Although the London Eye simply looks like an oversized ferris wheel, it is much more. Opened in 2000, the London Eye was not supposed to be a permanent structure. However, with the huge popularity it received, its location on the Thames was made its permanent home. The Eye never stops turning during the day, but it only moves 26cm per second, which makes getting on the Eye easy- even if in a wheelchair. The rotation time is 30 minutes, just enough time to take in the 360 degree view, but short enough that you don’t get bored staring at the same thing. On a clear day, the capsule on top of the Eye can see for 40 km- far enough to even see Windsor Castle! The view from the Eye at all angles is breathtaking, especially if you’re on it just as the sun is setting. The river beneath you seems to stretch on endlessly. As it slowly spins around, Parliament, Big Ben, Waterloo Train Station, the Gherkin building, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the Tate Modern Museum all come into view. If nothing else, go on the London Eye for some of the best picture taking opportunities in London.

Written by  Melissa Rubin.

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Best times

A great way to get a view of London's layout as long as it's a good day. You can queue on the day but if you book ahead you're playing roulette with London's changeable weather. If you're visiting in the Summer they have evening flights which I would recommend. I have taken a few visitors on the Eye since it's been open and the Summer dusk flights have been shown the city at it's best. Smog can still spoil the view but even that seems to have a certain charm as the dusk light filters through it. Otherwise a bright winters day would be perfect, but not that easy to come by.

 

Review posted 17th March 2008 by raid3ll.

London Eye

Fantastic view of london

 

Review posted 16th March 2008 by Sabine.

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