trips to london eye

Visiting The London Eye – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to the London Eye

Visiting the London Eye – Tickets + Tours

London eye facts and figures, getting to the london eye, london eye opening times, when is the best time to visit the london eye, what to look for from the london eye, what other london attractions are located near the london eye, tips for planning your visit to the london eye.

Nearest Tube station – Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines)

How long to set aside for your visit?

Each trip on the London Eye lasts for 30 minutes. Allow at least an hour for boarding, queuing and disembarking, plus extra for travel to and from the site. 

Tickets 

• London Eye ticket
• London Eye fast-track ticket

Good to know – The London Eye is included on The Big City Saver Pass (formerly the Merlin Pass)

Combi tickets 

• London Eye, Thames River Cruise and Big Bus
• London Eye and London Dungeon
• London Eye, Madame Tussauds and London Dungeon
• London Eye and Shrek’s Adventure
• London Eye River Cruise and London Eye Ticket

Guided tours

• London Eye, St Paul’s and Tower of London tour
• Westminster walking tour with London Eye ticket

Visiting the London Eye

• Over 3.5 million people per year take a ride on the London Eye, and it’s one of the most popular paid attractions in the UK. 
• The London Eye is the fourth-largest big wheel in the world. At 443 feet (or 135 metres) high, it’s nowhere near being the city’s tallest building. That honour belongs to the Shard, which is 1,004 feet (or 306 metres) high.  
• The London Eye is a cantilevered wheel. This means it’s supported on one side only. Pretty impressive when you know that it weighs 1,000 tonnes, or in excess of 1 million pounds (not sterling, as in mass rather than currency). 
• The number of pods reflects the number of London Boroughs – 32. The fact that the capsule numbers go up to 33 often confuses people, but number 13 was missed out as it’s thought to be unlucky!
• Several people have climbed the London Eye including American illusionist David Blaine and British long distance runner Mo Farah. 
• The London Eye has been used as a restaurant and a rotating nightclub.
• You can book a ‘Cupid’s Pod’ on the London Eye. This is a private capsule for two adults only. A box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles and a bottle of Pommery Rosé Champagne is included. The 30-minute trip is very popular for proposals!
• Copycat wheels have appeared in cities worldwide since the Eye opened in 2000, apparently inspired by the design. You can also find a miniature model of the Eye at Legoland Windsor, near London. 
• The London Eye opened later than planned. It was meant to be up and running in time for the millennium, but didn’t open until March 2000. This was due to a technical hitch. 
• You can see as far as Windsor Castle from your London Eye pod on a clear day in the city, which is 24 miles (or 39 kilometres) away. 

• Tube: The closest tube station to the London Eye is Waterloo in Zone 1. This is on the Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines. The Eye is about 5 minute’s walk from here. Westminster, Embankment and Charing Cross are also within easy walking distance. 
• Overground rail: Waterloo and Charing Cross are the closest stations to the London Eye. Waterloo is only 5 minutes away on foot, while Charing Cross is more like 15. 
• Uber boat: London Eye Pier
• Sightseeing bus: The London Eye is on most major London hop-on, hop-off bus routes. 

The London Eye is open daily, except for Christmas Day. Though times vary throughout the year, the Eye opens at 10 am or 11 am and closes at 6 pm or 8.30 pm.

Earlier opening and later closing is more common in summer and at weekends. 

When booking your ticket, the available times for the chosen date will show up so you can select the one you want. During January, the Eye often closes for regular maintenance, so do check if you’re travelling then. 

• As mentioned above, the London Eye is one of the most popular paid attractions in London. It’s thus ever-popular and always busy!
• Weekends and the summer season are when to expect the longest queues and biggest crowds in this part of London. 
• If you can, book your visit between Monday and Friday rather than on Saturday or Sunday. 
• Booking an early ride is recommended. 

You can see a number of top London attractions, landmarks and icons from your London Eye pod. As well as the River Thames, of course.

Look out for the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey , Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London , Tower Bridge, St Paul’s , The Shard, The Gherkin and the Millenium Bridge – and even Windsor Castle if there are clear skies!

• The South Bank
• Westminster, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• Trafalgar Square
• 10 Downing Street
• St James’s Park
• Tate Modern
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• Borough Market
• Millenium Bridge

• The best time to visit the London Eye is on a fine, clear day, though this is of course difficult to plan in advance! Clear skies mean you may see as far as Windsor Castle in the distance, way beyond London. There is more of a chance of this in spring or summer, but it can be very busy during summer. 
• The London Eye is great for families visiting London with kids, who in general are pretty fearless and more likely to be awe-inspired than scared! Fast track tickets are recommended to stop them getting bored. As the trip only lasts for half an hour, there’s not really time for them to get restless. 
• The Eye is an accessible attraction. You’ll need to pre-book a slot in advance, which are available for standard sized wheelchairs only. Every disabled visitor is entitled to one free carer ticket. Find out more about London Eye accessibility here . 
• You’re free to take a trip on the London Eye if you’re pregnant, though you might want to use the toilet by the ticket office before boarding!
• Do buy your tickets in advance to save time and queuing up. We also recommend going for an early slot – or one after 3 pm. This is because the Eye tends to be busiest between 11 am and 3 pm. To avoid the standard queue, it can be worth paying for fast-track boarding, especially at busy times. 
• The time slot you book is the time that you’ll join the queue. You cannot join the queue before your booked slot, so there’s little point in arriving too early. 
• Do make sure you join the right queue! There are three, so it can be confusing. One is to buy tickets, one is for standard ticket holders and the third is for those with fast-track tickets. 
• Anyone aged 15 or under must come along with an adult aged 18 or over. 16 and 17 year olds can visit the attraction unaccompanied, however. 
• Don’t forget to charge your camera battery so you can snap some selfies! If you have binoculars, do bring those along too for far-reaching views. 
• Visiting Westminster Abbey
• Visiting the Tower of London
• Visiting Windsor Castle
• Visiting Kensington Palace
• Hampton Court Palace
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Changing of the Guard

>> CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR LONDON TRAVEL GUIDE & ITINERARY PLANNER

Visiting the London Eye (Best Tips, Tickets & Tours)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2023

If you’re thinking about visiting the London Eye then this is the post for you! The London Eye is a tourist attraction that completely lives up to expectations and both your time and cost of the London Eye ride are very much worth the investment.

Let’s get started with a few London Eye facts. It’s the biggest cantilevered observation wheel in the world and is 135 metres high. Introduced at the turn of the millennium, it has since received more than 85 awards recognising its architecture, tourism and engineering achievements.

It is currently the number one paid attraction in the whole of the UK and celebrated two decades at the top in 2020. Located on the vibrant, arty South Bank of the River Thames, it has sparked the construction of many similar attractions in cities across the globe.

To ride the London Eye is to see the world’s most famous Ferris wheel for yourself – and to witness the outstanding views over one of the most exciting and important cities on the planet.

Lesser known, perhaps, is the sheer sense of scale and context your ‘flight’ will give you, of how this collection of ‘villages’ known as London all fits together, as well as how vast the British capital really is.

If you want to join the huge numbers of London Eye visitors (around 3 million per year) by booking your ticket, stay right here.

This guide will take you through all the information on the London Eye you’ll need. Including options when you want to buy tickets for the London Eye and all the other tips and tricks you could wish to know about!

London Eye Tickets – Quick Guide

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Let’s get started by answering some London Eye frequently asked questions. We cover how to get there, booking for the London Eye, how long the trip takes, what other London attractions are near the London Eye, the best time to go, the cost of the London Eye and more.

The best way to answer this is to think about the name. This big wheel will give you a bird’s eye view over the fabulous city of London, including the River Thames it looms over and landmarks like The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, The OXO Tower and the Houses of Parliament. 

You’ll also be able to see the people of London scurrying about beneath you like tiny ants, as they rush towards the West End to catch a show , head into the Underground station or pop into their favourite Oxford Street store – or perhaps the pub – before closing time. 

With London spread out beneath you like a rich and ever-changing tapestry, you’ll get a real sense of both the scale and the importance of the place too. As well as plenty of great selfie opportunities! 

The London Eye is positioned right by the river on the South Bank, and its size makes it easy to spot even from some distance away. To get to it, head for Waterloo , Westminster, Embankment or Charing Cross station. 

Waterloo is the closest, with the Eye being just a five-minute walk away. Charing Cross and Embankment are very close to one another on the northern side of the river, and you can get to the London eye by crossing Hungerford Bridge. If you travel to Westminster, follow the signs for Westminster Pier and you’ll soon spot the big wheel. 

You may be wondering about the London Eye time to go around – how long does it take? Your total London Eye visit time includes half an hour on the wheel, but you’ll need to allow extra for queuing, checking in, embarking and disembarking.

It may also be worth considering the next question when working out how much time to allow…

What other tourist attractions are near the London Eye that you can visit at the same time? Key things to see near the London Eye include the South Bank itself, which is packed with attractive shops, places to eat and drink and outdoor entertainment.

You can also stroll across the river to Westminster, home to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The reflection in the water as you cross the bridge is worth looking out for – and capturing on camera if you can. 

Simple wandering along the riverbank on either side is a pleasant thing to do, and you can always dip into any cafes, shops or pubs that appeal as you pass. If you fancy stretching your legs, you could carry on towards Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus – or head to Green Park for a picnic. 

The price to go on the London Eye varies according to how and when you book. The London Eye admission fee is cheaper if you book ahead. For example, at the time of writing (March 2023) the on-the-day standard adult price is from £33.50, but if you book online this starts at £30.50.

It can be more convenient or cost-effective to buy combined or fast track tickets or even a London Pass . The best options are outlined in detail below.   

The best time to visit the London Eye can depend on whether you want to see London by daylight, or illuminated by night. 

What time to go depends on your plans – and whether or not you’ve pre-booked. If not, expect to pay more as well as experiencing long queues! We recommend going for skip the line tickets if you can.

The London Eye has been awarded the ‘ We’re Good to Go ‘ charter mark by VisitEngland , so all the desirable safety measures are in place, including enhanced security checks. 

How to buy London Eye tickets

London Eye official website

• Buy from the official London Eye website, where you can find out about everything in one place. 
•  No refund is offered if you need to cancel – only the ability to change the dates. 

Standard adult fares cost from £30.50 on the official site. 

You can buy non-refundable tickets via this link.

London Eye ticket with fast-track

You can benefit from the lower online ticket price and add the fast-track option if you wish. Full refunds are available for cancellations more than 24 hours in advance. 

A little forward planning is required, though you can cancel up to 24 hours before if needed for a full refund.   

Currently standard adult ticket prices cost from £34 via Get Your Guide. 

You can buy this advance purchase ticket here .

London Sea Life & London Eye ticket

A discount of 10% plus is applied to this combination ticket. Full refunds are also available when you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. 

You need to book ahead, though you can cancel up to 24 hours before if required to receive a full refund.   

Standard adult tickets cost from £45 per person. 

You can buy this Sea Life and London Eye combination ticket here .

London Eye River Cruise + London Eye ticket option

The London Eye River Cruise is a very affordable way to see the city from the water. A full refund is available if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. 

Standard adult tickets cost from £13 per person. 

You can buy this river cruise and London Eye combination ticket here .

Madame Tussauds, London Sea Life & London Eye ticket

A discount of around 40% applies to this great value combination ticket. Full refunds are also available when you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. 

Standard adult tickets cost from £60 per person. 

You can buy these Madame Tussaud’s, Sea Life and London Eye combination tickets here .

Shrek’s Adventure & London Eye ticket

This combo ticket is valid for 90 days and saves you about 10% on the prices. A full refund is available if cancelling more than 24 hours in advance. 

You can buy this Shrek’s Adventure and London Eye combination ticket here .

Big Bus, River Cruise & London Eye ticket

See London from water, land and sky with a cruise, Eye and hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. Full refunds are also available when you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. 

You can buy this Big Bus, river cruise and London Eye combination ticket here .

London Dungeon & London Eye ticket

This combo ticket is valid for 3 months and saves you about 10% on the prices. A full refund is available if cancelling more than 24 hours in advance. 

You can buy this London Dungeon and London Eye combination ticket here .

Top 30 sights walking tour & London Eye ticket

Be guided around London on foot to see world-famous landmarks as well as taking a flight on the Eye. Full refunds are available when you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. 

Standard adult tickets cost from £78 per person. 

You can buy this London landmarks walking tour and London Eye combination ticket here .

London passes can be a great way to see this expensive city as they offer entrance to multiple attractions for a set period of time. As they’re from Get Your Guide, you can still cancel up to 24 hours before activation for a full refund. 

A ride on the London Eye is included with some London passes, and they can be bought for various time periods ranging from one to ten days. 

These are among our favourites: to find out more about each, click the link below!

• London pass with travelcard & guidebook
• ‘ More London for less’ 5 attraction pass
• Go City London Explorer pass
• Big City Saver

Read – Ultimate Guide to London tourist passes

We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip on the London Eye. Whether you want to visit the London Eye and Madame Tussauds or another popular place, planning in advance often allows you to visit London attractions for less, and can save you time as well as money.

Enjoy your ‘flight’!

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s manin trains stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions & Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• Boat trips and cruises – Comparison guide to the best boat trips and cruises on the Thames
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London
• Visiting in winter? 21 Festive things to do in London in December

Trip to London

Everything you need to known about London

The London Eye: A Majestic Icon in the Heart of the City

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is an iconic landmark situated on the banks of the River Thames in London, England. Standing tall at 135 meters (443 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and experience of visiting the London Eye.

The History of the London Eye

The London Eye was originally built to celebrate the new millennium and was officially opened to the public on March 9, 2000. Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, it was initially intended to be a temporary attraction. However, its immense popularity led to its permanent status.

The Design and Structure of the London Eye

The London Eye features a unique and futuristic design. It consists of a giant Ferris wheel with a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet) and a total of 32 passenger capsules. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people, allowing for a total capacity of 800 passengers per revolution. The capsules are made of glass, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of the city.

Boarding the London Eye: A Memorable Experience

As you approach the London Eye, you will be captivated by its grandeur. Boarding the wheel is a smooth and efficient process, with regular departures throughout the day. Once inside the capsule, you can move around freely to enjoy the panoramic views. The slow rotation of the wheel allows you to take in the beauty of London from different angles.

Exploring London from Above

From the top of the London Eye, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the city’s landmarks. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) in all directions. Some notable sights include the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge. The experience is particularly magical during sunset when the city is bathed in golden hues.

The London Eye at Night: A Dazzling Spectacle

After the sun sets, the London Eye transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights. Its colorful illumination against the night sky creates a magical ambiance that is truly unforgettable. Taking a ride on the London Eye during the evening hours provides a unique perspective of the city as it comes alive with vibrant energy.

Interesting Facts about the London Eye

• The London Eye was briefly the tallest Ferris wheel in the world until the opening of the Ain Dubai in 2021.
• It is estimated that over 3.75 million people visit the London Eye each year.
• The wheel rotates at a leisurely pace of about 0.9 kilometers per hour (0.6 miles per hour).
• It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete one full rotation.
• The London Eye has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos.

Tips for Visiting the London Eye

• Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
• Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, as the capsules are enclosed but not climate-controlled.
• Take advantage of the interactive tablets inside the capsules for additional information and insights.

The London Eye’s Contribution to the City

The London Eye has had a significant impact on the city of London. It has become an internationally recognized symbol of the city and a source of immense pride for its residents. The attraction has also boosted tourism, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe and contributing to the local economy.

The London Eye stands as a majestic icon in the heart of London, offering a truly unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. Its towering presence, breathtaking views, and captivating design make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the city. So, make sure to include a ride on the London Eye in your itinerary to witness the beauty of London from new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much time should I allocate for a visit to the London Eye?

On average, a visit to the London Eye takes around 30 minutes for one full rotation. However, it is recommended to allocate at least one hour to account for boarding, disembarking, and enjoying the views.

2. Can I purchase tickets on the day of my visit?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of your visit. However, it is advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid potential long queues.

3. Is the London Eye suitable for individuals with mobility issues?

Yes, the London Eye is accessible to individuals with mobility issues. Wheelchair access is available, and there are designated accessible capsules with wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.

4. Are there any age restrictions for riding the London Eye?

There are no specific age restrictions for riding the London Eye. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

5. Can I bring food or drinks on board the London Eye?

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the capsules of the London Eye. However, there are various dining options available nearby where you can enjoy a meal before or after your visit.

Tickets and Opening Times

Adult Ticket : From £20.70 ($32) per ticket Child Ticket : From £14.00 ($22) per ticket Children under 4 are free.

10% discount to groups of 15 or more paying guests both for the London Eye and the London Eye river cruise experience.

Senior discounts are not valid for any weekends or during July and August.

Lower prices are for online booking in advance. Higher prices are charged at the attraction on the day of your visit.

Opening Times:

1 October-31 March: 10:00 – 20:30 daily. 1 April-30 June: 10:00 – 21:00 daily. 1 July 30 September: 10:00 – 21:30 daily.

Closed Christmas Day.

Map and Address

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7PB Telephone: 0871 781 3000 Website: http://www.londoneye.com/ Public transport: Tube: Westminster/Embankment Train: Waterloo/Charing Cross

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Guide to Visiting the London Eye in 2024

Last updated: April 13, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 12 Comments

One of London’s most recognizable and popular attractions is the London Eye.

This enormous observation wheel has been providing visitors with wonderful views across London since the turn of the millennium, and is just as popular today as it was then. In fact, it is one of the UK’s most popular paid attractions.

We’ve ridden the London Eye a number of times on various visits to London. The first time was in 2015 and most recently in 2023. Today we’re going to share everything you need to know to help plan your visit.

We’ll cover everything from how to buy tickets, the different experiences available on the London Eye, how to save time and money, and how to get the best photographs from your visit.

London Eye Facts

Before we get into planning your London Eye visit, let’s cover some history and facts about this well-known London landmark.

What is the London Eye?

The London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel, or Ferris wheel. It’s 135 metres (443ft tall) and when it was built it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.

Unlike a regular Ferris wheel which normally seats 2 to 4 people, the London Eye features 32 large pods, each of which can carry up to 25 people who can move around the cabin area.

It is found on the edge of the River Thames diagonally opposite the Houses of Parliament, and it offers visitors fantastic views from its observation pods.

The London Eye is a great alternative to the View from the Shard, the Sky Garden and other viewpoint locations around London. We’ll cover these alternatives elsewhere in this guide.

Why was the London Eye Built?

The London Eye was built to mark the Millenium, and it was originally called the Millenium Wheel.

It was purpose built as a tourist attraction, and much like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was not actually meant to be a permanent installation.

However, due to its popularity, it was given permanent status in July 2002, only two years after it started operating.

The London Eye is currently owned by Merlin Entertainments. It has partnered with a number of companies in sponsorship deals, which have included British Airways and Coca-Cola. The current sponsor is lastminute.com.

Interesting Facts about the London Eye

The London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. There are larger Ferris wheels, but none with a cantilevered design.

There is in fact some debate as to whether or not the cantilevered design actually qualifies it as a Ferris wheel, although as there’s no formal definition of a Ferris wheel that we can find we think it’s fine to refer to it as such.

If you were wondering, a cantilevered design means that it’s supported only from one side, unlike more traditional Ferris Wheel designs which have supports on both sides.

This design means that it is actually suspended over the River Thames itself.

The London Eye was designed by husband-and-wife team Julia Marks and David Barfield, and it took around seven years from vision to completion. Their vision was to build London’s equivalent of the Eiffel Tower in terms of a visitor attraction.

The passenger capsules, or pods, are positioned on the outside circumference of the wheel rather than inside. As the wheel rotates, these also rotate, so the capsules always remain level.

There are 32 capsules, each of which can hold up to 25 passengers. This means that up to 800 people can be on the London Eye at any one time, or 1,600 per hour. Capsules are numbered from 1-33, with no capsule numbered 13 as some would consider it unlucky.

Capsules move at just over half a mile per hour, with passengers journeying around a quarter of a mile in the half hour rotation. The capsules don’t stop (except for specific situations), so you get on and off as it is moving. Each year the London Eye rotates almost 8,000 times, covering over 2,000 miles!

From the top, you can see up to 40km (25 miles) on a clear day, meaning you can see all the way to Windsor Castle if you are lucky.

The London Eye is a popular location for wedding proposals, with over 5,000 proposals to date. Over 500 couples have even gotten married on board!

The London Eye is also no stranger to the silver screen, having appeared in numerous films and TV, including the Harry Potter films .

Planning Your Visit to the London Eye

Now you know more about the London Eye, let’s look at some useful information to help you plan your visit here.

Where is the London Eye?

The London Eye is found on the south bank of the River Thames in front of London’s County Hall building.

The address is Riverside Building, County Hall, London, SE1 7PB.

The London Eye is about a five-minute walk from Westminster Bridge, and 10 minutes from the Houses of Parliament.

How to Get to the London Eye?

The London Eye is very centrally located and is easy to get to from most locations in London.

If you are already in central London, then it might be easiest to walk to the London Eye. From Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament it’s around a 10-minute walk. It’s 20 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden and 35 minutes from London Bridge.

The London Eye is also easy to reach by public transport. The nearest tube and train station is Waterloo which is served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines, as well as by various overland train services.

From Waterloo train station it’s around a 5-minute walk to the London Eye.

The London Eye is also a popular stop for most Hop on Hop off buses in London , with buses stopping about a couple minutes’ walk from the London Eye.

If you are traveling by river, the London Eye is right next to a stop, the London Eye Waterloo Pier. This is served by both commuter and hop on hop off sightseeing cruises .

You can also reach the London Eye by bicycle. There is free cycle parking right next to the base of the London Eye here .

We would recommend against driving to the London Eye due to traffic and the congestion charge. However, if you do drive, the nearest car parks are at the Q-Park in Westminster and at the Southbank Centre.

Sometimes the London Eye offers parking discounts at nearby car parks, check their website here for more information.

When is the London Eye Open?

Opening times for the London Eye vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.

Normal opening times are as follows, however please check on the official website for opening times prior to visiting as things can change:

• On weekends and holidays such as school half term it is normally open from 10am – 8.30pm.
• During the week and outside of holidays opening times are usually from 11am to 6pm.
• From June through to the end of August, opening times are 10.30am through to 8.30pm

It is open every day except major holidays, including Christmas Day (25th December), New Years Eve (31st December) and New Years Day (1st January).

You can check the exact opening times for the date you plan to visit on the official website , where times are shown for every day of the year.

How Long is the London Eye Ride?

Officially, the London Eye ride lasts for 30 minutes. However, your ride might be slightly longer or slightly shorter than this. This is because sometimes the ride pauses, especially when helping those with accessibility needs on and off the capsules.

On a recent visit to the London Eye we timed our ride from the moment we stepped onto the capsule to the moment we stepped off, and it was exactly 25 minutes. So we feel that an average ride time of 30 minutes is probably accurate.

What Can you See from the London Eye?

When you ride the London Eye you will reach a maximum height of around 135 metres (443ft). This height makes the London Eye one of the tallest structures in the surrounding area, and means you will get an incredible view of the majority of London.

How far you will be able to see will of course depend on the weather conditions and air clarity, but on a clear day you can see up to 25 miles (40km) from the top.

Obviously, that means you can see a lot, however, the main highlights that you will see will include:

• The Houses of Parliament / Palace of Westminster
• Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The River Thames
• Canary Wharf
• Charing Cross train station
• Crystal Palace transmitting station

Of course, you can see a lot more as all of central London will be at your feet, but the above are some of London’s more recognizable landmarks that you’ll be able to see.

A couple of notable London landmarks that you won’t be able to easily see are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, which are partly obscured by other buildings.

If you want a guide to help explain what you are seeing, we recommend picking up the 360-degree viewing guide which is available for a small fee (2 or 3 pounds when we visited) in the gift shop before your ride. It was included as part of the VIP Champagne experience ride when we did that.

There is nothing inside the capsule in terms of signs or audio to outline the view. In previous years there was an app but this is no longer available.

Do you Need a Ticket for the London Eye?

Yes, all visitors to the London Eye require a ticket. You book a ticket for a specific 15-minute window, which is the time you are allowed to join the queue, not the time your ride will start.

Even with the timed entry system, you will still join a line for security and boarding.

Children under 3 get free rides on the London Eye, but they still need a valid ticket to ride.

Where to Buy London Eye Tickets

The easiest way to buy London Eye tickets is online on the official website here . This website has the best choice of tickets, and you can also save by booking online in advance.

When booking a ticket online, you can choose to print your ticket at home, collect it in person from the self-service kiosks, or save your ticket to your mobile device for display.

You can also buy same day tickets on-site for the London Eye at the ticket office. There are self-service kiosks as well as a manned ticket counter.

However, London Eye staff have informed me that you can only purchase full price same day tickets on-site. So if you want to save by booking in advance, or want to book in advance in general, you will need to book online .

You can also buy London Eye tickets via third party sites such as GetYourGuide here . These are normally just the standard and fast-track tickets and there isn’t the full range of experiences. They do sometimes have the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.

Note that when buying a ticket via a third-party site, you don’t get an actual ticket you can ride with, instead you get a booking number. This needs to be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on site, either at the ticket desk or at the self-service kiosk. Be sure to give yourself some extra time to collect your ticket if you choose this option.

How Much Does the London Eye Cost?

Ticket prices for the London Eye vary. Normally, same day tickets, and tickets for popular days (such as weekends and holidays) are more expensive compared to tickets booked in advance and for less popular days such as weekdays.

There are three main ticket options for the general London Eye experience. These are the standard ticket, the family ticket and the fast-track ticket.

There are also additional premium experiences you can book for the London Eye, which we cover in a separate section.

As you will see, if you book your ticket online at least a day in advance, you normally save on your ticket prices.

Regardless of whether you are visiting on a peak or off-peak day though, we still recommend booking online in advance here as you will avoid the disappointment of turning up and finding there is no availability.

Price below are correct as of January 2024, but do check the official website for the most up to date pricing information and ticket options.

Standard London Eye Ticket Price

The standard ticket is the basic ticket for the London Eye and grants you one 30-minute ride on the London Eye.

The entry is timed, with the ticket granting you access to the London Eye standard queue at the timeslot you choose.

It is important to remember that your ticket time is not your ride time, but the time you are allowed to join the line/queue .

So when planning your time in London, ensure you consider the queue time as well.

Pricing for the London Eye varies depending on the day you visit, as well as the time of day you visit.

The best prices are normally available if you book online for less busy (off-peak) days at least three days in advance. As a general idea, pricing for standard tickets is as follows:

• £25.50 – £45 for adults (16+)
• £22.50 – £40.5 for children ages 3-15.
• Free for children under 3.

If you are able to book at quieter times, you will be able to take advantage of better pricing. However, more popular times such as rides at the weekend, during school holidays and rides around sunset carry a premium.

Peak days vary, so you will need to check prices on the website to see if your chosen day is a peak day. We’d still recommend booking online to avoid disappointment on the day. 

Fast-Track London Eye Ticket Price

The fast-track ticket offers the same ride experience as the standard ticket, but has the advantage of giving you access to the dedicated fast-track ticket line at the time you choose.

This ticket gives you access to a faster ticket line as normally fewer people book these tickets. The ride experience is the same as standard ticket holders, and you share the same capsules. The only difference is you will probably stand in line for less time.

As with the standard ticket, the time you book is the time you can join the line, not the time of your actual ride, which will vary depending on the length of the line.

Fast-track prices also vary depending on the day you visit and when you book.

Generally, fast-track pricing is as follows:

• £40.5-£60 for adults (16+).
• £37.5 – £55 for children ages 3-15.

The London Eye also offers what is known as a flexi fast-track ticket. This allows you to turn up at any time on your chosen day, giving you more flexibility over when you ride.

These tickets between £45 and £65 for adults, £40.5 and £58.5 for children aged 3-15 and are free for children under 3. These tickets can only be booked online.

VIP London Eye Experiences

As well as the general tickets, there are normally a number of premium experiences that you can book at the London Eye.

These are the Champagne Experience , the Private Pod, and the Cupid Pod .

We’ll go through each of these and cover what they cost and what they include.

It’s also worth noting that from time to time there are additional experiences and pods available. For example, there has been a pub themed pod and a tennis themed pod. So do check the official website to see the latest experiences on offer.

Champagne Experience

The Champagne Experience is a hosted experience and it includes:

• VIP check-in and time to relax in the London Eye lounge before boarding
• a host who will lead you through security and to your pod
• a glass of Champagne for each adult (soft drinks also available, and served to those under 18).
• fast track boarding through the fast-track lane
• a 360 degree viewing guide

The Champagne Experience is shared with other people who have booked it, but it is limited to a maximum of 15 people per pod.

Note that the pod is not shared with general ticket holders, so if booking as a group make sure you all get the same ticket types in order to ride together. A person with a standard or fast track ticket cannot share a pod with a Champagne Experience ticket holder.

The Champagne Experience costs between £43.50 and £67  for ages 3+, and is free for those under 3. Just be sure to book them a free ticket when you book your champagne experience.

We really enjoyed the champagne experience when we did it, and it was by far our favourite London Eye experience.

We also think it offers good value especially compared to the fast-track ticket option as it includes fast-track and a hosted experience as well as a glass of Champagne.

Private Pod

You can hire an entire private pod for between 2 and 25 people. This would make for a fun group celebration option, and for larger groups especially it is quite a cost-effective option. A private pod includes:

• exclusive access to a pod for 2 – 25 people
• fast-track boarding
• the option to order food and drink (additional fee applies)

You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol onto the pod. A private pod on the London Eye costs from £675 for a group. Groups must have a minimum of two guests over 18, but can otherwise consist of adults and children.

If there are only two of you, a more fun and cost-effective option though would be the Cupid Pod.

If you are looking for the ultimate romantic London Eye experience for two, consider booking the Cupid’s Pod package . This is a couple’s experience, and includes:

• a private pod for two guests (must be 18 or older)
• A bottle of champagne
• A box of luxury chocolate
• A personal host for your rotation
• Priority boarding

A Cupid Pod package costs £550, which we think makes it a good value option compared to the private pod option if there are only two of you. This would definitely be a good choice for a special occasion.

Can you Cancel or Reschedule a London Eye Ticket?

Tickets for the London Eye sold via the official website are non-refundable.

If you would prefer to purchase a refundable ticket, these are normally available on GetYourGuide here , although do check the conditions before purchasing to be sure.

Note that when buying a ticket via a third party these need to be exchanged for an official London Eye ticket on site, either at the ticket desk or at the self-service kiosk, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time if you choose this option.

If you purchase a standard, fast track or family ticket through the official website, you can change the time online after booking, up to 24 hours before your ride.

If you book a premium experience such as a Private Pod or Champagne Experience, these cannot be managed online. If you need to change these bookings, you will need to contact customer service.

Can you Upgrade a London Eye Ticket?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade some London Eye tickets.

When you are onsite you can upgrade from a standard ticket to a fast-track ticket. When we checked in 2024, the price of this upgrade was £10. To do this, you will need to visit the ticket office.

This upgrade actually works out slightly cheaper than just booking a fast-track ticket online, however there is a risk of there not being availability, so we would not recommend relying on this.

You can also do a refund and rebook of a standard ticket to a fast track ticket, whereby you are refunded the full amount of the standard ticket and you then pay for a fast-track ticket. You can do this in advance of your visit by contacting customer service.

If you want to upgrade to the Champagne Experience from a standard or fast track ticket, this is also possible however it also involves refunding the original ticket and buying a new ticket. This can be done on-site or online with customer service.

All ticket upgrades are subject to availability of course. We would generally recommend just booking the ticket type you are most interested in from the beginning to avoid later disappointment.

This is especially the case for more expensive experiences as these have limited availability.

How Long are the Queues at the London Eye?

Queue times at the London Eye vary depending on the time of year and the time of day. The official website states that queue times for standard entry can be up to 45 minutes, whilst fast track is around 15 minutes.

When we have visited, we have normally not queued for more than 15 to 20 minutes for standard entry, and generally only 5 to 10 minutes for fast track. However we have not visited during the busiest times when the lines can be much longer.

Can You Skip the Line at the London Eye?

If you have not bought a ticket, or have bought a ticket from a third party, then you will first need to join the ticket line inside the ticket office. There are both self-service machines and ticket counters with staff.

In order to skip the ticket line we recommend booking your ticket online in advance from the official site here .

Once you have your actual boarding ticket, you can join the entry line at the time specified by your ticket. There are two entry lines at the London Eye, the standard line and the fast-track ticket line.

You cannot skip the security and entry line; however, the fast-track ticket line is nearly always faster as fewer people have these tickets. Of course, you may be lucky and visit when neither line is busy, in which case both lines will take the same amount of time.

Both lines have a security check as well as a stop for a photo prior to boarding, so it does take a short time to clear these two processes.

London Eye Discount Tickets

You might be wondering if there are discounted tickets available for the London Eye.

First, you can normally save money by booking online in advance on the official website here . Generally, these tickets are the best value option. Families can also save with the family ticket.

Another way you can save is if you are visiting London by train, and you can take advantage of the 2FOR1 offer from National Rail. This will allow you to book two standard adult tickets for a total of £36, or the equivalent of £18 each. Check the website for terms and conditions, as well as exclusions.

If you are a student, you can save up to 35% with the London Eye student discount. Information is available here on how to do that.

Another way you can save on London Eye tickets is to buy a multi-attraction ticket or pass which includes the London Eye. This is only a good idea if you were already planning to visit the other attractions. If so, you can definitely save by buying in a bundle.

For example, you can book:

• A London Eye ride with a London River Cruise
• A London Eye ride with a Hop on Hop off bus tour

We cover the passes that include the London Eye in the next section.

Passes which include the London Eye

If you plan on visiting a number of sights when in London, then you might be able to save money with a multi-attraction pass. These normally include a number of attractions, and the price of the pass is usually less than buying individual entry.

Of course, these passes will only save you money if you visit the included attractions. It’s also important to check exactly what they include, how to use the passes and if there are any exclusions prior to purchase.

The main passes we are aware of which include the London Eye are the following:

• The London Pass , which is one of our favourite passes for London, includes the London Pass as of April 2024. This pass also includes the majority of the other main sights in the city, such as the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, Westminster Abbey, Hop on Hop off bus and more. If you are visiting multiple sights in London, this pass can save you a lot of money. See our full London Pass review for more information.
• Big City Saver Pass . This pass is available in a number of versions, covering up to 5 premium attractions in London. These attractions include Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure, and of course the London Eye.
• London City Pass . This pass includes the Tower of London, London Eye, 24 hour hop on hop off river cruise, and a London walking tour audioguide.
• Merlin Annual Pass – If you plan on visiting a number of attractions across the UK, then the Merlin Annual Pass might be a good option. This includes nearly 30 attractions, including the London Eye, Alton Towers, Legoland, London Dungeon, and Warwick Castle. This is probably best suited for those who live in the UK.

Note that, does not currently include the London Eye.

Is the London Eye Worth It?

The London Eye is certainly a premium attraction in London, so you might ask if it is worth it. We feel that the experience is definitely worth it.

The views are very good, especially on a clear and sunny day, and there really isn’t another experience like it in London.

Is the Fast Track London Eye Option Worth It?

You might be wondering if it is worth buying the fast track London Eye ticket . The answer to this comes down to personal choice and how much you value your time.

If you are visiting the London Eye at a busy time, such as during the summer season, school holidays. public holidays or weekends, then you will most likely save quite a bit of time with a fast track pass, probably at least half an hour if not more.

However, if you are visiting at a quieter time of year, then the difference in queue time is probably not worth it in our opinion.

One thing to mention is that if you are already considering the fast track option, then you might instead consider the Champagne Experience. This is not a lot more expensive, but comes with a number of additional benefits that we think makes it worth considering.

Is the London Eye Champagne Experience Worth It?

We have ridden the London Eye a number of times, and our favourite ride to date was definitely the Champagne Experience .

Whilst this is more expensive than the standard and fast-track options, it definitely felt more special.

One of the main reasons for this was that it was a hosted experience. Our host met us in the London Eye lounge, escorted us through the fast-track area, and rode with us on the ride.

As well as the benefits of fast-track entry, we also got to enjoy a glass of champagne, and our host was able to tell us things about the London Eye and what we were seeing. He was also very happy to take photos of us.

Overall, we highly recommend considering the Champagne Experience if your budget stretches to it, especially if you were already considering the fast-track experience.

Facilities at the London Eye

The London Eye has the following facilities available on-site:

• Baby changing facilities
• Toilets (including accessible toilets)
• Ticket office & self-service ticket kiosks

Security and Restrictions at the London Eye

The London Eye, like most attractions, has security in place prior to boarding, as well as some rules on what you cannot bring on board.

The security line is part of the ticket line, and is normally separated between fast track and standard ticket holders.

When we have visited, they normally check inside bags and use a security wand to scan your body. However, security practices can change over time so this may vary.

They are generally looking for sharp objects like knives which are obviously not permitted on board. The full list of prohibited items can be found here , and includes:

• large bags and luggage
• any item deemed to be a weapon
• glass bottles
• sharp objects including knives and scissors
• skateboards, scooters, rollerblades
• animals (except service animals)

These are fairly common sense restrictions we feel, but it is worth being aware of what is and isn’t allowed to be sure you don’t get caught out.

We recommend not bringing a lot of stuff with you if you can help it to ensure that security goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Pushchairs and strollers that can be completed folded down are allowed inside the pods. But they need to be folded up before joining the line and should not be used again until you exit the pods.

Accessibility at the London Eye

The London Eye is fully accessible, and there is a lot of detailed information about accessibility which you can access on their website here .

There is step-free access to the London Eye, and ramps are provided for boarding and disembarking the pods. The London Eye completely stops for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to board and disembark.

It should be noted that only two wheelchair users are allowed per pod, and wheelchair users need to book a specific wheelchair slot in addition to booking their standard ticket.

Booking the wheelchair slot is free and can be done here . This allows the London Eye to ensure no-one is disappointed on the day due to the limitation on the number of wheelchairs per pod. Wheelchair users can also book a free carer ticket here .

All users have to queue to board the London Eye. However if you have limited mobility or difficulty standing you can request assisted boarding with the onsite team when you arrive.

There are also fully accessible toilets inside the main building where the ticket office is located. There are no toilets on board any of the London Eye pods.

Luggage Storage at the London Eye

There is no official luggage storage at the London Eye, and large bags, suitcases, and other oversized items are not permitted on board.

There are a number of nearby luggage storage facilities in the vicinity, including at Waterloo and Charing Cross train stations.

Ideally though, we’d recommend not bringing your luggage to the London Eye, and leaving it with your hotel in their secure luggage area if possible.

What Time of Day is Best for Visiting the London Eye?

The best time to visit the London Eye will depend on what your aims are.

From a queuing perspective, when we have visited we have noticed that the London Eye is busier in the mornings and less busy in the afternoons.

However, this will vary depending on the day and time of year, so we would not recommend basing your visit time entirely on these observations!

What we feel is more important to consider is when to visit based on the best conditions for getting the best views and photos.

Obviously, you do need to consider the weather conditions, as the views are best when it is sunny. So if the forecast is for rain in the morning and sun in the afternoon, then you might want to book for the afternoon.

Of course, weather forecasts are not always accurate, and when you book in advance you might not know what the weather is going to be like.

Our overall recommendation is that the morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit the London Eye. The best time will depend on the time of year, and also the opening hours.

If you visit in the morning, then the sun will be to the east of the London Eye. This means you will get better light on the river Thames and Houses of Parliament, and won’t be shooting into the sun.

If you visit in the afternoon, then you have a chance to experience the sunset from the London Eye. The sun sets in the west, which means it will set across the Thames in the direction of Westminster. A sunset from the London Eye is a really beautiful experience if you are lucky to get a good one.

Of course, sunset times in the UK vary, from around 9.30pm in summer to just before 4pm in winter. So depending on the opening times of the London Eye and the time of year you visit, viewing the sunset from the London Eye might not be possible. In this case, we’d recommend a morning visit for the best light.

You can check sunset times in London for different months here .

Is the London Eye Air Conditioned?

Yes, all the London Eye capsules are climate controlled and sealed from the elements, so they are warm in winter and cool in summer.

However, the line for the London Eye is not enclosed, and only a small part of it is covered. So you will want to dress appropriately for the weather as you may need to stand outdoors for a period of time whilst in line.

Can I take Food and Drink on the London Eye?

Food and drink is not permitted on the London Eye, with the exception of bottled water. Eating or drinking on the pods is not permitted.

If you book the Champagne Experience, this will include Champagne or a soft drink, as does the Cupid’s Pod experience.

If you book a private pod experience, you can pay extra for food and drink as well. Details of the options will be sent to you after booking.

Is Photography Allowed on the London Eye?

Yes, photography is allowed on the London Eye for personal use. Cameras and smartphones are permitted, but tripods and professional video cameras are not.

If you wish to do promotional filming, permission must be sought in advance.

Note that two photos are taken during your experience (once in line and once in the pods themselves) and these are available for purchase after you exit the pods.

Attractions Near the London Eye

The London Eye is obviously a popular attraction, but there is lots more to do in London.

In fact, there are a number of other popular attractions which are easily accessible from the London Eye, which can make for a full day in London .

The closest attractions to the London Eye are as follows:

• London Eye River Cruise . This sightseeing cruise departs from directly under the London Eye. You can save by buying a combination ticket that includes the London Eye, or you can book it separately.
• The London Dungeon . An entertaining and slightly scary attraction which is right next to the London Eye. We’ve visited other Dungeon attractions and always had fun. Tickets can be bought individually or you can save with a multi-attraction Big City Saver Pass which can include the London Eye.
• Jubilee Park & Garden . This small garden is right next to the London Eye and features some nice green spaces as well as an adventure park for children up to 11 years old. It’s free to visit.
• Shrek’s Adventure London . This popular interactive family attraction is two minutes’ walk from the London Eye. Tickets can be bought individually or you can save with a multi-attraction Big City Saver Pass which can include the London Eye.
• SEA Life Centre London Aquarium . Also just a couple of minutes’ walk from the London Eye, this aquarium offers a range of aquatic exhibits. Tickets can be bought individually or you can save with a multi-attraction Big City Saver Pass which can include the London Eye.
• Hop on Hop off bus . A good way to get around London which comes with an audio tour. Tickets can be bought individually or you can save with a multi-attraction Big City Saver Pass which can include the London Eye.
• Florence Nightingale Museum . Found in St. Thomas’s Hospital, a 7-minute walk from the London Eye, this museum focuses on the life and work of the founder of modern nursing. There’s a small fee to visit.
• National COVID-19 Memorial Wall – just 5 minutes’ walk from the London Eye, on the south bank of the River Thames by Westminster Bridge, is this memorial to all those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK. Free to visit.
• The Graffiti Tunnel – street art lovers will want to visit the Leake Street tunnel, also known as the Graffiti tunnel. Here there is a 300-metre stretch of wall which anyone is legally allowed to paint on. 5 minutes’ walk from the London Eye and free to visit.
• Southbank Centre – Europe’s largest centre for the arts is found just 6 minutes’ north along the river. Here there are performances, shops, and dining options, as well as on of the UK’s most well-known skate parks.
• Palace of Westminster – Also known as the Houses of Parliament, this iconic building can easily be seen from the London Eye. It’s about a 10-minute walk away.
• Westminster Abbey – around 15 minutes’ walk from the London Eye, this ancient cathedral is open for visitors and an entrance fee applies for tourist visits
• Churchill War Rooms – during World War 2, this was the secret underground headquarters from where then Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed the war. About 15 minutes’ walk from the London Eye and there is an entrance fee to visit.

Of course, there are many more attractions within easy reach of the London Eye. For more planning ideas, check out our guides to spending 1 day in London , 2 days in London , 3 days in London and 6 days in London .

Alternatives to the London Eye

You might be wondering if there are any alternatives to the London Eye. In all honesty, there is no good direct replacement for the London Eye. Certainly there is no other huge observation wheel experience, which offers you views from the bottom to the top of your journey.

There’s also nothing equivalent in the nearby area that would give you such sweeping views up and down the River Thames and of the Houses of Parliament.

However, if you wanted some alternative views of London, then consider the following:

• The Shard . The tallest building in the UK, with an observation deck spanning the 69th and 72nd floors. The Shard just over a mile east of the London Eye, so naturally you don’t get the same views. Instead, you get good views of the Tower of London and City of London. We have visited and can definitely recommend for the nice city views. You need a ticket to visit.
• Sky Garden . Almost directly opposite the Shard on the north side of the river Thames, the Sky Garden is a good free viewing platform on the 43rd floor (booking required). It offers excellent sunset views in particular. However, it is very popular and the free tickets go very fast
• Tate Modern . This free modern art gallery is found in a former power station, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral on the south bank of the River Thames. It has a viewing platform on the 5th floor which offers good views of the Millenium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral Dome . This iconic dome is a highlight of the London skyline, and it is open for visitors. At the Golden Gallery level, 85 metres (278ft) above the ground, you get lovely views of the city of London and along the river. An entrance fee applies.

As you can see, there are quite a few locations for getting a view, but in our opinion, the London Eye is well worth the visit!

Where to Stay Near the London Eye

The London Eye is very central, and there are many hotels within easy walking distance of it. We would recommend reading our complete guide to where to stay in London for some tips. However, some nearby hotels we recommend are the following.

These are all within a 10-15 minute walk of the London Eye, and are ordered approximately by budget from low to high.

• Walrus Bar and Hostel – just 8 minutes’ walk from the London Eye, this hostel offers both shared and private accommodation. There’s also a shared kitchen, bar, and free WiFi.
• Point A Hotel London – This budget hotel is a 10-minute walk from the London Eye. We’ve stayed here; the rooms are tiny but clean and it’s a great budget option, with air-conditioned rooms, black out curtains, and free WiFi.
• Park Plaza County Hall – this is a well-priced hotel just 6 minutes’ walk from the London Eye. We’ve stayed here recently and found the rooms comfortable and the staff efficient and friendly. Some of the rooms offer spectacular views of the London Eye, especially at sunset.
• Sea Containers London – found right on the south bank of the River Thames, this 5-star hotel is a 13-minute walk to the London Eye. En-suite air-conditioned rooms are of a good size and some offer river views. There’s also a rooftop bar, on-site restaurant, and spa.
• The Clermont Charing Cross – right next to Charing Cross train station, this well-reviewed 4* hotel is 12 minutes’ walk from the London Eye. En-suite rooms feature free WiFi and air-conditioning as well as Nespresso coffee makers. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar.
• London Marriott Hotel County Hall – it would be hard to find a hotel closer to the London Eye than this Marriott – some of the pods pass within metres of the rooms here (so be sure to draw curtains when you want privacy)! As well as amazing proximity to the London Eye, many rooms allow for lovely views of the Houses of Parliament and a luxurious 5* experience
• The Savoy – this world famous 5* hotel offers true luxury, and it’s just 13 minutes’ walk from the London Eye. En-suite rooms feature marble bathrooms, air conditioning and tea/coffee making facilities. There are also top-rated restaurants on site.

As you can see there are plenty of options! You can check out even more hotels near the London Eye on booking.com here .

London Eye Photography Tips

As a professional photographer I wanted to share some tips for taking photos, both at and of the London Eye. Hopefully these help you get some lovely photos to remember your visit.

Photography from the London Eye

The London Eye offers wonderful photography opportunities across most of central London.

The main challenge you will have as a photographer is that the transparent glass walls of the pods can have reflections in them. To solve this, try to hold the camera lens as close to the glass as possible, which will minimise reflections.

If you want a more advanced solution, there are lens hoods available for phones and cameras which go up against the glass and remove the reflections completely.

In some areas, you will notice that the walls are more curved than in other parts. The curved glass can cause distortions in your images, so ideally try to shoot through the flatter parts of the glass. This may require you to kneel down to the lower parts of the capsules.

In terms of photography opportunities, the Houses of Parliament are quite an iconic sight and are one of the closest landmarks. These can be photographed throughout the rotation, but towards the end of the ride you will be closer to them. If you are looking for a nice selfie or photo of those you are riding with, I’d suggest the Houses of Parliament make a good backdrop.

Normally when taking photos of yourself I’d recommend using a tripod, but these aren’t allowed on the London Eye. So I’d suggest asking someone else on board to take your photo if possible.

If you happen to ride the London Eye when it is getting dark or already dark, then make sure to disable your camera flash if shooting subjects outside the capsule. It will just reflect back from the capsule glass and ruin the photo, and it is not going to have sufficient power to illuminate the world outside anyway!

Where to Photograph the London Eye From

As well as making for a great location to take photographs from, the London Eye itself makes for a photogenic photography subject.

There are a few locations where I would recommend taking photos of the London Eye from.

First, on the bank of the River Thames directly opposite the London Eye, you can get a lovely straight-on image. This is a good location at both sunset and sunrise, as well as at night when the eye is illuminated.

This can work well with long exposure photography as the movement of the Eye can make some nice light trails.

If you want more up close photos of the London Eye, then the best place is likely right next to it. Images of the support structure are also quite interesting, with the leading lines taking your eye naturally along the support cables to the main body of the wheel.

Another good location for photography of the London Eye is Westminster Bridge. This offers a side on view of the Eye, and you can move forwards and backwards across the bridge depending on how much of an angle you want. This can also be a good opportunity to frame the London Eye with a red bus for example, another iconic London sight.

If you plan on taking a River Thames cruise , these all pass by the London Eye and offer great views.

Finally, if you happen to book a nearby hotel to the London Eye, this might also work as a good option for views. Good examples include the rooftop suites of the nearby Park Plaza County Hall and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge . Just be aware that their rooms with London Eye views are priced higher than their other rooms.

Our Experience Visiting the London Eye

Now that you should know everything you need to know to plan your visit to the London Eye, I’m going to briefly share our experiences visiting the London Eye.

We have actually visited the London Eye on a number of occasions, doing both the standard entry and the champagne experience. I will cover both, starting with our most recent standard entry.

Standard Entry Experience

We’ve done the standard entry at the London Eye three times. All these experiences were pretty similar. We’ll share a recent experience in 2022.

We booked online for an 11:15am timeslot on a weekday. We booked on the official site and printed out our tickets at home before our visit to London. It was not very busy and we were allowed to join the line around 11:08am.

When we arrived, there was a fairly short queue, it took us 12 minutes to get to the security point and then five more minutes to go through the photo booth. We boarded at 11:26am.

Our pod had 13 people on board. We also counted the pod after ours, and that had 18 people on board. So the number definitely varies depending on how the queues are moving as the pods don’t stop moving.

The pods themselves, as you can see from the pictures, are very spacious. You never feel crowded and there is plenty of room to move around and for everyone to get a great view. There is also seating in the centre of the pod area.

The Eye rotates counter-clockwise (as you look at it when boarding), so we started rising away from the Houses of Parliament, with good views down the River Thames of landmarks including Charing Cross train station. It’s also fun at this point to look up and see the other pods ascending above you.

Our pod paused a couple of times as we rotated, this normally happens when people with accessibility needs are boarding or disembarking. The pods move very slowly, and the stops are very smooth, so you never feel the need to grasp a handrail or anything!

Our favourite views are as the pod nears the top and starts to descend, as this gives lovely views of the Houses of Parliament, as well as upriver to locations such as the MI6 headquarters, home of James Bond!

We had reasonable weather, although it was fairly overcast. Still, we could easily make out all the nearby landmarks, as well as the Crystal Palace transmitting station (around 6 miles / 10km away).

We took lots of photos as you would imagine, and before you knew it our ride was coming to the end. Near the end of the ride your photo is taken by an automated camera setup.

This is announced clearly prior to it happening, and there are locations marked in the pod for where to stand if you want to be featured in the photo.

Finally, we disembarked from the pod at exactly 11:51am, so our ride was 25 minutes long from boarding to getting off.

We also booked our Champagne Experience online , and printed out our tickets. For the Champagne Experience we booked our timeslot for 4:30pm.

We were a bit worried about being late as we were coming into London by train, but actually arrived quite early, at 4:00pm.

The process for the champagne experience is a little different, as you have to check-in at the special VIP experiences desk. We did this, our names were checked against a list, and we were given the opportunity to go upstairs to wait in the London Eye lounge.

We were also given a 360-degree viewing guide, which came in very handy on the London Eye ride to help us know what we were seeing, and was a nice touch. These are also available for sale in the gift shop.

The London Eye lounge is a first-floor lounge offering nice views of the London Eye as well as drinks menu consisting of soft drinks and alcoholic drinks that you can purchase while you are waiting.

In the lounge we met our host Arnie and we chatted a bit with him. We asked a few questions about the experience, and learnt that it is limited to 18 people per pod although in his experience, on average, there are normally 12 – 15 people. He also shared that he’s ridden the wheel over 1,000 times so we figured he knew what he was doing!

Once the rest of our group arrived, a total of 15 people, Arnie collected his two hampers and led us across from the ticket office area to the fast-track boarding area. The London Eye was not particularly busy on the afternoon we visited, so there were not many people in front of us and we did not have to wait long.

We went through security and the photo booth, then we all boarded. The Champagne Experience is an exclusive event, so you only share the pod with people who have booked the same experience.

Arnie said that occasionally people did turn up with a mix of tickets, and the result was disappointment that they weren’t able to ride together. So when booking tickets, we definitely recommend everyone books the same type of ticket.

Once on board the pod, Arnie welcomed us all on board. He was super friendly and quite funny to boot, and really helped to create a fun and relaxed environment on board. He also got to work pouring Champagne into glasses. He also offered everyone the option to have juice or soda instead if they preferred.

As the London Eye started to rise and folks started to take lots of photos, Arnie also pointed out what we were seeing, and handed out Champagne. He also offered to take photos of everyone, and really went above and beyond to ensure everyone got a great photo.

The weather was wonderful for our ride, with sunshine and beautiful blue skies. We were pleasantly surprised as it had been gray and overcast when we had arrived earlier.

The ride itself lasted just under 30 minutes, but it felt so much shorter. The weather was quite warm when we visited, but thankfully the pods climate control meant it was very comfortable.

At the end of the ride we thanked Arnie for his excellent hosting, and disembarked.

Overall we really enjoyed the Champagne Experience. We hadn’t quite known what to expect, and the combination of the excellent host, relatively small group, and personal attention made it feel really special. The glass of Champagne certainly helped too!

London Eye Tips for Visiting

We have noted a number of tips and pieces of advice throughout the article. I just wanted to list here some of the more important tips so that you can make the most of your visit to the London Eye.

• Book in advance directly online here to save money and for the best availability
• Make sure everyone in your group books the same kind of ticket to ensure you will be able to ride together in the same pod
• If traveling with a child age 3 or younger, they can ride for free but you still need to book them a ticket
• If you plan to visit other attractions in London such as the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, or the SEALIFE London Aquarium, you can save money by booking tickets/passes such as the Big City Saver pass
• Remember that the time on your ticket is the time you should be there to join the line. It is NOT your boarding time. So be sure to allow enough time in your itinerary to wait in line and the 30 minutes for the ride itself.
• Be sure to check the security restrictions and to leave your luggage and any restricted items at your hotel to avoid slowdowns and having items confiscated by security.
• There is no commentary or signage on the pods themselves. For those wanting more information about what you are seeing during the ride, you might consider purchasing a viewing wheel from the gift shop before your ride or using a mapping app on your phone
• We recommend booking on a day with a good weather forecast if possible. This will give you the best views and photos from the pods.
• Enjoy yourself and take lots of photos!

Further Reading for Visiting London

That’s it for our complete guide to visiting the London Eye! We hope you found it useful.

We’ve also got a number of other resources to help you plan your trip to London and the UK in general which we think you’ll find useful.

• We have detailed itineraries for  1 day in London ,  2 days in London ,  3 days in London  and  6 days in London
• We have a detailed guide to visiting the Tower of London , another iconic London attraction
• You’ll need somewhere to stay in the city if you’re here for more than a day. See our guide to  where to stay in London  for some suggestions across all budgets.
• If you plan on doing much sightseeing in the city, you will likely save money with a London Pass. See our complete  London Pass review here  to see if this might save you money on sightseeing.
• We have a guide to  getting around London , and a guide to  using the Oyster card in London .
• If you’re flying into one of London’s six airports, see our guide to  getting to London from the airport .
• We have a detailed guide to  what to pack for London , to help you prepare for your trip to London.
• We put together some tips on finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to finding  Harry Potter in London
• 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• If you enjoy military museums, take a look at our guide to  London’s best military museums and memorial . Also see our  Winston Churchill in London guide .
• Tips on  spending Two Weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure
• For budget planning, see our guide to  how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our experience  taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• Thoughts on  visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
• Other good day trips from London include Oxford and Cambridge. See our guide to  Oxford in a day  as well as  things to do in Cambridge  for ideas.
• Heading further north? We have loads of content on  Scotland , including a  2 Day Edinburgh itinerary , guides to the North Coast 500  and a  2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• The  Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! We hope you found our guide to visiting the London Eye helpful, and as always, if you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and we’ll answer them as soon as we can!

So you know: On one of our rides, the company gave us a pair of complimentary standard tickets for the London Eye to experience the standard ride as media. We paid for all of our other London Eye rides, including the Champagne Experience, as well as our transport and accommodation in London.

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Michael Hambly, Canada says

2nd July 2023 at 10:40 pm

What happens if I am late for my allotted time slot? Will they allow me on the next available pod?

Laurence Norah says

3rd July 2023 at 9:34 am

Hi Michael,

If you are a little bit late (15 – 30 minutes) it shouldn’t be a problem. Honestly, unless you are hours late and it’s very busy I’d not forsee any issues, you might have to go to the on-site ticket office to explain but generally they are pretty accommodating in my experience.

Have a great ride and time in London!

Charlotte says

1st November 2022 at 4:23 pm

This guide to the London Eye is very useful. I just have a quick question about sitting down while in the pod. My mother uses a walker and may need to sit all or most of the time, would this be suitable for her? It looks like from your photo there is a bench and they can stop it for those with reduced mobility to get inside. Could you talk more about that and anything we might need to be aware of? Thanks for your assistance!

1st November 2022 at 4:29 pm

Hi Charlotte,

Glad to hear you found the guide useful! So yes, the central bench is available throughout the ride and it offers good views. The windows in the pods are floor to ceiling so you still get a good view from the benches. Most people stand, but even with quite a few people in the pod your mum will still get great views. They absolutely do stop the London Eye for people with reduced mobility to embark and disembark, and they won’t rush her, she can take her time so she feels comfortable.

There’s is also the option for assisted boarding if your mum isn’t able to stand in the queue for a prolonged period of time (this will depend on how busy it is when you visit of course). If you approach a member of the queuing team when you arrive, they will either help you board more quickly (this is what usually happens), or they will allow your mum to wait in a seating area until you finish queuing (this normally only happens if you’re visiting with a larger group or able guests).

I hope this helps, let me know if I can offer any more input, and have a great ride on the London Eye!

1st November 2022 at 6:05 pm

Thanks for the super quick reply – do I need to book a special ticket or anything in advance if we need it to stop for boarding? Or just tell them once there?

We are thinking about just booking the standard tickets, but may pay a little extra for the Champagne experience for the hosted experience and so it is more comfortable for my mom.

1st November 2022 at 8:25 pm

It’s my pleasure 🙂 So you don’t need to book a special ticket for them to stop the wheel for boarding, you can just let them know when you arrive.

That said, if your mum is eligible for a disabled ticket (you can see the criteria here ), then you would be eligible for the free carer ticket. You can see instructions and how to book that here .

Also worth noting that if you do go down the carer route, the hosted champagne experience isn’t something you can do as the carer only gets the standard ticket, if that makes sense. I personally think the hosted experience is really worth it, however if you are eligible for the carer ticket obviously that would be quite a saving.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I am more than happy to help!

Evelyn says

21st September 2022 at 6:35 pm

Awesome. I’m getting ready for my next trip, so I’m looking forward to more posts about London. 😀 Beautiful photos.

22nd September 2022 at 9:30 am

Thanks very much Evelyn!

Ashley Clark says

12th September 2022 at 1:04 am

Hello Laurence,

Great descriptions and tips here. Do you know if/when the London Eye will be closed or hours changed this week or next for the Queen’s funeral and period of mourning?

Thank you! Ashley

12th September 2022 at 9:18 am

Thanks! So currently it looks like the London Eye (along with all the other major London attractions) will be closed on the day of the funeral itself. They have just posted an announcement here . I believe the evening illuminations are also not running. I did reach out to the London Eye, and it should be open all the other days at the normal times.

Have a good time in London. Just be aware if visiting during the funeral that it is likely to be very busy, especially around the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), and public transport will also be very busy too.

M Houston says

11th September 2022 at 3:52 pm

Really enjoy your content. But there are SO many ads on your site, it is really distracting and difficult to read.

11th September 2022 at 4:01 pm

Thanks for your feedback! I hear you on the ads, they are unfortunately one of the few options we have found that allows us to keep sharing content for free. I hear your feedback though and I have adjusted the frequency down a notch 🙂

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Is the London Eye Getting Dismantled and Moved to Scotland?

The eye, built in 1999, was originally intended to be a temporary attraction to celebrate the turn of the millennium., taija perrycook, published march 12, 2024.

About this rating

On March 10, 2024, Facebook group @Travel Scotland Goals Group posted a viral claim  [ archived here ] saying that the London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel (the U.K.'s most popular paid tourist attraction), was getting dismantled and moved to Loch Lomond in Scotland.

According to the post, the attraction was originally made for the northern loch, and had only been leased to the City of London for the past 25 years. The full caption of the Facebook post was as follows:

Footage from London today as the former "London Eye" is dismantled, ready for the long journey to the banks of Loch Lomond. Originally planned as a tourist attraction for Loch Lomond, it was leased to the City of London for 25 years, now expiring. EDIT - just had a travel update in. The Loch Lomond Aye as it will be known will be moved through Scotland over the Easter weekend. The 2 mile long convoy of sections will be moving at 10mph. Police have advised to expect some delays.

Three photos accompanied the post and implied to depict the dismantling of the London Eye in preparation for the journey to Scotland.

These photos, however, can be traced back to the Eye's construction in 1999. The top photo, available from different angles, can be seen on the Stock photo website Alamy . The lower left photo can be traced to a BBC story from July 1999 . The lower right photo was also sourced from a BBC story .

Other angles of the construction can be viewed in the following video:

Travel Scotland Goals Group , the Facebook group to which the original post was published, has posted hundreds of similarly misleading posts. Their bio contains the following disclaimer: "Some places may not be 100% accurate."

It is not true that the attraction was originally intended for Scotland and was leased to the City of London for 25 years. When the London Eye began construction in 1998, the intention was to celebrate the turning of the millennium. Like the Eiffel Tower, it was supposed to be temporary; however, it is now a permanent part of the London skyline. In July 2002, the Lambeth Council granted the London Eye a permanent license  that included a condition requiring a reevaluation as to whether the Eye will stay in place beyond 2028. Merlin Entertainments, the owner of the Eye, confirmed in December 2022 that it was "taking steps to secure the landmark's permanent future."

BBC - H2g2 The Story of the London Eye . https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbarchers/html/A944318. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

BBC News | UK | Millennium Wheel a Hub of Activity . http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/387701.stm. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

Englands Structures: Building the London Eye 1999 .  www.youtube.com , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlrT7v-_K3A. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

Facebook . https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelscotlandgoals/posts/8285770914783342. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

'Prints of THE LONDON EYE MILLENNIUM FERRIS WHEEL October 1999 - 5pm The Giant Ferris'.  Media Storehouse Photo Prints , https://www.mediastorehouse.com/memory-lane-prints/mirror/0000to0099-00008/london-eye-millennium-ferris-wheel-october-1999-21248991.html. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.

'Scots Question Whether London Eye Is Moving to Scotland after Viral Post'.  Yahoo News , 12 Mar. 2024, https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scots-whether-london-eye-set-173129564.html.

Team, S. E. O.  Fun Facts About the London Eye - . 19 Dec. 2022, https://westminstertour.com/fun-facts-about-the-london-eye/.

By Taija PerryCook

Taija PerryCook is a Seattle-based journalist who previously worked for the PNW news site Crosscut and the Jordan Times in Amman.

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London & Cambridge in 4 Days: A Cultured Journey

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day cultural odyssey through the heart of England with our meticulously crafted London and Cambridge itinerary. Begin your journey at the world-renowned British Museum in London, where a full day is barely enough to admire its vast collection of global treasures. Just a short walk away, indulge in the artistic masterpieces of The National Gallery for a couple of hours. Day two is an adventure in itself, starting with breathtaking views from the London Eye, followed by a scenic Thames River Sightseeing boat trip. The historic grandeur of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace will leave you in awe, each with an hour to soak in their majesty. Day three invites you to the spiritual serenity of St. Paul's Cathedral, the modern marvel of The Shard, and the iconic Tower Bridge, with a grand finale at the historic Tower of London, a castle with a rich tapestry of British history. Your final day takes you to the prestigious University of Cambridge, where the day is spent wandering through the hallowed halls and picturesque courtyards. A brief visit to the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge concludes your tour, leaving you with memories of a lifetime from these iconic English destinations.

• Day 1: Diving into History and Art in London

The British Museum

Begin your London adventure with a visit to the iconic British Museum, a treasure trove of world history and culture. Nestled on Great Russell Street, this museum is a must-see for anyone with a thirst for knowledge. Spend your day wandering through the vast collection of artifacts, from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. The British Museum offers a unique journey through time, making it an unforgettable start to your itinerary.

Attraction Info

• Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open from 01/01-12/23,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/23,Fri,10:00am-8:30pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open 10:00am-8:30pm on 12/27,Fri;Open from 12/28-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas Eve,Christmas

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

The National Gallery

After immersing yourself in history, continue your cultural exploration at The National Gallery. Located in the vibrant Trafalgar Square, this art gallery houses a rich collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Allocate around two hours to marvel at the works of masters like Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner. The National Gallery is not just an art repository; it's a gateway to the visual stories of the past.

• Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 01/01-12/31,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/31,Fri,10:00am-9:00pm，Closed 24–26 December and 1 January。

Where to Stay Tonight

Cityspace leicester square, page8, page hotels.

• Day 2: Iconic London - From the Heights to the Historic Heart

Kicking off the second day with a sky-high adventure, the London Eye offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames invites visitors to step into one of its glass capsules for a 30-minute rotation, providing a unique perspective of London's majestic sprawl. It's an ideal starting point to get your bearings and snap some panoramic shots before delving into the city's rich history and culture.

• Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/30,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Open from 01/01-01/07,Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 01/01-01/07,Wed-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/08-02/04;Open from 02/05-02/09,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/24-02/25,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/22,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/24,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/25-03/28,Mon-Thu,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/29-05/26,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/27-09/01,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 10/28-11/03,10:00am-8:45pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-5:30pm on 12/24

Thames River Sightseeing

After descending from the heights of the London Eye, a Thames River Sightseeing cruise awaits to whisk you away on a serene journey along the historic waterway. Glide past London's iconic landmarks while enjoying insightful commentary. The 90-minute boat trip offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling city streets and provides a picturesque vantage point for viewing the capital's riverside attractions.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
• Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

Stepping off the boat, you'll find yourself in the shadow of the iconic Big Ben, the emblematic clock tower that stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Although visits inside are restricted, spending an hour in the vicinity allows you to admire the intricate details of this historic edifice and its surroundings, including the impressive Houses of Parliament.

• London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
• Open on Mon;Open on Tue-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm，Outside viewing is admitted for whole day.

Westminster Abbey

A short stroll from Big Ben, Westminster Abbey beckons with its Gothic spires and storied halls. This church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs. Spend an hour exploring its awe-inspiring interior, rich with centuries of British history, and marvel at the stunning architecture and memorials that tell tales of the nation's past.

• Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 01/01-04/24,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 01/01-04/24,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 01/01-04/24,Sun;Closed all day on 04/25;Open 1:00pm-3:30pm on 05/08;Open 9:30am-12:00pm on 05/15;Open 9:30am-1:00pm on 06/18;Closed from 04/26-05/07,Sun;Open from 04/26-05/07,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 04/26-05/07,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 05/09-05/14,Sun;Open from 05/09-05/14,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/09-05/14,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 05/16-06/17,Sun;Open from 05/16-06/17,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/16-06/17,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 06/19-12/31,Sun;Open from 06/19-12/31,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 06/19-12/31,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm，As Westminster Abbey is a working church, it may sometimes be necessary to close certain areas to the public and reduce opening hours.

Buckingham Palace

The final crown jewel of the day is Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837. An hour's visit allows you to witness the grandeur of the palace's façade and, if timed right, the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. The palace stands as a symbol of the British monarchy, its history, and its continuing connection to the people.

• London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
• Open from 07/11-08/31,9:30am-7:30pm;Open from 09/01-09/29,9:30am-6:30pm;Closed from 09/30-07/10，Opening hours may be subject to change, please refer to the official website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace#book_tickets

Altido Elegant 2-Bed Mews Flat Near Buckingham Palace

The resident victoria.

• Day 3: Historic Heights and Modern Sights in London

St. Paul's Cathedral

Begin your third day with a spiritual uplift at St. Paul's Cathedral, an iconic feature of the London skyline. Spend an hour under the magnificent dome, where whispers echo and history resonates. This architectural masterpiece, sitting proudly on Ludgate Hill, has been a site of significant events and offers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Don't miss the chance to climb up to the Whispering Gallery and test its unique acoustics.

• St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Wed,10:00am-4:30pm;Closed on Sun，Opening and closing times are subject to change, so it is recommended to visit the official website to check the dates you will be attending.

Next, ascend to contemporary heights at The Shard, a crystalline spire that pierces the London sky. Just an hour here provides a stark contrast to the morning's historical visit. The Shard, a marvel of modern architecture, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Its 95 stories of shimmering glass stand as a testament to London's futuristic vision, and a visit to its observation deck is a must for skyline enthusiasts.

• 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
• Open from 01/01-03/28,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open from 01/01-05/25,Fri-Sat,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 12:00pm-8:00pm on 03/31;Open from 04/01-04/15,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 04/16;Open from 04/17-04/23,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open 9:00am-5:00pm on 04/24;Open from 04/25-05/26,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/29,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 1:00pm-9:00pm on 05/30;Open from 05/31-07/10,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 07/11;Open from 07/12-08/31,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 12:00pm-8:00pm on 09/01;Open 9:00am-2:00pm on 09/02;Open from 09/03-09/30,Mon-Thu, Sun,12:00pm-8:00pm;Open from 09/06-12/14,Fri-Sat,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 10/01-11/11,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 11/12;Open from 11/13-12/19,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,11:00am-7:00pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open from 12/27-12/28,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 12/29-12/31,11:00am-7:00pm

Tower Bridge

Continue your journey through London's architectural wonders with a visit to the iconic Tower Bridge. An hour spent here allows you to witness the bridge's grandeur and its advanced engineering. This Victorian masterpiece is not only a functional river crossing but also an emblem of London's enduring charm. Be sure to capture the moment with a photo of the bridge's majestic towers and the River Thames flowing beneath.

• Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
• Open from 9:30am-6:00pm，The scenic area is closed during Christmas from December 24 to 26 each year.

Tower of London

Conclude your day steeped in history at the Tower of London, a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. With three hours to explore, you'll have ample time to uncover the stories of royalty, armor, and even the Crown Jewels. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has served as a royal palace, prison, and fortress, and its tales of intrigue and treachery are bound to captivate any visitor.

• St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
• Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
• Open from 01/06-02/09,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 01/06-02/09,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open 9:00am-5:30pm on 05/06;Open from 05/07-05/24,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/07-05/24,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/25-06/02,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 07/20-09/01,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm

The Tower Hotel

Citizenm tower of london.

• Day 4: Academic Ambiance and Iconic Architecture

University of Cambridge

Begin your final day with a visit to the prestigious University of Cambridge, a historic institution that has shaped the minds of many brilliant scholars. Nestled in the heart of the city, the university offers a day's worth of exploration through its ancient colleges, manicured gardens, and impressive architecture. As you wander through the grounds, take in the atmosphere of academic excellence and historical significance that permeates the air. The University of Cambridge isn't just a place of study; it's a living museum where every corner tells a story.

• The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom

Bridge of Sighs

Just a short stroll from the hallowed halls of academia, find yourself at the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. Named after its Venetian counterpart, this covered bridge is a charming spot for a brief interlude. Spend about 15 minutes admiring the structure that arches gracefully over the River Cam, connecting two parts of St John's College. The Bridge of Sighs is not only a testament to the architectural beauty of Cambridge but also a tranquil place to reflect on the city's serene surroundings and the rich history you've encountered during your visit.

• St John's College, St John's St, Cambridge CB2 1TP, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
• Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

The Varsity Hotel & Spa

West court - cambridge - campus accommodation.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .