The London Eye
One of the most interesting ways to see London is by air. Until recently, that was pretty difficult, but now it’s easy - just step onto a platform and into the pod of the London Eye. The platform moves slower than the average escalator, making it easy to see the city.
The London eye is like a sort of huge Ferris Wheel. This engineering marvel, originated by David Marks and Julia Barfield, rotates in a vertical circle just like regular Ferris Wheel. However, apart from occasional pauses for disabled or elderly people, it never stops or starts.
Made as part of the British Millennium celebration in 2000, the wheel was created by a number of architects sponsored by British Airways. It’s so big that it had to be constructed in sections, and it took more than a week to hoist the huge wheel into its final position.
While technical problems delayed the wheel’s opening until March of 2000, the wheel is now open and is used by thousands every day. Unfortunately, even given the current income, the cost of constructing the wheel and rent in its location mean that the London Eye is still not making a profit.
Fortunately, its status as a tourist attraction means that the government is helping to keep the London eye in the city and operating, and plans to for many years. As many as fifteen thousand people come every day for a ride on the wheel. Eventually, it may even become profitable.
London Eye is built on a model similar to a bicycle wheel, with a hub and spokes that support its oval pods. These pods are comfortable and stylishly accommodate visitors.
There are thirty two glass pods attached to the one hundred thirty five meter tall wheel. That gives each rider a three hundred and sixty degree view of London. Each pod is air conditioned and holds twenty people. The ride itself is nearly noiseless, although the other people in your pod aren’t guaranteed to be.
The spectacular looking wheel doesn’t just have an impressive appearance, though. On a clear day, you can see dozens of kilometers away, all the way to Windsor Castle.
The whole trip takees about a half hour, and allows passengers to get a look at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Thames, the Palace of Westminster which houses Parliament, and more.
Over the course of the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to check out everything, including the Ministry of Defence Building, the Saatchi Galler, and the Millennium Dome. While the dome didn’t work out as a tourist attraction at the turn of the century, it is becoming a worthwhile place to see sports and concert events.
The London Eye is open all year and all day, allowing visitors to take an early trip for a clear view of London in the sunlight, or a dusk visit to see the city glow under the setting sun.
Located near the IMAX cinema, London Aquarium, Tower of London and Big Ben, the London Eye is close to plenty of great attractions. You can also get there easily. Just take the London Underground and exit at Waterloo station.
To make sure that the wait is short, get your tickets well in advance. You can order online and collect your tickets from an automated machine in the main hall. Check out http://www.ba-londoneye.com to get more information as well as prices.
Tags: london eye, tourist attraction