This is probably the best way to see London’s layout. Run by British Airways London, it towers 135 metres above the ground, the tallest observation wheel in the world! When you buy your ticket, they call it a ‘flight’, not a ride. A flight lasts about 45 minutes. There are generally long queues outside, but they do tend to go quite quickly, so don’t let this put you off. It is very well organised and ordered.

3.5 million people took this 'flight' in the first twelve months of its birth, and millions have since. It is the most frequented landmark/site in the United Kingdom. Marks Barfield Architects developed the design and created a masterpiece in 2000, an engineering feat (to put it mildly).

The lines and curves are splendid, a photographers dream to capture up close. It’s only when you get to the top of the London Eye that you fully appreciate how everything lies and how close everything actually is in relation to each other! The view over the Thames and London’s North and South banks is spectacular. I have been in the middle of the day, and am told that the dusk view is simply stunning too. If there is any fog or cloud, do not bother going up, as this will be a waste of money for you. The Eye is on the 2for1 scheme in London, so if you are carrying a tube ticket, you can take a guest for free.

Official statement

The British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel at 135m high. Located on the banks of the River Thames it offers unrivalled views over London.
Since opening at the turn of the century, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, with a status that can be compared to Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London.

It has been used as a backdrop in countless films and for innumerable TV programmes. A source of pride for the whole country as well as the capital, the London Eye is the most distinctive addition this century to the world's greatest city, loved by Britons and tourists alike.

In fact, in its short life, it has become the most popular paid for UK visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year (an average of 10,000 a day). A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometres in all directions, in complete comfort and safety.

Opening times 2007
Summer: June - September
10.00am - 9.00pm Daily
Winter: October - May
10.00am - 8.00pm Daily

• Directions: Waterloo tube
• Website: http://www.londoneye.com