What is the London Eye? Although it’s similar to a Ferris wheel, it’s unlike any other similar ride in the world. The uniqueness of experiencing it, along with the spectacular views, make this fun part of a trip to London.
Also called the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye opened on New Year’s Eve 1999 to welcome in the year 2000. It rises to over 400 feet above the water. The design includes 32 capsules that can carry 25 people in each one. The capsules each represent one borough of London, with no carriage 13 to prevent bad luck. 
When you ride the London Eye, you can see the structure, which is similar to a bicycle wheel. Up close, it looks like a jumble of piping.
Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye carries riders up over the Thames for a commanding view of Big Ben and Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Millennium Bridge.
Starting up . . .
At the top . . .
First-time visitors express surprise at the “speed” of the ride. A revolution from bottom to top and back down again takes about 30 minutes. Capsules move slowly so you can take in the views. You are free to move around the capsule or use the seating in the center. On our ride, no one sat. Everyone moved about the capsule, looking out the windows and taking photos. Most “view” photos you will see taken from the capsules are looking north to the London landmarks. But even the view to the south is pleasant, as it’s a park.
You can purchase tickets before you visit London to avoid waiting in line. I decided not to do this for various reasons related to our travel plans. As it turned out, we ventured to the London Eye late on a Sunday afternoon and waited only about 10 minutes in line. If you are going, check out the website to see the different ticket options and to evaluate whether it’s a good plan to buy tickets ahead of time.
If I return to London, I will certainly want to fit in another spin in this fascinating ride.
How about you? Have you visited an attraction that surprised you by being far more enjoyable than you imagined?
21 Comments
That looks like great fun and it feels safe as well in these capsules. The views are stunning. I would love to have a spinand I will if I come in London again
That was one of my London trip highlights! It was so gray and rainy we had poor views though ):
Thank you for the great photos of the London Eye. Love the views from the top.
That looks completely frightening (fear of heights) but what a glorious view when you get to the top!
Looks like a beautiful day in London. I was content to take a pic with the London Eye in the background; ferris wheels are just not my thing.
Lovely shots of London and the London eye
I loved going on the London Eye with you! We were on the Southbank last year but we didn’t go on the Lobdon eye- I was scared on of our then 4 year old twin girls would freak out midway but we will definitely be going on it next time!
Heights make me nervous so I’m not sure how well I’d fare on the London Eye – but the views are amazing!
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/10/guess-where-i-went.html
There are so many things to see and do in London that I didn’t have time to go to the eye. It does look like a great view.
So much fun! I have been to London numerous times (and even had an hotel room overlooking the eye) but never went on the eye. The views are amazing!
I took the ride many years ago and liked it a lot (it was during sunset). I was hesitant at first because of the prize but I think it was all worth. #WordlessWednesday
Thanks for taking me for a ride on the London Eye . I always wondered what you could see.
A must do for the next time I go to London!
What fabulous pictures – I haven’t been on the London Eye for years. Your pictures are fabulous – even if they do make me a bit homesick! And I never knew that there was one carriage for every borough! You really do learn something new every day!
Love the views you were able to see from the London Eye! I had no idea it moved so slow or that you could move around while on it. Thanks for sharing! I’ll be keeping this post in mind if I ever find myself in London. (Because I know I will want to ride it!) 🙂
#wanderfulWednesday
Despite having lived near London all my life, I’ve still never been on the Eye! I must fix that asap. Thanks for the overview and the persuasion!
Fantastic photos! I have to say that when I went to London, I was too scared to ride it. Now your photos are making me wish I did!
We did not go up in The Eye because I have an extreme fear of heights. I tried to talk my people into going, I wish I would have insisted, they would have loved it.
I have so enjoyed reading your Europe posts. It makes me miss it terribly, but at the same point it makes me feel so happy and warm inside. These posts are the highlight of my week right now.
Lisa @ LTTL
I would so love to do this, but my husband is scared of heights so I don’t like my chances. Thanks for taking me on a virtual spin.
Loved the views from the London Eye! Went up 4 years ago, would love to do it again! #weekendwanderlust
Riding the London Eye has been on my bucket list for so long!! The views look absolutely incredible! 😀