London Eye

Standing 135 metres above the South Bank, the London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel and one of the most recognisable additions to London's skyline since it opened in March 2000. What was built as a temporary millennium attraction became permanent once it was clear Londoners and visitors weren't ready to see it go — it now draws around 3.5 million riders a year.

Ticket Prices

Standard tickets booked online run from around £29–33 per adult for a shared, climate-controlled capsule. Fast Track tickets cost roughly £10 more (from around £44) and cut the queue significantly, which is worth it on busy weekends and in summer — around two in three visitors choose Fast Track for that reason. Prices vary by date, so booking earlier tends to be cheaper, and combo tickets pairing the Eye with a Thames cruise or other attractions can work out better value if you're seeing more than one thing that day.

Opening Hours

The Eye is open daily except Christmas Day, generally from around 11:00am to 6:00pm on quieter dates and extending to 8:30pm during summer (May–September), weekends and school holidays. It closes for roughly two weeks in January for annual maintenance, so check the official site if you're visiting early in the year.

What to Expect

Each of the 32 sealed, air-conditioned capsules holds around 25 people and completes a full rotation in about 30 minutes — the wheel moves continuously and slowly enough that you board and disembark without it stopping. On a clear day you can see up to 25 miles, taking in Big Ben, the Shard, and the curve of the Thames below. Including boarding and queuing time, budget around an hour for the whole experience even with a pre-booked ticket.

Good to Know

• Book online in advance — tickets sell out on peak dates and it's cheaper than buying on the day.
• Fast Track is worth the extra cost on weekends, holidays and in summer.
• A sunset slot gives the best light and photos, and tends to be slightly calmer than midday.
• The Eye sits right on the South Bank next to County Hall — combine it with a riverside walk to Borough Market or the Tate Modern.
• Children aged 2–15 need a (free-with-booking or child-rate) ticket, and under-15s must be with an adult 18+.

Prices and hours are correct as of publication but change seasonally — check the official London Eye site before booking.