As a mum of three living in London, I love exploring the city with my kids. One of my favourite places to visit is the London Eye, the giant ferris wheel that offers amazing views of the capital. But is it a good idea to take kids there?
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Pros and Cons of taking kids to the London Eye
London Eye is the UK’s most visited paid attraction and the main draw for many families visiting the South Bank area. Here are some of the pros and cons that I have experienced.
Pros:
- It’s a fun experience for kids who love heights and adventure. They can enjoy the thrill of being high up in the air and see the city from a bird’s eye view. They can also spot their favourite places and landmarks and try to find them on the ground.
- The London Eye is completely safe for children and adults alike. The capsules are designed to be stable and secure, with air conditioning and ventilation systems. The staff are trained and friendly, and there are emergency buttons and intercoms in case of any problems.
- It’s a great way to teach your children about London and its history. You can see many famous landmarks from the capsule, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. You can also use the interactive guide that comes with your ticket to learn more about each sight and hear some fun facts.
- The London Eye has everything you need to make your visit comfortable and convenient. There are toilets, baby changing rooms, a gift shop, a café, and a 4D cinema on site. You can also borrow a stroller or a wheelchair for free if you need one.
- The area around London Eye is vibrant and cultural and has lots of things to do for families. You can stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames, where you can find museums, galleries, street performers, and festivals. You can also take a river cruise that departs from the London Eye Pier and see the city from a different perspective.
Cons:
- It can get very busy and crowded, especially during school holidays and weekends. You might have to wait for a long time to get into the capsule, which can be boring and tiring for children. The ride itself lasts for about 30 minutes, which might be too long for some kids who lose interest or get fidgety.
- The London Eye can be quite pricey, especially if you have a large family. The standard ticket costs £31 for adults and £26 for children (aged 3-15), while the fast-track ticket costs £40 for adults and £35 for children. You might also have to spend extra money on parking, souvenirs, snacks, or photos.
- Your experience can be affected by the weather, meaning that your view might not be as good as you hoped. If it’s foggy, rainy, or cloudy, you might not be able to see much or take nice pictures. If it’s cold or windy, you might feel uncomfortable in the capsule, so make sure to dress warmly.
- It can be scary for some children who are afraid of heights or small spaces. The capsule is made of glass and moves slowly around the wheel, giving you a 360-degree view of the city. Some kids might feel dizzy, sick, or nervous during the ride.
My personal opinion
As a London mum who has taken her children to the London Eye several times, I can tell you that it’s a wonderful way to spend a day in the capital. You can see the whole city from above, learn about its history and landmarks, and have some fun with interactive features. Of course, it’s not perfect, and there are some things to consider, such as the cost, the queues, and the weather. But if you plan ahead, find a good discount, book online, and choose a clear day, you can avoid most of these problems and have a memorable experience with your kids. The London Eye is not just a giant Ferris wheel, it’s a unique attraction that offers something for everyone.
How to get the best ticket deals for London Eye
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the spectacular views of London from the iconic London Eye, you might be wondering how to get the best deal on your tickets. After all, the London Eye is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it can get quite pricey if you don’t plan ahead. Here are some tips and tricks on how to save money on your London Eye tickets, and how to make the most of your experience.
- Book in advance: By simply booking in advance (online), you can get up to a 20% discount for your visit to the London Eye.
- Midweek discounts: If you book a ticket to the London Eye from Tuesday to Thursday, you can get up to a 40% discount.
- Cadbury deal: Use the code found inside Cadbury’s wrapping and get 50% off on a family ticket for the London Eye.
- Merlin annual pass: An annual pass is a great value if you live near or frequently go to Merlin attractions.
- Free ticket with cereals: Find the code inside the Kellogg’s box and book a free adult ticket to the London Eye.
- National Rail 2FOR1: Use your train ticket to get a free companion ticket to the London Eye.
- Tesco vouchers: If you collect Clubcard points through Tesco, you can use your vouchers to buy tickets. Every £0.50 in voucher gives you £1 to spend on London Eye tickets.
- National Lottery Deal: Get free access to the London Eye by simply buying a lottery ticket (please note that this offer is not always available).
Good family restaurants near London Eye
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, you can’t go wrong with the Southbank area near London Eye. There are plenty of amazing attractions to explore, such as London Dungeon, Sea Life, and Shrek’s Adventure. You’ll never run out of things to do and see, but you’ll also need to find a good place to eat. Don’t worry, there are many family-friendly restaurants near London Eye that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the top-rated ones:
Okan Southbank – Japanese restaurant
Cosy little restaurant serving authentic Japanese food including Okonomiyaki. The food is yummy and the staff is very friendly too. We recommend booking a table as the place fills up quickly. Highly recommended
Distance from London Eye: 3 minutes walking
County Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7PB
Locale Southbank – Italian restaurant
Excellent Italian restaurant on the right around the corner near London Eye at the back of County Hall. Serving hearty Italian dishes including family favourite pizza and pasta dishes you can’t really go wrong taking the kids here. Perfect choice if you’re visiting London Eye with young children.
Distance from London Eye: 4 minutes walking
County Hall, 3B Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP
Bao Fa Garden Chinese Restaurant
Another restaurant near the London Eye serves delicious authentic Chinese food with great views of the Houses of Parliament. More of a formal setting, so if you’re travelling with small children you might want to aim for one of the other options on this list.
Distance from London Eye: 1-minute walk
County Hall Building, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 7PB
Wahaca Southbank Mexican Restaurant
Dine in a container on the Southbank eating tasty Mexican street food dishes guaranteed to satisfy those comfort food cravings. From tacos and quesadillas to burritos, nachos and guacamole – you’ll find plenty of family favourites.
Distance from London Eye: 6 minutes walking
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Las Iguanas Latin American Restaurant
London’s Southbank Centre is home to a piece of Latin American life, at Las Iguanas situated on Festival Terrace. Join for Havana Lounge – Latin grooves from 10.30 pm ‘til late Friday and Saturday. Las Iguanas Royal Festival Hall is the perfect place for pre-show food and drinks, adding exciting Latin vibes to your night out.
Festival Terrace, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Family Friendly Hotels around the London Eye
If you’re planning a family trip to London, you might want to stay close to one of the city’s most iconic attractions: the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the Thames, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and more. But where can you find a family-friendly hotel near the London Eye that suits your budget and needs? Here are some of the best options, based on location, amenities, and reviews.
Park Plaza London Waterloo
This modern hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the London Eye and offers relaxation and comfort in the heart of the South Bank. The hotel has 494 stylish rooms, including suites and spacious studio rooms with spectacular views of London. All rooms have ultra-comfortable beds, smart TVs, Elemis bathroom amenities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna, and a steam room. For dining, you can choose from the Florentine Restaurant and Bar, which serves Italian cuisine and signature cocktails, or the Illy Caffè, which offers coffee and pastries. The hotel is also close to other attractions like Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the National Theatre.
Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
This affordable hotel is also a 10-minute walk from the London Eye and boasts quick access to the city’s greatest attraction points on the River Thames. The hotel has 297 modern rooms, including family rooms and deluxe rooms with city views. All rooms have spacious beds, soft seating tub chairs, ergonomic work areas, HDTVs, coffee/tea makers, stylish bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also includes a hot breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. For dining, you can visit the on-site restaurant and bar, which serves snacks and drinks throughout the day, or explore the nearby restaurants and pubs on Waterloo Road. The hotel is also next to London Waterloo train station, which offers easy connections to the city and the South of England.
The Resident Covent Garden
This elegant hotel is a 15-minute walk from the London Eye and is located in one of London’s most enchanting and inspirational destinations: Covent Garden. The hotel has 57 contemporary rooms, featuring bespoke furniture, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, mini-kitchens with fridges and microwaves, luxury bathrooms with rainfall showers, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a 24-hour reception, concierge service, luggage storage, laundry service, and complimentary access to a nearby gym. For dining, you can enjoy a continental breakfast delivered to your room or order from a selection of local restaurants through Deliveroo. The hotel is also within walking distance of Covent Garden shopping, pubs and restaurants, the Royal Opera House, and West End theatres.
The Clermont Charing Cross
This historic hotel is a 10-minute walk from the London Eye and is one of London’s most well-placed hotels. The hotel has 239 elegant rooms, featuring Victorian-style furniture, plush bedding, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, minibars, marble bathrooms with White Company toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a fitness centre, a business centre, meeting rooms, and a stunning ballroom. For dining, you can visit The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, which serves British cuisine with a modern twist and overlooks Trafalgar Square. You can also enjoy afternoon tea at The Lounge or cocktails at The Terrace Bar. The hotel is also a few steps from Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, London’s West End theatres.
Corinthia Hotel
The hotel has 283 lavish rooms and suites with high ceilings, king-size beds, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, minibars, marble bathrooms with ESPA toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness centre, a hair salon, a florist, a cigar lounge, and a gift shop. For dining, you can choose from four restaurants and bars, including The Northall, which serves British cuisine with seasonal ingredients, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, which offers Michelin-starred dishes by Tom Kerridge, Massimo Restaurant & Bar, which serves Italian cuisine with a twist, and The Crystal Moon Lounge, which offers afternoon tea and live music. The hotel is also close to Whitehall, Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, and St James’s Park.
These are some of the best hotels near the London Eye that you can book for your family trip to London. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or affordability, you’ll find something that suits your needs and preferences. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of being close to one of London’s most popular attractions and other landmarks on the River Thames.
Cool facts about the London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s highest observation wheel with a height of 135 meters and is situated on the banks of the River Thames, offering unrivalled views of London. Since its opening at the beginning of the century, The London Eye has become an iconic landmark, comparable with Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. It has served as a backdrop for numerous movies and a myriad of tv-shows. This unique addition to London’s skyline is appreciated by Britons and visitors alike.
It’s the most popular paid attraction in the UK
During its existence, The London Eye has become the most popular paid attraction in the UK, with more than 3.5 million visitors every year (an annual average of 10,000 people a day). An incredible achievement of engineering and design, London Eye’s passengers can view up to 40 km in all directions feeling completely safe.
Capsules
The passenger capsules at The London Eye incorporate an entirely innovative design and design for the observation wheel. They are not suspended by gravity; they move within circular mounting rings attached to the exterior from the main rim, allowing a stunning 360-degree panorama from the top.
The thirty-two capsules with high-tech technology are air-conditioned and feature benches. In the capsules, London Eye represents the 32 Boroughs of London.
Cables
London Eye London Eye uses two types of cables, backstay cables and wheel cables. Six backstay cables, found within the foundation of compression. Wheel cables comprise sixteen rim-rotation cables and sixty-four spoke cables like bicycle spokes and extend over the entire wheel.
Foundations
The compression foundation lies beneath the A-frame legs. It needed 2200 tonnes of concrete and forty-four concrete piles, each of them being thirty-three meters deep. Tension foundations, which is used to hold the cables for backstays, require 1200 tons of cement.
Spindle
The primary components of the spindle and hub were cast in steel. It was simply too big to be cast in one piece, so it was instead cast in smaller pieces. Two castings, which are great rings, are the primary part of the hub’s structural structure. Hubs are steel tube that has been rolled, which forms the spacer holding the two rings apart. The entire casting process was done through Skoda Steel.
The London Eye can hold up to eight hundred people per revolution. This is equal to eleven London red double-decker buses.
Steady on
Each round lasts 30 minutes, and a capsule can travel at a stunning 26cm every second, which is 0.9km (0.6 miles) per hour. This is twice the speed of tortoise speeding. It also allows passengers to get on and off without needing to stop.
The only way to go is up:
The wheel’s circumference measures 424 meters (1.392ft) which means that if it were to unravel, it would be 1.75 times larger than UK’s tallest building, One Canada Square.
Tonnes of Fun:
The weight of the capsules and wheel is 2100 tonnes. That is up to 1,272 London black taxis!
Blast Off:
The spindle is the hub’s structure while the hub rotates in the direction of the spindle. At 23 meters, the spindle is about as big as a church’s spire, which along with its hub, weighs 330 tonnes. More than twenty times the weight of Big Ben.