London has millenary attractions that are still highly visited, but which must now compete in the public interest with the modern London Eye, the great tourist novelty of the English city since the turn of the millennium. We offer you a complete guide so that you can fully enjoy the incomparable London Eye.
1. What is it?
The London Eye or London Eye, also called the Millennium Wheel, is a viewing wheel that has a height of 135 meters. In just 16 years it has become the most visited tourist attraction in the city of London. It was the highest in the world between 2000 and 2006, when it was surpassed by the 160 meters of the Star of Nanchang, China. It is the highest in Europe and also the highest on the planet among the cantilevered type. It was built to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium and it was planned to be withdrawn, an idea that has been discarded for at least a long time.
2. When was it built and how is it formed?
Its construction ended in 1999 and it was put into service in March 2000. It has 32 air-conditioned cabins of 32 square meters each, which have the peculiarity that they are not hung from the structure as is the case in most ferris wheels, but rather They are placed on the outer surface of the wheel, with a stabilizer system so that they are always level. The cabins are made of glass, so there is visibility in all directions.
3. Where is it located?
It is located at the western end of the Jubilee Gardens (Jubilee Gardens), on the South Bank (South Bank) of the River Thames, in the London borough of Lambeth, between the Westminster and Hungerford bridges. It is almost in front of the House of Parliament, another of the attractions of London that you must admire.
4. What is the capacity and how long is the trip?
The cabins have capacity for 25 people, so a trip at full occupancy could transport 800 individuals. The wheel turns slowly so that you can calmly appreciate the whole panorama and the journey takes about half an hour.
5. What should I do when I get to the London Eye?
If you go with the intention of buying the ticket in the same place, the first thing you should do is go to the ticket offices. Do not be impressed by the queues, because there are many ticket sales points and the flow of people moves quickly. With your ticket in hand, you must go to the access queue to the entrance platform to the cabins.
You must bear in mind that the Ferris wheel rotates extremely slowly, so you can get on it safely without stopping. Another important information is that when your cabin reaches its highest point, it seems that the wheel has stopped; don't worry as it is just an impression.
6. What do I see from the Ferris wheel?
The 360-degree panoramic view from the cabins allows you to see things located about 40 kilometers away on clear days, while enjoying a unique perspective of the closest places. From the London Eye you have a privileged view of Big Ben and the House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral and other symbolic sites of London, being able to appreciate details that are only visible in different moments of the trip. Inside each capsule, interactive guides in various languages, including Spanish, help you better explore the city's main attractions.
7. What is the price of the ticket?
It depends, there are several rates according to some variables of use. As a reference, the adult trip (from 16 years old) has a price of 28 pounds and that of young people and children (between 4 and 15 years old) is 19.50. The disabled pay 28 pounds including a companion. Seniors (over 60 years old) do not have a permanent preferential price, but they pay 21 pounds, except on weekends and in the months of July and August.
But there are a variety of rates to meet certain demands, such as the ride with priority boarding (without queuing); the entrance to go up twice, once during the day and once during the night; or to go up at any time. You also pay a surcharge if you want to go up on a guided tour. You have a discount of approximately 10% of the regular rate if you make the advance purchase online on the official website of the London Eye.
8. What are the hours of operation?
In summer (July and August) the London Eye operates between 10 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., except on Fridays, when closing hours are extended until 11:30 p.m. The rest of the year is variable, so we recommend you make the query considering the specific dates you will be in London.
9. Is it accessible to the disabled?
The London city government started some time ago a process of adapting the city's means of transport to make them accessible to people with disabilities. The London Eye, being a young structure, was already conceived from the design to facilitate the entry of people in wheelchairs.
10. Is it true that more than British, it is European?
It can be said that yes, since it was a project in which many firms from Europe participated. The steel of the structure was manufactured in England and finished in Holland. The cabins were made in France, with Italian glass. The cables were produced in Italy, the bearings in Germany, and various components of the wheel originated in the Czech Republic. The British also provided the electrical parts.
11. Is it true that I can have a party in a booth?
So is. If you want to show off a truly distinguished and original celebration in London, you can rent a private cabin, paying 850.5 pounds, a price that includes 4 bottles of champagne and canapes. The maximum number of people allowed in that private party is 25, including you. You can also have an intimate celebration, renting a private capsule for two for 380 pounds, including a bottle of the French sparkling wine.
Ready to climb the London Eye and be amazed by the spectacular views of the British capital? We hope so and that this guide is useful for you. See you soon to plan another wonderful outing.
