London Eye
Until 2013 the highest view of London could be seen from the 443 ft. tall London Eye on the south of the River Thames, the largest Ferris wheel ever in Europe which is visited by nearly 3.5 million people annually. Certainly eye catching given its enormity, the giant ‘bicycle wheel’ seems to spin in reverie in the midst of London’s skyline – looming in the background of many a tourist photo. This tourist hot spot was opened in 1999 by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Though it no longer provides the highest view, it is one of the icons that illuminates the London sky every night, and also every New Year is accompanied with a display of fireworks set off around the wheel itself. This colossal icon was also given a key role during the commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary of the coronation), as one of its passenger capsules was named as the Coronation Capsule.
“The Eye has done for London what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris, which is to give it a symbol and to let people climb above the city and look back down on it. Not just specialists or rich people, but everybody. That’s the beauty of it: it is public and accessible, and it is in a great position at the heart of London”. – Sir Richard Rogers, winner of the 2007 Pritzker Architecture Prize.
The wheel spins at 0.9 km/h and one revolution takes about 30 minutes. It has 32 capsules weighing 10 tonnes each, which can individually carry 25 passengers. Despite its slow moving speed, the wheel can be stopped in order to assist the elderly or disabled. The wheel is decorated with LED lights that can be digitally operated.
A new ticketing hall has recently been added, as well as a 4D Experience providing pre-flight entertainment to visitors.
The short 30 minute tour is the ideal accompaniment to your visit, allowing you to take in panoramic views of London. If you have children, the overwhelming view over the scenic landscape is recommended, and the thought of spinning in a gigantic ‘bicycle wheel’ would be exciting for all youngsters. The London Eye is a principle London attraction, and a well budgeted stay in self-catering accommodation provided by Holiday Lets London will leave more room in your wallet to visit all of the attractions we have mentioned such as Westminster Palace, the Globe Theatre, Big Ben, and so on.
Holiday Lets London is one of many companies offering London holiday studios, but it stands out as one of the best due to its easy booking process, trustworthy payments and best value for money for flat rental.
