Any tourist planning a trip to the capital of the United Kingdom wants to visit the famous "London Eye" - the Ferris wheel, which is one of the largest attractions of its kind in the world. The project of the grandiose damn wheel in London was designed by David Marx and Julia Barfield - a family pair of architects who won a confident victory in the creative contest for the most grandiose construction dedicated to the Millennium - the transition from the 20th century to the 21st century. Hence the original name of the London Eye - the Wheel of the Millennium. The English landmark is located on the south coast of the Thames, in the Jubilee Gardens capital park.
Features of the structure of the attraction
The height of the Ferris wheel in London is 135 meters, which corresponds to the size of a 45-story skyscraper. Cabs of attraction are transparent closed 10-ton capsules with comfortable seats. The capacity of each cabin is up to 25 passengers. Just like London's 32 suburbs, and according to the authors' intention, the number of booths corresponds to this number. This is symbolic, because the Ferris wheel is the visiting card of a huge European city. The total weight of the gigantic structure is 1,700 tons. Unusually technically the attraction is solved: the booths are not suspended to the rim, as in other similar structures, but are mounted outside.
Thanks to the fact that capsule cabins are almost completely transparent, an unprecedented feeling of flight over an ancient city is created. This feeling arises from the fact that the capsule opens a vast panoramic view. In clear weather, the radius of the view is 40 kilometers. Particularly impressive sight is a Ferris wheel in the evening and at night, when it is illuminated by LED lamps. The glowing design resembles a fantastically huge rim from a giant bicycle.
At the full circle on the attraction is spent about half an hour, while the speed of movement is 26 cm per minute. Such a small speed allows passengers to enter and exit from cabs without stopping when their capsule is in the lowest position. An exception is made only for the disabled and the elderly. To ensure their safe landing and disembarkation, the wheel is suspended.
How do I get to the Ferris wheel in London?
The London Eye is a short walk from the capital Waterloo station. Also on foot, you can quickly get to the English landmarks from the metro station Westminster.
How does the Ferris wheel work in London?
The London Ferris wheel operates throughout the year. In the period from June to September, the hours of operation of the attraction from 10.00. until 21.00. From October to May the wheel takes passengers from 10.00. until 20.00. On the day of St. Valentine, the London Eye works even at night.
What is the cost of tickets for the Ferris wheel in London?
The price of a Ferris wheel in London depends on the type of ticket. A standard ticket purchased at the ticket office directly near the attraction for an adult costs 19 pounds (about $ 30), for children from 4 to 15 years - 10 pounds ($ 17). Buying a ticket through the Internet, you can save almost a fifth of the cost. Also, significant discounts are given to persons using the combined ticket, that is, tourists who have decided to visit several London attractions.
Initially, the "London Eye" was planned only as a temporary project. But thanks to the popularity of the action time, the attraction was extended to 20 years. If you believe the latest data, the London landmark in attendance gives way only to the Paris Eiffel Tower. Some particularly romantic people even use the construction for their own weddings.
Recently in the press there is information that the modernization of the facility is planned, including the installation of TVs and wireless Internet. This gives hope that the "London Eye" will remain for many decades.
Other sights of London , which seeks to visit and see every tourist, are the famous Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Madame Tussauds Museum and many others.