travel News