London Eye
On Gingerguide's self-guided London audio tour, London Eye is a stop worth about ~45 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- London London guide
About London Eye
Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, offering breathtaking 360-degree views over London from 135 metres.
The London Eye was conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield and opened on 9 March 2000. Standing 135 metres tall on the South Bank, it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel when it opened. Its 32 sealed glass capsules each carry up to 25 passengers with 360-degree views extending up to 40 kilometres.
A single rotation takes approximately 30 minutes. The wheel moves slowly enough that passengers can step on and off without it stopping. The entire structure weighs over 2,100 tonnes and was assembled horizontally on pontoons in the Thames before being tilted upright.
Originally a temporary structure with a five-year permit, the Eye proved so popular it was made permanent. Its LED lighting system can display millions of colour combinations for special occasions.
Did you know? The London Eye was only meant to stand for five years as a temporary millennium structure, it proved so popular it was made permanent.
How much time do you need at London Eye?
Around ~45 min works well for London Eye — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at London Eye?
Yes — London Eye made the cut as one of 41 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across London. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of London Eye
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.