I recently rode British Airways'London Eye for the first time. I loved it and think it's a must for all London visitors. The world's highest rotating wheel, the eye moves at only inches a second, not ordinarily stopping as folks get as it moves. About 500 feet high, the views are of course superlative. Cost may be a deterrent, at about $17 but i paid about the same to enter St Paul's Cathedral,whose high dome also offers eagle-eyed views over London (from the third of three levels; but it's quite a rugged climb through narrow passages at points). I've noticed people dissing the Big Wheel in this forum, but i don't think it's tacky at all. Like the Eifel Tower, the wheel was put up for a special celebration - the Millenium events - and was scheduled to be taken down but its immense popularity probably insures its future. Long lines that happened when it opened all long gone, even in August the wait was but a few minutes. Located on the lively South Bank, actually being built over the water, the London Eye is in the heart of things. Stroll down the South Bank walk downriver to another Millenium celebration hit - the new Millenium Bridge over the Thames between the New Tate Gallery and St. Paul's Cathedral area. This bridge designed by a famous architect, was designed to bend and twist when people walked on it. It was closed after the first day because the twisting scared folks too much. Retooled, the bridge now is much more sturdy feeling. The architect claims nothing was wrong with the original design, that the events of the first day were just what it was designed to do. Anyway, it's still a novel foot bridge offering neat views of the river and town. The South Bank itself, once a derelict industrial area, is now very pleasant and, often packed,one of London's nicest strolling venues.
Anyway what do others think of the London Eye - eyesore or eye candy?

I agree that the wheel is great. That horrid Millenium Dome wasn't too cool, but the wheel is very dignified, almost elegant against the South Bank skyline. (It's kind of creepy in the deserted London of "28 Days Later" though)

Bob: I enjoyed the Eye. I'm not sure the placement of it is great for city skyline purposes (but it is great for views).

I also loved the Eye. The views are truly spectacular. And the ride is so smooth and relaxing, wtth unexpectedly roomy capsules--even climate controlled! Though pricey, I would do it again. Originally I was turned off by the addition of the Eye to the Westminster Bridge area, but I think it actually adds character and texture to the area. I think it's great.

We've done the Eye 3 times. It's great. Lovely at twilight, if you get a chance to ride it then go for it.

I think it looks fine, but I didn't think the ride really worth the money and the time to travel to & from the wheel.

It might be fine if you live in the area or make lots of trips, but there are many other things in London that I would have rather seen or done instead.

Keith

I have to agree somewhat with Keith. There are plenty of other more wonderful things to do in London besides riding the Eye. I was in London for an entire summer so making a trip to the Eye did not come at any sacrifice to anything else we wanted to see, but don't think the Eye would have made the list had we only had a week or so. Good point.

Guess everyone has their own opinion....I find it well worth the time and the cost. The view from the top is spectacular. I've been each of my last two trips (first time in daylight, second time at twilight) and will probably go again every time I'm in London as long as they keep it up.

Hi, I just have a question regarding the cost for the London Eye. Did you actually purchase it in advance or were you able to purchase it when you got there. I'm planning my first trip to London and have done alot of searching on different attractions, all which seem to offer "discounted" rates if booked via that particular site..but am hesitant as I cannot imagine one could not pay for an attraction upon arrival...any information you could supply would be greatly appreciated.

Pay when you get there. I think you can pay and order in advance -- but what if the weather were bad and you didn't want to go when you booked? I've never had much of a wait to either buy tickets or to get on the wheel.

txasbandit13,

Don't purchase a ticket for the London Eye ahead of time. As others have said, if the weather is bad you'll have wasted your money. A couple of years ago booking ahead was almost a necessity but these days you ought to be able to walk right up, pay and ride.

We just got back from London. We rode the Eye the night of the protests over President Bush's visit.

Walked right up, purchased tickets and immediately got on a car all to ourselves.

thanks all for the insight..that certainly helps...and i will follow the advice and wait til i get there as not sure on which day we actually will visit the eye...

Going at the end of March; am looking forward to riding the Eye more than to any other sight/event! I might do it more than once if it's as big a thrill as I anticipate!

Thanks for all the advice.

judybarnes - I'll be interested to know if you enjoy this as much as you're anticipating - let us know. I'm in the group that thinks it's just okay - nothing really special.

I agree: don't buy tickets in advance. When the Eye first opened crowds made advance ticket purchase a necessity, but crowds have waned. I was there for the summer of 2002 and every time I passed the Eye I never saw a queue. Also, in my opinion, the importance of nice weather can't be understated for the best Eye experience. You'd hate to reserve your tickets for a particular day that turns out to be rainy. I personally think a trip on the Eye would be a waste in rainy weather.

If you want a birds-eye view of London, a good alternative to the London Eye is to take a tour of the Clock Tower & Big Ben at Parliament. They take you all the way up the Clock Tower, show you the mechanism that runs the clock, and you get to stand just a few feet from Big Ben as it chimes on the hour. Plus, you get a pretty good view of the city from up there, and it is very comparable to the view from the London Eye. Best of all, Clock Tower tours are free! Drawback: you need to write for the tickets a few months in advance and have to book a particular date and time. For more information, see the official website of the Houses of Parliament, click on the visitors information section and then on Clock Tower tours.

The 'Eye' was the first thing we did after leaving our bags at the hotel and heading out for a bit of exploring. Gave us a great overview of London (since this was our first trip) and helped stave off jet lag until we could actually check into our hotel room. Agree with everyone else here - wait to buy your tickets when you get to the Eye - lines were not bad and ticket (IMO) was well worth it. Went in Sept 2003, by the way.
Ken

judybarnes, I'd recommend The Eye and enjoyed my ride, but it was somehow less of a thrill than I thought it would be. Because it is so huge and moves so slowly, there is very little sense of movement. The main thrill is in the view.

I found the ride on the Eye to be very peaceful. We were there in Aug. Two fare rates-walk on (I think 11GBP) and immediate (20GBP-this lets you by-pass the line-ups that could be as much as 2-3hrs).

We are cheap and we wanted a sunny day plus no line up. We were easily able to do this. I prefer the lighting in mid morning or later in the evening. It is much softer.

I would not take this ride on a rainy day, hence would never make a reservation.