The Eye in the Sky

THE LONDON EYE- The Eye of the City

By: Megan Abundis

LONDON-- People from all around the world travel to the city of London to see the sites. The London Eye is no exception as it has been voted in the best top ten attractions to see in London. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with an unforgettable view of London’s famous landmarks.



Approaching the top of the London Eye

The towering London Eye sits in Jubilee Garden on the South Bank of the river Thames. As the water flows by you can catch a breeze as you wait in line with other excited guests for an experience of a lifetime. The Duo team of architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield shaped the massive wheel. The London Eye was created to celebrate the turning of the Millennium. Specifically, the turning wheel is meant to represent the passage of time. Even though the Eye has only been around for about 14 years, it attracts world-wide attention as people near and far come to ride the wheel to see London’s true beauty from a distance.

Ride operator, Craig Fraser says, “The London Eye sees an average of 23,000 guests each summer day.” With this amount of people entering in fellow ride operator Katie Howell also said that, “we are ever evolving” referring to promotions as the new representative of a modern London.

The London Eye stands 135 meters tall, one of the tallest structures in London. The stunning view allows the visitor to see 40 kilometers in every direction on a clear day. London Eye employees have mentioned that they can see as far as the Windsor Castle on a perfect day.

Looking out

More than three and a half million people travel to the eye each year, so constructing the best views and optimal safety concerns are important. After stepping inside a capsule, visitors will notice that you can see a complete 360 degree view. A site from every possible angle can be awed at. The wheel has 32 capsules, weighing 10-tonnes each as they represent each one of London’s Boroughs. Also, each capsule can carry 25 people as they are free to walk around and enjoy each view. The London Eye travels at a pace of 26 cm per second, carrying a total of 800 people in a quick 30 minute revolution.

A view of the capsules

In 1999, Prime Minister Tony Blair officially opened the wheel on December 31. However, the first ride wasn’t conducted until March of 2000. Walking through the sea of visitors below the Eye, you can see and hear how diverse the people are who come to see one of the best attractions in the United Kingdom. It is very amusing to see all different ages and hear all types of languages who come together for a single purpose.

After talking with guests, most people had reported that this was not their first time riding on the London Eye. However, experiences were so great that they had to come back for a second go around. The London Eye is a place for school groups, families, date nights, or anyone who wants to reflect on the beautiful city and take in the amazing views of London.

Katie Howell said, “Because we are working with EDF Energy, people are racing to the London Eye this summer to see if they can catch a ride on the special orange capsule.” After doing some research, the London Eye is offering promotions through EDF Energy. For example, you can rent out the orange capsule and have a spectacular ride with dinner and champagne along with the sunset. The perfect setting for a special event.

Top of the London Eye

The London Eye was the best part of my London experience and I would recommend everyone ride the spectacular wheel so they too can have an eye in the sky.