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Thames River Cruise

London Eye River Cruise 2024

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About the London Eye River Cruise

The London Eye River Cruise is perfect for seeing the iconic sights of central London, such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and many more! Benefit from a multilingual audio commentary and enjoy a cruise on the River Thames.

You're not sure if you'll be able to make the boat tour because your travel plans have changed? It's not a problem; just let us know 24 hours in advance, and you'll get a full refund! Rescheduling is also possible with a 24-hour notice.

Listen to the fun and informative audio commentary during the London Eye River Cruise! Did you know that the River Thames supplies almost all of London's drinking water? This is made possible by numerous water treatment facilities, which make tap water completely safe to drink!

On this boat tour, you will see many of the famous London sights, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, London City, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, and a number of others.

You'll be able to choose from a wide range of refreshments. We are proud to have a well-stocked bar with all kinds of soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages!

FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!

Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!

Good way to see iconic London sights

I've been to London before but never on a boat tour, so I decided to try it. Cruise on the River Thames is a nice and fast way to see London bridges, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Big Ben and other attractions. There is also a bar on the boat, and they have a good selection of my favorite Finnish vodka brands. It was good and I recommend it!

Five stars for London Eye River Cruise!

Enjoyed much on this London Eye River Cruise with my family. The boat tour sails around the River Thames and you can see all the amazing London landmarks. There is an audio guide in Mandarin Chinese, so we could learn more about the things we saw. The staff are friendly, and they helped my mother to board the ship. Because of this, I give them five stars!

DESCRIPTION

London eye river cruise.

• 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise from the London Eye
• Audio commentary
• French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin

ITINERARY OF THE LONDON EYE RIVER CRUISE

After departing from the London Eye Pier, the boat will be making its way past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster area. Advancing down the River Thames, it will take you all the way to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Once reaching this point, the boat will proceed back to the London Eye Pier. The whole boat tour is about 40 minutes long!

LONDON EYE RIVER CRUISE: PART I

During the London Eye River Cruise, you will see a number of iconic sights. The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben look spectacular when seen from the vantage point of the River Thames. These symbols of London are instantly recognizable all across the globe, so don't forget to snap a few pictures! A little later on, you will pass by the South Bank Centre, the biggest art center in Europe. This palace of culture offers over 2,000 free events each year, so why not check it out later? On the opposite side of the river, you will spot Cleopatra's Needle. It is not a replica but a real 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian obelisk.

LONDON EYE RIVER CRUISE: PART II

As the River Thames curves, the boat will pass under the Waterloo Bridge, and you will see the Somerset House. Right next to it is the prestigious King's College London. About this time, a dome of St. Paul's Cathedral will appear on the horizon. Just before the boat reaches the Millennium Bridge to your right side, you will notice two important cultural establishments, the Shakespeare's Globe Theater and the Tate Modern. A bit further on, on your left side is London City, a separate city with special status. Learn more about its fascinating history using the audio guide.

LONDON EYE RIVER CRUISE: PART III

The last stretch of the London Eye River Cruise will take you to see the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. This imposing fortress was built in the 11th century to serve as a strategic gateway to and from London. It had several roles during the last 1000 years, most notably as a prison. Apart from locking up criminals, it was used to imprison political opponents and enemies of the Crown as well. Among them were two wives of Henry VIII, Anne Boylen and Catherine Howard; both of them were executed. Today it is a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Did you know that the Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed here since 1661? The Tower Bridge is another famous site you will admire from the deck of our boat. This is also the place where the boat will make a turn before returning to the London Eye Pier.

AUDIO COMMENTARY

During this boat tour, you'll be able to listen to the audio commentary available in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin!

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Interesting facts about the London Eye

• The London Eye Ferris wheel never stops! Yes, the capsules travel at a sluggish speed of 26 centimeters per second, or 0.9 kilometers per hour. This means visitors don't have to wait for the wheel to come to a halt; they just jump on and off.
• On a clear day, visitors have an amazing overview of London and its surroundings. You can see all of London's famous attractions with one panoramic sweep. With a view that stretches for a 40-kilometer distance, you can even see Windsor Castle.
• At the time of the completion in 1999, and with a height of 135 m (443 ft), the London Eye was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. Sadly, it has been surpassed by many other wheels, including the famous Ain Dubai 250m (820ft) in Dubai, Star of Nanchang 160m (525ft) in China, the Singapore Flyer 165m (541ft), and the High Roller 168m (550 ft) in Las Vegas.
• With a capacity of 800 visitors per rotation, 3.5 million people go on the London Eye ride annually. It is by far the most visited paid attraction in the UK! As for the most popular free attraction in the country, that would be the British Museum, with more than 6 million.
• There are 32 capsules, one for each of London's boroughs. However, they are numbered from 1 to 33, skipping the unlucky number 13.

Book this London Eye River Cruise and learn many more interesting facts about London!

Good to know before you go

• Show your ticket at the departure from the London Eye Pier.
• Please note that this is a circular tour, and doesn't stop at other piers throughout the duration of your cruise.
• You can cancel the London Eye River Thames Cruise 24 hours before the activity starts.
• Please make sure to be on time.

Meeting Point

After you book the London Eye River Cruise and choose your time slot, meet us at the London Eye Pier! The full address is Outside County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB, London. When you arrive, just show your ticket at the departure from the London Eye Pier. We kindly ask you to show up on time so you don't miss the boat tour!

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FAQ - London Eye River Cruise

Can i buy drinks or beverages during this london boat tour, are there restrooms available during the london eye boat cruise, where do i collect my london eye river cruise tickets from, are there audio guides available on this thames river cruise, can you recommend any other boat tours or cruises on the river thames, don't wait book now.

• Free cancellation
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• Easy booking process
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City Cruises London Eye Pier

London eye pier.

Nearest Tube Station:

Westminster Tube Station – District, Circle, Jubilee

Embankment Tube Station – District, Bakerloo, Northern, Circle

Charing Cross Tube Station – Bakerloo, Northern

Waterloo Tube Station – Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee

Nearest Bus Stops:

148, 168, 453, 76

Jubilee gardens, South Bank

Disabled Access:

London Eye Pier is accessible to wheelchairs, with step free access from the ticket office to the boats.

Ticket Booth Open Times:

Daily 10am to between 8.30pm or 9.30pm (variable)

Things to Do

Closest attractions.

• SEA Life London Aquarium
• Shrek’s Adventure

Other pier locations

How to get to london eye pier.

– Westminster station is close by, you can walk over Westminster Bridge, and you arrive to the Pier or Waterloo station is a 6-minute walk away.

Where is London Eye Pier?

London Eye pier is based in front of the London Eye Ferris Wheel and opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Which tube station is near the London Eye?

Westminster Tube station is a 7-minute walk by crossing over Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Station is a 6-minute walk to the pier.

Can I get a boat from London Eye to Tower of London?

Yes, you can get a direct boat from London Eye Pier and the closest pier for the Tower of London is Tower Pier.

How long is the queue for London Eye pier cruises?

10 minutes prior to boarding.

Is London Eye Pier and Waterloo Pier the same location?

Yes, it is the same pier. The pier originally opened as Waterloo Pier due to its closeness to Waterloo but the pier goes by both names.

How far is Westminster Abbey from London Eye Pier?

Is a 13-minute walking over Westminster Bridge.

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London River Cruises

Top london river cruises deals, thames hop on hop off river cruise, dinner cruise experience on thames river, lunch cruise on the river thames - 2 course meal, river thames evening cruise, london eye river cruise afternoon tea, london river cruises overview.

Making its way through the heart of London, the Thames is one of the most famous rivers in the world- and the London river cruise is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful river. Idling along the length of the Thames, the cruise offers fantastic, unobstructed views of London’s biggest and proudest buildings. Cruising past, one catches a glimpse of the London Eye in its slow rotation, of the Big Ben sounding the hour, of the glass facade of the odd-shaped Gherkin.

Initially having started as a speedboat tour, the river cruise in London has grown over the years to offer more sophisticated services. The cruises take place throughout the day- some in the afternoon, some in the evening, and some at teatime. Special lunch and dinner cruises add the luxury of onboard dining to the sightseeing cruise. The Thames River Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour is another interesting experience, allowing its cruisers to embark and disembark at ports of their choice to sightsee around the attractions.

The original speedboat tour has been retained in its original format as well, and is well suited for those looking for a round of sightseeing as well as adventure. Each river cruise in London is accompanied either by an audio-commentary or a special tour guide who offers a live- and often humorous- commentary on the attraction one passes by.

Top Attractions To Spot While On London River Cruise

The Thames river cruise serves as an excellent sightseeing route; gliding across the Thames, one catches a glimpse of some of the city’s biggest and most iconic attractions. While the Big Ben rings aloud with its hourly gong, the HMS Belfast stands moored as a testament to Britain’s war-ridden past; such are the sights that one comes across on their river cruise.

The Tower of London also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortification of the Tower of London, is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London has served in multiple roles, sometimes a treasury, sometimes a royal mint, sometimes a prison and then the holder of royal jewels. The Tower of London holds a permanent exhibition of these same jewels which are open to the public throughout the year. Tourists also get a chance to meet the resident ravens at the tower, who have been historically designated as the protectors and guardians of the Tower of London.

The Tower Bridge is a defining mark in London, and many regard it as the most popular bridge in the United Kingdom, if not the whole world. The Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge- which means that it draws back from the center to let vessels pass through. Constructed in 1894, the Tower is laden in history, and once acted as an important route for traders who crossed the river with their horses and their carts. Today, visitors are allowed to not just walk across the iconic bridge with its panoramic views of the city, but also visit the engine rooms that help draw back the bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral , London's largest cathedral, is one of the world's most important structures, known for its stunning dome with a lantern on top. The earliest church on the site was a wooden church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, which King Ethelbert of Kent constructed in 604 AD. Since then, the Church has undergone several reconstructions to take the shape that it has today. Visitors at St. Paul’s can take a tour of its many galleries- the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery-, as well as make their way down to the Crypt, which holds the remains of some of London’s biggest personalities.

The Houses of Parliament are more than simply a tourist attraction in London; they serve as the center of British power. The 1000+ chambers of the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Neo-Gothic extravaganza on the Thames's banks, including two of the most significant sites in UK politics — the House of Commons and House of Lords. Every day, MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords discuss problems and proposed legislation, which anyone may see from the public galleries of both houses. In addition, both chambers convene committee sessions to investigate matters in depth on a variety of topics, all of which are available to the public.

Near synonymous to the idea of London, the Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic structures. Sitting on the northern edge of the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the most popular attractions to be viewed and photographed from the London River cruise. Strictly speaking, the name Big Ben refers to the massive Bell within the Tower, but the nickname is often extended to indicate the tower in its totality. Although the inner sanctums of the Big Ben are not open to the public, the Tower’s facade forms one of the most photographable destinations in all of London.

Any debate on London’s history would remain incomplete without a mention of the master himself- William Shakespeare. The modern Globe Theater is where the immortal writings of Shakespeare are put on stage. The Theater as it is today, is a reconstruction of the original Globe where the playwright conducted his plays and which was consecutively destroyed in fire. The modern building remains faithful to its predecessor, full with an open-air environment and the circular seating arrangement. The Globe regularly puts on productions of Shakespeare’s plays, and is open to the public throughout the year.

The Millennium Bridge, also known as the London Millennium Footbridge, is a steel suspension bridge that spans the River Thames in London and is used by pedestrians. Its southern end is near the Globe Theater, Bankside Gallery, and Tate Modern, while its northern end is below St Paul's Cathedral, adjacent to the City of London School. The bridge's design was chosen in a competition organized by Southwark Council and RIBA Competitions in 1996. Arup Group, Foster & Partners, and Sir Anthony Caro collaborated on the winning "blade of light" design. It took four years for the bridge to be fully constructed, and the Millenium Bridge came into being in 2000, earning it its name.

A town-class light cruiser, the HMS Belfast was built for the Royal Navy. The iconic ship is now permanently moored on the docks of the Thames, and functions as a Museum operated by the Imperial War Museum. The ship, which had served the Navy during momentous crises such as the D-Day, the Korean War and the Arctic Convoy, now lives to tell the tale. Tourists at HMS Belfast can tour all nine decks of the war ship. A series of permanent displays and exhibitions showcase weapons, clothing, bunk beds and ship equipment used by the crew on board. Tourists can even enter into the massive gun turrets and learn about how the ship fired during the Normandy wars.

Overlooking the city’s skyline, the Gherkin is one of the most iconic modern buildings of London. Nearly three times the height of the Niagara Falls, the Gherkin stands out in its unique cucumber-shaped design. The Gherkin is an office building, and is home to some of London’s biggest businesses. Although the skyscraper isn’t normally open to the public, the top floors of the building do feature two of London’s most iconic eateries- the Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar- both of which are famed for their fantasstic views of the city’s skyline.

Also Checkout: IFS Cloud Cable Car

Top River Cruises In London

The London river cruise offers an excellent means of sightseeing. Cruising across the River Thames, one catches a glimpse of some of London’s best attractions. Certain tours with London Attraction tickets are of a more traditional bent and offer a mere 30-minute ride, while some also offer meals on-board, along with a number of other entertainment shows.

Usually opted for along with a visit to the London Eye, the London Eye river cruise is one of the most popular options. The thirty minute cruise is circular, with pick up and drop off at the Tower Pier port. Wandering along the Thames, the short cruise offers glorious views of some of the most prominent landmarks in London, including the Big Ben, the Westminster Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The cruise is accompanied by a traditional British afternoon tea; a fresh selection of scones, cakes and freshly brewed hot coffee and tea await all cruisers on board.

The River Thames Evening Cruise is one of the most romantic of river cruises in London. Unlike most daytime tours, the Evening Cruise sets off after sunset, offering one a splendid glimpse of how the London skyline appears when lit up at night. Cruisers will catch sight of London’s best and brightest in all its lit up glory- from the London Eye to the Tower Bridge. The Thames Evening Cruise also includes a dinner, comprising a host of non vegetarian and vegetarian delicacies, along with drinks. Accompanying the meal will be an array of live performances, including cabaret shows and live music.

The Hop on Hop off Cruise is one of the most popular and convenient of London river cruises. Like any other river cruise in London, the Thames Hop on Hop off tour offers unobstructed views of London’s best landmarks. However, it goes a step further and allows one to visit the attractions as well. The Thames river cruise grants each tourist an access pass of 24 hours, and operates across four piers in London- Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier. Cruisers are then allowed to disembark at any of the designated piers, sightsee around the attractions in the vicinity, then embark again from any port of their choice.

The Thames Lunch cruise combines panoramic views of the city’s skyline with a delicious British lunch on board. The lunch cruise sets off in the afternoon; when the day is clear, one can spot landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The cruise is laid out in beautifully decorated wooden tables, with a friendly staff serving up a freshly prepared two-course meal. Guests can choose between a non-vegetarian and a vegetarian meal option, along with deserts and tea and coffee. The cruise also features a bar, although drinks are to be purchased at one’s own expense.

This traditional river cruise in London idles lazily along the Thames between Westminster and Greenwich. Spanning 30 minutes in duration, the London river cruise passes by London’s favorite attractions: The Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Palace and the Shard being just some of many. The cruise features a live audio commentary in English where tourists are introduced to the history of the sights they come across on the way.

The speedboat cruise on the Thames is the very first of all London sightseeing river cruises. The tour is not just an excellent means of sightseeing, but an extremely fun activity in itself as well. Whizzing past at a speed of over 35 mph, one catches a waterfront view of attractions such as the Big Ben, the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and the Westminster Palace. The personal kipper and tour guide on the tour will offer an insightful and entertaining glimpse into the history and culture of London, while also making sure that all tourists have the safest experience possible.

Why To Book London River Cruises?

The London River Cruises offers an excellent means of touring the city of London without having to tackle the city’s notorious traffic. Booking the tickets for the river cruise online allows one to not only skip the queue for the widely popular activity, but also secures one a good discount on the cruise tickets.

• Catch unbound views of London’s skyline, pierced by the towering heads of the Big Ben, the Shard, or the London Eye, as you embark on your Thames river cruise.
• Learn more about the heritage, history and culture of London’s biggest attractions with the aid of your tour guide or live audio commentary.
• Enjoy a fantastic dinner, lunch or traditional British tea on-board while you’re on your cruise.
• Take a spin on the evening river cruise and enjoy a session of live music and dance performances.
• Embark on the hop-on hop-off tour of the Thames to be able to visit as many attraction as you want while on your cruise.
• Add a little bit of adventure to your sightseeing with the speedboat river cruise, the first of all river cruises in London.

Sightseeing :

• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge London
• Canary Wharf
• HMS Belfast
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Lunch (Choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu) for the Lunch Cruise
• Dinner (Choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu) on the Evening Cruise
• British tea on the Afternoon Tea Cruise

Guide :- Tour Guide - Pre-recorded audio commentary

Know Before You Go

• Westminster : Westminster is one of the river cruise's highlights as one of London's most politically significant and scenic neighborhoods. From the River Thames, you can capture amazing shots of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
• Tower Hills : Home to both the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the Tower Hill is one of the most photographable spots on the river cruise in London.
• Southbank : Southbank has historically been a creative hotspot, with cultural titans like Shakespeare performing many of his plays in its riverbank theaters. The Globe Theater, which was the master’s primary space, still stands by the riverfront. Prepare your cameras for the Millennium Footbridge, a contemporary London building that has appeared in the Harry Potter flicks. The London Eye, which offers a 360-degree perspective of the city, is also located on Southbank.
• Docklands : Home to London’s oldest docks, Docklands is one of London’s lesser known sightseeing spots. Crossing the area on a river cruise in London, one comes across the Cutty Sark, a 19th century ship now permanently docked in its shores. Cruising along Dockland also offers one view to the Canary Wharf, where most of London’s skyscrapers convene.

• The London river cruise offers an excellent photography opportunity, so make sure you have a camera ready
• Avoid leaning over the ship railings or standing at the edge of the decks while on Thames river cruise.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the cruise begins to ensure a hassle free boarding process
• Try to avoid the rainier months while planning your trip to London.
• If you just want to witness the attractions from a distance, opt for the Thames hop on hop off sightseeing tour.
• If you’re planning to visit the London Eye, you could go for the London Eye river cruise and combine two activities in one visit.

Explore The London River Cruises

London River Cruise FAQs

How much time does it take to complete the london river cruise.

The duration of a river cruise in London would depend entirely on the type of cruise. A traditional, one way trip would take around 30-40 minutes, while a circular tour would take about an hour to complete. Cruises that include on board lunch and dinner would take around 2 hours to complete.

What will we see on the boat trip?

One would catch glimpses of some of London’s biggest attractions, including the Westminster Bridge, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Millennium Footbridge and the London Eye, among several others.

Do they offer food and drinks onboard?

There are dedicated lunch, dinner and tea cruises operating across the Thames, which offer meal services. These cruises also feature bars on board, although drinks have to be purchased at one’s own expenses.

What facilities are available on the London river cruise?

• Audio commentary
• Meal services

Can I eat my own food or drink on the London river cruise?

Yes, tourists are allowed to bring food aboard the cruises. However, most cruises offer food and drinks of their own.

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London Eye River Cruise

The London Eye River Cruise is a 40-minute circular sightseeing tour on the River Thames with live commentary. It takes in many of London's most famous sights including the Houses of Parliament , St. Paul's Cathedral , HMS Belfast, and the Tower of London .

London Eye River Cruise Review

The London Eye River Cruise is a popular addition for visitors to the London Eye. While on the London Eye you do not have any commentary but can spend time admiring the views. On this cruise you have live commentary to help you discover the historical significance of each landmark as you pass by, including many of the bridges that cross the river. The commentary is both factual and entertaining.

Everyone who takes this river cruise will learn something new about one of the attractions they pass. And, of course, you can ask a real person questions, so don't be shy. (Multi-lingual audio guides are available too.)

Another important point to note is the fact this cruise brings you back to the same location by County Hall so you're still on the South Bank for plenty of evening dining options. Just walk down to the Southbank Centre or Gabriel's Wharf and the OXO Tower for options to suit all budgets.

The London Eye River Cruise allows you to have a riverside view of the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern , Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge , and the Tower of London.

• It takes in many big London sights in a short space of time
• It brings you back to County Hall on the South Bank so you're still in central London
• It runs all year round, whatever the weather
• It's free children under four
• There are multi-lingual audio guides available

Information and Contact Address

The London Eye River Cruise departs from the London Eye Millennium pier, next to the London Eye . You can save 10% on ticket prices by booking online. There are discounts for seniors and children, plus children under four go free. Please allow extra time for boarding as all bags will be security checked.

London Eye Riverside Building County Hall Westminster Bridge Road London  SE1 7PB

The Waterloo Pier is next to the London Eye, on the right.

Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo

Use Journey Planner or the Citymapper app to plan your route by public transport.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Is the London Eye Worth It? A Visitor’s Review and Guide

Want to see london from a different view.

London is a city full of iconic landmarks, and the London Eye is one of its shining stars. But for first-time visitors, the question often lingers—is the London Eye really worth it? In this comprehensive review and guide, we’ll explore all aspects of this giant Ferris wheel, offering practical tips and insights to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your London itinerary.

Top 3 Tours

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ London Eye Fast Track Tickets Skip the Line Priority Boarding Choose a time slot

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ London Eye Standard Tickets Choose a time slot Arrive at that time and get in the regular line Less Expensive

Combination Tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ London Eye River Cruise and Standard Tickets 1 hour-long Thames River Cruise tour Standard London Eye Ticket

The Allure of the London Eye

The London Eye stands out as an iconic part of London’s skyline, drawing millions of visitors every year. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been before, the allure of this giant ferris wheel is hard to resist. Here’s what you can expect from this post—an honest review based on personal experience, practical tips, and a complete guide for first-timers.

What is the London Eye?

The London Eye is a great big Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. It offers fantastic views of City of London and has become one of the city’s most beloved tourist attractions. Check out the  official London Eye Website .

A Brief History

Opened to the public on March 9, 2000, the London Eye was originally intended to be a temporary structure. However, due to its popularity, it has remained a permanent fixture.

• Height : 135 meters (443 feet)
• Opening Date : March 9, 2000
• Structure : Consists of 32 sealed and air-conditioned capsules

An Iconic Skyline Feature

Since its inception, the London Eye has become synonymous with modern London, offering unparalleled views that stretch for miles. Its sleek design and engineering marvel make it a must-see.

My Personal Experience

Visiting the London Eye was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped into the capsule, I was treated to breathtaking views of the city.

The most striking aspect was the view of the River Thames snaking through the city, with London landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and the Shard coming into view. Despite the crowds, the capsule felt spacious and comfortable.

Tips from My Visit

• Queue Times : Arriving early can save you from long waiting times.
• Best Views : Capsules on the south side offer better views of the cityscape.
• Weather : Clear skies provide the best visibility, so check the weather forecast before planning your visit.

Cost and How to Get London Eye Tickets

When it comes to tickets, there are multiple options and ticket prices to choose from.

Different Ticket Options

• Standard Ticket : Perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of a wait in a sometimes long queue.
• Fast-Track Ticket : Skip the lines and get fast access.
• Combination Tours : Include visits to other attractions like Thames River Cruise or SEA LIFE London and Madame Tussauds.

Where to Buy

Tickets can be purchased from the official website or from trusted vendors. Booking ahead online often provides discounts and guarantees your preferred time slot.

• Families : Various family packages are available.
• Students : Student discounts can make the visit more affordable.
• Groups : Group discounts are available for larger parties.

Booking Tips

Booking ahead not only saves money but also ensures you get the time slot you prefer. On-site ticket purchases may have limited availability.

How to Get to the London Eye

Getting to the London Eye is a breeze, thanks to its central location and excellent public transport links, it is an easy walking distance from many stops.

Public Transportation

• Tube Stations : Waterloo and Westminster are the nearest stations.
• Buses : Several bus routes stop nearby. Hop-on hop-off buses have a stop near by.
• Trains : Waterloo Station is just a short walk away.

Accessibility

For tourists exploring London on foot, the London Eye is easily accessible. Cyclists and drivers will find dedicated parking nearby.

Central London Tips

If you’re staying in central London, you can easily walk to the Eye along the scenic Southbank, enjoying other attractions on the way.

Hotels Near the London Eye

Many hotels near the London Eye include the luxurious Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and the London Marriott Hotel County Hall .

Explore other hotels here:

Best Time to Visit the London Eye

Time of year and time of day can make a significant difference in your experience.

Seasonal Advantages

• Spring and Summer : Ideal for clear skies and warm temperatures.
• Autumn and Winter : Fewer crowds and festive views during the holiday season.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Weekdays generally have fewer crowds compared to weekends, making for a more relaxed experience.

Day vs. Night

Both day and night visits offer unique perspectives. Daytime provides clear, wide-ranging views, while nighttime showcases London’s dazzling lights.

What to Expect on the Ride

A ride on the London Eye lasts approximately 30 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the sights.

Ride Duration

Each capsule is equipped with air-conditioning and offers seating, making the ride comfortable and enjoyable.

Spectacular Views

From the top, you’ll see landmarks like the Thames River, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.

Capsule Amenities

The capsules are spacious, featuring large glass windows for unobstructed views. Informative tablets inside provide details about the landmarks you’ll see.

Is the London Eye Worth it?

Determining if the London Eye is worth your time and money depends on various factors.

Pros and Cons

• Unmatched views of London.
• Comfortable and informative ride.
• Great photo opportunities.
• Can be crowded during peak times.
• Higher cost compared to other attractions.

Comparisons with Other Observation Points

Compared to The Shard and Sky Garden , the London Eye offers a unique perspective thanks to its central location and rotating air-conditioned pods .

Who Will Enjoy It Most?

Families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a unique view of the city will find the London Eye particularly appealing.

Worth the Price?

While it may be a bit pricier than other attractions, the unique experience and stunning views make it worth considering.

Photography Tips

Capturing the perfect shot at the London Eye requires some planning.

Angles from the Ground

For iconic shots of the wheel itself, try capturing it from the nearby Jubilee Gardens.

Inside the Capsule

Within the capsule, position yourself by the window for unobstructed views. Avoid flash to reduce reflections.

Other Attractions Nearby

The area around the London Eye is filled with landmarks and attractions.

Nearby Landmarks

• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament .
• Westminster Abbey .
• Southbank Centre for arts and culture.

Itineraries for Visitors

For a half-day adventure, enhance your visit to the London Eye by enjoying a stroll along the Southbank or exploring Westminster, and consider including one of the optional Thames River Cruises. You can easily incorporate the London Eye into either a half-day or full-day itinerary. If you’re planning a full day, be sure to add a visit to SEA LIFE London or the Tate Modern for an enriching experience.

Recommended Combination Tour Tickets

If you want to save money and time, consider purchasing combination tickets that include multiple attractions. Some popular options include:

• London Eye, River Cruise, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• 5 Attractions – London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, Madame Tussauds and London Dungeon
• Best of London Tour with London Eye add-on

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Is the London Eye Worth It?

Curious about visiting the London Eye but not sure if it’s worth the price? Check out these frequently asked questions to help make your decision. Here are some common queries and their answers.

Is the View Worth It?

Absolutely! The London Eye offers stunning views of the city from a unique vantage point that you can’t get anywhere else.

How Long Does the Ride Take?

The entire ride lasts about 30 minutes, providing plenty of time to enjoy the views.

Is the Fast-Track Ticket Worth it?

If you’re short on time or visiting during peak hours, the fast-track ticket is worth the additional cost to skip the lines.

Can You Eat or Drink on the London Eye?

Eating and drinking inside the capsules is allowed, and there are plenty of dining options nearby.

How Far in Advance Should I Book My Ticket?

Booking a few weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Are There Restrooms at the London Eye?

Yes, restrooms are available near the entrance and exit areas.

Wrap-Up: Is the London Eye Worth Visiting?

The London Eye offers a unique and memorable way to experience London. Its stunning views and modern amenities make it a worthwhile addition to your travel itinerary. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the London Eye provides a fresh perspective on this historic city.

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Melodie Rush is an avid traveler and a passionate explorer. Born in North Carolina, my journey from road trips with my parents to exploring diverse cultures across five continents has fueled my love for practical and immersive travel. Join me and Gary as we share straightforward insights, must-dos, and travel tips to make your adventures seamless and memorable. Let's explore the world with purpose!

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