The London Eye: The only guide you need to take a ride on London’s giant Ferris Wheel

Standing majestically on the South Bank of the River Thames, the lastminute.com London Eye has become one of London’s most recognizable landmarks since its inauguration in 2000. As Europe’s tallest ferris wheel, it offers visitors unparalleled views of the British capital’s skyline.

My London Eye Journey

I typically avoid Ferris wheels due to my fear of heights, so the prospect of riding the London Eye initially filled me with dread. We were staying in the picturesque village of Sonning, about an hour outside London (near George and Amal Clooney’s residence), which meant careful planning was essential for our visit.

We discovered that purchasing Rail Travel Cards (approximately £20 each) for off-peak travel would not only cover our transportation needs but also unlock access to National Rail’s 2-for-1 deals on numerous London attractions. This money-saving tip proved invaluable for our London adventure.

Quick Facts

• Height: 443 feet (135 meters)
• Complete Rotation: 30 minutes
• Passenger Capacity: 800 per rotation
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (varies by season)

Money-Saving Tips

• Purchase Rail Travel Cards for off-peak travel
• Use National Rail 2-for-1 deals
• Book tickets online in advance (10-15% savings)
• Visit during off-peak hours

The Experience

Despite what appears to be intimidating queues, the London Eye’s boarding process is remarkably efficient. From our experience, it took just 10 minutes to receive our boarding tickets and another 10 minutes in Line A. The staff manages a smooth operation, pausing briefly for souvenir photos before guiding visitors into the spacious capsules.

Each climate-controlled capsule accommodates up to 28 passengers and offers both standing and sitting areas – a welcome feature for those, like me, who might feel uneasy about the height. The wheel moves so gradually that the motion is barely perceptible, allowing visitors to focus on the breathtaking panoramic views.

What You’ll See

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

St. Paul’s Cathedral

The City of London

Views up to 40 kilometers on clear days

Dining Near the London Eye

The South Bank area surrounding the London Eye offers an excellent selection of dining options. The bustling Gabriel’s Wharf, just a short walk east, houses several casual eateries with riverside terraces.

For coffee enthusiasts, Café in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields church (15 minutes’ walk) provides a unique atmosphere in its historic vaulted setting. The South Bank Centre Food Market (Friday through Sunday) presents an array of international street food vendors and artisanal coffee stands. For a quick coffee and pastry, there’s a Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee within a five-minute walk of the Eye.

Notable Nearby Eateries

Skylon (Inside the Royal Festival Hall). Cuisine: Modern British & European. Price: £££ (High)

Why go: Stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Thames and the Eye itself. It’s split into a stylish, more formal grill restaurant and a large, buzzy bar and grill area. Perfect for a special occasion or a smart drink.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar (Inside the London Marriott Hotel County Hall). Cuisine: British Steakhouse. Price: £££ (High)

Why go: Located in the historic County Hall building, it boasts breathtaking views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Famous for its vast selection of gins and excellent steaks.

The Riverside Café (BFI Southbank). Cuisine: Cafe classics, sandwiches, cakes. Price: £ (Low)

Why go: No-frills, affordable cafe with outdoor seating right on the Thames Path. Great for a coffee, breakfast, or a simple lunch with a view.

Wahaca (Mexican street food) Cuisine: Mexican Street Food. Price: ££ (Moderate)

Why go: Lively, colourful, and great for groups. They offer tasty tapas-style Mexican dishes and excellent cocktails. Located in a cool converted cargo container next to the Thames.

For those seeking a special dining experience, the Oxo Tower Restaurant on the eighth floor of the iconic Oxo Tower offers fine dining with panoramic views of the city. Budget-conscious visitors can find plenty of options in the nearby Waterloo station complex, including several popular chain restaurants and casual dining spots.

Locals Tip: The Southbank Centre undercroft (under the Queen Elizabeth Hall) often has pop-up food and coffee stalls, especially on weekends when the market is on. It’s always worth a look for something new!

Thames River Experience

We enhanced our London Eye visit by combining it with a London Eye River Cruise. The River Roamer tickets offer excellent value with their hop-on-hop-off service, allowing us to explore multiple London landmarks at our own pace.

Our Thames river journey offered a spectacular parade of London’s most iconic landmarks. Starting from the London Eye pier, we first encountered the historic Lions’ Heads along the Thames – these centuries-old sculpted sentinels have served as London’s traditional flood warning system, with locals still reciting the ancient rhyme about London’s fate when the water reaches their mouths.

The old rhyme warned: “When the lions drink, London will sink. When it’s up to their manes, we’ll go down the drains.” But the verse is outdated; the lions were raised by a foot, and the mighty Thames Barrier now guards the river’s route.

As we cruised eastward, the magnificent Tower Bridge came into view, its Victorian Gothic architecture standing as a testament to British engineering. Just beyond, we glimpsed the imposing Tower of London, where the infamous Traitors’ Gate still bears witness to the tragic journeys of prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More, who entered the fortress by water to meet their fate.

The cruise then carried us past the gleaming skyscrapers of the London Docklands, a striking contrast to the area’s maritime history. Once the world’s busiest port, this district has transformed into London’s second financial hub, with Canary Wharf’s sleek towers dominating the skyline.

Continuing to Greenwich, we paused to admire the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper ship, beautifully restored and suspended in a glass dock. The O2 Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) soon came into view, its distinctive white dome hosting everything from major concerts to sporting events.

The return journey offered different perspectives of these landmarks, with the setting sun casting dramatic shadows on the Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original playhouse. The Thames Clippers service proved to be not just transportation, but a floating journey through London’s past and present.

Historic Thames Features

Lions’ Heads flood markers

Traitors’ Gate at Tower of London

Historic river piers

Maritime Greenwich UNESCO site

Where to Stay Near the London Eye

The area surrounding the London Eye offers accommodation options for every budget and preference. The prestigious London Marriott Hotel County Hall, housed in the same historic building as the London Eye ticket office, provides luxury rooms from £130-£205 per night with stunning views of the Thames and Big Ben. The hotel features three restaurants, an indoor pool, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

For mid-range options, the Park Plaza London Riverbank on the South Bank offers contemporary accommodations at approximately £205 per night, with excellent amenities including a fitness center and on-site dining. Budget-conscious travelers might appreciate the Premier Inn London County Hall, with rates starting from around £52, offering clean, comfortable rooms just steps from the London Eye.

Notable Hotels & Amenities

Royal Horseguards (5★): Historic building, exceptional service

Corinthia London (5★): Luxury spa, fine dining

Many of these hotels offer special packages that include London Eye tickets or river cruise experiences. For the best rates, consider booking directly through hotel websites or using booking platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com. Off-season visits (November through March) typically offer the most competitive rates.

Planning Your Visit

Based on recent visitor data and our personal experience, early morning visits offer the shortest queues, while evening rides provide spectacular sunset views over London. The winter months (January-March) typically see fewer visitors, making them ideal for a more relaxed experience.

Best Times to Visit

Early Morning: First flights (fewer crowds)

Late Evening: Sunset views

Off-Season: January-March

Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends

Accessibility

The London Eye welcomes all visitors with comprehensive accessibility features, including step-free access, wheelchair-friendly capsules, and priority boarding for disabled visitors. Assistance dogs are welcome, and rest areas are available in the ticket hall.

Concluding Thoughts

Since its opening in March 2000, the London Eye has transformed from a temporary attraction into one of London’s most beloved cultural landmarks. As Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it welcomes over 3.5 million people annually, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK. While technically not a Ferris wheel, this magnificent feat of engineering can accommodate up to 800 visitors per hour, offering each guest a slice of London life from its unique vantage point.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or a seasoned traveler, the London Eye provides an unparalleled perspective of the city’s rich culture and historic skyline. The wheel’s enduring popularity and constant evolution – from its origins as the Millennium Wheel to its current status as a must-visit London attraction – reflect the dynamic spirit of the city itself. As day turns to night, the Eye continues to serve as a beacon of modern London, illuminating the Thames and reminding us why millions make the journey to experience this extraordinary observation wheel each year.

Note: All information current as of 2025. Please check the official London Eye website for the most up-to-date pricing and scheduling details.