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lastminute.com London Eye

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline from the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.

4.5

The London Eye, standing 135 metres tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline. This giant cantilevered observation wheel, built to celebrate the millennium, provides a slow 30-minute rotation in glass pods, perfect for spotting landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St Paul’s Cathedral. Open daily except Christmas Day and January maintenance, it features special festive experiences and fast-track entry options.

A brief summary to lastminute.com London Eye

  • Riverside Building, County Hall, London, SE1 7PB, GB
  • +442079678021
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time and avoid long queues.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for quieter boarding and better light for photos.
  • Consider upgrading to Fast Track tickets for priority access and shorter waiting times.
  • During the festive season, enjoy special experiences like Santa in the Sky and Festive Afternoon Tea.
  • Combine your London Eye ride with a Thames River cruise for a fuller sightseeing experience.
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Getting There

  • Train

    Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, approximately a 10-minute walk to the London Eye. Trains run frequently on the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines. Ticket prices vary by zone but typically range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on travelcard or contactless payment.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve the South Bank area, including routes 211, 381, and RV1. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Single bus fares are around £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card. Buses stop within a short walk of the London Eye.

  • Riverboat

    Riverboat services operate from Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier, offering a scenic 10-15 minute journey along the Thames. Tickets cost approximately £7-£10 one way. Services run regularly during the day but may be limited in the evening or winter months.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby, walking along the South Bank is a pleasant option. The terrain is flat and accessible, with well-maintained paths and plenty of signage. Walking times vary but expect 10-20 minutes from major nearby landmarks like the Houses of Parliament.

lastminute.com London Eye location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Low-Visibility Conditions
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about lastminute.com London Eye

A Modern Icon on London’s Riverside

The London Eye is a landmark of modern engineering and design, rising 135 metres (443 feet) above the South Bank of the River Thames. Constructed to mark the millennium in 2000, it has since become a symbol of London’s skyline and a must-visit attraction. Unlike traditional Ferris wheels, it is a cantilevered structure, supported on only one side, which gives it a sleek and futuristic appearance. Its 32 high-tech glass capsules offer panoramic views, allowing visitors to see many of London’s famous landmarks from a unique vantage point.

Unrivalled Panoramic Views and Experience

Each rotation takes approximately 30 minutes, providing a leisurely journey that reveals an ever-changing perspective of the city. From the top, you can spot the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and on clear days, even further afield. The pods are spacious, accommodating up to 25 people, and are fully enclosed to ensure comfort in all weather. The gradual rotation allows ample time for photography and sightseeing, whether by day with clear skies or at night when London is illuminated.

Seasonal Events and Festive Magic

The London Eye embraces the seasons with special events, especially during the Christmas period. From late November through December, the wheel features festive flights with decorated pods, immersive narrations, and even a ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience where children can meet Santa during the ride. The wheel is also lit up with spectacular LED displays to mark special occasions and holidays, adding sparkle to the London skyline. Extended opening hours during the festive season allow visitors to enjoy the city’s lights late into the evening.

Planning Your Visit and Accessibility

The London Eye operates daily from 11am to 6pm in winter, with extended hours up to 8:30pm or 9pm during peak summer and festive seasons. It is highly recommended to pre-book tickets online, with options for standard entry, fast-track access to skip queues, private capsules for groups, and champagne experiences for special occasions. The attraction is fully accessible, offering assisted wheelchair access, ramps, and flat routes from nearby transport hubs. Visitors can combine their ride with a Thames River cruise for a broader sightseeing adventure.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Beyond its function as a tourist attraction, the London Eye is a feat of engineering and a cultural icon. Its LED lighting system, upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs in 2006, allows it to change colors for events such as coronations, film premieres, and community celebrations. It is also the focal point of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, underscoring its role as a centerpiece of city life and festivities.

Immersive Views and Lasting Memories

Whether visiting for the first time or returning, the London Eye offers a unique way to appreciate London’s vast urban landscape. The slow rotation combined with the height creates a tranquil yet exhilarating experience. From the gentle breeze at the top to the sweeping cityscapes below, it is a moment of reflection and awe, capturing the essence of London’s blend of history, culture, and modernity.

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