Lastminute.com London Eye

Christian Mba
Feb 02, 2023 By Christian Mba
Originally Published on Oct 06, 2021
View of the London Eye at sunset from Hungerford Bridge.
Age: 0+
Read time: 4.7 Min

  • Take a ride on one of the world's largest observation wheels (it’s a whopping 135 metres tall) with your family, and enjoy stunning 360-degree views across London.
  • The London Eye enjoys more visitors each year than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza!
  • Don’t forget to visit the 4D Cinema Experience inside the ticket office - your ticket automatically includes entry.
  • Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is opposite the Houses of Parliament and close to a host of other London attractions.


A sightseeing tour of London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the London Eye. At 135 metres tall, we guarantee that you and your kids will be captivated by the 360-degree views across London. Built in 1999 and launched to the public in 2000 to mark the new millennium, the London Eye has since become the most popular paid-for visitor attraction in the UK. Originally owned by British Airways, the London Eye is now part of the Merlin Entertainment group and sponsored by lastminute.com.

There are no exchanges or refunds available after ticket purchase

Gaze in awe at all the major landmarks, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Windsor Castle! We recommend that you download the London Eye Guide app before your visit as you will learn loads of facts and history behind the capital’s amazing skyline. Kick your sightseeing adventure off with a 4D cinema experience about the Eye. The film is 4 minutes long and includes some awesome special effects, including lights, wind, sound, snow water and bubbles! It’s the ideal prelude to your visit to the iconic attraction. 

It’s a good idea to take lots of photos with your family - the views of this London Eye experience undoubtedly offer the best selfie backdrop in the city. If you want to visit more of the best attractions in London, take the family for an exhilarating day out climbing up London’s O2 Arena. Or why not combine your visit to the London Eye with a trip to Sea Life Centre London Aquarium, which has one million visitors every year and is just next door, along with Shrek's Adventure.

What to know before you go

  • Before your visit, download the London Eye Guide app for the lowdown on London's landmarks.
  • Children aged 3 years and under are free, but must still reserve a ticket. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
  • There are no exchanges or refunds available after ticket purchase.
  • The attraction is fully wheelchair accessible. Due to health and safety reasons, only two wheelchairs are allowed per capsule. Once you have booked your ticket, we recommend booking your wheelchair time slot in advance by emailing the London Eye's customer services team.
  • Disabled guests who purchase a standard ticket will qualify for one complimentary helper ticket. The free ticket for the helper should be requested on arrival at the attraction upon presentation of proof of disability.
  • You may bring a compact buggy into the pods at the London Eye, but it must be folded up. If your buggy cannot be folded, there is a free storage area in the ticket office.
  • If you want to sit down, there is a bench in the centre of the capsule for tired legs.
  • There are toilet facilities available in the London Eye Ticket Hall. Disabled toilets and baby-changing facilities are also available. Please note there are no toilet facilities on board the London Eye itself.
  • One rotation takes approximately 30 minutes in one of the 32 pods available.
  • The London Eye is now a cashless site. Please use a bank card to make on-site payments – preferably contactless if possible.
  • Make it extra special and visit the exclusive Eye Lounge to enjoy a drink and take in more breathtaking views of the city. The Eye Lounge is situated above the ticket office, up the glass stairwell next to the VIP desks.
  • The London Eye is open every day, from Monday to Friday 11am until 6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 8.30pm. There are extended opening hours during school holidays, from 10am until 8.30pm (the day's last rotation). It is closed on Christmas Day and typically for 10 days in January for annual maintenance.
  • Bear in mind opening times and dates are subject to change, so please check before setting off.
  • There are lots of great restaurants to choose from on the Southbank if you work up an appetite while sightseeing, from Giraffe to Wagamama, Yo Sushi! and Wahaca.

Getting there

  • The closest stations to the London Eye are Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines and National Rail services), Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) and Circle Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines and National Rail services. Waterloo and Westminster are about a 7-minute walk away. Take Exit 6 in Waterloo station for the South Bank and follow the signs. Charing Cross is about a 12-minute walk away - you'll need to cross over Hungerford Bridge.
  • Local buses stopping nearby include the 211, 77 and 381. The nearest bus stop is St Thomas' Hospital County Hall (Stop D).
  • The Lastminute.com London Eye offers a 15% discount at the Q-Park Westminster car park on all pre-bookings. To use this discount please visit the Q-Park Westminster website and click on the pre-book your parking button and enter the promotional code LONDONEYE and click to update the price and the discount will be applied. There is limited parking in the area so we recommend coming by public transport.
  • If you do drive, bear in mind the London Eye is within the Congestion Charge Zone.

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Written by Christian Mba

Bachelor of Science specializing in Computer Science

Christian Mba picture

Christian MbaBachelor of Science specializing in Computer Science

Christian Mba is an experienced blogger and content writer with over a decade of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Nigeria and has a keen interest in Python programming. Along with his writing and blogging expertise, he is also an SEO specialist with more than six years of experience. Chris, as he is commonly known, has a passion for music and enjoys playing the piano.

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