Information to Visiting the London Eye in 2022

This monumental remark wheel has been offering guests with fantastic views throughout London for the reason that flip of the millennium, and is simply as widespread in the present day because it was then. The truth is, it is without doubt one of the UK’s hottest paid points of interest.

We’ve ridden the London Eye quite a few instances on varied visits to London. The primary time was in 2015 and most lately in 2022. At present we’re going to share all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to assist plan your go to.

We’ll cowl all the pieces from methods to purchase tickets, the totally different experiences out there on the London Eye, methods to save money and time, and methods to get the very best images out of your go to.

London Eye Information

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

What’s the London Eye?

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

Not like 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 gives guests unbelievable views from its remark pods.

Why was the London Eye Constructed?

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

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

Nevertheless, resulting from 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 quite a few firms in sponsorship offers, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The present sponsor is lastminute.com.

Attention-grabbing Information in regards to the London Eye

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

There may be the truth is some debate as as to if 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 will discover we predict it’s effective to seek advice from it as such.

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

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

The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife crew 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 slightly than inside. Because the wheel rotates, these additionally rotate, so the capsules at all times 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. Annually the London Eye rotates nearly 8,000 instances, overlaying over 2,000 miles!

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

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

The London Eye can 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 already know extra in regards to the London Eye, let’s take a look at some helpful data 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.

Methods to Get to the London Eye?

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

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

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

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

The London Eye can 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 true 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 may be free cycle parking proper subsequent to the bottom of the London Eye right here.

We might suggest towards driving to the London Eye resulting from site visitors and the congestion cost. Nevertheless, in the event you do drive, the closest automobile parks are on the Q-Park in Westminster and on the Southbank Centre.

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

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 is best to verify the official web site for the newest opening dates and instances.

Observe: Because of the loss of life of Her Majesty the Queen, the London Eye might be closed on the nineteenth September 2022, the date of the state funeral.

How Lengthy is the London Eye Journey?

Formally, the London Eye trip lasts for half-hour. Nevertheless, your trip is perhaps barely longer or barely shorter than this. It is because generally the trip 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 trip 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 trip time of half-hour might be correct.

What Are you able to See from the London Eye?

If you trip 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 the vast majority of London.

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

Clearly, meaning you possibly can see so much, nevertheless, the principle highlights that you will notice will embody:

After all, you possibly can 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 just’ll be capable of see.

A few notable London landmarks that you just gained’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 on the market for a small charge (2 or 3 kilos after we visited) within the reward store earlier than your trip. It was included as a part of the VIP Champagne expertise trip after we did that.

There may be 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 now not out there.

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 selected 15-minute window, which is the time you’re allowed to affix the queue, not the time your trip 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 sound ticket to trip.

The place to Purchase London Eye Tickets

The simplest method 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 it’s also possible to save by reserving on-line upfront.

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

You too can purchase similar 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 workers have knowledgeable me you could solely buy full worth similar day tickets on-site. So if you wish to save by reserving upfront, or wish to guide upfront on the whole, you will want to guide on-line.

You too can purchase London Eye tickets through third get together websites equivalent to GetYourGuide right here. These are usually simply the usual and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the complete vary of experiences. They do generally have the benefit of free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront of your go to.

Observe that when shopping for a ticket through a third-party web site, you don’t get an precise ticket you possibly can trip 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. Make sure to give your self some additional time to gather your ticket in the event you select this selection.

How A lot Does the London Eye Price?

Ticket costs for the London Eye differ. Usually, similar day tickets, and tickets for widespread days (equivalent to weekends and holidays) are dearer in comparison with tickets booked upfront and for much less widespread days equivalent to weekdays.

There are three important 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 possibly can guide for the London Eye, which we cowl in a separate part.

As you will notice, in the event you guide your ticket on-line a minimum of 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 suggest reserving on-line upfront right here as you’ll keep away from the frustration of turning up and discovering there isn’t a availability.

Value beneath are appropriate as of September 2022, however do verify the official web site for the hottest pricing data and ticket choices.

Normal London Eye Ticket Value

The usual ticket is the fundamental ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute trip 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 do not forget that your ticket time will not be your trip 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 effectively.

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

£36 for adults (16+).
£32.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
Free for youngsters beneath 3.

Should you guide on-line upfront, costs for non-peak days are as follows:

£32.50 for adults (16+).
£29.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
Free for youngsters beneath 3.

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

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

Quick-Observe London Eye Ticket Value

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

This ticket provides you entry to a sooner ticket line as usually fewer folks guide these tickets. The trip expertise is similar 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 possibly can be a part of the road, not the time of your precise trip, which can differ relying on the size of the road.

Quick-track costs additionally differ relying on the day you go to and whenever you guide.

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

£51 for adults (16+).
£46 for youngsters ages 3-15.
Free for youngsters beneath 3.

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

£46 for adults (16+).
£41.50 for youngsters ages 3-15.
Free for youngsters beneath 3.

The London Eye additionally gives what is named a flexi quick monitor ticket. This lets you flip up at any time in your chosen day, providing you with extra flexibility over whenever you trip.

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

Household London Eye Normal Ticket

The household London Eye ticket gives the identical expertise as the usual ticket, in that you just be a part of the usual ticket queue. Nevertheless, it gives households a more cost effective possibility.

If you’re visiting with a minimum of two kids aged 3-15, this ticket possibility 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 youngsters beneath 3.

These costs are at the moment the identical when reserving on-line for each similar day and future dates, and for each peak and off-peak, though in fact 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 superb worth possibility. Should you have been visiting with 2 adults and a couple of kids ages 3-15, you’d save £20 on the whole off-peak worth, and much more if visiting peak or similar day.

Observe that generally the London Eye household ticket reserving window doesn’t have the choice so as to add a toddler 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’ll be offered with the choice to guide a timeslot for a person, or for a kid beneath 3. Barely confusingly, at this level it’s worthwhile to guide for a person as after we final checked the web site didn’t enable for reserving a timeslot for an beneath 3 on their very own.

I confirmed with the London Eye that that is the right process for including a toddler 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 final tickets, there are usually quite a few premium experiences you could guide on the London Eye.

These are the Champagne Expertise, the Personal Pod, and the Cupid Pod.

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

It’s additionally price noting that infrequently 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 newest experiences on supply.

Champagne Expertise

The Champagne Expertise is a hosted expertise and it consists of:

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

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

Observe that the pod will not be shared with common ticket holders, so if reserving as a bunch be sure to all get the identical ticket sorts with a view to trip collectively. An individual with a typical 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 beneath 3. Simply be sure you guide them a free ticket whenever you guide 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 suppose it gives good worth particularly in comparison with the fast-track ticket possibility because it consists of fast-track and a hosted expertise in addition to a glass of Champagne.

Personal Pod

You possibly can rent a complete personal pod for between 2 and 25 folks. This could make for a enjoyable group celebration possibility, and for bigger teams particularly it’s fairly a cheap possibility. A non-public pod consists of:

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

You aren’t allowed to carry your individual alcohol onto the pod. A non-public pod on the London Eye prices £625 for a bunch. Teams will need to have a minimal of two company over 18, however can in any other case encompass adults and kids.

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

Cupid Pod

If you’re in search of the final word romantic London Eye expertise for 2, contemplate reserving the Cupid’s Pod package deal. This can be a couple’s expertise, and consists of:

a non-public pod for 2 company (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 package deal prices £470, which we predict makes it a superb worth possibility in comparison with the personal pod possibility if there are solely two of you. This could undoubtedly be a good selection for a special day.

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

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

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

Observe that when shopping for a ticket through a 3rd get together 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 be sure you give your self loads of time in the event you select this selection.

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

Should you guide a premium expertise equivalent to a Personal Pod or Champagne Expertise, these can’t be managed on-line. If it’s worthwhile to change these bookings, you will want to contact customer support.

Are you able to Improve a London Eye Ticket?

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

When you find yourself onsite you possibly can improve from a typical ticket to a fast-track ticket. Once we checked in 2022, the value of this improve was £10. To do that, you will want 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 might not suggest counting on this.

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

If you wish to improve to the Champagne Expertise from a typical or quick monitor ticket, that is additionally attainable 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 in fact. We might typically suggest simply reserving the ticket kind you’re most all for from the start to keep away from later disappointment.

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

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 traditional entry may be as much as 45 minutes, while quick monitor is round quarter-hour.

When we’ve got visited, we’ve got usually not queued for greater than 15 to twenty minutes for traditional entry, and usually solely 5 to 10 minutes for quick monitor. Nevertheless we’ve got 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?

In case you have not purchased a ticket, or have purchased a ticket from a 3rd get together, 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 workers.

In an effort to skip the ticket line we suggest reserving your ticket on-line upfront from the official web site right here.

Upon getting your precise boarding ticket, you possibly can 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; nevertheless, the fast-track ticket line is sort of at all times sooner as fewer folks have these tickets. After all, you could 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 verify in addition to a cease for a photograph previous to boarding, so it does take a short while to clear these two processes.

London Eye Low cost Tickets

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

First, you possibly can usually lower your expenses by reserving on-line upfront on the official web site right here. Usually, these tickets are the very best worth possibility. Households may also save with the household ticket.

One other method it can save you is in case you are visiting London by prepare, and you may make the most of the 2FOR1 supply from Nationwide Rail. It 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.

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

One other method 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 in the event you have been already planning to go to the opposite points of interest. If that’s the case, you possibly can undoubtedly save by shopping for in a bundle.

For instance, you possibly can guide:

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

Passes which embody the London Eye

Should you plan on visiting quite a few sights when in London, you then would possibly be capable of lower your expenses with a multi-attraction move. These usually embody quite a few points of interest, and the value of the move is often lower than shopping for particular person entry.

After all, these passes will solely prevent cash in the event you go to the included points of interest. It’s additionally vital to verify precisely what they embody, methods 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.

Massive Metropolis Saver Go. This move is on the market in quite a few variations, overlaying as much as 5 premium points of interest in London. These points of interest embody Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Journey, and naturally the London Eye.
London Metropolis Go. This move consists of the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London strolling tour audioguide.
Merlin Annual Go – Should you plan on visiting quite a few points of interest throughout the UK, then the Merlin Annual Go is perhaps a superb possibility. This consists of almost 30 points of interest, together with the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Fort. That is most likely finest suited for many who reside within the UK.

Observe that the London Go, which is one among our favorite passes for London, doesn’t at the moment embody the London Eye.

Is the London Eye Price It?

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

The views are superb, 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 is perhaps questioning whether it is price shopping for the quick monitor London Eye ticket. The reply to this comes down to non-public alternative and the way a lot you worth your time.

If you’re visiting the London Eye at a busy time, equivalent to in the course of the summer time season, college holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you’ll almost certainly save fairly a little bit of time with a quick monitor move, most likely a minimum of 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 price it in our opinion.

One factor to say is that in case you are already contemplating the quick monitor possibility, you then would possibly as an alternative contemplate the Champagne Expertise. This isn’t much more costly, however comes with quite a few further advantages that we predict makes it price contemplating.

Is the London Eye Champagne Expertise Price It?

We have now ridden the London Eye quite a few instances, and our favorite trip thus far was undoubtedly the Champagne Expertise.

While that is dearer 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 by the fast-track space, and rode with us on the trip.

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

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

Services on the London Eye

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

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

Safety and Restrictions on the London Eye

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

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

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

They’re typically in search of sharp objects like knives that are clearly not permitted on board. The complete listing of prohibited objects may be discovered right here, and consists of:

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 price being conscious of what’s and isn’t allowed to make sure you don’t get caught out.

We suggest not bringing quite a lot of stuff with you in the event you will help it to make sure that safety goes as shortly and easily as attainable.

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

There may be step-free entry to the London Eye, and ramps are supplied for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye fully 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 must guide a selected 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 disillusioned 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 need to queue to board the London Eye. Nevertheless when you have restricted mobility or issue standing you possibly can request assisted boarding with the onsite crew whenever you arrive.

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

Baggage Storage on the London Eye

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

There are a selection of close by baggage storage services 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 along with your lodge of their safe baggage space if attainable.

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

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

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

Nevertheless, this may differ 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 vital to contemplate is when to go to primarily based on the very best situations for getting the very best views and photographs.

Clearly, you do want to contemplate 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 would possibly wish to guide for the afternoon.

After all, climate forecasts are usually not at all times correct, and whenever you guide upfront you may not know what the climate goes to be like.

Our total suggestion is that the morning or late afternoon are the very best instances to go to the London Eye. One of the best time will rely upon the time of yr, and likewise the opening hours.

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

Should you go to within the afternoon, then you might have an opportunity to expertise the sundown from the London Eye. The solar units within the west, which implies it’s going to set throughout the Thames within the path of Westminster. A sundown from the London Eye is a very lovely expertise in case you are fortunate to get a superb one.

After all, sundown instances within the UK differ, from round 9.30pm in summer time 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 attainable. On this case, we’d suggest a morning go to for the very best gentle.

You possibly can verify 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 time.

Nevertheless, the road for the London Eye will not be enclosed, and solely a small a part of it’s coated. So it would be best to gown appropriately for the climate as you could want to face outdoor for a time period while in line.

Can I take Meals and Drink on the London Eye?

Food and drinks will not be permitted on the London Eye, excluding bottled water. Consuming or ingesting on the pods will not be permitted.

Should you guide the Champagne Expertise, this may embody Champagne or a comfortable drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod expertise.

Should you guide a non-public pod expertise, you possibly can pay additional for foods and drinks as effectively. Particulars of the choices might be despatched to you after reserving.

Is Images Allowed on the London Eye?

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

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

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

Sights Close to the London Eye

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

The truth is, there are a selection of different widespread points of interest that are simply accessible from the London Eye, which may make for a full day in London.

The closest points of interest to the London Eye are as follows:

London Eye River Cruise. This sightseeing cruise departs from straight beneath the London Eye. It can save you by shopping for a mixture ticket that features the London Eye, or you possibly can guide it individually.
The London Dungeon. An entertaining and barely scary attraction which is true subsequent to the London Eye. We’ve visited different Dungeon points of interest and at all times had enjoyable. Tickets may 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 true subsequent to the London Eye and options some good inexperienced areas in addition to an journey park for youngsters as much as 11 years outdated. It’s free to go to.
Shrek’s Journey London. This widespread 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 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 gives a variety of aquatic reveals. Tickets may 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 may 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 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 – road artwork lovers will wish to go to the Leake Road tunnel, also referred to as the Graffiti tunnel. Right here there’s a 300-metre stretch of wall which anybody is legally allowed to color on. 5 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye and free to go to.
Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the humanities is discovered simply 6 minutes’ north alongside the river. Right here there are performances, outlets, and eating choices, in addition to on of the UK’s most well-known skate parks.
Palace of Westminster – Often known 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 charge applies for vacationer visits
Churchill Battle Rooms – throughout World Battle 2, this was the key underground headquarters from the place then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the conflict. About quarter-hour’ stroll from the London Eye and there may be an entrance charge to go to.

After all, there are numerous extra points of interest inside straightforward attain of the London Eye. For extra planning concepts, take a look at our guides to spending 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London.

Options to the London Eye

You is perhaps questioning if there are any alternate options to the London Eye. In all honesty, there isn’t a good direct substitute for the London Eye. Actually there isn’t a different large remark wheel expertise, which gives 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, in the event you wished some various views of London, then contemplate the next:

The Shard. The tallest constructing within the UK, with an remark deck spanning the 69th and 72nd flooring. The Shard simply over a mile east of the London Eye, so naturally you don’t get the identical views. As a substitute, you get good views of the Tower of London and Metropolis of London. We have now visited and might undoubtedly suggest for the good metropolis views. You want a ticket to go to.
Sky Backyard. Virtually straight 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 gives glorious sundown views specifically. Nevertheless, it is vitally widespread and the free tickets go very quick
Tate Trendy. This free fashionable artwork gallery is present in a former energy station, reverse St. Paul’s Cathedral on the south financial institution of the River Thames. It has a viewing platform on the fifth ground which gives 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 possibly can see, there are fairly a couple of areas for getting a view, however in our opinion, the London Eye is effectively well worth the go to!

The place to Keep Close to the London Eye

The London Eye may be very central, and there are numerous resorts inside straightforward strolling distance of it. We might suggest studying our full information to the place to remain in London for some suggestions. Nevertheless, some close by resorts we suggest are the next.

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

Walrus Bar and Hostel – simply 8 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye, this hostel gives each shared and personal lodging. There’s additionally a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
Level A Resort London – This funds 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 amazing funds possibility, 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 lately and located the rooms comfy and the workers environment friendly and pleasant. A few of 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 superb 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 Resort County Corridor – it will be arduous to discover a lodge nearer to the London Eye than this Marriott – a few of the pods move inside metres of the rooms right here (so be sure you draw curtains whenever you need privateness)! In addition to wonderful proximity to the London Eye, many rooms enable for pretty views of the Homes of Parliament and an expensive 5* expertise
The Savoy – this world well-known 5* lodge gives true luxurious, and it’s simply 13 minutes’ stroll from the London Eye. En-suite rooms characteristic marble bogs, air con and tea/espresso making services. There are additionally top-rated eating places on web site.

As you possibly can see there are many choices! You possibly can take a look at much more resorts close to the London Eye on reserving.com right here.

London Eye Images Suggestions

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

Images from the London Eye

The London Eye gives fantastic pictures alternatives throughout most of central London.

The primary problem you should 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 digicam lens as near the glass as attainable, which can minimise reflections.

If you would like a extra superior answer, there are lens hoods out there for telephones and cameras which go up towards the glass and take away the reflections fully.

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 by the flatter components of the glass. This may increasingly require you to kneel all the way down to the decrease components of the capsules.

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

Usually when taking photographs 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 attainable.

Should you occur to trip the London Eye when it’s getting darkish or already darkish, then be certain that to disable your digicam flash if taking pictures topics exterior the capsule. It should simply mirror again from the capsule glass and break the picture, and it isn’t 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 an amazing location to take images from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic pictures topic.

There are a couple of areas the place I might suggest taking photographs of the London Eye from.

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

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

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

One other good location for pictures of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This gives 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 can be a superb alternative to border the London Eye with a crimson bus for instance, one other iconic London sight.

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

Lastly, in the event you occur to guide a close-by lodge to the London Eye, this may also work as a superb possibility 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 larger than their different rooms.

Our Expertise Visiting the London Eye

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

We have now truly visited the London Eye on quite a few events, doing each the usual entry and the champagne expertise. I’ll cowl each, beginning with our most up-to-date customary entry.

Normal 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 house earlier than our go to to London. It was not very busy and we have been allowed to affix the road round 11:08am.

Once 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 possibly can 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 amazing view. There may be additionally seating within the centre of the pod space.

The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you take 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 clean, 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 areas such because the MI6 headquarters, house of James Bond!

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

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

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

Lastly, we disembarked from the pod at precisely 11:51am, so our trip 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 nervous about being late as we have been coming into London by prepare, however truly arrived fairly early, at 4:00pm.

The method for the champagne expertise is somewhat totally different, as it’s important to check-in on the particular VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names have been checked towards an inventory, 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 helpful on the London Eye trip to assist us know what we have been seeing, and was a pleasant contact. These are additionally out there 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 soppy drinks and alcoholic drinks 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 couple of questions in regards to 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 notably busy on the afternoon we visited, so there weren’t many individuals in entrance of us and we didn’t have to attend lengthy.

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

Arnie stated that sometimes folks did flip up with a mixture of tickets, and the end result was disappointment that they weren’t in a position to trip 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 besides, and actually helped to create a enjoyable and relaxed setting on board. He additionally set to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He additionally supplied everybody the choice to have juice or soda as an alternative in the event that they most popular.

Because the London Eye began to rise and folk began to take a number of photographs, Arnie additionally identified what we have been seeing, and handed out Champagne. He additionally supplied to take photographs of everybody, and actually went above and past to make sure everybody obtained an amazing picture.

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

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

On the finish of the trip 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 mixture of the superb host, comparatively small group, and private consideration made it really feel actually particular. The glass of Champagne definitely helped too!

London Eye Suggestions for Visiting

We have now famous quite a few suggestions and items of recommendation all through the article. I simply wished to listing right here a few of the extra vital suggestions with the intention to take advantage of your go to to the London Eye.

E-book upfront straight on-line right here to save cash and for the very best availability
Be sure everybody in your group books the identical form of ticket to make sure it is possible for you to to trip collectively in the identical pod
If touring with a toddler age 3 or youthful, they’ll trip totally free however you continue to must guide them a ticket
Should you plan to go to different points of interest 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 move
Do not forget that the time in your ticket is the time you have to be there to affix the road. It’s NOT your boarding time. So be sure you enable sufficient time in your itinerary to attend in line and the half-hour for the trip itself.
Make sure to verify the safety restrictions and to go away 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 in the course of the trip, you would possibly contemplate buying a viewing wheel from the reward store earlier than your trip or utilizing a mapping app in your cellphone
We suggest reserving on a day with a superb climate forecast if attainable. This offers you the very best views and photographs from the pods.
Take pleasure in your self and take a number of photographs!

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 resolve on the very best property to your journey to town.

We’ve additionally obtained quite a few different assets that will help you plan your journey to London and the UK on the whole which we predict you’ll discover helpful.

We have now detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
We have now an in depth information to visiting the Tower of London, one other iconic London attraction
You’ll want someplace to remain within the metropolis in the event you’re right here for greater than a day. See our information to the place to remain in London for some options throughout all budgets.
Should you plan on doing a lot sightseeing within the metropolis, you’ll doubtless lower your expenses with a London Go. See our full London Go evaluate right here to see if this would possibly prevent cash on sightseeing.
We have now a information to getting round London, and a information to utilizing the Oyster card in London.
Should you’re flying into one among London’s six airports, see our information to attending to London from the airport.
We have now 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 recommendations on discovering the finest Images 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 selected area of town
Should you take pleasure in navy museums, check out our information to London’s finest navy 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 an even bigger journey
For funds 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 completely 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 have now 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 have now an in depth information to the finest technique 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 at all times a wonderful supply of related data

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