What is the London Eye?
Quick answer
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. Standing 135 m (443 ft) tall, it opened in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium and was originally called the Millennium Wheel.
Key facts
- Height
- 135 m (443 ft)
- Opened
- March 2000 (to the public)
- Capsules
- 32
- Rotation time
- About 30 minutes
Capsules
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number | 32, one for each of London’s boroughs |
| Numbering | 1 to 33, skipping 13 for luck |
| Capacity | Up to 25 people each |
| Speed | About 26 cm per second, slow enough to step on while it moves |
The capsules are mounted on the outside of the rim and rotate so that they stay level throughout the ride.
A temporary wheel that stayed
The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, who entered a 1993 competition for a millennium landmark. It was meant to stand for only five years, but its popularity made it permanent. For several years it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, a title since taken by much taller wheels in places like Las Vegas and Dubai. It’s still described as the tallest cantilevered observation wheel, supported on one side only.
What you can see
From the top, visitors can spot:
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, just across the river; see what Big Ben is
- Buckingham Palace
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The Shard, the UK’s tallest building
- On clear days, Windsor Castle, about 40 km away
Records and events
- It welcomes millions of visitors a year, making it one of the UK’s most popular paid attractions.
- It’s the centerpiece of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
- Couples have held weddings in its capsules.
Visiting tips
Booking online in advance is usually cheaper, and sunset rides offer spectacular views. For the current time in London, see what time it is in London.
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