Experiences:- 30 minute ride on the wheel - 360 Views of the city - 4D Cinema Experience - River Cruise on the same day (depending on London Eye ticket) - Private Pod Experience- Pub Pod Experience
Fireworks:-The London Eye firework show is one of the most popular events in London. Held annually on New Year’s Eve, the show attracts nearly 15,000 visitors each year. At the midnight hour, the sky breaks out in a fantastic display of over 12,000 fireworks. The firework display begins at midnight and continues for about an hour. However, the event itself starts a few hours early with a DJ night, and the area tends to get thick with crowds by 09.00 PM. For the best experience, one should make their way to the location by 09.00 and grab the best seats at the designated vantage area.
The London Eye began as a submission by David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects in a contest organized by The Sunday Times, for a new landmark to commemorate the century in London in 1993. Incidentally, Marks and Barfield did not receive a winning position. However, inspired by their idea, they took up the project themselves and discovered the location where the wheel currently sits.
British Airways realized the potential in the dream and decided to fund the project, giving birth to the wheel as it is today. The London Eye was formally inaugurated by then-president Tony Blair in 1999, but did not begin admitting visitors until March 2000.
The London Eye tickets with river cruise seek to add two exclusive experiences in one- a ride on the magnificent wheel as well as a cruise on the River Thames. The river cruise will include a 30 minute, circular tour on the Thames. One can embark on a cruise from any of the three piers at Westminster, Tower, or Greenwich. Gliding along the world’s most famous river, the cruise offers splendid views of some of the city’s biggest and oldest attractions, including the Buckingham Palace and the Big Ben. All of the cruises have cafes where tourists can purchase light snacks and beverages.
The Champagne Experience elevates the London Eye experience to a truly VIP Standard. This special experience ticket includes a glass of champagne with a spin on the London Eye. Visitors are treated to the best quality drink in London, coupled with the fantastic, unobstructed views of the city. However, the provision of champagne is limited to adult visitors only, and requires a valid age proof. Visitors below the age of 18 are provided soft drinks, while those below the age of 15 have to be accompanied by a legal adult. The Champagne Experience is not private, and the pod is shared between a number of parties.
The Pub Pod, quite literally, recreates the experience of a traditional British Pub 350 meters above the ground. The Pub Pod capsules are fitted with every amenity that one can hope to find in a pub- whether it be a bar counter, a table, or a sofa to lounge on. Each rider is served with two drinks throughout their rides. While the classic Jameson whiskey is the proudest seller here, the menu at Pub Pod includes a number of craft beers and wines instead. Owing to the consumption of alcohol, this particular experience is reserved for adults only, and requires a valid age proof. Like the champagne experience, the Pub Pod too, is a shared ride.
The Private Pods at London’s Eye offers an intimate 30 minute ride, only in the company of one’s closest family and friends. This exclusive VIP experience allows groups to reserve pods for parties of 2 to 25 people for a private ride. The Private Pods also include a dedicated guest ambassador, who will be pointing out and offering invaluable insights into the attractions that one can spot. Guests can also avail the use of mini binoculars against an added charge, which would allow one to zoom into the attractions as they embark on their spin. The experience requires at least 2 adults to be present throughout the ride. The Private Pod experience also includes a bottle of Champagne, and requires visitors to furnish adequate age proof.
As its name suggests, the Ferris Wheel is quite literally ‘London’s Eye’, commanding unending views of the city’s skyline. The views, of course, are the biggest attraction of the London Eye. The capsules on the Wheel are glass-walled and spacious, allowing visitors to walk around the unit and witness the views from each and every side. While the Thames glitters majestically right beside the Observation Wheel, one can also catch a glimpse of London’s other major attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, the Big Ben, and even the Windsor Castle on a clear day.
The latest addition to the London Eye, the 4D Cinema is a pre-flight experience offered to all visitors. The groundbreaking 3D picture offers a glimpse into the history of London with breathtaking in-theater effects like wind, bubbles, and mist. This new theater is housed within County Hall, a historic rotunda structure near the London Eye.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
Timings: 11.00 AM- 06.00 PM on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: Given its popularity among visitors and tourists, the London Eye is virtually constantly crowded. It is better to avoid school holidays and peak holiday seasons. Because the early London Eye opening periods of 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM have a lot of people, it's preferable to go just when it opens or right before it shuts. Another ideal time to visit would be during the sunset hours when the city remains washed in a beautiful golden light. The rainiest months in London are August, November, and December, so do plan your visit accordingly. A ride on a Ferris wheel is useless on a cloudy, wet day! Summers are ideal for visiting the London Eye since the sun shines brightly and allows you to view up to 30 miles into the distance.