London Eye

London Eye showing a city, a skyscraper and modern architecture
London Eye featuring a city, a river or creek and views
London Eye showing night scenes, a city and a river or creek
London Eye featuring interior views, views and modern architecture
London Eye showing modern architecture, a gondola and skyline


London's cityscape was made to be peered at from above – and the London Eye does that for you in style, with its grand slow circular trip into the city's sky.

Like a giant white-spoked bicycle wheel in the heart of London, the London Eye has become its new-millennium icon. It first started the graceful spinning of its riders, 135 metres above London, in 2000. Ever since, it has become an increasingly popular and well-loved attraction, bringing the amazing cityscape of London to all-and-sundry – not just those who can afford top-floor office space in its many sky-scraping towers. It's now hard to imagine a visit to London that doesn't involve stepping onto one the Eye's silver glass capsules.

But in fact this was only ever meant to be a temporary attraction on the South Bank of the Thames, its planning permission extending only 5 years. Only after its popularity became apparent was it allowed to keep on spinning. Now it's reckoned over 45 million people have found themselves flying high with the Eye over London's bridges, churches, palaces and (of course) Big Ben.

The London Eye was installed as part of the city's millennium celebrations, through a spectacular feat of engineering that raised its 1,700 tonnes vertical. Attached to the rim of this giant Ferris wheel are 32 air-conditioned capsules, which you can be walked around freely. Because the wheel turns so slowly – only 26 cm per second – they can be walked onto, too, without the wheel even stopping.

That slow, steady motion also gives you 15 minutes of ever-widening perspectives, as you move towards the top, and 15 minutes slow descent back down to earth. While you're up there, you'll be able to see the glittering meanders of the Thames, the distant green of the South Downs, and all of the city's historical landmarks laid out beneath you like a table cloth. The Shard may be higher, but the London Eye will truly take you on a journey.

Reviews of London Eye

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
553
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
452
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
154
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
21
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
33
1 - Terrible 3%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Buckingham palace

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Get a fast track ticket saves you a wait .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Check in around sunset for beautiful views.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you travel by train to London, make sure you get the 2 for 1 code before coming to the London Eye.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hi

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

river cruise next to the london eye was pleasant too

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Things to do near London Eye

The London Eye offers stunning aerial views of the city, making it a must-visit attraction. Nearby, you can enjoy a variety of activities including theatre performances, art galleries, and shopping experiences. For a bit of fun, consider visiting a local bowling alley. Don't forget to purchase your attraction tickets in advance to make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant Borough Market, just 1.6km from the London Eye, offering fresh produce and artisan goods. Selfridges, 3.2km away, features luxury brands and high-street fashion. The Royal Exchange, also 3.2km away, combines shopping with entertainment and dining, perfect for families and city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at O2 Arena, where you can enjoy various sports events and activities. For a musical escape, head to ABBA Arena, filled with lively performances. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath offers beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxation and wellness amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car gondola, located 9.7km from the London Eye, offering stunning views. For a more physical challenge, try Vertical Chill climbing, 805m away, or unleash your competitive spirit at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away.

Nightlife

Near the London Eye, the London Dungeon offers a thrilling theatrical experience just 161m away, perfect for families and couples alike. A short 644m stroll leads to Cine Lumiere, showcasing romantic films, while the Royal National Theatre provides a cultural evening filled with entertainment for all.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near London Eye

Within and around the London Eye, you'll find a variety of popular attractions including charming streets, picturesque squares, and historic churches. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city, making it an ideal destination for visitors wanting to explore the essence of London.

  • Buckingham Palace: A symbol of British royalty, Buckingham Palace offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the monarchy. The Changing of the Guard ceremony adds a vibrant cultural experience, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in British heritage.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a lively street at the heart of London's entertainment district. Enjoy the street performances, explore the shops, or simply soak in the vibrant city vibes.
  • Big Ben: An iconic clock tower, Big Ben is a stunning architectural marvel. Its chimes are synonymous with London, and the surrounding area offers a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs, blending cultural significance with the city's dynamic energy.

Best time to go to London Eye

The best time to visit London Eye can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around London Eye falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around London Eye falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for London Eye

To save money on your visit to the London Eye, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield better deals, especially if you choose to stay on a Sunday, the least expensive day. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and explore eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to maximise savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute discounts for spontaneous travel.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around London Eye are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around London Eye about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around London Eye is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around London Eye is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the London Eye with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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