Taking the kids to the London Eye is an exhilarating adventure for the whole family. Standing at 135 meters, it’s Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, providing breathtaking views of landmarks like Big Ben. The spacious, air-conditioned capsules can hold up to 28 people and feature benches for resting, making it comfortable for families. Kids under 3 ride free, and discounted tickets can be found online. Nearby attractions such as the Sea Life London Aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure add even more excitement. Arriving early and considering Fast Track tickets can improve our experience. Keep reading for more tips on maximizing your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 3 years old get free entry, making it budget-friendly for families with young kids.
- Spacious, air-conditioned capsules with benches ensure a comfortable experience for families, including those with strollers.
- Informative commentary in capsules keeps kids engaged and enhances the educational value of the ride.
- Nearby attractions like Sea Life London Aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure make it easy to plan a full day of family fun.
Overview of the London Eye
The London Eye, Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel at 135 meters, offers a stunning panoramic view of London. Opened in 2000 and designed by Julia Barfield and David Marks, it’s more than just an attraction; it’s a piece of London’s modern history. Originally meant to be a temporary structure celebrating the millennium, its overwhelming popularity earned it permanent status in 2002. This makes it not just an amusement ride, but a significant enhancement to London’s skyline and a tribute to the collective enthusiasm of millions of visitors.
We can appreciate the thoughtful design features that make the London Eye a must-visit. With 32 enclosed capsules, each capable of holding up to 28 people, the Eye guarantees everyone gets a breathtaking, uninterrupted view. These capsules rotate slowly, taking about 30 minutes for a full rotation, giving us ample time to take in iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, it serves as a central point for sightseeing, making it easier to plan a thorough visit to London’s key historical sites. Let’s seize the opportunity to share this incredible experience with those we serve.
Ticketing and Boarding
After marveling at the London Eye‘s impressive design and panoramic views, let’s investigate how to obtain our tickets and board efficiently.
We can purchase our tickets online, which often comes with a discount. Adult tickets start around £24.30, while children’s tickets, for those 3-15 years old, are priced at £19.80. Kids under 3 can join us for free. By booking online, we can choose specific time slots, minimizing our wait times and guaranteeing a smoother experience.
For those wanting to make the most of their time, Fast Track tickets are available. These allow us to bypass the regular queue and board immediately, albeit for an extra cost. It’s a great option, especially when managing excited children enthusiastic to get on the ride!
The entry process is straightforward. We should arrive at least 15 minutes before our scheduled time to check in, helping us avoid any delays.
The boarding process involves entering slow-moving capsules, with staff members ready to assist families and make certain we board safely. This thoughtful setup guarantees that our experience starts smoothly, allowing us to focus on enjoying the breathtaking views with our little ones.
Capsule Features
Stepping into one of the London Eye‘s spacious capsules, we immediately notice the panoramic views and comfortable seating designed for families. The 32 enclosed capsules can each accommodate up to 28 passengers, guaranteeing plenty of room for everyone, including strollers or extra bags. This spaciousness really makes a difference, especially when maneuvering with kids.
We can appreciate the central air conditioning system that keeps the capsule cool and comfortable, no matter the weather outside. The benches inside provide a welcome spot to rest, making it easier for families with young children or elderly relatives to relax and enjoy the ride. The speaker systems improve our experience by providing informative commentary about the landmarks we see.
The panoramic views are simply breathtaking. As the capsule slowly rotates, we can see iconic sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. The slow-moving design guarantees safe entry and exit, and the attentive London Eye team members are always ready to assist, making the boarding process smooth and stress-free.
In essence, the London Eye’s capsules combine comfort and stunning views, creating a memorable experience for families wanting to discover London from a unique vantage point.
Nearby Attractions
Exploring the area around the London Eye, you’ll find a trove of family-friendly attractions that can easily fill an entire day. Just a short stroll away, the Sea Life London Aquarium awaits with over 600 species of marine life. It’s a perfect follow-up to our London Eye adventure, especially with its accessible layout and interactive exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike.
For those of us with older children or a taste for thrills, The London Dungeon offers an interactive expedition through the city’s dark history. It’s an educational yet spine-tingling experience that makes history come alive in a way textbooks never could.
For younger kids, the Golden Carousel is a delightful treat. Located nearby, it provides a fanciful ride that brings smiles and laughter, making it a memorable part of our day.
Shrek’s Adventure is another gem right next to the London Eye. This immersive experience features characters from the beloved animated film, offering fun for the whole family through its engaging and accessible setup.
Visitor Tips
Planning ahead can greatly improve our visit to the London Eye with kids, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Here are some vital tips to take into account:
- Book Tickets Online: We can save on ticket prices by booking online in advance. Adult tickets start at £24.30, and there are discounts for children from 3-15 years. Kids under 3 get in for free. This not only saves money but also helps us avoid long queues.
- Arrive Early: Arriving 15 minutes early is important for check-in and avoiding long waits, especially during peak times like weekends and school holidays. This gives us a head start, making the experience less stressful for everyone.
- Think About Fast Track Tickets: For a smoother experience, we might want to invest in Fast Track tickets. This option reduces waiting time and allows immediate boarding for an extra fee of approximately £10-£14. It’s worth it to avoid long lines, especially with kids in tow.
- Plan Visit Timing: Visiting during weekdays or early mornings means quieter times and better photo opportunities. Ideal lighting during these periods improves our family activities, making the experience even more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the London Eye Wheelchair Accessible for Families With Special Needs?
Yes, the London Eye is wheelchair accessible. They provide dedicated access routes and ramps, ensuring families with special needs have a smooth experience. Their team assists with boarding, and Fast Track tickets minimize wait times.
Are There Any Food and Drink Options Available on the London Eye?
You can’t bring food or drinks inside the capsules, but we’ve got plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants. Before boarding, let’s enjoy the 4D cinema where we can have snacks. Premium packages offer special food options and beverage choices.
What Should We Do if a Child Gets Anxious During the Ride?
When a child gets anxious, we can use calming techniques like playing a landmark-spotting game. For instance, when Emersyn felt uneasy, we focused on Big Ben and used benches to manage her anxiety, ensuring a smoother experience.
Can We Bring a Stroller Onto the London Eye Capsules?
Yes, you can bring a stroller onto the capsules, but must fold it initially. There’s no stroller storage during the ride, so we should hold it. With the ride duration, planning during off-peak hours helps.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our adventure on the London Eye, it feels like we’ve been on a magical carousel in the sky. From ticketing to boarding, and exploring the capsule features, every moment was filled with awe.
With so many nearby attractions and handy tips now in our pocket, we’re ready for more family fun.
Let’s cherish these memories and look forward to our next big family escapade. Until then, the sky’s the limit!