London Eye

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The 32 capsules are numbered 1 to 33, but number 13 is omitted for superstitious reasons.

2. 2

   The wheel was assembled in sections that were floated up the River Thames on barges and lifted into position horizontally before being raised to an upright stance.

3. 3

   When installed, the wheel was the tallest of its kind globally; it has since been surpassed in diameter by several other structures, but remains the tallest cantilevered wheel.

4. 4

   Each capsule weighs approximately 10 tonnes.

5. 5

   The steel cables used to secure the wheel have a total length of 1,700 meters.

Overview

The London Eye is a 135-meter tall cantilevered observation wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames. It consists of 32 climate-controlled glass capsules, each representing one of London's 32 boroughs. The structure rotates at a speed of approximately 0.6 miles per hour, completing a full revolution in about 30 minutes. Engineered by a team including Marks Barfield Architects, it was originally intended as a temporary installation for the millennium celebrations. It holds the title of the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world. The wheel is supported by an A-frame on only one side, distinguishing it from conventional Ferris wheel designs. The passenger capsules use a motorized mounting system to remain level throughout the entire rotation.

Insider tips

• Book your time slot online in advance to avoid long wait times at the ticket office.

• Visit on a clear day to take advantage of visibility that can extend up to 40 kilometers.

• Consider the 'Fast Track' option during weekends and school holidays to bypass standard queues.