The London Eye

The London Eye is the most recognizable landmark of the capital city. This massive Ferris wheel is located on the South Bank of the River Thames in Westminster. It is considered extremely beautiful when watched from the ground at twilight during any season.

London Eye – tallest Ferris wheel in Europe

The site is a 135 m (443 ft) high and its wheel diameter has 120 m (394 ft) in length. It was opened to the public in 2000 and at the time it was the world tallest Ferris wheel. Right now it holds the title of the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. It used to be the most popular observation point in London, until the construction of The Shard (a 72 storey skyscraper, the most towering building in the United Kingdom) was finished in the year 2012.

The London Eye idea originated from its predecessor – the Great Wheel, that was built for the Empire of India Exhibition at Earls Court in 1895, and then demolished in 1907. The London Eye was designed by several architects including Frank Anatole, Nick Bailey, Steve Chilton, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, Julia Barfield and her husband David Marks.

 

Best place to see beauty of London

The famous London Eye has 32 sealed and air-conditioned ovoid passenger capsules. Each of them weights about 10 tons and is able to carry up to 25 people. The wheel is rotated by electric motor up to 26 cm (10 in) per second. The rotation is slow so as to enable the passengers to walk on and off the platforms at ground level.  The whole circle ride takes about 30 minutes. The passengers are free to move inside the capsule and admire the breathtaking view of the city.

There are several nearby London Underground stations for those traveling via Tube: Waterloo, Charing Cross, Embankment and Westminster. There is also the National Rail connection at London Waterloo station and London Waterloo East Station.

Check also: “Tower of London”

The most interesting facts according to Connect-Click:

• London River Services operated by Thames Clippers and City Cruises stop at the London Eye Pier.
• Although, there have been a lot of changes in the ownership and branding of the London Eye since January 2015, Coca-Cola is officially the sponsor of the London Eye.

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