With over 3 million people visiting every year, the London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. The views over the city are absolutely stunning and it’s easy to see why it’s on the top of everyone’s must-see list in London. Locals and tourists alike can buy tickets to enjoy a 30 minute ride aboard this ferris wheel which is 443 feet high, making it the 4th largest ferris wheel in the world! Fun fact: there are 32 capsules, one for each of the city’s 32 boroughs.
The London Eye invites you to take a voyage of discovery. What exactly will you discover? You can see most of London’s notable landmarks while riding this famous wheel. Let me share with you a few of the greatest sights you must make sure to capture on your camera while you’re at the top!
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben:
I’m almost positive that the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben will be one of the first iconic landmarks you will spot from the London Eye. It is just right across the River Thames so it still looks quite big, even when you reach the very top. This magnificent building dates back to 1016 and was used as a royal palace for hundreds of years. It is currently the meeting places of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell in the clock, on top of Elizabeth tower. You can hear it chime on the quarter hours which is always a fun moment!
Westminster Abbey:
Just a few hundred feet from Parliament, you will discover a very unique view of Westminster Abbey from the London Eye. This famous church also dates back to the 11th century; it is the resting places of so many English royals, including Edward the Confessor, Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. You might recognize this historic Gothic church from the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Buckingham Palace can easily be seen from the London Eye on a clear day. Even if the sunshine is hiding, you can make out this giant mansion surrounded by green trees. This is The Queen’s official residence and you’ll often find tourists outside its gates watching the royal guards. Buckingham Palace has an impressive 775 rooms and is opened to the public only from July-September.
St Paul’s Cathedral:
If you look towards the east when you first board the London Eye (the wheel moves from east to west), you will definitely be able to see St Paul’s Cathedral. It is the cathedral’s iconic dome that can easily be spotted first. Since the dome is almost 300 feet tall, it is no wonder you can see it from a distance! It is a historic marvel that provides a great contrast to the more modern East London skyline.
Other significant landmarks that you can see from the top of the London Eye include Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Royal Parks, and so much more. Some say that on a very clear day, you can just about make out Windsor Castle which is located almost 25 miles away! Even if you’re not blessed with sunny weather, I’d highly recommend riding the London Eye at night! The city absolutely sparkles and it would be the perfect ending to any day.
Standard tickets for adults start at about £23 online, but there are so many amazing ticket options if you want to upgrade. There’s an Anytime Flexible ticket which lets you go any time during the day, but if you want to see it the views at night as well, I’d recommend getting the Day & Night ticket. Since I was traveling with my family and we didn’t have time to wait in line for very long, the Fast Track tickets were the best option for us. Visit their website to learn all about your ticket choices. Enjoy the ride!
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