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Why is the London Eye famous?

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The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has become a symbol of the city. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, it stands 135m tall and is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Since its launch in 2000, it has been visited by over three million people each year and won numerous awards for its outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement. It offers visitors stunning views across London from its 32 air-conditioned capsules that can accommodate up to 25 people per capsule. The London Eye truly is an impressive feat of modern engineering and provides an unforgettable experience for those who visit it.

The London Eye beside County Hall on the Thames
The London Eye and Westminster from the Thames. Photo: ionut state / Shutterstock

Facts about the London Eye You Didn’t know

1. It was designed by husband and wife team David Marks and Julia Barfield and was first opened in 2000.

2. Located on London’s South Bank, it has become one of London’s most popular attractions with over 3.75 million visitors per year.

3. It stands 443 feet tall, making it the fourth-largest Ferris wheel in the world.

4. The circumference of the London Eye is 1,392 feet—if it weren’t a wheel, it would be taller than London’s tallest building, the Shard (which is only 1,004 feet high).

5. It was originally known as the Millennium Wheel, and was meant to be a temporary structure that would only stay up for five years. But thanks to its immense popularity, it’s now one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

6. An entire rotation on the Eye takes about 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of London’s skyline. The Eye is currently the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK.

7. Each capsule on it weighs 10 tons, and can hold up to 25 people at a time!

8. In 2007, it was illuminated with blue lights when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton.

Woman by a red phone box looking over the Thames to the London Eye
Looking out over the Thames from the South Bank. Photo: Sven Hansche / Shutterstock

9. It is currently owned by Merlin Entertainments, a British-based company that owns and operates more than 100 attractions across 24 countries in the world.

10. The Eye has been featured in a number of films and TV shows, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, London Has Fallen, The London Eye Mystery and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

The London Eye has become an iconic symbol of London that draws millions of visitors every year. With its impressive size and unique design, It is sure to be a lasting landmark in London for many years to come.

Book your London Eye Tickets

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The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic attractions, and it is not hard to understand why. Situated at an impressive 443 feet (135 meters) tall, it offers spectacular 360-degree views of London’s skyline and some of its most iconic landmarks. From its vantage point overlooking the River Thames, visitors can catch glimpses of Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and more.

The London Eye by the Thames in daytime
The London Eye beside the River Thames. Photo: This And No Internet 25 / Pexels

Save yourself any sightseeing hassle by booking tickets in advance. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed into a large air-conditioned capsule before taking to the sky. Not only will you enjoy the incredible views London has to offer, but your London Eye ticket also includes entry to the companion 4D Cinema Experience. Choose a time slot that works for you and book your London Eye tickets today!

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