London Eye

The London Eye is a large cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, built as part of the city’s millennium projects and opened to the public in 2000. At about 135 metres in height, it provides elevated panoramic views across central London.

Thirty-two enclosed passenger capsules travel around the wheel, offering 360-degree views of the city during a rotation that lasts roughly 30 minutes. From the wheel passengers can see major central London sights including the Houses of Parliament, the river corridor and much of the city skyline on clear days.

The Wheel operates as a ticketed attraction with timed entries; evening and sunset rotations are especially popular for views and photography.

Commissioned as a millennium landmark, the wheel was assembled at the turn of the 21st century and has since become a familiar feature of the London skyline and South Bank visitor district.

Sited on the South Bank of the Thames opposite Westminster Bridge, the attraction is in the heart of central London close to the Southbank Centre and transport links.

• Capsules and Views: Each capsule is a sealed, air-conditioned pod attached to the rim and rotates slowly to give passengers 360-degree views over Central London.
• Duration and Vistas: A full rotation takes about 30 minutes, making it a common sightseeing and sunset activity with good panoramic views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral on clear days.