View from the Top

Hello all!

London is a big city with a lot to see and do. But, if you really want a great view of the layout, the London Eye is a must.

The London Eye is located right on the Thames river, just a walk over a bridge and to the left from Big Ben. Standing about 443 feet tall, the London Eye allows you to see a 360 degree view of London. You can see anything from Big Ben and Parliament to Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace off in the distance on a clear day.

The first time I went to London we didn't get a chance to go on the Eye because the line was so long-during peak visiting season and holidays make sure to get there early or be prepared to wait in line for a while. (Also, make sure you check the times the Eye is open, because its hours depend on the time of year.)

        

This past spring break we decided it was something we were definitely going to try to do. We got up pretty early and made our way over using the Underground and some walking. If you get off on a stop early enough, you also get to see great landmarks on the way over.

You can buy tickets in a building near the Eye. Regular tickets and fast track tickets are available. After getting our tickets, we stood in line, were given 3-D glasses and sent into a 4-D theater. We watched the "4-D experience" (I wont tell you the whole story here) and then made our way over to the London Eye line.

The line only lasted about 10 minutes, then we were ready to board. Now, to board, you literally have to just walk on quickly as the capsule, what you stand in, goes by. They lock you in and, at this point, you are free to walk around the capsule and see the great views of London.

 The Eye takes about 30 minutes to make its way back to where you have to swiftly walk out of the capsule, again, as it keeps moving.

My family paid £17.95 a ticket for the standard day flight, or about $28 each, but prices vary if you buy fast track, online and so on. It's totally worth it. You see a view of the city you'll never get from just walking around or taking a bus. You'll get great pics and an experience to talk about. Its also the London Eye's 10 year celebration, so even more is going on this year! I definitely recommend checking out the London Eye.

If you want to know more about prices, times or just fun facts, check out the London Eye website, http://www.londoneye.com/.