The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, located on the South Bank of the River Thames, is one of London’s most iconic landmarks that is visited by millions of people every year.
The cantilevered observation wheel opened in 1998 as a temporary attraction on a five-year lease. In December 2001, its operators submitted an application to Lambeth Council seeking permanent status, which was approved in July 2002.
The wheel has 32 sealed and air-conditioned ovoidal passenger capsules. Each capsule represents a London Borough and holds up to 25 people, who are free to walk around inside the capsule, though seating is provided.
The wheel rotates 0.6 mph per second (about 0.9 km) so that one revolution takes about 30 minutes, giving a theoretical capacity of 1,600 passengers per hour.
It does not usually stop to take on passengers; the rotation rate is slow enough to allow passengers to walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level. It is stopped, however, to allow disabled or elderly passengers time to embark and disembark safely.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The London Eye sits at the heart of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with the annual fireworks display launched from the surrounding area along the River Thames. The wheel itself becomes a focal point of the event, framing the pyrotechnics as they burst across the skyline.
As midnight approaches, the South Bank fills with crowds watching the riverbanks and bridges come alive with colour and sound. The London Eye provides a striking backdrop to the display, marking the transition into the new year against one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Visiting The London Eye
The London Eye is open daily from 10:00 to 20:30. For a quieter visit, early mornings or later in the evening tend to be less busy, while weekends and school holidays often see longer queues. Your ticket time usually refers to your entry into the queue rather than immediate boarding.
During peak periods, waiting times can reach around 45 minutes, although Fast Track entry is available for those who want to reduce queuing time.
It is generally best to book in advance and check availability before travelling, as demand can be high during peak seasons.
The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, within easy walking distance of both Waterloo and Westminster stations. From Waterloo, it is a short walk across the Jubilee Gardens, while Westminster is just across Westminster Bridge, offering clear views of the wheel on approach.
A number of bus routes also serve the wider South Bank and Westminster area, providing convenient access from across London. The London Eye can also be reached by Thames Clippers river services, which offer a scenic journey along the River Thames with nearby stops within walking distance. For the most up-to-date routes and journey options, it’s best to check the Transport for London website or journey planner before travelling.
The Local Area
The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, directly opposite Westminster. The South Bank itself is one of London’s most active riverside stretches, known for its cultural venues, open walkways, and constant flow of street performers, galleries, and food spots along the river.
From the London Eye, it is possible to walk east along the Thames all the way to Tower Bridge in around an hour. The route passes several of London’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the City skyline in the distance, and busy river crossings that show how the character of the city shifts from Westminster into the historic heart of the City and Southwark.
Behind the London Eye, the area around Waterloo Station has been heavily redeveloped in recent years, with a mix of cafés, casual dining spots, and local supermarkets serving both commuters and visitors. Just a short walk away is the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, a legal street art space beneath Waterloo station where artists regularly repaint the walls, creating a constantly changing display of urban artwork.
Continuing further south leads into Lower Marsh, a historic street lined with independent cafés, restaurants, and small shops, giving the area a more local feel away from the main tourist routes.
Nearby Attractions
The London Eye is situated in the heart of London and is surrounded by numerous other splendid attractions that are within walking distance.
- Big Ben
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- St James’s Park
- Sea Life
- The London Dungeon
- The South Bank
