BIG WHEELS KEEP ON TURNIN' (London Eye)

Member Name: jojopillo

Product:	London Eye
Date:	13/06/09 (183 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: BREATHTAKING, AMAZING STRUCTURE, VALUE FOR MONEY

Disadvantages: 250 MILES AWAY FROM ME :o(

A little info
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Built as a symbol for the millennium, the London Eye was the brainchild of husband and wife architects David Marks and Julia Barfield. It was constructed laying flat upon barges on the Thames and once complete was hoisted slowly into position. Originally known as the Millennium Wheel this fantastic feat of engineering was officially opened by Tony Blair on 31 December 1999 but wasn't opened to the public until March 2000 due to technical difficulties.

Situated on the South Bank of the river Thames between Westminster and Hungerford bridges the wheel stands at a height of 135 metres (443ft) and until 2006 was the tallest structure of its kind in the world. The wheel is supported from one side by an A-frame structure, which to me are like gigantic steel guy ropes (but obviously much thicker!). There are 32 capsules (one for each London Borough) surrounding the wheel and each one weighs approximately 10 tonnes. The capsules sit on the outside of the wheel and don't hang down or between like traditional Ferris Wheels.

My Experience
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A friend and I were planning a visit to London and as she had been saving airmiles, she decided to see what attractions were available in our capital. Taking advantage of the London Eye offer she was sent vouchers for two adults to take a 'Flight' on the Eye. Yes, it's officially known as a flight, not a ride! This, I imagine, was to do with British Airways sponsorship which ceased in 2008.

Arriving by London Underground at Waterloo station it was only a short, well signposted walk across a bridge. And as we walked around the corner within full view of the Eye for the first time I have to say I was awestruck; dumbstruck. What a magnificent piece of moving architecture. With its spoked design it looks almost like a massive bicycle wheel! The closer you get to it, the more awesome it becomes, each step accompanied with a 'gosh' or a 'wow!' The symmetrical tree-lined approach beautifully paves your way to the entrance to the ticket hall and a staggering, neck-cricking close up of another of London's amazing millennium creations.

It was 2006 and this was my first visit to the Eye. And although it was mid November we were very lucky with the weather and the visibility was excellent. Even at this time of year it was really busy, but luckily for us we didn't have to queue for long because we had vouchers; so didn't have to queue to buy tickets, we just had to go to a separate desk and redeem our vouchers for tickets. Bonus!

When you go outside and wait to go on the Eye your bags are checked and you are scanned, which gives you a great security before you 'Fly'. The wheel doesn't actually stop, so as it passes the platform you just step on and the doors to the air-conditioned capsule are sealed behind you. It does, however, stop for disabled or elderly passengers to embark. There is a large bench inside but you'll find that most people are up to the windows taking photographs or generally just getting a good eyeful of the wonderful views.

The capsules are mainly glass apart from the floor and a small panel in the roof enabling panoramic views. The best way to describe their shape is like an elongated oval. A handrail, as well as a foot rail, runs all the way round and two doors at the end allow access. North, South, East and West compass points are also displayed inside to give you your bearings.

On one visit during Red Nose week they even had one of the capsules blanked out in red!

You hear a lot of people saying that they are afraid of heights but, aside from the worst sufferers, I imagine it is a lot more bearable with the fact that it moves so slowly (about 10 inches a second) and that is isn't open air.

The wheel itself hangs over the edge of the river, and as you slowly start to ascend the London skyline appears and the floor starts to disappear! Just across the river the most prominent landmark is the Houses of Parliament but on a clear day you can see virtually all of London's famous familiar sights. They reckon with good visibility you can see about 10 miles in all directions (should have gone to Specsavers!)

Altogether the flight lasts about 30 minutes and as we were going round we were even waving to people in the other capsules. On the way down there is an opportunity to have your photo taken, with a camera outside capturing your flight in all its glory. The souvenir shop as you come off the wheel has your pictures up on the screen and you can buy photos, key rings and fridge magnets marking your experience. You can buy all three of these for £10.

For me this was another breathtaking experience, and something that I and the 3.5 million a year visitors to the London Eye will forever remember. I have since been back another three times and would even go again given the chance. A highly enjoyable way to see London, as you have never seen it before.

As well as being a great experience, the London Eye is a particularly fantastic piece of architecture, and at night this is enhanced by being wonderfully illuminated.

Full paying disabled passengers are allowed to have one carer who can travel for free and people with children's buggies are requested to fold up the buggies prior to reaching the platform.

Prices
*****
Adults (16+) ....................£17.00
Children (4-15 years) .......£ 8.50
Children under 4 years......Free
Age 60+ .........................£14.00
Disabled .........................£14.00

These are prices for a standard flight but there are also fast track, Pimms and Champagne flights available.

Opening times
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October to April (inclusive) ......10am - 8pm
May and June .........................10am - 9pm
July and August ......................10am - 9.30pm
September .............................10am - 9pm

For more information on all the available flights and much more visit www.londoneye.com

I have to give this a 5 star rating for being a fabulous feat of engineering, a breathtaking experience, an architectural success and a great value for money tourist attraction.

Summary: WHEELY GOOD!