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 world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with more than three million visitors each year. It has appeared many times 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, when a taller viewing platform opened.

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. By 2025, over 85 million people had enjoyed the view from this famous landmark.

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, and 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

Since it opened, the London Eye has had several sponsors. It was first called the British Airways London Eye under a special agreement. Later, it became the Merlin Entertainments London Eye.

In 2011, EDF Energy started sponsoring it and paid a lot of money each year. They even tried to change the color of one cabin, but people in the area said no. In 2015, it became the Coca Cola London Eye, which some people did not like because of health concerns. Finally, in 2020, lastminute.com became the sponsor and lit up the wheel in their special pink color at night.

Cultural significance

The London Eye is seen as a symbol of London and was named an icon of modern England in 2006. Its image appears on British passports, some London Underground train seats, and was part of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.

Each year, the London Eye is the center of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations with over 2,000 fireworks launched from it. Many couples have proposed marriage there, with more than 6,000 proposals by 2026. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it shone blue to support healthcare workers. It also lights up specially to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr.

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, who won a big award for architecture in 2007, said the London Eye helped London just like the Eiffel Tower helps Paris. He said it gives London a special symbol and lets anyone, not just rich people, climb up and see the city from above. He liked that it’s 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.