London Eye Facts

You can't visit London without seeing that impressive and iconic London Eye standing proud along the River Thames, so it would also seem a shame to visit London and not experience this fun attraction in person! 

Make sure you take your camera as you will be taking in incredible views of the city, which will also be perfect to share with your friends and family afterwards!

You know what is also great to share with friends and family? Fun facts of all the London Eye facts you discovered on your sky high adventure!

We decided to help you out by kickstarting your fun London Eye knowledge, so enjoy the read, and then enjoy the ride!

Main Photo by Ismail Merad on Unsplash

When was the London Eye first opened?

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, first opened its doors (or should I say capsules?) to the public on March 9, 2000. Can you believe it has been around for over two decades now? Time flies when you're having fun, and believe me, the London Eye is all about fun!

Standing tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, this giant Ferris wheel has become a symbol of London's skyline and a must-visit attraction for families like yours. With its breathtaking panoramic views, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.

But let's rewind a bit and take a peek at how this marvelous feat of engineering came to be. The construction of the London Eye began in 1998, and it was the brainchild of two brilliant architects, Julia Barfield and David Marks. They envisioned an attraction that would not only showcase the beauty of London but also provide a thrilling adventure for visitors of all ages.

The London Eye was no small undertaking, let me tell you. It took a team of 250 engineers, architects, and construction workers to bring this vision to life. And boy, did they succeed! Standing at a whopping 135 meters (443 feet) tall, it quickly became the tallest Ferriswheel in the world, surpassing the previous record held by the Big Wheel in Yokohama, Japan.

The London Eye was designed to celebrate the new millennium and was originally intended to be a temporary structure, standing for just five years. However, it quickly became a beloved landmark and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Due to its immense popularity, the decision was made to keep it standing permanently.

Now, let's talk about what makes the London Eye so special for families. First and foremost, the views are absolutely incredible. As you slowly ascend in your glass capsule, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of London's iconic landmarks.

If you're worried about waiting in long lines, fear not! The London Eye offers Fast Track tickets, which allow you to skip the queue and make the most of your time in the city. It's definitely worth the extra cost, especially if you're traveling with little ones who might not have the patience to wait.

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How tall is the London Eye?

Standing tall and proud on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye reaches a staggering height of 443 feet (or 135 meters, if you prefer metric measurements).

To put it into perspective, imagine a gigantic Ferris wheel towering over the city skyline, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the entire London landscape. That's exactly what the London Eye is all about! It's like being on top of the world, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of this vibrant capital.

But here's the best part - not only is the London Eye tall, it's also packed with excitement and adventure for the whole family! Step into one of the state-of-the-art capsules and get ready for a thrilling ride. As you slowly ascend, the cityscape unfolds before your eyes, revealing famous landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and even Buckingham Palace on a clear day!

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How many capsules does the London Eye have?

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, consists of a whopping 32 capsules. These sleek, modern glass capsules are like little pods that can hold up to 25 passengers each.

What's even more fascinating is that each capsule is completely enclosed and air-conditioned, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning scenery. You can move around inside the capsule, take photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride at a leisurely pace. It's a fantastic experience for the whole family, and kids especially love the feeling of being suspended in the air!

Now, here's a little tip for you: if you want to make the most of your visit to the London Eye, try to book your tickets in advance. This way, you can skip the long queues and save precious time, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

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How long does it take to complete a full rotation on the London Eye?

Hold onto your hats because you're in for a treat! A full rotation on the London Eye takes approximately 30 minutes. That's right – half an hour of pure awe and wonder as you slowly ascend to a height of 443 feet (135 meters).

Imagine the excitement on your kids' faces as they step into one of the spacious glass capsules and start their journey into the sky. As the London Eye begins to move, they'll be captivated by the ever-changing scenery below, pointing out familiar sights and discovering new ones along the way.

For parents, this 30-minute ride provides a perfect opportunity to capture some incredible family photos against the stunning backdrop of London's skyline. Whether you're visiting during the day, when the city is bathed in sunlight, or in the evening, when the twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere, the London Eye promises to be a highlight of your trip.

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How many people can each London Eye capsule hold?

Each London Eye capsule has the capacity to hold a maximum of 25 people. That's right, you and your entire clan can squeeze into one capsule and enjoy breathtaking views of London's stunning skyline together. 

Now, don't worry if your family isn't quite as big as 25 people. You won't be crammed in like sardines! The capsules are actually quite spacious, allowing everyone to have a comfortable and enjoyable ride. There's plenty of room to move around and snap some Instagram-worthy photos, so be sure to bring your cameras!

One of the best things about the London Eye is that it offers a truly unique experience for families. It's not every day that you get to soar above the city in a giant glass capsule, right? The kids will be thrilled, and the adults will be equally captivated by the stunning vistas. It's a perfect opportunity for some quality family bonding and creating lifelong memories.

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What is the diameter of the London Eye?

The London Eye has a whopping diameter of 394 feet (120 meters). Can you imagine that? It's like having a gigantic Ferris wheel right in the heart of the city!

To put things into perspective, the London Eye stands taller than 20 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. That's mind-blowing, right? I guarantee your kids will be in awe when they see this colossal structure up close.

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What is the maximum speed of the London Eye?

The London Eye rotates at a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the city at a relaxed and comfortable speed.

So, drumroll, please... The maximum speed of the London Eye is a mere 0.6 miles per hour! Yep, you heard that right - 0.6 miles per hour. Now, before you start yawning, let me assure you that this leisurely rotation speed is actually a blessing in disguise.

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How many spokes does the London Eye have?

Ah, the iconic London Eye! It's quite a sight to behold, isn't it? So, how many spokes does this giant Ferris wheel have? Well, you might be surprised to learn that the London Eye actually has 32 spokes!

Yes, you heard it right, 32! These sleek and sturdy spokes are what keep this magnificent structure standing tall and spinning gracefully. Each spoke is carefully positioned to provide maximum support and stability, ensuring that your ride on the London Eye is as smooth as can be.

Just imagine yourself and your family sitting in one of the spacious glass capsules, slowly ascending into the sky, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of London's skyline. It's truly a magical experience!

Now, you might be wondering why exactly the London Eye has 32 spokes. Well, this number was chosen to represent the 32 boroughs of London. It's a subtle nod to the city's rich history and diverse culture, reminding us of the countless stories that make up the vibrant tapestry of London.

How cool is THAT!?

Photo by Federico Tasin on Unsplash

So, the next time you find yourself in London with your family, make sure to take a ride on the London Eye. Not only will you get to marvel at the architectural wonder that it is, but you'll also create lasting memories with your loved ones.