London Eye ★☆☆
Lovely views from the world's most overpriced Ferris wheel
The most modern addition to the set of iconic London attractions opened in January, 2000 to tower 450 feet above the River Thames, gliding in a stately circle every half hour, adding a dramatic modern element the London skyline.
The London Eye is the largest observation wheel in the world—technically, it’s not a Ferris wheel, because the capsules are enclosed and bristle from the outer ring of the wheel, and the whole thing is supported on one side only.
Basically, it’s a giant bicycle wheel—only 200 times as big as the one on your Schwinn, with 80 spokes held together by more than 3.6 miles of cables. You ride in “the tire,” inside one of 32 capsules that hold 25 people each.
The wheel whips around at the glacial speed of 0.6 miles per hour, and you board every half-hour. On a clear day, from the dizzying top of the circle, you can see 25 miles in every direction —though most people are looking down at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster/Parliament, and other, older icons of London spread below.
Ticket prices remain sky-high, even now that its original builder, British Airways, has since pawned the thing off on the Coca-Cola corporation (which means, thankfully, they are no longer insisting on calling each ride a "flight.").
A ticket that costs £21 is scandalous enough, but you have to cough up nearly £30 for the “fast track” line that only takes 20 minutes (rather than the usual 30–45 min wait). There are also tickets that include a glass of champagne or a Thames river cruise.
They've also added in the ticket office a short "4D" movie—bascially a 3D aerial flight over London in seats that move.
Tickets
Red double-decker Routemaster buses are a much-loved London icon, and the only way to tour London.
Other famous London landmarks you'll see include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
Next, you'll jump onboard a Thames River Cruise to see all of the famous London landmarks and bridges from a different perspective. The cruise passes Shakespeare’s Globe, Cleopatra’s Needle and London Bridge before you arrive at Westminster pier to rejoin the bus and head for Buckingham Palace.
Watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony as the soldiers, dressed in their fabulous tunics and busbies, march to military music. If the guard change is not taking place, you will stop for photos of the Horseguards.
Add one of the following attractions for a comprehensive introduction to the city of London:
Top London Attractions:
Enjoy fast, hassle-free entry to the London Eye or Tower of London. Pre-booked and pre-paid tickets ensure speedy access to London’s top attractions.
Stonehenge Shuttle:
Combine the tour with an afternoon visit to Stonehenge. After the morning tour of London, you'll be dropped off at Victoria Coach Station ready to depart on the roundtrip shuttle bus (5 hours) to Stonehenge at 12:30pm. Designed to give you a fast, hassle-free independent trip to Stonehenge, collect your entrance tickets (included in the tour price!) and free audio-guide before exploring at your own pace.
Spread your visits across 90 days, visit all 4 in one week or even in 1 day. The choice is yours with this flexible ticket.
Coca-Cola London Eye:
At 135 metres, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, with 40 kilometre panoramic views on a clear day. The gradual rotation in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules takes approximately 30 minutes offering spectacular views of London and its famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. The Coca-Cola London Eye is just a short 5 minute walk from Waterloo Underground Station.
Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects.‘Coca-Cola’, the Dynamic Ribbon Device and the design of the ‘Coca-Cola Contour Bottle’ are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
Madame Tussauds London:
Walk the red carpet at the legendary Madame Tussauds London and meet the world’s most famous stars from Hollywood to Bollywood, and The Royal Family to Rock Royalty. With over 30 wax figures, there’s also a nostalgic taxi ride through 400 years of London’s history and a Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie adventure. Madame Tussauds London is a short walk from Baker Street Underground Station.
© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. Images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.
DreamWorks Tours Shrek's Adventure! London:
Step into and star in your very own hilarious, madcap adventure to the kingdom of Far Far Away surrounded by Shrek and his much loved DreamWorks friends. The world’s funniest tour begins when you board a magical ‘DreamWorks Tours’ red bus driven by the mischievous Donkey, where chaos, calamity and endless fun are the name of the game. Explore the fantasy worlds of Far Far Away and meet everyone from princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, ‘Gingy’ the Gingerbread man. But beware, Rumpelstiltskin, wearing his ‘angry wig’ will do all he can to disrupt your tour and stop your return to London. DreamWorks Tours Shrek’s Adventure! London is just a short 5 minute walk from Waterloo Underground Station.
DreamWorks Shrek © 2016 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. All Rights Reserved
SEA LIFE London Aquarium:
Dive in and be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as your journey through the amazing underwater world of SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from Gentoo penguins to tropical sharks. SEA LIFE London Aquarium is just a short 5 minute walk from Waterloo Underground Station.
Special Offer - Buy one pass to save up to 50% on London admissions, compared to booking attractions separately! - Book Now!
The Coca-Cola London Eye soars 443 feet (135 meters) into the sky and views stretching 25 miles (40 kilometers) in every direction. Since opening at the turn of the century, it has been used as a backdrop in countless films and is loved by Britons and visitors alike. More than 3.5 million people a year have ridden the London Eye (an average of 10,000 a day).
Skip the Line: London Eye Tickets are the fastest way to the sky! Check in just 15 minutes before your flight and avoiding the majority of the queue with fast track priority access. The tickets are pre-paid, for fast, hassle-free entry and you can board any flight on your chosen day. Price includes standard ticket price plus fast-track fee.
Pay a little more and you could save a lot of time! At weekends, during Bank Holidays and during school holidays the London Eye is at its most popular. London Eye: Skip the Line Tickets allow priority boarding and include a complimentary mini-guide for adults and an in-flight kids' pack for children.
Each London Eye capsule holds up to 25 passengers comfortably. All capsules are fully air-conditioned and rotate on a special device designed to keep everyone upright as the wheel makes a slow but progressive revolution.
If you wish to see the 4D Experience beforehand, we recommend you arrive 30-40 minutes before your visit time. Alternately visit at your leisure afterwards.
To really make your London Eye flight sparkle, enjoy a glass of Pommery Brut Royalchampagne (non-alcoholic alternative available) served by your host while you relax and enjoy the sublime views of London. Numbers are maximum 25 people per capsule and you'll appreciate the personalized attention from your champagne host. And by booking ahead, you won't waste any time waiting in line!
All guests receive a free mini guide to help you spot the famous London landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
The flight on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes, the time it takes for the London Eye to revolve completely. All capsules are fully air-conditioned and rotate on a special device designed to keep everyone upright as the wheel makes a slow but progressive revolution.
If you wish to see the 4D Experience before your visit, we recommend you arrive 30-40 minutes before your visit time. You will need to return to the Priority Desk 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time. Alternatively visit at your leisure afterwards.
Children will be served delicious fruit juice along with in-flight pack and binoculars.
The virtual maps and on-board commentary point out some of the well known London attractions that you'll see. The cruise is suitable in all weather as the boat has both covered and sun deck seating. Both decks are accessible for wheelchair users and toilets are available on board.
See London from a different perspective and enjoy a unique 40 minute circular sightseeing cruise on the river Thames with fascinating live commentary.
There are two options to choose from:
- Cruise Only
- Cruise & Standard London Eye Ticket
Board an iconic red double decker bus to experience the famous sights and sounds of London, with live guides and multilingual audio commentaries. A free river cruise pass and 3 free walking tours are also included. Board the world famous London Eye and enjoy sipping your bubbles whilst the panoramic views of the capital slowly pass you by. A free 360° mini guide is also included.
Redeem your voucher, if you wish to hop-on the bus immediately, you’ll be issued with a 24-hour bus tour ticket and a Champagne London Eye voucher (to use anytime within 30 days). If you wish to experience the London Eye first, you’ll be issued with your Champagne Eye Experience voucher and a bus tour voucher that can then be exchanged when you board the bus anytime within 7 days. When you exchange your voucher, you will also have the opportunity to upgrade from a 24-hour bus tour to 48-hours (additional charge).
Your hop-on hop-off bus tour and London Eye tickets can also be used on separate days.
London Eye
The London Eye is one of the world's tallest observation wheels, with views over London from more than 442 feet (135 meters) in the air. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, it offers unrivalled panoramic vistas over London.
Since opening at the turn of the century, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, up there with Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. It has been used as a backdrop in countless films and is loved by Britons and visitors alike.
Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
The best way to see the sights and splendor of this great city is from the deck of a boat. Aboard the sightseeing cruise, you'll travel in comfort and style past London's world-famous landmarks. The boats have open upper decks for great sightseeing and comfortable lower saloons. Relax and enjoy the views, onboard commentary, light refreshments and full bar service as London's famous sights glide by.
Your morning tour of London begins with a panoramic drive up to Kensington Palace, once home to Princess Diana. Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts and listen to your guide talking clearly about each site. Nearby you will see the stunning Royal Albert Hall - where famous London concerts are hosted, and the historic Albert Memorial.
Continue through London to Trafalgar Square, passing Whitehall and the Prime Minister’s residence on Downing Street. On arrival at Parliament Square you’ll see more top London attractions including the Big Ben clock, the Houses of Parliament and the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Your morning tour will then head to St. James’ Park and Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Accompanied by a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace in their familiar red tunics and bearskin hats. This the oldest ceremony linked to Buckingham Palace, and it is truly representative of the colorful pomp and ceremony that make the British Royal Family so fascinating.
Your tour finishes in Trafalgar Square, conveniently located in the heart of central London so you can continue your afternoon sightseeing independently. Upgrade your experience to include an open-date ticket for the London Eye.
See London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city, led by a guide. Hear the history of top London attractions like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and receive fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. After the sightseeing tour, watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace and tour the Tower of London. As a bonus, this experience also includes a one-way River Thames sightseeing cruise, which can be used on the day or another time. Upgrade to include a flexible London Eye ticket to be used on any day you wish.
Meet your guide on board your air-conditioned coach, and then relax as you travel around central London to see the sights. Pass through Parliament Square, seeing the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock, and then travel past Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony. Admire prestigious government buildings at Whitehall and Downing Street, and then see the hustle and bustle that surrounds Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.
Travel to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, and walk around in front of the gates to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Have your camera ready to capture the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Foot Guard as they march in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats, and then travel by coach to a traditional London pub in Trafalgar Square.
Rest and refuel with a hearty lunch (own expense), and then continue your day of sightseeing with a visit to the City of London, an area just east of the city center where many of London’s banks can be found. Look out for the sights as your guide explains their history and hop out for fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral.
Continue to the Tower of London, and head inside to explore at your leisure. The former prison and fortress, which looks out over the River Thames, was built to terrify potential invaders and Londoners alike. Steeped in centuries of murder and treason, the tower is fascinating to explore with its famous jet-black ravens and Beefeater guides. Should you wish, opt to join one of the complimentary Beefeater tours that run every 30 minutes and hear tragic tales of the royals and nobles who met their end within the tower’s walls.
Before your tour finishes, receive a ticket for a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier. Upgrade to include an flexible ticket for the London Eye, to used any time you wish.
Start your day with a panoramic tour of London! Sit back as your driver and guide take you through the city and past some of London’s most famous sights. You’ll stop at Westminster Abbey, so you can get that all-important photo of the spectacular church where William and Kate were married!
The tour will then reach St Paul’s Cathedral, the huge domed church in the old City of London. Designed by celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral is full of historical delights. Enjoy time inside St Paul’s Cathedral and see the beautiful architecture, stained glass windows and tombs dedicated to important figures in British history.
You will then head to Buckingham Palace for the charmingly traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. This regular occurrence involves the brightly dressed Queen’s Foot Guard changing shifts in spectacular fashion. The guards march alongside a military band as they return to the Palace!
Lunch packs will be included.
The 1,000 year old Tower of London has a history you have to see to believe! You’ll have plenty of time to explore this incredible fortress during our extended afternoon visit. Enjoy free time to explore the Tower of London as you wish, learning about its fascinating past. The Tower of London has been used as a palace, royal mint and zoo! See the gorgeous Crown Jewels, kept under lock and key in the Jewel Tower.
Meet The Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, are the Tower of London’s official guardians! Hear the tales of the Beefeaters during your exclusive tour with one of the Tower’s working Yeoman Warders. Listen as the smartly-dressed Beefeater recounts stories about their often grisly role in keeping watch over the Tower of London’s prisoners. Luckily, this isn’t part of their job description anymore and these important people are all retired members of the Armed Forces.
Break out of the Tower of London for a River Thames Boat Ride. This scenic trip down the Thames will show you some city sights from an entirely different perspective as you cruise towards the London Eye. Finish your London day trip on a high! See London from the skies during a flight on the iconic London Eye. Your tour will finish at approximately 6pm at the London Eye.
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It makes a rotation every half-hour, so a ride on the London Eye takes 30 minutes.
Budget another 20–45 minutes to stand in line (plus five minutes for the movie in the ticket office).
