Going To British Airways London Eye

An amazing feat of engineering, this giant observation wheel is the highest in the world, and offers fascinating views over the whole of London. Towering over the Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament, it was built to celebrate the Millennium year, and has proved enormously popular. Its 32 enclosed capsules each hold 25 people and offer total visibility in all directions. A flight on the London Eye takes 30 minutes and, on a clear day, you can see for up to 25 miles (40 km) across the capital and the south of England.

There are two cafés in County Hall. Tickets are available on the day but advanced booking is advisable, especially at weekends and in the school holidays. Binoculars are rented out in the ticket hall. After-dark flights make the city look romantic. Open Feb–Apr & Oct–Dec: 9:30am–8pm daily; May, Jun & Sep: 9:30am– 9pm daily; Jul–Aug: 9: 30am–10pm daily. Closed 25 Dec & for annual maintenance in January. Prices vary. Reductions for children, the disabled and senior citizens. Timed tickets on the hour and half-hour.

The British Airways London Eye was one of a number of nationwide projects designed for the Millennium. The focus in London was on the enormous Millennium Dome, a spectacular structure built in Greenwich to house a national exhibition. Other projects were Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge, the Waterloo Millennium Pier, the Great Court at the British Museum and the opening up of Somerset House. You can go to the British Airways London Eye when the holiday time.