Are you planning a trip to London? There are many sights to see in the city, but one that never fails to provide a unique experience is a ride on The London Eye.
Attracting over 3.5 million visitors every year, the popular landmark has become a representation of modern changes to the London skyline. However, even though millions flock to the attraction annually, we often get asked if it’s really worth a visit.
In this article, we will answer this question plus share some of the additional things that there are to do around The London Eye.
What Is the London Eye?
Launched in 2000 as one of the city’s many ways to celebrate the millennium, The London Eye holds the record for being the largest observation wheel in the world. Originally, the attraction was only intended to be in situ for a five-year period. However, due to its notable popularity and willingness to invest in its upkeep from the owners, Blackstone Group, it still stands proudly on the South Bank today.
The London Eye is constantly moving at a speed of 26m squared per second, meaning those travelling within barely feel any motions. This means visitors simply step on and off while the pod still moves around. The London Eye is made up of 32 capsules, which can hold a total of 800 people at any time. This is another reason why the attraction is so popular as although it moves around slowly, the large capacity and 30-minute ride-time means hundreds of people can hop on everyday. Having become synonymous with the modern side of London, The Eye is a popular place for various tourists to visit.
What Are the Benefits of Visiting the London Eye?
Now for the reason you have clicked on this article; is The London Eye really worth a spot on your travel bucket list? Of course, this is a subjective question but due to the below benefits we have listed, we would say it’s an attraction most definitely worth a visit.
Amazing View Across London
The London Eye offers panoramic views across the London skyline allowing visitors to see as far as 25 miles on a clear day. This means the entirety of the city can be viewed by simply taking a walk around the capsule once it’s in motion. Although this is a huge benefit for anyone wanting to take a ride, it’s particularly suited to those planning a weekend getaway as it means various landmarks can be seen in a short amount of time.
It’s also not just the landmarks which make for a stunning view but also the changing beauty of each season as London is home to some sprawling green spaces. This means whether you are looking for a way to enjoy Autumn or Summer, The London Eye frames changing landscapes perfectly.
Perfect for Groups
With each pod allowing 25 visitors per ride, The London Eye is also ideal for groups looking to take in the city’s sights together. Additionally, it’s worth us mentioning that even with the capsules being filled to full capacity, there is still plenty of room for everyone to walk around and take in different parts of the London skyline. The pods can also be hired for private events and secured for special occasions, allowing the perfect location for a range of gatherings.
Each pod also contains a seat and flat flooring, making them accessible to a wide group of visitors. It’s also an attraction intended for the whole family meaning visitors both young and old can enjoy the immersive experience.
Special Deals Available
Another reason why The London Eye is worth a visit is due to the ease of booking a variety of tickets. There are a choice of fast-pass, pre-booked or on-the-day tickets available which range in price to suit different budgets.
As The London Eye is owned as part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, tickets are also available for special offers when combined with other attractions. This includes London-based attractions such as Madame Tussauds and The Shrek Adventure plus family-fun spots outside of London including Alton Towers and The Blackpool Tower.
Easy to Reach
The London Eye is also popular amongst many visitors as it’s easy to reach via overground train, underground services, road and even water. Located just a short walk away from Waterloo Station, it’s often seen as one of the attractions at the heart of tourist-London.
When is Best to Visit The London Eye?
The London Eye is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm in the Autumn and Winter and 11 am to 8.30 pm in the Spring and Summer. This means there is plenty of time to fit in a rotation at any time throughout the day or evening.
The time of day you select can depend on a few factors such as travel times and the style of view you wish to see. If you want the best visibility, it’s best to book a ride for the middle of the day when daylight is at its maximum. However, if you want to see London at night choosing a ride at the end of the day is also enjoyable.
As with any London attraction, The London Eye does get busier at weekends and during holidays, so if you plan on visiting at this time, you may want to look into securing a fast-track ticket. However, the average queue time is normally between 30 minutes and an hour if you don’t book, which is standard for most attractions in the city.
What Else Is There to Do Near the London Eye?
The London Eye is also located centrally on the South Bank, meaning it’s close to well-known attractions such as The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Aquarium, and the markets. In fact, with so much to do in a small area, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the areas surrounding the London Eye, which makes it the perfect place to visit if you are looking for an outdoor trip to the city.
Another option is to join a London walking tour, which takes you around the surrounding spots and further afield once you have finished your ride on The Eye. Many of these walks take visitors across Westminster Bridge and into the city en route to The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Alternatively, you can take a walk across The Golden Jubilee Bridge to end up in Trafalgar Square or a little further alone is Waterloo Bridge which leads you straight into the heart of Covent Garden.
Are There Any Alternatives To The London Eye?
One of the reasons that The London Eye is such a popular attraction is because it’s one of a kind. There are no other ways to enjoy a rotation view of London’s skyline. However, if you still want to take in a view from a high vantage point but don’t fancy a ride on The Eye, alternatives include The Shard and The Gherkin’s Sky Garden.
Book London Accommodation Now!
If you are now eager to give The London Eye a go, we have some brilliant hotels to select from to make your time in the city extra enjoyable.
Our closest hotels to The London Eye are the Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hotel Cavendish and Arran House Hotel which are all around a 20 minutes drive or tube ride away making them a perfect area to stay for enjoying the city. However, you can also easily travel to The London Eye from our Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel and Mabledon Court Hotel as each is close to public transport.
We also offer a range of room types and pricing options including special offers meaning our hotels are competitively priced versus other stays in London. To confirm your stay, click here to book a room or contact our team if you have any other questions.
