London Eye
One of the tallest observation wheels in the world
London Eye
Booking a ride on the London Eye is a must on a first-time visit to London. The huge glass and air-conditioned capsules provide a 360-degree view of the capital. All of London is laid out before you, which helps your private guide explain the city's story.
The rotating observation wheel moves slowly and offers a different view with every degree of rotation, getting higher and higher until you see a map-like London below. The capsules are air-conditioned and have a large seating platform in the centre for those a little unsure about heights.
A flight on the London Eye is great fun and gives you a unique perspective of the city. We have a list of VIP London Eye options to choose, so read on.
London's rotating Eiffel Tower
The story of the London Eye
Millennium celebrations
The London Eye was constructed as part of Britain’s millennium celebrations, and therefore the Eye is over twenty years old. The London Eye is the focus of giant fireworks display every New Year when pyrotechnic engineers launch a huge volume of noisy colour from the spokes. The effect is much like an enormous Catherine Wheel.
The architects
Julia Barfield and David Marks designed the London Eye and ended up with a rotating Eiffel tower. It has been an incredible success and has inspired many cities to build similar very tall Ferris wheels. However, many are not quite so elegant as the cantilever design of the Eye.
Facts and figures
All 32 of the capsules weigh over 10 tons and designed to carry twenty-five people. When each capsule is full, the Eye can have up to 800 people on board. The number of pods relates to the number of London boroughs.
How?
The builders ferried the colossal pieces of steel down the Thames and built the circle on floating rafts. While the Eye floated on the river, the steel cable spokes were connected to wheel and hub. The hub was then attached to the ‘A’ frame; over several days engineers lifted the entire structure into the upright position. Each day Londoner’s came into work seeing a giant bicycle wheel rising from the Thames; it was fascinating to watch. Each day Londoner’s came into work seeing a giant bicycle wheel slowly rising from the Thames; it was fascinating to watch.
The Prime Minister the Right Honourable Tony Blair officially opened the Eye on the 31 December 1999. VIP guests were meant to board the Eye that night and enjoy the first ride, but there was an issue with clutches on the capsules, in March 2000 engineers resolved the problem. Since then, as many as 60 million people have taken a flight on the London Eye.
London Eye options
Private Pod: Book, a private pod as part of your personalised tour of London and have our guide take care of logistics, transportation and commentary on-board the Eye. You will access your private capsule via a special FAST TRACK entrance and enjoy the space and freedom.
Champagne Private Pod: Enjoy the luxury of each guest being served a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne.
Other VIP options are only subject to our imaginations.
All of our suggested private tours of London can be customised to your requirements.
Touring and accommodation
We are here to customise a tour of London based on your interests, pace of travel and occasion. Our Tour Designers will devise an itinerary from scratch or suggest one of our carefully planned itineraries. Our Royal London Tour and the Old City of London Tour are the perfect combinations for a first-time visit.
Arrive at the London Eye pier in style, book a luxury private Thames Boat Tour and see the city from a different perspective. For those with energy use London’s safe bike lanes and enjoy a panoramic Bike Tour of London before arriving at the London Eye.
London has many hotel options, including more five-star places to stay than any other city on earth. Where do you start? Please take a look at our recommended hotel list; the Best 4-star and 5-star accommodation in London.
360-Degree Views
View London like a Google Map
- FAST TRACK ticket option
- Private Pod Available
- Champagne Private Pod
- Wine Tasting Pod (subject to Availability)
- 30 Minute Ride
Each Capsule takes 25 passengers
Buckingham Palace View from London Eye
View of London Eye from Helicopter
London Eye Pier
Help us make your trip exceptional
Our UK, EU and US office-based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.
Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family or a corporate incentive group, our team’s collective resources will be brought together to build the experience that’s right for you.
We will require your arrival and departure dates, details of your personal preferences and places that you would like to visit as well as the events you would like to experience.
We will then prepare a draft itinerary and send it to you by email for your approval. Once agreed, we will send you a Booking Confirmation with Personalised Itinerary and Information Pack via email.
Contact information
From the UK: +44(0)20 8669 3666
FREE from Canada or the USA: 1-888-472-1799
Email: [email protected]