Located on the South Bank of London’s River Thames, the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that rises to 135 meters in height. It first opened to the public in the year 2000 as the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, although it has since been surpassed by a number of others, including Las Vegas’ High Roller (167.6 me-ters). However, it is still the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and does hold the title of being the 'the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel”, with an A-frame supporting it on one side.
Designed by the husband-and-wife team of Julia Barfield and David Marks of Marks Barfield Architects, the London Eye succeeded London’s Great Wheel, which was built for the Empire of India Exhibition at Earls Court and first opened to the public in 1895. It resembles a large spoked bicycle wheel and was constructed by floating sections up the River Thames on barges.
Each of the London Eye’s 32 ovoidal capsules is designed to represent one of the city’s Boroughs and each can carry up to 25 people. You are free to walk around the inside of the capsule or relax on the seats provided and just soak up the sweeping 360-degree views across London and its iconic sights.
One revolution on the London Eye takes around 30 minutes, with its rotation slow enough that passengers can walk on and off without having to stop the wheel. However, if you’re traveling with disabled or elderly people, you can request the wheel stops for them to embark and disembark safely.