The British Airways London Eye

The British Airways London Eye is a Ferris wheel that is gigantic in proportions. It is also called an observation wheel, which allows guests an excellent view of the city of London.

During its construction and opening, the London Eye was the biggest of its kind, although some larger ones have been constructed since.

London Eye Statistics

It is called the British Airways London Eye because the national carrier played a big parting funding and sponsoring of the project. It is a very popular attraction in London and has as many as 3.5 million visitors every year. It stands at 443 feet or 135 meters high and is located at the west end of the Jubilee Gardens on the River Thames South Bank.

The famous London landmark has thirty-two air-conditioned capsules that are attached to the wheels outer rim. Each of the capsules can hold approximately 25 adults, and the entire wheel takes approximately thirty minutes to achieve full rotation. It goes at approximately 10 inches per second, which is fairly slow, and that is why the wheel does not come to a full stop when people get in or disembark. The London Eye can be stopped, however, to accommodate disabled people alighting or getting on one of the capsules.

Tickets And Times Of Operation Of The London Eye

As well as the standard adult ticket (check online for latest prices), a children's ticket for those between 5 and 15 is available at a discount while children under five years old can ride for free. Interested parties and individuals can book a private capsule when they want to and can even book for a wedding. Operation times of the London Eye are from ten o'clock am up to eight o' clock pm in winter and up to nine o' clock pm during summer months daily.

The operators of the London Eye do have an annual maintenance check up for the landmark and this usually happens during January in which the London Eye is not operational. The only other day it is closed is Christmas Day.

View from the London Eye

During your "flight", you can enjoy an unrivalled panormic view over London. You will have plenty of time to enjoy one of the world's most famous cityscapes. The London Eye is situated right next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, but there are many other famous buildings to look for. Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, Buckingham Palace and many more, should all be clearly visible. Why not see how many you can spot?

Safety Precautions And Measures

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the London Eye, many safety precautions and safety measures have been put into place for the safety of the people riding it and the spectators around the area. It's worth understanding these before you visit, so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive:

The management of the London Eye does not allow overly large bags or suitcases to be loaded into the capsules by people who wish to ride. Other items that are prohibited from being taken into the capsules are motorcycle helmets, roller blades and skateboards and prams or baby strollers that cannot be folded. Tripods are also discouraged from being brought unto the capsules but if you insist on carrying one, this can be arranged.

Other prohibited items not to be taken into the British Airways London Eye are objects that may represent a security risk for you and others such as sharp objects, penknives, metal nail files, scissors and toy or replica guns. If the individual is found carrying such items or if such items are declared before boarding, they will be kept for safekeeping and later returned after the individual has finished his flight.

The London Eye is now a very distinctive London landmark has been established as a leading landmark in the city. It allows for great revenue or income for the city of London and is considered as a gateway for the city of London and can also be used for private and public functions alike.

Ben Miller is a travel writer and author who writes for AboutBritain.com and other quality sites.