London Eye, London

Author's product rating:   

Prices	Average
Transport links	Good

Advantages:	You can see the beauty of london
Disadvantages:	No duty free

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

After recently reviewing The London Aquarium, I thought it might be a good idea to have The London Eye listed next door so to speak. Both The Aquarium and The Eye are within a strolls distance away from each other along the South Bank and though its not exactly a cheap day out, its something quite memorable and worth the time. Please read on to find out more.

******** THE LONDON EYE ************

The eye resembles a huge Ferris wheel but unlike a Ferris wheel, its capsules are closed. It's true purpose other than being a huge tourist attraction is that it is an observation point overlooking the beautiful city if London and it is quite a beautiful structure. At 450 feet at the highest point, its quite a picture.
It took six years to build and was the idea of husband and wife team Julia Barfield and David Marks. It was intended to be entered into the millennium landmark competition, which they didn't win as it was cancelled anyway. However since its launch in 2000, The Eye has won an impressive collection of awards.

These include:
The English Tourism Council Visitor Attraction
Group Travel Awards 2003
Best Attraction For Group Visits
Coolbrand Leader 2003 and 2004
The 2003 Queens Award for Enterprise ….. etc etc.

There are 32 passenger capsules or pods that rotate at a very slow speed. The pods are made of glass with a steel girdle and frame encasing each one. The capsule rotates on its axis at a speed that ensures the floor is always level. Movement cannot be felt so therefore once inside you are free to move about and not be strapped in or down. The capsules rotate at the same speed as the wheel rotates, only in the opposite direction.

British Airways are the current owners of The Eye and embarking on the capsule is known as a flight. You also have "Check In" and "Departure Times". Unlike a flight on B.A there are no trolley dollies and no duty free facilities. Do not take food on board, its not a long flight, you wont need a round of cheese sandwiches up there.

********WHAT DOES A FLIGHT FEEL LIKE AND WHAT DO YOU SEE? ***

You enter the pod on ground level. The platform is wooden decking. Quite safe. You don't actually feel anything once inside; the capsule rotates so slow that it feels like being on a virtual stand still. It's only when you reach the top and take in the spectacular views that realisation hits you that yes, you have moved.
There are no restrictions inside, a limited number of passengers are permitted into the pod for each trip, 25 in each pod which means you are not grouped together like sardines. There is ample room to move around and take in every corner of our beautiful city that so many people take for granted.
The pods never stop, they are on continual rotation so as you climb in, the floor is moving though very slowly. Wheelchairs are allowed inside and I noticed that this is the only time The Eye is turned off for a few moments. Prams and buggies are not allowed on and have to be left at the departure point near the booking office.
If you have a fear of heights then I do not recommend you take a flight. Also if you suffer from claustrophobia then stay away from here. Once you are suspended in the air there is no escape hatch or windows to open, just an alarm button if you really cannot cope.
I didn't feel scared or insecure being suspended so high up. I was just totally in awe of the sights around me. Unlike taking off in a plane, your ears do not pop and there is no altitude or motion sickness. I found it very relaxing and quiet inside. Apart from the hum of the other passenger's conversations, you hear nothing. There is no commentary or guide on board.
My husband spent the entire 27 minutes sitting on the wooden bench looking at his shoes tapping. He couldn't look up or down, as the whole capsule is toughened glass except the floor, which is steel. He attempts most white-knuckle rides so it surprised me that the London Eye actually frightened him.
Each capsule is heated for the passenger's comfort and for round the year usage and they also have air conditioning units. For a night flight, the pods remain unlit as to not spoil your view of the evening skyline but the wheel is illuminated.
The views are amazing as you are 135 metres up in the skyline. I do not want to spoil the trip for you by giving away too much. Within easy eye view are the Houses of Parliament, The Thames, Big Ben and on the left hand side, Buckingham Palace.
I have been fortunate to fly on the Eye many times and on one occasion a passenger decided to let go of his flatulence to be polite. The sound almost bounced off the glass panels and the laughter was muffled as the other passengers tried to be polite and not look around. The smell filled the pod like a rotten egg and being so closed in and with no windows, all we could do was "breathe " in the air. By the way there are no toilets on board your pods.

***HOW TO GET THERE, HOW MUCH AND HOW TO BOOK ********

The Eye is situated along the South Bank, within close proximity to the Aquarium. Waterloo Tube and Waterloo station are just a stroll away, no more than 10 minutes.
The buses 211, 11 and 24 run every few minutes as does the red open topped tourist bus, but this can be quite expensive.
Like most of London, it is advisable not to drive into the City. Not only do you have to pay the Congestion Charge but also the parking fees are extortionate. There are three car parks close by if this is your only option.
If you want to make a weekend of it, then there is a Holiday Inn London Southwark close to the South Bank. This hotel will arrange your tickets for the eye and also has a secure car park. Prices here are from £78 a room and you have to pay extra for the Eye and for parking your car. Telephone them on 0870 5000 600 for more details.
The ticket office is inside County Hall. Be prepared for a long wait to get to a cashier. You are normally told the next available departure time but you are under no obligation to take that one. If you arrive at 11.30 am for example, you can book a flight for 7 pm if you so wish. Payment can be made with all leading credit cards and debit cards and of course cash. There is a cash point located in the County hall but you are charged to use it.
There is a small gift shop near the booking office selling guides and post cards.
Booking online saves time. The queuing for the ticket office is time consuming and the County hall is usually heaving with people, making it an uncomfortable experience. If you book online as we did, you save 10% off the normal price plus you go straight to your queuing destination point. One thing I noticed with The Eye, you will have to queue at some point, be at the ticket office or waiting for your flight. Booking online can be done just two hours before your flight leaves as well. It's a secure sight so they claim and when I booked I did notice the pad lock at the bottom of my screen.

Individual Flight Adult £13.00
Individual Flight Child £6.50
Individual Flight *Senior £10.00
Individual Flight **Disabled guest £10.00
ndividual Flight Under fives FREE

To book the whole pod it will cost £385.00. Prices were taken from the tourist guide dated 2005 .

You can arrange to get married in a capsule if you so wish. Lambeth Registry Office are responsible for making your nuptials legal and this will cost you from £1,700 during the week, rising to £2,000 plus for a weekend. Additional pods can be hired for extra guests but please remember this is just for your vows only, the reception has to be arranged elsewhere at an additional cost.
Phone 0870 220 2223 for details.

Fast track your way through which gives the benefit of checking in 15 minutes before your flight It's basically a legal way to push past the others and missing the queue. This is ideal for small groups or couples. You receive a souvenir guidebook, while children (over 5) are given an in-flight pack as a reminder of their trip) which contains a guide and Eye spy binoculars in a London Eye bag. Prices are £25 per person, slightly more than booking online but well recommended. Under 5's are free on this as well.

****DISABLED FACILITIES, TOILETS, RESTAURANTS AND SECURITY **

Disabled passengers are welcomed aboard and allowed to stay in their wheel chair.
There is a disabled pre-booking line, which will fast track you onto the eye. Telephone on 0870 990 8885 . There are also disabled toilets in the County Hall which has a ramp access as well as steps.
There is a wheelchair loan service at a cost of £350 payable by credit card. This is a deposit only, don't panic. You cannot pre-book these as its first come first served. Staff are on hand to help you embark and disembark and will stop the wheel but only if given prior notice. Inform the ticket staff in the County hall that you need to have the Eye stopped.
Prams and buggies are not allowed on the Eye however if you fold them, you can take them aboard. Baby carriers can be borrowed from the ticket office free of charge. Otherwise these are to be left at your own risk by the ticket office. Take a bicycle lock with you for added security on your pram as it's a good visible deterrent and you can pick one up quite cheaply from Hal fords or even the Pound Shop.
Toilets for all are in the County Hall. Not brilliant due to the amount of people that use it I expect. A good clean and a good coat of paint wouldn't go amiss. However, any port in a storm when you need to go. Long queuing here as well.
Inside County Hall is a Costa Coffee, perfect for a cappuccino and a muffin. Expect to pay around £6 for this per person. Further on, nearer to the Aquarium is a Macdonalds. Turning right from the eye is an outside café and further along is Pizza Express. There are also numerous ice cream vans dotted along the side of the bank charging a minimum £2 for a basic ice loll.
Security is quite tight around the eye. Before 9/11 it wasn't as bad as it is now. Security guards are everywhere, even the odd sniffer dog can be seen. You don't get searched going on board but certain items are not allowed on, such as baby bags, large holdalls, rucksacks. Handbags and brief cases are permitted. Cameras are allowed.

****OPENING TIMES****
Apart from January, the Eye is open all year. In January essential servicing take part.

October to May 10 am till 8 pm
June to September 10 till 9 pm

Not open on Christmas Day, they deserve a day off !

**** AND FINALLY HAVE A CRUISE***

After you have taken in the sights of our city, how about having a leisurely cruise along the Thames. The river cruise pick up point is within a stones throw away from the Eye itself. The boat takes 40 minutes to give you a circular tour with a commentator. You will see Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe to name but a few.
The boat is working all year round as it has a covered deck as well as a sun deck. Wheelchair users are welcomed aboard. There is even a toilet if the sight of all that water makes you want to answer a call from Mother Nature. Don't worry about seasickness; there is a slight motion but nothing to make you feel like throwing up your lunch. Adults pay £10, OAP's and disabled pay £8.50, carer's go free as do the under fives. I have been fortunate enough to have boarded the cruise in both seasons and I thoroughly recommend it for the summer. You don't feel the benefit of being inside the boat during the winter, its takes away the excitement and splendour of seeing London at its best in the open air.

***CONCLUSION****

I thoroughly recommend you partake in a "flight", I have been on both the night and day time and much prefer the night cruise. It's not a cheap day out and awkward to get to, so try to combine it with the Aquarium and a River Cruise if possible.
The queuing points seem to start miles away from the Eye itself and expect to wait at least 1 hour before your flight. There are no seats and your only option is to stand in the wooden racks, similar to the ones in the Theme parks. Pre-book to fast track your way on board, as this is far from pleasant, especially with children.
Please remember that eating and drinking and smoking are not allowed on board, they will be confiscated by the staff at the pod door. However, it will save a few pounds if you take a picnic as the food outlets are expensive.
There are numerous gift shops along the bank, selling Union Jack T towels, and postcards of Princess Diana, fridge magnets and film rolls. There are a few illegal street sellers along the side of the bridge, avoid if possible.
Do remember to take your camera as the pictures do come out clear when processed. Even camera phones work inside. If however you want a family picture A4 size, this can be done as well. Just before you leave your pod, a guide takes your photo and by the time you reach the photo desk, its super imposed onto a paper and the Eye is behind you. The photo desk is next to the Eye. This is not free however, expect to loose £15 for this but at least they give you a carrier bag!

Hope your enjoy your flight.

Xxxxxxx

www.londoneye.com