The British Airways London Eye was originally conceived as an entry into a competition
to design a Millennium landmark and thus explains the London Eyes' original name as the
'Millennium Wheel'. The Eye is basically a giant observation wheel
giving fabulous panoramic views across the whole of Greater London. Today the London Eye is the capitals number
one tourist attraction. The wheel stands 135 metres in height, weighs around 2,100 tonnes and can hold around 800 people at any one time. Visitors occupy the 32 capsules that make up the wheel. Each capsule weighs 11 tonnes alone and have two completely independent electronic operating systems which turn the capsule and run its air-conditioning system. A flight (as BA likes to call the ride) takes approximately 30 minutes and
normally about 25 passengers travel in each capsule. Private capsules can be booked via the BA London Eye website. The wheel never actually stops moving even when visitors are embarking and disembarking. The London Eye is located by Jubilee Gardens which is by the side of County Hall and Westminster Bridge.
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The London Eye viewed from Victoria Embankment by Westminster
Bridge.
London Eye viewed from Westminster Bridge
The London Eye viewed from outside County Hall and the Saatchi
and Saatchi Gallery
The London Eye entrance
The London Eye entrance, looking back on the queue.
The London Eye entrance and the final queue before taking the
ride, or flight as they like to call it!
The start of the flight, the supervisor (black jacket) opens
the doors guides the passengers into the capsule.
The first seconds of the flight and the capsule begins its
climb.
Just before the London Eye passengers enter the capsule each
capsule is given a security check.
One of the first views looking North over the River Thames
toward Victoria Embankment on the far side.
The most prominent and unmissable landmark is the Houses of
Parliament and Big Ben (the clock tower).
Looking back down at the entrance to the London Eye.
Half way up now a wider view of the Houses of Parliament and
Westminster Bridge.
Here you begin to see the impressive London Horizon and
landmarks begin to stand out.
Looking to the East and across the City of London. St Paul's
cathedral Clearly stands out.
Looking North towards the City of London and Waterloo Bridge
Looking South and down onto the grounds near the entrance of
the London Eye.
Looking East with a view over both North and South of the
Thames.
The North East view over London.
Looking back down through the centre of the London Eye wheel.
Looking North towards the centre of the London and the main
tourist areas.
Looking towards Buckingham Palace.
North West view.
Looking down on the East side of the wheel.
Another Northwards view..
Another Northwards view.
Closer view of BT Tower located on Cleveland Street and Centre
Point which is located an the South end of Tottenham Court Road on St Giles
Circus.
The City of London.
The City of London and a section of South East London.
Waterloo Station
Parliament Square
Looking South
Viewing from inside the London Eye capsule.
Another view East.
Close up view of Parliament Square
Buckingham Palace
Looking West
looking west
In flight!
on the way down..
At the end of the flight the cameras at this point will take your picture which you can purchase a copy of on exit.
The end of the flight, a supervisor will open your door and
help you out of the capsule..
Its finally all over!