138 Harley Street, London, W1G 7LA 020 7224 1005 Find Us Book Now Contact Us Book Call Us
Find Us
Call Us
Book

The London Eye: Facts About London’s Famous Visual ‘Organ’

The London Eye is one of London’s most popular and iconic attractions. Attracting around 3.5 million tourists every year, London’s visual ‘organ’ draws in more people than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza. That’s quite the accomplishment!

Originally named the Millennium Wheel, construction began on the London Eye in 1998. It was commissioned for the millennium celebrations in 2000, and unlike many other construction targets, it opened on schedule on the 31st of December, 1999!

Despite the popularity of the London Eye, many people are unaware that it wasn’t the first large wheel to grace the London skyline. More than a century earlier, construction began on the Great Wheel – a huge Ferris wheel built for the Empire of India exhibition at Earl’s Court. At the time, the Great Wheel was the largest of its kind in the world. Between its completion in 1895 and its dismantling in 1907, an estimated 2 million people took a trip around the Great Wheel.

Of course, this figure pales in comparison to the number of visitors flocking to the London Eye.

So, let’s take a look at some fun facts about one of London’s most popular attractions.
  • The Eye’s initial (and lasting) popularity saw it recoup its building costs in just a few months after opening – that’s an astronomical £75 million!
  • It remains one of the highest viewing points in London, with only the viewing platform in the Shard offering a higher viewpoint.
  • Offering 360-degree views, on a clear day, it is possible to see up to 25 miles (40km) in every direction! That’s as far as Windsor Castle – though you may not quite be able to make out the ornate details…
  • The wheel moves at approximately 26cm per second (or 0.6 miles an hour). At this speed, it takes around half an hour to complete a full rotation – and it goes so slowly that it never has to stop!
  • The London Eye is regularly lit up to commemorate significant occasions. In December 2005, it was illuminated in pink to mark the first civil partnership in the UK. It was also lit up in the colours of the Union Jack to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012!
  • There are 32 capsules on the London Eye – one to represent each of the 32 boroughs of London. However, there is no capsule no.13 – this number was skipped for superstitious reasons!
  • The wheel weighs an estimated 2,100 tonnes, with each capsule coming in at an impressive 10 tonnes! All in all, the weight of the structure can be compared to around 1,272 of the capital’s famous black cabs.

Enjoying the London Eye

Riding the London Eye is on many people’s ‘must-do’ list when visiting the capital. And there are many ways to enjoy your rotation around London’s very own visual organ. If you would prefer not to ride with strangers, there is the option to hire your own private capsule. You can even arrange a London Eye wedding, wine tasting rides, or ‘create your own’ capsule!

Riding the London Eye is a great activity for all, whether young or old, with family or friends, tourist or local. So, if you’re travelling to London for Laser Eye Surgery at the London Vision Clinic, why not make a trip of it? Whether you’re visiting us for an initial consultation or for the treatment itself, our patient care coordinators can help you arrange accommodation for your stay in the capital.

Get in touch today to arrange your visit to London Vision Clinic – our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help! Alternatively, Book a Consultation to kickstart your journey to clear vision.