The London Eye
Situated on London's South Bank, the London Eye since its launch in the millennium year 2000, has become one of the most recognisable landmarks of London. Owned by British Airways, the London Eye is known as the best flight in London.
Located near the former GLC (Greater London Council) building, County Hall now home to the Saatchi art gallery, the London Eye forms a central backdrop to this area of the south embankment. On exiting from the nearest tube station, Embankment, you can walk across the bridge, and approach the London Eye through, during busy periods you may find jugglers, mime artists and painters hanging out for benefit of locals and tourists alike. You can also access the London Eye easily from Waterloo station.
Weekends, bank holidays and peak holiday periods can be very busy at the London Eye. Whilst it is possible to queue up and get on the London Eye, at busy periods it is advisable to book in advance. There is a cloakroom and toilet facilities located in a building next to the London Eye, which is also where you can collect your tickets from if you have booked in advance.
The London Eye consists of 32 glass pods on a giant ferris wheel which rotates slowly. The ride on the London Eye lasts about an hour. You will be in a pod with the potential to hold 20- 40 others, so it's important to get close to the windows if you want to fully appreciate the ride. It is possible to sit down on one of the central benches – also perfectly positioned for those a little more nervous of heights as it's not possible to look down from the benches. However, no pushchairs are allowed so you will need to leave this at the cloakroom.
The London Eye experience offers great views over wide stretches of London. All of London landmarks are pointed out for you by very detailed maps throughout the glass pods which can be followed through 360°. You will be guaranteed to be able to spot other very famous London landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Covent Garden, Docklands and the City of London. There are opportunities to capture great photos of all of these famous landmarks of London as the pod moves very slowly allowing even the most amateur photographer to take memorable shots of the whole spread of London.
The London Eye is a great activity for a first time visitor to London, allowing you to orient yourself to the layout and landmarks of the city. There are many other sights nearby that you could include in the same day such as a walk over to Trafalgar Square, to look at the famous lions and Nelson's Column. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are also both located in Trafalgar Square, and from there it is a short stroll to Piccadilly Circus to see the Eros fountain in the centre and the renowned neon of Piccadilly Circus, London.
