Introduction to the London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of England’s capital city. Since its opening on March 9th, 2000, it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. It offers an unparalleled view of the cityscape and a unique perspective on some of London’s most famous landmarks.
A Brief History
The idea for this grand structure was conceived by David Marks and Julia Barfield, a husband-and-wife architect team. The couple submitted their design in a competition organized by The Sunday Times newspaper and Great Britain’s Architecture Foundation to create a landmark celebrating the new millennium. Although they did not win initially, their concept eventually caught public attention due to its innovative design and potential for tourism.
Construction began in 1998 with sections built across various parts of Europe before being assembled along the South Bank of River Thames near County Hall. With over 1,700 tonnes of steel used in construction and standing at an impressive height of 135 meters (443 feet), it was officially opened to public on March 9th, 2000.
Architectural Marvel
The wheel itself comprises thirty-two sealed oval capsules that represent each borough within Greater London; however they are numbered from one to thirty-three because there is no capsule number thirteen – presumably omitted due to superstitions associated with that number. Each capsule weighs ten tonnes and can accommodate up to twenty-five people comfortably.
This engineering marvel rotates at approximately twice the speed of a tortoise sprinting or about half-a-mile per hour which allows passengers ample time – around half-an-hour – to soak up panoramic views reaching as far out as Windsor Castle on clear days!
Breathtaking Views & Experiences
From the top of the London Eye, you can see over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks all within a 40 kilometer radius. These include Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and many more.
The London Eye also offers various experiences to enhance your visit. You can enjoy a glass of champagne as you take in the views or book a private capsule for special occasions. There are also themed experiences available such as wine tasting flights or chocolate tasting flights!
A Sustainable Attraction
In keeping with its innovative design and construction, The London Eye is committed to operating sustainably. It uses energy-efficient LED lighting and has implemented water-saving measures across the site.
Conclusion
The London Eye has become an integral part of London’s skyline since it began revolving at the start of this millennium. Its blend of modern engineering with timeless views makes it an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing or celebrating a special occasion, The London Eye promises breathtaking vistas that will surely make your trip memorable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the London Eye and why is it significant?
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It’s a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of River Thames and offers panoramic views over central London. The significance of the structure lies in its unique design and engineering marvel that represents modern Britain. Opened to public in March 2000, it has since become a symbol for modernity and innovation, attracting millions of visitors each year.
How can I visit the London Eye? What are its operating hours?
You can purchase tickets to ride the London Eye online or at ticket counters onsite. Online booking is recommended as you may get discounts and avoid long queues during peak times. Standard opening times during summer (April-October) are from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM while winter timings (November-March) are usually from 11:00 AM -6:00 PM but these may vary so please check their official website before planning your visit.
What will I see when riding on the London Eye?
Riding on the London Eye gives you an unparalleled view of many famous landmarks in Central London such as Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral among others. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes giving you ample time to soak up city’s skyline with breathtaking aerial views stretching up to forty kilometers on clear days.
Is there any special feature or service provided by The London Eye?
In addition to providing stunning views over cityscape, The eye offers several special experiences like Private Capsules that offer privacy along with optional champagne service; Fast Track entry which allows priority boarding; Combination tickets offering discounted access to other attractions such as Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and others. It also hosts special events like New Year’s Eve fireworks.
What is the history behind The London Eye?
The idea of the London Eye was conceived by David Marks and Julia Barfield as a landmark for the new millennium. After winning an architectural competition in 1993, construction began in 1998. Despite several challenges during its erection process including floating it up Thames to reach its location due to height restrictions, it was successfully opened to public on March 9th, 2000. Since then it has been one of most popular tourist attractions in UK with over three million visitors annually.
