Is The London Eye Worth A Visit? A Family Review
Discover If The London Eye Is A Must-See London Attraction With Kids
Situated on the banks of the River Themes, the London Eye is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It Offers spectacular birds-eye views of the city’s skyline and beyond; but is it worth adding to your London itinerary, especially when travelling with kids?
We’ve been travelling to London as a family since our kids were toddlers, and have been to many of its most popular attractions more than once. But was the London Eye one of them? Read on to find out! Here are some of our experiences and top facts to help you decide if the London Eye is worth visiting.
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Book Tickets For The London Eye
➡️ Standard Tickets For The London Eye
➡️ Fast Pass Tickets For The London Eye
🌟 Combo Ticket For The London Eye + Sea Life + Madame Tussauds
Is The London Eye Worth Visiting?
Deciding whether to visit the London Eye depends on time, budget and the type of experience you want. Instantly recognisable from several miles away, it is London’s most visited paid-for attraction and a major part of the city’s skyline.
Kids can get excited just seeing the 4th largest Ferris Wheel in the world, long before they step into one of the capsules.
We’ve visited the wheel with our kids several times over the years and have found that mid-week, late afternoon have the shortest queues. We waited only ten minutes on our last visit before boarding.
Adults and older kids will find plenty to see while looking out over the UK’s largest city. Younger kids will likely need a bit of interaction (a pair of binoculars or prompts from the guidebook) to keep them interested, especially if the capsule is busy!
Our family’s verdict: The London Eye is well worth a visit when you are in London. Pre-book for the best ticket prices and to take advantage of any special offers. The views, especially on a clear day, are spectacular and kids will enjoy the unique experience as much as spotting famous sights.
➡️ Book Your Combination London Eye Ticket here
What Is the London Eye?
The London Eye is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels and was erected to mark the last millennium. It stands 135 meters tall on the banks of the River Themes in central London. Each of its 32 Capsules can accommodate up to 25 people for a 30-minute rotation.
Families can enjoy panoramic views across the City of London. Some of the famous landmarks that can be seen are Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. On a clear day, you can see Windsor Castle 20 miles away.
Is The London Eye Kid-Friendly?
The London Eye is a truly family-friendly experience, right in the heart of London. Children and adults of all ages are welcome to ride the large glass capsules to take in the iconic sights of London.
The wheel is an impressive feat of engineering and it can be fun to simply sit and watch it slowly rotate, especially at night when it is lit up. The gentle 30-minute ride can be taken either stood or seated, while you rise high above the city.
Interactive touch screens provide families with information about the famous sites below.
Whether it’s a hot summer day or in the freezing depths of winter, the capsules are kept at a comfortable temperature all year round.
What to Know Before Going On The London Eye
While the London Eye is a popular tourist attraction, there are some things you should consider before deciding to visit:
1. Opening Times
The London Eye operates from 1100-1800 (closed Christmas day) with some seasonal variations. During busy holiday periods and weekends the wheel may operate earlier or later when demand is higher. The wheel takes centre stage during London’s New Year fireworks celebrations and closes at 1500 on 31st December.
2. Ticket Prices
While you can get great city views, the cost of London Eye tickets for families can be expensive. Children under 2 years old are free, but the cost of tickets at around £30 per person can soon add up. Families can purchase a combination ticket to include other London attractions for a better deal. Alternatively, you can book a free visit to the Sky Garden for panoramic views.
3. Expect Queues
As it is the top tourist attraction in the UK, you should book tickets in advance to ensure you can ride at your chosen time. Expect to queue for up to an hour at peak times unless you purchase fast pass tickets. The wheel does not stop rotating, its slow pace allows passengers to get on and off.
4. Height Concerns
Once inside your capsule, there is a slow rotation that will take you to a height of 135m. There is a minimal feeling of motion, and even kids who are afraid of heights should not find it disturbing. The capsules are spacious with central seating.
5. Length of Visit
The wheel takes around 30 minutes for a full rotation. Ensure your kids are prepared before you join the queue to ride the wheel. A toilet stop, some snacks and a plan for a game to keep very young kids occupied can help ensure a great experience.
6. It Might Not Be Around Forever!
The wheel was originally intended to be a tourist attraction to celebrate the millennium and was to be taken down after five years. It has been extended to at least 2028, but if you intend on riding the London Eye consider making it happen on your next visit!
➡️ Book Your Sightseeing London Eye Ticket here
Best Time to Visit The London Eye
When visiting with kids, plan your visit to avoid crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the quietest periods. If you time it right, you might catch the sunset or the city lighting up for the evening.
Weekends and peak holiday seasons are the busiest so plan for a weekday for the best time to ride. Fewer tourists could result in a more enjoyable trip for all the family as queues will be short and you’ll have fewer people in your capsule.
Is The London Eye Better At Night Or Day?
London is a true 24hr city but it has a very different look and feel at night. It comes alive with lights and the city’s bars, theatres and restaurants can create a carnival atmosphere. While you may not see all of the capital’s landmarks at night, many buildings are lit up and you’ll still get amazing views. The Thames can be a great mirror to catch that perfect reflection photo!
If you are considering day vs night, we recommend visiting during the day with kids. Their attention is likely to be better and you’ll have more choice when it comes to picking somewhere to eat. If you are in London for a few days, take a look at the weather forecast and pick the best one for the clearest views. Standard tickets can be rescheduled up to three times for free.
View From The London Eye
The London Eye rotates slowly over 30 minutes to give you the best views over the city. What you can see will depend on the weather. On a clear day, you can see more than 20 miles away.
You will likely be able to spot top London Landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, St James Park, Hyde Park, The River Themes, The Shard and the Tate Modern.
While the sights may stay (mostly!) the same, the city looks different depending on whether it is day or night and of course, the weather! We always spot something we haven’t noticed before, every time we ride.
Why Is The London Eye Popular?
The London Eye is popular for its unique viewing platform, offering unobstructed panoramic views of London’s most iconic landmarks. The wheel welcomes millions of visitors each year and its architectural innovation makes it a modern must-see symbol of the city.
Its central location on the South Bank makes it easy to combine with visits to other nearby attractions. The London Eye is a firm favourite on London sightseeing itineraries for families.
Facts About The London Eye
A family trip to the London Eye is a great way to make memories of the UK’s capital city. Here a few facts we found interesting:
🎡 Just like the Eifel Tower in Paris, The London Eye was designed as a temporary structure. It was erected to mark the last millennium and has now stood for a quarter of a century!
🎡The 32 capsules represent each of the 32 Boroughs of London. They are numbered 1-33 as unlucky number 13 is not used. Each capsule can hold 25 passengers, totalling a maximum of 800 riders on the wheel at any time.
🎡It is Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel at 135m which is equivalent of 64 stacked red telephone boxes. The observation capsules offer some of the highest viewing platforms in London.
🎡It is the UK’s most popular paid tourist attraction with more than 3 million annual visitors.
🎡It is also commonly known as the Millennium Wheel, although it has had many names since its erection in 1999. It’s been called the British Airways London Eye, the Merlin Entertainments London Eye, EDF Energy London Eye, Coca-Cola London Eye and Lastminute.com London Eye after the companies that have owned it.
Attractions To Visit Near The London Eye
After seeing the sights on the London Eye take your kids to explore some of the family-friendly sites nearby:
- The Queen’s Walk – Great for a family stroll without cars along the river.
- Jubilee Gardens – The playground behind the London Eye is perfect for younger children to burn off some energy or for a family picnic.
- Sea Life London Aquarium – Just a short walk away, offering another indoor adventure for the kids.
- River Cruise Along The Thames – Take a guided riverboat cruise along the
- London Dungeons – Dip into London’s dark history with interactive stories and fun for older children and teens.
Visiting The London Eye | FAQ’s
It takes around 30 minutes to ride the London Eye and up to an hour to board once you have tickets. If it is your first time in the area, allow for extra time to see the nearby attractions.
The London Eye is free for children under two, with children up to 15 years old paying less per ticket than older teens and adults. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them at least 24 hours in advance or as a combination with other attractions.
A ride on the London Eye takes about 30 minutes. The wheel usually continues to spin when embarking, but will sometimes slow down or even stop.
Yes, you can take a small bag on the London Eye. Folded buggy’s can be stored for free or taken on the capsule.
Final Thoughts: Is The London Eye Worth Visiting?
As one of the most spectacular and instantly recognisable landmarks in London, the London Eye should already be on your ‘must-see’ list. Combining sightseeing with a touch of adventure, a trip on the wheel is guaranteed to be a memorable experience and provides panoramic views across the city.
It’s both fun and educational and kids will love trying to spot the city’s most iconic buildings. So, yes, the London Eye is worth visiting, especially with kids!
