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All Aboard the London Eye With Kids

We’ve visited many towers and observation decks in many cities to get a bird’s eye view but nothing that looked like an amusement park ride. We spent our last night in London this past summer aboard the EDF Energy London Eye to see the sights from a different perspective. It’s hard to miss it since it can be seen from many places around London. While the tourism brochures would prefer to call it an “observation wheel”, we like to call it a giant ferris wheel but also an engineering marvel.

London Eye view

The London Eye stands at 443 feet (135 meters) tall and was completed in 2000 as part of London’s millennium celebration. The ferris wheel design was chosen for its uniqueness with the wheel representing the turn of the century.

London Eye

There are 32 glass, egg-shaped capsules on the outside of the rim – representing the 32 boroughs of London. Each capsule holds up to 25 passengers. For those who want to splurge, private capsules can be rented for special occasions that can include wine and chocolates among other things. It’s become one of the go-to places for proposals and weddings.

London Eye capsule

Since it’s a major tourist attraction in London, you can expect lines especially during weekends and the summertime. We decided not to reserve the tickets ahead, despite the cost and time savings, since weather was a bit unpredictable. Luckily, the ticket counter lines weren’t that long.

Each ticket has an assigned time to enter the boarding queues. Ours was scheduled for 8PM and the line went surprisingly fast. These lines actually looked deceiving so don’t let it deter you or maybe it was just timing late in the day.

The London Eye can hold 800 people at a time and they were pretty efficient in loading guests. We were excited to go on this must-do attraction since this wasn’t around during our last London visit.

London eye lines

One of the great things about the London Eye was its constant motion. It slowly turns so everyone in the capsule can enjoy the view for 30 minutes but also slow enough for everyone to easily embark or disembark. It can be stopped for the elderly and those in wheelchairs.

London Eye capsule
As soon as we stepped into the capsule, everyone clamored for the best window spots. The 20+ other people you’re in here with can probably alter your experience. I was praying we wouldn’t be in the same capsule with the group of hyper-active teenagers behind us in line.

Thank goodness we didn’t but felt sorry for the others that were with them. There are no windows but each capsule has its own heating and cooling system. It did feel crowded at times even with a bench in the middle.

London Eye capsule

Thankfully, it was very stable and such a smooth ride. The London Eye rotates at about 0.6 mile per hour (.96 kph) so we didn’t feel much movement. I had visions of a rocking capsule when all the people in there were moving around. It was also good to know that it can withstand lightning strikes and storms.

London Eye capsule

It was a beautiful and clear evening during our “flight” which is what they like to call it. We really enjoyed the 360-degree views and seeing all the familiar landmarks from above.

London Houses of Parliament

I thought my kids would get bored after awhile but they actually had fun looking for the sights we had seen on the ground a few days before.

London Eye with kids

It also helped that they had the Samsung tablets with interactive guides and information on the sights we were seeing.

London Eye samsung Galaxy

They also enjoyed looking up and looking down at the capsules and waving at all the people. Ladies, it’s probably not a good idea to wear dresses or skirts. You never know what people will see from below.

London eye below
It has been said that on a very clear day, Windsor Castle, which is about 25 miles (40 km) away can be seen from the top. We didn’t get that lucky but did see Buckingham Palace nearby. The London Eye is located on the south bank of the River Thames near the Jubilee Gardens which we had a good view of from above.

Jubilee Park London
Views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament don’t get old no matter where you are.

London Big Ben
Being up on the capsule also gave us wonderful views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and its majestic dome.

London st Pauls Cathedral
It was fun to see all the activities on the River Thames below too. You don’t actually realize how many water vessels go back and forth on the river in that 30 minute period.

London bridge

In addition to the the familiar landmarks, we also got to see new structures like The Shard. It is currently Western Europe’s tallest building. I’m sure the views from its observatory are just as stunning.

London Shard
We were too busy posing, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery that it actually felt like the 30 minutes went by too fast. The group, including a couple of families, in our capsule was considerate and pleasant so that also made for an overall wonderful experience. Before getting off, be sure to step on these footsteps and face the camera and smile. You can then buy your photo souvenir.

London Eye camera

Over three million people take flight on the London Eye every year. Sure, it’s touristy and expensive but should also be done at least once. The flight was a lovely way to see the city and we really appreciated seeing everything from above. It was a great ending to an incredible trip.

London Eye Big Ben

Tips for Visiting the London Eye With Kids

  • Ticket Prices: There are various types of tickets available with adult prices starting at £19.20 ($31 US) and Kids (4-15 yrs old) £12.30($19 US);  Check the latest prices online or to purchase tickets. 10% ticket savings if bought online.
  • There are also price tickets for families of four. £63.00 ($102 US). 20% savings if bought online. All tickets include entry to the 4D cinema experience.
  • If you’re a bit more flexible and having a sunny weather matters more, buy your tickets on the day of your visit to make sure the weather is right. It is London after all. We had better luck late in the day so go early or late.
  • Try to go to the boarding line a few minutes before your scheduled time. We were able to get in at 7:35 PM even though our ticket was reserved for 8PM.
  • If traveling with kids, give them a camera or bring portable binoculars to enhance their experience.
  • Combination tickets are available with other London attractions and river cruises.
  • The London Eye is open daily except Christmas day and during its annual scheduled maintenance in mid-January.

London Eye Capsule with kids

*Have you gone on the London Eye? Any favorite observation decks?

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London Eye with kids

47 thoughts on “All Aboard the London Eye With Kids”

  1. I’ve certainly seen lots of photos of the London Eye but I really didn’t know anything about it. I love all the info you provided in this post and on my next visit to London I would definitely include this tourist attraction. Nice to see you got a clear evening on a holiday with so much rain.

  2. You’ve taken some amazing photos – awesome. Brought back lots of happy memories for me. I’ve been once, although I’m British by birth I haven’t done lots of stuff in England, and I’d love to go back.

  3. Since the Olympics, my kids have been obsessed with the London Eye. It is probably the thing they ask for the most – even more than the beach!

    1. London was at the top of my kids’ list after the Olympics too for Big Ben, Harry Potter and London Eye. It’s such a great attraction for the whole family to enjoy. I hope your kids get to go soon.

  4. This certainly looks like a fun way to end your visit to London, and the views are fabulous. I’ve never been on the London Eye, but my family has done the Singapore Flyer which is also an observation wheel. My girl and I had fun looking through your pictures and comparing what was the same and different. The Singapore one is taller, but the London one has much bigger compartments. Good tip about not wearing skirts and dresses! The Samsung tablets are a nice touch, and I’m sure they add a lot to the experience.

    1. I want to go on the Singapore Flyer too. They’re building an even taller one in China soon. The tablets made the ride go a whole lot faster for the kids and it really was very informative.

  5. In past trips I never wanted to go, calling it an overpriced ferris wheel. However, in 2009, I went with friends, and did not regret it! It was a clear May morning in 2009, and getting to see a bird’s eye view of the London sights was great. I also loved talking to the other folks in our capsule as well. I met a family who were from New Jersey, on an European vacation before their son went to college and a family visiting from Australia. The London Eye will be on my itinerary the next time I am there!

  6. Your tour of the eye was so thorough that I don’t think I need to spend the money to do it myself :) Thanks! I always wondered about people doing this, maybe one day when I have kids it would be a great experience for the family.

  7. Great tips and brought back memories from 10 years ago! We ended up not going to the London Eye in July because of the lines and the heat, but my daughter really wants to go to London soon and go for a ride.

    I will show her this post and I am sure she will love it!

    Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories.

  8. Thanks for detail info, Mary! I can’t wait to visit London Eye with kid. Last summer we visit the Singapore Flyer so it will be interesting to compare with London Eye. I love the tablet feature inside the capsule. That’s very neat!

  9. Oh my that is quite something! I am too chicken to go up on something like that but I enjoyed your pictures! I was wondering how long it took to go around- I’m glad you mentioned it. It looks very safe and the views are spectacular- I’m glad you share it.

  10. Loved your post. I’ve been on the London Eye twice and it was beautiful. I must look up the interactive guides on sites like the London Eye. I love to look at Google Earth before and after we visit places.

    You have given me some ideas. Thanks for your post. I love to travel. Just got back from Italy and will have a post up soon on our first stop, Rome.

  11. I have been to London many times as I lived nearby when studying in England.
    My best friend took me to the London Eye one Saturday and I absolutely love it!
    It was late afternoon and the panorama was just breath-taking. I saw the London
    Bridge, Big Ben and famous red buses from above. I’ll never forget this day!

  12. I haven’t been on the London Eye yet but now I live here I have no excuse! (Although it’s a toss up between going on the Eye or going up the Shard… but the Eye seems more like an experience). My favourite views of London are from Greenwich because it overlooks the whole city and showcases the stark contrast between the old, historical buildings and greenery of Greenwich against the urban skyscrapers of London. It almost looks like a blue screen! Great pictures, it looks like you went at the perfect time, the sky is a lovely dusky colour.

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  14. I really must take this ride next time in London even though the capsules can feel crowded (which is not my favorite environment. :) Maybe a private capsule with wine and chocolate is the option for me! What spectacular views you got to see. Great photos.

  15. Ahhh….you remind me that I haven’t posted my photos on the London Eye yet. I had been talked out of going on it during my second trip to London, but am so pleased to have been there on the last!

    Wonderful to have you at “Oh, the PLACES I’ve been!”

    – The Tablescaper

  16. That does seem a bit expensive and for that price I would be extremely unhappy if I got into a capsule with a bunch of obnoxious passengers. On the positive side I’ve seen pictures and brief blurbs about the Eye but never such an amazing post! I had no idea the capsules were that large nor that the overall Wheel was that tall and large….Wow!! The photos were absolutely fantastic Mary and love the ones of your kids as with all of your posts :)

  17. Great post! It felt like I was there with you on your flight :) I didn’t get a chance to go on the London Eye. I was there for 10 days and it was cloudy and rainy the whole time so it didn’t seem worth it to go up.

  18. We’ve been on it twice now – 3.5 years apart. Emma was bored both times. ;) The rest of us enjoyed the views although you are so right about the other passengers impacting the experience. The first time we rode the London Eye it was in March and they only put about 10 people in our pod. This past August it was very crowded and we had a pushy bunch of people in ours who really detracted from the experience.

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