This milestone in visitor numbers now ranks the Thames-side 135m cantilevered observation wheel alongside some of the world’s most famous attractions proving it is as popular as some of the seven wonders of the world.
The London Eye (Millennium Wheel) at a height of 135 metres (443 ft), is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe, and has become the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3 million people a year. The adult fare is just over £15. At the time it was erected it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until it was surpassed by the Star of Nanchang (160m) in May 2006, and then the Singapore Flyer (165m) on 11 February 2008. However, it is still described by its operators as “the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel” (because the entire structure is supported by an A-frame on one side only).
The London Eye is located at the western end of Jubilee Gardens, on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge. The site is adjacent to that of the former Dome of Discovery, which was built for the Festival of Britain in 1951.
Since opening in 2000, an average of 3.75 million visitors have experienced London’s favourite attraction each year, proving it more popular than renowned historical landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral (2 million per year) and even some of the internationally celebrated seven wonders of the world. The London Eye receives more visitors annually than the Taj Mahal (2.4 million per year), Stonehenge (850,000 per year) and even the Great Pyramids of Giza (3 million per year). Forging a path of its own as a wonder of the modern world, The London Eye has in just eight years secured annual footfall rates high enough to challenge even global cultural and historical sites that are centuries old.
This new record in the ever increasing popularity of the London Eye has also aligned it with international landmarks the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, The Coliseum and the Empire State Building.
It’s not just the general public that seem smitten with the modern wonder either, with a whole host of celebrity A-listers flocking to the London Eye over past years. In fact, more than 500 celebrities have visited the attraction; enough celebs to fill twenty capsules. Further more, 17 royals have enjoyed the 30 minute journey above the capital, including our very own Prince Harry and Prince Philip.
Opening Times
The London Eye opens daily except on Christmas Day (25 December) and during its annual maintenance period from 9 to 15 January 2009.The first flight takes place at 10.00 am.
Opening times
Winter: from October to April
daily 10.00am – 8.00pm
Summer: from May to September
May- June
daily 10.00am – 9.00pm
July – August
daily 10.00am – 9.30pm
September
daily 10.00am – 9.00pm
Exceptions to the opening hours
Christmas Eve
10.00am – 5.30pm
Christmas Day
closed
New Years Eve
10.00am – 3.00pm
Ticket office hours
The London Eye County Hall ticket office opens at 9.30am each morning.
Winter: October – April
Daily 9.30am – 8.00pm
Summer: May – September
May – June
daily 9.30am – 9.00pm
July- August
daily 9.30am – 9.30pm
September
daily 9.30am – 9.00pm
Opening times may be subject to change
Prices
Adult (16 plus) £15.17
Child (5-15 years) £7.59
Child under 5*** FREE
Senior (60 plus)* £11.74
Disabled** £11.74The London Eye offers breathtaking views of London from high above the River Thames. See Big Ben towering above the Houses of Parliament, follow St. James Park as it sweeps down to Buckingham Palace. Is the Queen at home? You’ll spot the Union Jack flag flying if she is.
A standard flight on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes, the time it takes for the London Eye to revolve completely.
Relax in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and enjoy the London skyline at your leisure.
Standard Flights are available daily from 10.00am to 8.00pm. During June and September they are available until 9.00pm.
Chidren must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over.
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