London Eye and the slow arc of London’s skyline

On the South Bank of the River Thames in London, a vast observation wheel carries glass capsules through a slow, continuous arc above the water. Known as London Eye and originally launched as the Millennium Wheel in 2000, this cantilevered structure rises to about 135 m (443 ft) and has become a fixed point in the city’s skyline.

A cantilevered wheel over the Thames

London Eye stands beside the former County Hall in the London borough of Lambeth, facing the Palace of Westminster across the Thames and aligning with Westminster Bridge. The wheel forms a prominent circle over Jubilee Gardens, marking the stretch of river between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge.between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge

The structure is a cantilevered observation wheel, supported on one side by an A-frame which anchors it to the riverside. Its overall height of about 135 m (443 ft) and a wheel diameter of around 120 m (394 ft) give it a scale similar to a high-rise tower laid on its side, and its rim reads as a giant outline against the sky.overall height of about 135 mrevolving observation wheel

Capsules, structure and the experience of a rotation

The wheel carries 32 enclosed passenger capsules attached to its outer edge, each one a glass pod mounted so that it remains broadly level as the wheel turns.carries thirty two sealed and air-conditioned passenger capsules Each capsule is large enough for a group, with views through clear panels on all sides and a central bench for those who prefer to sit during the ascent. The capsules are numbered from 1 upwards, but the number 13 is skipped, giving a sequence that runs from 1 to 33.

London Eye turns slowly enough that a full rotation takes about 30 minutes, and boarding usually takes place while the wheel moves at a gentle pace around its axis.takes approximately 30 minutes for a full rotation From the highest point, on a clear day, the view stretches across central London, with landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, and distant districts appearing in sequence as the capsule follows its arc.

From millennium landmark to permanent London fixture

London Eye was conceived in the 1990s by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as a landmark project marking the turn of the millennium.Designed by architects David Marks, Julia Barfield Construction progressed through the late 1990s, and the wheel was first opened to the public in March 2000 after an inauguration at the close of 1999.world’s tallest Ferris wheel from 1999 Its early role as a temporary millennium attraction gradually gave way to a longer future as permissions were extended.

The wheel has carried various sponsor names over the years, but London Eye remains the name most closely associated with it. Rising as the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at the time of its completion, it joined a wider revival of large observation wheels and helped cement the South Bank’s role as a stretch of London where riverside walks, theatres and attractions cluster along a single promenade.largest of its kind in Europe

Visiting London Eye: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• London Eye stands on the South Bank of the River Thames in central London, close to Westminster Bridge and opposite the Palace of Westminster; the nearest Underground stations include Waterloo and Westminster.
• The wheel rises to about 135 m (443 ft), and access from street level involves standard city pavements and indoor floors rather than steep climbs; boarding takes place at a riverside platform.
• The official language is English and the currency is the pound sterling.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

Searching for London Eye on social platforms

These links open searches for London Eye on each platform.

Frequently asked questions about London Eye

Where is London Eye located in London?

London Eye stands on the South Bank of the River Thames in the London borough of Lambeth, beside County Hall and close to Westminster Bridge.

What can visitors expect during a rotation on London Eye?

Visitors step into enclosed glass capsules and travel through a slow half-hour rotation, with changing views over the Thames, Westminster and wider central London.

What makes London Eye distinctive among observation wheels?

London Eye is a cantilevered wheel supported on one side by an A-frame, rising to about 135 m (443 ft) with 32 large capsules and a prominent position by the Thames.