London Attractions - The London Eye
Opened to the public in March 2000, the London Eye is now recognised as possibly the best attraction in the city. It is located on the South Bank, and provides unrivalled views of the capital. It has gone some way to erasing the memory of the dreaded Millennium Dome, introduced at around the same time, the mention of which is enough to bring some Londoners out in a cold sweat.
If you want to see the whole of London in 30 minutes, this is the only way to do it. I would recommend booking beforehand, as it is at the top of most tourists’ lists of things to do while they’re here. Even if you have booked, be prepared to queue however (this is Britain, remember).
The ideal weather in which to experience the Eye, as with most things, is sunny with clear skies. But seeing the city as the sun sets has a lot to be said for it as well, especially if you’re in a romantic mood. Having said that, I went when it was cloudy (this is Britain, remember) and still thoroughly enjoyed it. The sensation of being hundreds of feet in the air is bracing enough in any weather!
The London Eye is now one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in the world, and has made appearances in numerous films and TV shows. It has also become a focal point for London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a spectacular fireworks display entertaining the crowds on the banks of the river.
There were rumours on its opening that, when your capsule reached a certain point on its revolution, you could spy into the Ministry Of Defence building, which lies just across the Thames from the Eye. Perhaps take your binoculars and see if you can read some top secret government documents (but don’t blame me if you find yourself hit with a poison dart).
If you want your “flight” to be a little more romantic than the usual experience (in which you share the capsule with approx 8 – 10 other people), you can book a private capsule – but don’t expect much change from £300! There is the more affordable option of a bottle of champagne in a shared capsule. Details of packages and prices are available on the London Eye website.
One last thing - David Blaine "surfed" the Eye for a complete revolution a few years ago. This was his punishment for letting off wind in one of the capsules. Think about that, and judge your meals accordingly before boarding.
