Eye Spy (London Eye)

Member Name: Picasso

Product:	London Eye
Date:	22/10/01 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: fantastic sights

Disadvantages: need a head for heights

I have just returned from a short break to London. Living 400 miles away, a visit to London is'nt something I do very often. I have however visited more than once all the major attractions, so top of my list was The London Eye. I was there mid October when fortunately, London was enjoying a mini heatwave and therefore an ideal time to take to the skies.

For those of you not familiar with the Eye (and there can't be many), it stands on the banks of the River Thames with commanding and spectacular views of the city of London. I don't know whether it was because of the time of year I visited or whether the recent terrorist attacks have put people off, but I didn't have to queue. I just bought my ticket and went straight on.

The wheel itself never stops, that is you get on while it's still in motion but it does moves very slowly allowing you plenty of time. The specially designed capsules in which you fly are attached to the rim of the Eye and overhang the river, none of the rim structure obscures your view. Because it was a clear day, the party I was with could see as far as Windsor Castle some 25 miles away.

The capsules are big enough for you to walk around, so as the wheel rotates you can take in Buckinham Palace, Hyde Park and Downing Street to the west, Covent Garden, Cleopatre's Needle and Waterloo Bridge to the the north. Looking east, St Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge and the Tate Modern. Big Ben, the House of Commons and Westminster Abbey can be found by looking south-west.

I hadn't realised that the journey took around half an hour, therfore allowing you more than ample time to take in all the sights. I recommend anyone visiting London to take the trip especially if your time is limited - you can see so much in such a short time. Furthermore if you have children with you and in the unlikely situation of them becoming bored, a game of "Eye Spy" is an ideal solution. The children in
our party played this during t
he whole trip which as well being fun was very educational.

As a footnote, there is an excellent guide book with fantastic photo shots at a cost of £4.50.

The London Eye is certainly an attraction I would revisit, but next time I might take a night time trip.

P.S
I've recently taken this trip by night and it was even more spectacular!

Summary: The London Eye