London Eye

The London Eye, originally called the Millennium Wheel, is a tall observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with many visitors each year. It has appeared in movies and television shows.

The London Eye is 135 metres tall, and the wheel itself is 120 metres wide. When it opened to the public in 2000, it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel, until a taller one opened in China in 2006. Unlike other tall wheels, the London Eye is supported by an A-frame on just one side. It was the highest place to see from in London until 2013.

The London Eye is next to Jubilee Gardens, between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge, close to County Hall in the London Borough of Lambeth. The nearest train station is Waterloo.

History

The London Eye was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, a married couple who studied together at the Architectural Association. They wanted to create a special landmark for the start of the new millennium. They thought of a big wheel that could give people great views of London from high above.

Their idea was first entered in a competition but did not win. However, they kept working on it. With support from British Airways, they got the necessary permissions to build. The wheel was finally opened to the public on March 9, 2000 by Prime Minister Tony Blair. It was meant to be temporary but became a permanent attraction. Today, it remains one of London's most popular tourist spots.

The London Eye looks like a huge bicycle wheel, with its rim held up by strong steel cables. Bright LED lights were added in 2006 to make it look even better at night.

The wheel was built in pieces that were floated up the River Thames on boats. These pieces were put together flat on the riverbed before being lifted straight up into place. Parts of the London Eye came from many countries across Europe.

The London Eye continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Passenger capsules

The London Eye has 32 special rooms called capsules. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people and is kept cool and comfortable. They move slowly, taking about 30 minutes for one full turn around the wheel. Passengers can walk in and out easily because the wheel turns very slowly.

These capsules were upgraded in 2009. In 2013, one was named the Coronation Capsule to honor a special event. In 2020, some capsules were turned into fun themes to celebrate the London Eye’s 20th birthday.

Sponsors

The London Eye has had many sponsors. It was first called the British Airways London Eye. Later, it became the Merlin Entertainments London Eye.

In 2011, EDF Energy began sponsoring it and paid a lot each year. They wanted to change one cabin's color, but local people said no. In 2015, it became the Coca Cola London Eye, which some people did not like. Finally, in 2020, lastminute.com became the sponsor and lit the wheel in their special pink color at night.

Cultural significance

The London Eye is a symbol of London. It was named an icon of modern England in 2006. Its image is on British passports and some train seats.

Each year, the London Eye is part of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many couples have proposed marriage there.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it shone blue to support healthcare workers.

British passports | moquette | closing ceremony | London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations | wedding proposals | COVID-19 pandemic | Clap for our Carers | National Health Service | New Crescent Society | Eid Al Fitr

Critical reception

Sir Richard Rogers won a big award for architecture in 2007. He said the London Eye helps London just like the Eiffel Tower helps Paris. He said it gives London a special symbol. He liked that it is open to everyone and sits in a great spot in the middle of London.

!Panoramic skyline seen from the Eye, with Palace of Westminster and Big Ben to the left, Charing Cross railway station centre, and Waterloo railway station to the right

• London Eye on the River Thames, with Big Ben in the background
• View from the top of the London Eye looking down

Transport links

The closest London Underground station is Waterloo, but you can also walk to Charing Cross, Embankment, and Westminster.

You can catch National Rail trains at London Waterloo station and London Waterloo East station.

The London River Services run by Thames Clippers and City Cruises stop at the London Eye Pier.