I’m not a huge fan of observation wheels. I had a horrific childhood memory of one that ended in a barf bag and tears. But when we were in London, I knew we had to experience one of the city’s highlights—the Coca-Cola London Eye. I mean, how could we not? We’ve seen it in James Bond movies like Skyfall and Spectre, and it is as much an icon of the city as the Big Ben.
Opened in March 2000, the London Eye at 135 meters high used to hold the distinction of being the world’s tallest observation wheel, but having been overtaken by the High Roller in Las Vegas, its title nowadays is more specific—”world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.” Cantilevered means being supported on one side only, making the London Eye unique and a marvel in design and engineering.
When we went, the weather was perfect for sightseeing—it was a clear, balmy afternoon with the sun out marking the start of spring. We proceeded to get our tickets, opting for the fast track tickets, which were about 10 GBP (~640 PHP) more than the regular ones.
While there was a line snaking off the regular queue, we were thankful we got the fast track tickets because the moment we stepped onto the platform, it was already our turn to board a capsule.
We climbed at a gentle speed, so it wasn’t dizzying at all. And as we gradually gained altitude, a panorama of London from the River Thames became more apparent—it was nothing short of majestic. London doesn’t have plenty of skyscrapers, but it has a slew of interesting and iconic buildings, making its skyline a sight to behold.
Throughout the 30-minute rotation, we saw London from at least two vantages. The sky was clear, and the lighting was perfect, so we were able to take nice snapshots.
Sure, a ride on the London Eye may cost quite a sum for us Filipinos—as with most things in London—but it’s surely a never-to-be-missed experience in London with the gorgeous views it offers.
As a bonus, here are some fascinating facts about the London Eye we got from their media kit:
For more information on the Coca-Cola London Eye, visit www.londoneye.com.
How to get there: The London Eye stands on the South Bank of the River Thames. It’s within walking distance from Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross, and Westminster stations of London Underground. There are also bus stops (regular and tourist) that surround the area.
