London Eye

Towers & observation decks ·London ·Open now
  • Visit: 30 min

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About

London Eye is an observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames, beside County Hall between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge.

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London Eye

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What's on here

Why go

  • At 135 metres tall, the London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel.
  • Its 32 glass-walled, air-conditioned capsules each represent a London borough and provide 360-degree views.
  • A full rotation takes about 30 minutes, with room to walk around inside the capsule.
  • The wheel is the focal point of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, launched from its structure.

Opening hours

Today11:00 – 18:00Show all
Monday11:00 – 18:00
Tuesday11:00 – 18:00
Wednesday11:00 – 18:00
Thursday11:00 – 18:00
Friday11:00 – 18:00
Saturday10:00 – 20:30
Sunday11:00 – 18:00

What you see

  • The capsules provide 360-degree views over central London, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Know before you go

  • Passengers normally board at ground level while the wheel continues moving.
  • The wheel stops for passengers who need extra time to board or leave safely.
  • It closes on Christmas Day and for annual maintenance throughout January.

Best time to visit

  • Choose a clear day for views reaching up to 40 kilometres, as far as Windsor Castle.

Interesting facts3

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  1. 120 metres

    The wheel measures 120 metres in diameter.

    London Eye - Wikipedia
  2. Tensioned steel cables hold its rim, giving it the appearance of a spoked bicycle wheel.

    London Eye - Wikipedia
  3. The Coronation Capsule marked the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

    London Eye - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

David Marks and Julia Barfield conceived the wheel to give the public elevated views of London. It was assembled flat on platforms in the Thames, then raised upright using a strand jack system.

  1. 1993A competition for a landmark marking the start of the third millennium inspired the wheel’s original concept.
  2. 2000A capsule clutch problem delayed the public opening until March.
  3. 2002The wheel, initially planned as a temporary attraction, gained permanent status.
  4. 2009A capsule upgrade began, with capsules taken down and floated to Tilbury Docks.
  5. 2009A 4D cinema was added in nearby County Hall, screening a short film with physical effects.

How to get there

  • TrainUnderground: Waterloo is the nearest station. Westminster, Charing Cross and Embankment are also within walking distance.
  • TrainNational Rail connections are available at London Waterloo and London Waterloo East stations.
  • BoatThames Clippers and City Cruises stop at the pier beside the London Eye.

Sources: London Eye - Wikipedia · London/South Bank - Wikivoyage (see) · The London Eye: The Official Tickets Website · London Eye Opening & Closing Times | The London… · Accessibility at the London Eye | The London Eye · London Eye - Wikipedia · London Eye - Wikipedia · checked 5 Oct 2026

Where
Westminster Bridge Road Riverside Building, County Hall, London

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

How long does a London Eye ride take?

A full rotation takes about 30 minutes.

How do I get to the London Eye by Underground?

Waterloo is the nearest Underground station. Westminster is also nearby.

Can the London Eye accommodate passengers who need extra time to board?

Yes. The wheel stops for passengers who need extra time to board or leave safely.

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