Some cities have a definite image. London, the capital of England, has a number of such symbols: it is sufficient to point out The Huge Ben clock tower, London Bridge or Buckingham Palace. In latest many years, a “new” attraction has been added to town and now’s related to it: the large Ferris wheel, higher referred to as The London Eye.
This Large Ferris wheel of London, towering over the River Thames, is certainly one of London’s most outstanding vacationer sights – and this isn’t a easy factor, contemplating town’s varied vacationer spots. It provides a spectacular view of town and is spectacular day and evening, which can clarify why about 3.75 million guests arrive yearly.
However since we’re coping with horror right here, we have to ask whether or not the London Ferris wheel can also be scary, or no less than prone to create concern in those that undergo from the issue of concern of Ferris wheels. To reply this query, within the following evaluation, we are going to introduce you to some attention-grabbing information concerning the London Eye, talk about the story of its founding, clarify its place in London’s cultural and vacationer life, and see when you have something to concern about.
What Is The London Eye?
The London Eye, or by its official identify “Coca-Cola London Eye” (as a part of a sponsorship settlement with the worldwide beverage large), is a huge commentary wheel positioned within the coronary heart of London, close to a few of the most outstanding factors of curiosity within the capital of the dominion. Extra exactly, you could find it on the south financial institution of the Thames River, in a district known as Lambeth, positioned within the coronary heart of London’s leisure and cultural space, the “South Financial institution.”
The central location of the London Eye permits you a spectacular panoramic view of town, together with well-known landmarks such because the Palace of Westminster, Huge Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and far more. The proximity to the River Thames provides one other dimension to the expertise, as guests can watch the boats and ships on the river.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see for about 40 kilometers, primarily as a result of London is a comparatively flat metropolis. Even in case you can’t see right here without end on a transparent day, the fortunate ones amongst you’ll be able to see, for instance, the well-known Windsor Fortress, which we have now already written about on the positioning. In any case, in additional problematic climate situations, the expertise of the lungs could also be affected, so we suggest scheduling your go to to the place for brighter days.
Many will suggest seeing the London Eye at evening, with all of the twinkling lights of town from above, when the wheel itself can also be superbly lit (and even economically, with trendy LED lights which are about 75% extra economical, in line with the operator).
How Tall Is The London Eye?
With Ferris wheels, top is among the most important parameters. At 135 meters tall, the London Eye is the tallest construction within the western metropolis of London. Till 2006, it was even the tallest Ferris wheel on the planet. Since then, taller wheels have appeared – the “Solar of Moscow” (Koleso Obozreniya “Solntse Moskvy”) is at present the tallest in Europe, towering at 140 meters.
The file of the tallest Ferris Wheel throughout the globe has been damaged a number of instances, with the Star of Nanchang within the metropolis of the identical identify in China (160 meters), the Singapore Flyer (165 meters), and the Eye of Dubai Ferris Wheel (“Ain Dubai”), which reaches an unimaginable top of 250 meters. By the best way, Ain Dubai has not been operational for a number of years for security causes associated to the subsidence of the earth, however that could be a story for an additional article.
When Was The London Eye Constructed?
The London Eye was constructed in honor of the brand new millennium, that’s, the start of the 2000s (in truth, certainly one of its names is the “Millennium Wheel”). The concept for the wheel is alleged to have begun virtually a decade earlier when David Marks and Julia Barfield first conceived the concept as a part of a contest amongst architects to construct a brand new London constructing for the millennium.
They deliberate to construct a “twenty first century Eiffel Tower” in London. This spectacular construction would mix the English capital’s creativity, innovation, and technological capabilities whereas creating a brand new perspective on town. Their selection of the form of a automotive wheel shouldn’t be unintended, as it’s a conventional image of time and alter. They imagine it’s the good form to represent the brand new millennium in “a metropolis that by no means rests.”
Though they in the end didn’t win the competitors, they continued to develop it, partly because of funding from the British airline “British Airways.” Development of the London Eye started in 1998 and was formally unveiled to the general public on December 31, 1999. It was not but able to obtain guests for varied technical causes, which occurred solely in March 2000.
The wait was value it as a result of, within the first two years of the London Eye, it obtained about 8.5 million guests. This quantity is so spectacular that the Londoners rapidly determined to shelve their unique plans, which have been to dismantle the wheel after 5 years, and it towers over London to this present day.
Here’s a quick video explaining the historical past of the London Eye:
The London Eye Information In Numbers: Heavier, Slower
The London Eye is taken into account a powerful engineering achievement, so when discussing some distinctive London Eye information, we should give it the highlight. It stands out for its form, which resembles a large bicycle wheel (about 200 instances bigger than a daily bicycle wheel) supported on one aspect. The numbers say the builders used round 1,700 tonnes of British metal in its building. The power weighs 298 instances greater than all the main soccer stadiums within the English capital – of the groups Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Fulham, and Charlton – mixed. The overall weight of the Ferris wheel is round 2,100 tonnes, equal to 1,272 black London taxis – and every of its capsules weighs round ten tonnes.
All of this requires, in fact, cautious planning to forestall instability and preserve security below all situations. The London Eye shifting is at a pace of round 0.9 kilometers per hour, which implies the wheel completes a rotation in round half an hour, so the tempo right here could be very sluggish.
Not like related wheels, the London Eye doesn’t cease: its ascent and descent are made whereas in movement, because of that sluggish tempo. Nevertheless, it’s clear that when conditions require it – for instance, individuals with disabilities getting off or on one of many capsules – the operators will determine to cease the wheel.
London Ferris Wheel? Technically, Not Precisely
In accordance with the “dry” definitions, the London Eye shouldn’t be precisely a Ferris wheel, even whether it is spherical and enormous. As written on the official web site of the London Eye, its capsules are completely enclosed and climate-controlled, positioned exterior the wheel construction, and fully motorized, situations that don’t exist in a “normal” Ferris wheel.
The complete construction is supported by an A-shaped body on one aspect solely, and that is in all probability not an accepted attribute of a Ferris wheel both. However, since we aren’t specialists in engineering or Ferris wheels, we are going to observe the accepted idea and consult with the London Eye as (a sort of) Ferris wheel.
How Many Capsules Are On The London Eye?
The Ferris wheel in London consists of 32 closed capsules, with every capsule capable of accommodate as much as 25 passengers. In an easy calculation that I made utilizing the pc’s calculator as a result of I don’t belief myself even with elementary calculations, the utmost capability of the wheel is one thing like 800 individuals.
The selection of 32 capsules shouldn’t be unintended as a result of there are 32 boroughs in London and its suburbs. The boroughs are numbered from 1 to 33, with out the quantity 13, which was omitted because of the notion that it symbolizes dangerous luck.
Over time, the capsules have undergone a number of modifications and upgrades and can even mark particular occasions. For instance, in 2013, one of many capsules was renamed the “Coronation Capsule” to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England. In March 2020, as a part of the ability’s Twentieth-anniversary celebrations, a number of capsules have been remodeled into themed experiences, similar to a pub in a capsule, a theater capsule, or a “backyard get together” with flower preparations representing the royal parks of the English capital.
Is The London Eye scary?
If you happen to even have traumas from squeaky or “too-rocky” Ferris wheels, the London Eye might be able to appropriate your impression a bit. In our evaluation of the concern of Ferris wheels, we famous that it might mix a number of frequent fears expressed when climbing the ability, primarily concern of heights, enclosed areas, or instability. These parts are additionally current within the London Ferris wheel, even when some would say in comparatively small portions.
The concern impact of the London Eye can be made up of the next triggers:
Top: The nice top of the wheel (about 135 meters) could scare individuals with Acrophobia (concern of heights).
Capsules: The capsules are spacious, however nonetheless enclosed areas. Due to this fact, it might be difficult for individuals with Claustrophobia
Sluggish motion: The wheel’s sluggish rotation could trigger discomfort or dizziness in some individuals.
Transparency: The clear glass capsules are clear, which can improve nervousness for individuals afraid of heights.
Climate: The wheel’s motion could really feel much less secure on windy or cloudy days. Primarily for appearances, however there shall be circumstances which have triggered disagreeable and fairly scary malfunctions for guests (for instance, this case)
Technical malfunctions: Though uncommon, the concern of a technical malfunction that may trigger the wheel to cease at a excessive altitude could fear some guests.
It is very important be aware that the London Eye is taken into account a really protected attraction, with superior security methods and meticulous upkeep. Most critiques describe a optimistic and thrilling expertise, with the disadvantages additionally primarily regarding the price of the expertise, queues, and so forth. In our context, these afraid of Ferris wheels may be afraid right here, however on a comparatively small scale.
How To Purchase London Eye Tickets?
Ticket costs for the London Eye fluctuate relying on the ticket sort, the customer’s age, and the acquisition date. The rule of thumb is that reserving prematurely is prone to prevent cash because the value on the field workplace is greater than buying prematurely on-line, whether or not on the attraction’s web site or the ticket web sites (as we are going to current quickly).
Moreover, reserving tickets prematurely is really helpful, even necessary within the case of the London Eye. It may possibly assure your home on the wheel even at busy instances and prevent the queues, which may be lengthy right here. The London Eye tickets that assist you to skip the queue will naturally be dearer, however many imagine the distinction in expertise is well worth the funding in value. Shopping for a ticket prematurely is crucial, particularly in case you go to right here throughout the peak months of the vacationer calendar, on weekends, and so forth (London is at all times busy, however there are even busier instances).
The London Eye Costs
As of 2025, the worth of the London Eye is:
🎫 Normal grownup ticket (16+): from £29 when booked prematurely
🎫 Youngster ticket (2-15) – about 50% cheaper than an grownup ticket. Youngsters below two years previous enter without spending a dime
🎫 Quick Observe tickets, which permit patrons to enter virtually with out ready on the time of their selection and even at any time (Flexi Quick Observe Ticket)
🎫 Deluxe bundle, which incorporates skip-the-line entry, a memento booklet, and a photograph of the guests
🎫 Variable packages, usually to mark particular occasions
Some tickets mix a number of sights in order that the relative value of every is cheaper than buying them individually. These packages embrace:
The London Eye and Thames River Cruise Combo Ticket
The London Eye and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Combo Ticket, which may also be a superb match for horror followers
The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and London Dungeon Combo Ticket (really helpful for horror followers!)
The London Eye and Dungeon Combo Ticket
The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and London Aquarium Combo Ticket
The London Eye Opening Hours
The London Eye is open virtually all 12 months spherical, aside from a number of days for annual upkeep. Its central location makes the London Eye very accessible for vacationers and locals alike, with wonderful public transport connections, together with close by tube and bus stations. Even in case you don’t plan on visiting, you’ll seemingly see the wheel from an affordable distance or no less than looming over the London skyline.
The London Eye opening instances could fluctuate in line with the seasons, and on the time of writing this text, it was open:
– Summer time (April to the top of August): 10:00 am to eight:30 pm
– Winter (September to March): 11:00 am to six:00 pm
Throughout holidays or particular occasions, working hours could also be prolonged. It’s at all times a good suggestion to examine the precise hours to keep away from surprises in your arrival date.
How To Get To The London Eye?
One other benefit of the London Eye is its central location. As talked about, the enormous Ferris Wheel is standing on the south financial institution of the Thames and north of Westminster Bridge. This means many essential factors of curiosity within the English capital, such because the Palace of Westminster, Huge Ben, and the British Parliament, are close by.
Inside simple attain, you can find different important sights in London, such because the beloved Aquarium, the London Dungeon, the Adventures of Shrek (not horror, however Shrek is no less than a inexperienced monster), and extra. Its location proper on the Thames makes it accessible by boat as nicely, and you’ll definitely mix a cruise on the Thames earlier than or after boarding the wheel.
Right here you could find particulars of the right way to get to the London Eye utilizing London’s (wonderful) public transport.
The London Eye In Cinema: From The Incredible 4 To twenty-eight Days Later
One in all our favourite issues is to see the references to websites, myths, and even objects in horror movies. Past the vacationer side and the architectural significance of the construction, it seems that it might be thought of a particular image… of romance.
There have been a number of London Eye weddings over time, and the attraction’s brochure studies no less than 5,000 marriage proposals in one of many capsules. I’m no skilled on relationships, however it may very well be that the couple expects that even in mattress, like on the London Eye, one spin inside a “capsule” shall be sluggish and final about half an hour. Or perhaps, simply perhaps, the London Eye is simply romantic and fairly appropriate for marriage proposals.
Wow, how thrilling. Anyway, we rummaged by means of our reminiscence a bit, looking for memorable horror scenes involving the London Eye, and we got here away fairly dissatisfied. We didn’t discover any attention-grabbing insights on Google, aside from maybe a number of scenes within the wonderful “28 Days Later” and its sequel “28 Weeks Later,” which present apocalyptic London after a zombie assault. If you happen to’ve seen zombie films, you already know to anticipate photographs of town being empty and messy, normally lengthy photographs or hen’s-eye photographs to emphasise the vacancy, the loneliness of the survivor (Cillian Murphy, on this case), and so forth. There’s nothing like displaying the acquainted symbols of every metropolis – like London Bridge, Huge Ben, and, in fact, the London Eye – after they’re empty of individuals to represent the apocalypse, particularly since, on this case, the photographs look breathtaking. We hope to see extra horror scenes or films sooner or later to characterize the scary sides of the London Eye extra clearly.
We’ve seen scenes through which the London Eye has been current in a number of movies, most of which sadly aren’t from our favourite style: movies like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the tennis comedy “Wimbledon” with Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany, or works aimed toward a youthful viewers, like “Thunderbirds” and “Paddington Bear.” The power has additionally had a spot on tv, together with exhibits like “The Simpsons,” “Physician Who,” “Sherlock and the Apprentice,“ and others.
The Incredible 4 (Incredible?) London Eye Scene
Essentially the most important scene starring the London Eye might be within the slightly forgettable 2007 movie “Incredible 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer.“ Within the film, the superheroes face off in opposition to some alien entity known as the “Silver Surfer,“ who emits cosmic radiation to blow holes in all types of symbolic locations worldwide.
One in all these locations is London, the place our Marvels – geared up with particular powers, results, and wildly exaggerated performing – handle to forestall the London Eye from falling, with all its passengers, into the Thames. In my view, this scene and Jessica Alba are the one memorable issues from this forgotten movie.
The London Eye Thriller
Now, what if we advised you that an individual who enters one of many closed capsules of the London Eye might disappear, leaving no hint? This plot is on the coronary heart of a youngsters’s journey ebook known as “The London Eye Thriller“ by the embellished Irish creator Siobhan Dowd, which is about two siblings: Ted, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, and his sister Kat. They attempt to examine the disappearance of their cousin, Salim, from a capsule of the London Eye. The ebook gained a number of necessary awards within the subject of kids’s literature and was, sadly, certainly one of Dowd’s final earlier than her dying from breast most cancers in 2007.
So, sure, there could also be extra scary sights in London than the London Eye. Nonetheless, one of many UK’s favourite sights can also be very appropriate for horror followers, particularly those that concern heights or different phobias. And extra importantly, you’ll be able to’t miss it throughout a visit to London, are you able to?
In search of different scary sights in London? Strive these choices:
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