London Eye - Worth it?
Jun 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM
#22
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We both enjoyed the London Eye. When we went, the line was fairly long, but it moved quite quickly. With all the people in line, I expected they would really pack each pod with people and there would be a lot jostling to get a good vantage point, BUT THAT WASN'T SO.
The ride itself takes only a 1/2 hour; you're moving so slowly you barely aware of it and you have plenty of opportunity to move around and see all the views. Great views of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and St. James Park from a point of view you wouldn't get otherwise. The key is, of course, clear weather. We went during the day, but I'd like to go again in the evening.
The ride itself takes only a 1/2 hour; you're moving so slowly you barely aware of it and you have plenty of opportunity to move around and see all the views. Great views of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and St. James Park from a point of view you wouldn't get otherwise. The key is, of course, clear weather. We went during the day, but I'd like to go again in the evening.
Jun 4th, 2007, 03:11 PM
#23
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oops, HERE'S the link:
http://tinyurl.com/hp3nk
http://tinyurl.com/hp3nk
Jun 4th, 2007, 03:14 PM
#24
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Yes, don't miss it! Was on it last week. Stayed at County Hall next to it and watched the lines during our stay trip. My advice, go right when it opens (10am) or late in the day.
The lines started to got really, really, long from from:
The lines started to got really, really, long from from:
Jun 5th, 2007, 12:06 AM
#27
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Wow, Thereyet is right - those are some really great pictures Noe! After looking at them I feel like I hardly saw London at all last time I was there!
I was thinking of riding the eye around 8pm or just after - I guess by that point dusk will just be starting to fall. I was worried this would not make for good views but after seeing Noe's pics I can see that they would still be pretty good (I will be in London this Saturday evening).
Is the area around the Eye safe at night? I am a young female and will be alone. My parents are concerned for my safety but I kinda think that at 24 I should be able to take care of myself...unless its a bad area... Thanks!
I was thinking of riding the eye around 8pm or just after - I guess by that point dusk will just be starting to fall. I was worried this would not make for good views but after seeing Noe's pics I can see that they would still be pretty good (I will be in London this Saturday evening).
Is the area around the Eye safe at night? I am a young female and will be alone. My parents are concerned for my safety but I kinda think that at 24 I should be able to take care of myself...unless its a bad area... Thanks!
Jun 5th, 2007, 02:03 AM
#28
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Erin,
The Eye is on the south bank of the Thames and always has lots of people around it, mostly tourists. You will be perfectly safe at that time of the evening.
Post Midnight I would be wary (but not enough to avoid the place)so - enjoy your trip!
The Eye is on the south bank of the Thames and always has lots of people around it, mostly tourists. You will be perfectly safe at that time of the evening.
Post Midnight I would be wary (but not enough to avoid the place)so - enjoy your trip!
Jun 5th, 2007, 04:33 AM
#29
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Thanks for the kind words about the pictures. (For those who can't get enough, the pictures from my second London trip are at: http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34870457!)
Erin464, if you have access to a computer, you can buy your tickets online and bypass the line. We waited until the day before and checked the weather forecast, and then bought the tickets. It turned out to be the only clear night of the 6 that we were there.
Erin464, if you have access to a computer, you can buy your tickets online and bypass the line. We waited until the day before and checked the weather forecast, and then bought the tickets. It turned out to be the only clear night of the 6 that we were there.
Jun 5th, 2007, 05:18 AM
#30
erin464: Even IF the County Hall was unsafe at night (which it isn't) - 8 p.m. isn't "night". It will still be bright daylight since the sun doesn't set until about 9:15, and it will be light for quite a bit longer than that.
Jun 5th, 2007, 07:53 AM
#31
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Sheesh, having trouble with links! Here are my other London pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...d=8DZsmzZuzao4
(Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, South Bank, Camden)
Erin464, do you know where you want to shop? My girls and I always dedicate some time to shopping in London (and other parts of the UK) and we have some favorites. Old and New Bond Streets and Regent Street have the designer and upscale shops. Oxford Street has the high street shops (Zara, H&M, TopShop, etc.) and can be mobbed with people. We love to stop in Liberty, and really enjoy the shopping along Kings Road (starting at Sloane Square). LK Bennett and Jigsaw have some great clothes.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...d=8DZsmzZuzao4
(Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, South Bank, Camden)
Erin464, do you know where you want to shop? My girls and I always dedicate some time to shopping in London (and other parts of the UK) and we have some favorites. Old and New Bond Streets and Regent Street have the designer and upscale shops. Oxford Street has the high street shops (Zara, H&M, TopShop, etc.) and can be mobbed with people. We love to stop in Liberty, and really enjoy the shopping along Kings Road (starting at Sloane Square). LK Bennett and Jigsaw have some great clothes.
Jun 6th, 2007, 06:45 PM
#32
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My husband and I went on it at sunset more or less and the sights were breathtaking. We were there the 3rd week of May, and were only in London for a day so we crammed as much as we could into the day. This was definitely worth it, especially if you enjoy photography!
Jun 6th, 2007, 07:14 PM
#33
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The only place in the world to get this shot: http://www.jimtardio.com/london/london-london-eye.html
Jun 6th, 2007, 10:45 PM
#36
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GRReat picure! It was overcast the day we went up. We could still see quite a lot, but the pictures were pretty lame.
I thought it was fun, and we had time, but it wasn't on my "must see" list, and it still isn't.
BTW there's a great place to get fish&chips just across from the Eye. Just follow the locals.
I thought it was fun, and we had time, but it wasn't on my "must see" list, and it still isn't.
BTW there's a great place to get fish&chips just across from the Eye. Just follow the locals.
Jun 7th, 2007, 09:50 AM
#38
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Erin, since the shops are closed at 8 pm it's really not a hard decision; you can do both.
I like the Notting Hill area, around Westbourne Grove, Kensington Park Road, for shopping. Also the King's Road (Duke of York's Square, and there's a few nice shops the other side of Peter Jones there, such as General Trading Company).
I like the Notting Hill area, around Westbourne Grove, Kensington Park Road, for shopping. Also the King's Road (Duke of York's Square, and there's a few nice shops the other side of Peter Jones there, such as General Trading Company).
Jun 25th, 2007, 05:16 AM
#39
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Hi everyone, I'm back from my trip and just to let you all know, I did indeed take a ride on the Eye (and still managed to get some shopping in!). It was really beautiful up there - thank you for all of your recommendations and help!
