The most fascinating fact about the London Eye is that it wasn't originally intended to be a permanent fixture on the city's skyline. When it opened in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, it only had a five-year lease. However, due to its immense popularity with both Londoners and tourists, its status was made permanent in 2002, and it has since become one of the UK's most popular paid attractions.

Top 10 Surprising London Eye Facts

Beyond its impressive height and stunning views, the London Eye is full of surprising stories and statistics. It's a marvel of international engineering, a celebrity favourite, and even a little superstitious. Here are some of the most interesting facts about this iconic London landmark.

  1. It's technically not a Ferris wheel. The structure is officially described as a "cantilevered observation wheel". Unlike a traditional Ferris wheel which is supported on both sides, the London Eye is supported by an A-frame on just one side, giving it an unobstructed view over the River Thames.
  2. There are 32 capsules, but they're numbered 1 to 33. For superstitious reasons, there is no capsule numbered 13. The 32 capsules are meant to represent the 32 boroughs of London.
  3. It was a pan-European construction project. While the concept was British, the parts for the Eye came from all over Europe. The steel came from the UK and was fabricated in the Netherlands, the cables came from Italy, the bearings from Germany, the spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic, and the capsules were made in France with Italian glass.
  4. It was once the world's tallest. When it opened in 2000, its height of 135 metres (443 feet) made it the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It held this record until 2006, when it was surpassed by the Star of Nanchang in China.
  5. The wheel moves at a tortoise's pace. The London Eye rotates at a very slow speed of 26 cm (10 inches) per second, which is about 0.9 km/h (0.6 mph). This leisurely pace is slow enough for passengers to step on and off without the wheel having to stop, though it can be paused for elderly or disabled passengers.
  6. It wasn't London's first big wheel. Long before the London Eye, there was the Great Wheel. Built for the Empire of India Exhibition in Earl's Court, it operated from 1895 to 1906 and carried over 2.5 million passengers in its lifetime.
  7. A Royal connection exists. One of the capsules was specially named the "Coronation Capsule" on 2 June 2013 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
  8. It's a celebrity hotspot. The London Eye is a popular attraction for A-listers. Supermodel Kate Moss is said to hold the record for the most rides by a UK celebrity, having been on it at least 25 times. Other famous visitors include Jessica Alba, Angelina Jolie, and Mo Farah.
  9. On a clear day, you can see the Queen's castle. From the top of the wheel, the panoramic view can stretch for up to 40 kilometres (25 miles). On a particularly clear day, it's possible to see as far as Windsor Castle.
  10. It was assembled over the River Thames. The entire 1,700-tonne structure was assembled flat on piled platforms on the river. It was then slowly raised into its upright position over the course of a day, at a rate of about 2 degrees per hour.

Visiting the London Eye

Experiencing these facts firsthand is the best way to appreciate this modern marvel. A full rotation takes about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the 360-degree views of London's famous landmarks. To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially if you wish to enjoy a sunset rotation over the city.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the London Eye?

The London Eye stands at a height of 135 metres (443 feet), making it the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world and the tallest in Europe.

When did the London Eye open?

The London Eye was ceremonially opened on 31 December 1999 by Prime Minister Tony Blair. However, it didn't open to the paying public until 9 March 2000 due to a technical issue.

Who designed the London Eye?

The London Eye was designed by the husband-and-wife architecture team of David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects. Their design was originally an entry for a competition in 1993 to create a landmark for the new millennium.

Ready to see London from a new perspective? Secure your spot on this iconic landmark and book tickets today for an unforgettable experience.