Look, there it is Mummy! |
Miss M kept referring to the big windmill and Miss E announced upon seeing it, that she did not want to go up high. A naughty white lie from Mummy that our capsule would not go too high and we were OK. Dh had reservations that we might spend hours in the queue but take a look at the picture below, this is the queue we literally walked straight through - fabulous!
The wheel never really appears to stop so you get on and off as it slowly moves by but it really is very slow so this is not a problem, even with toddlers. I was completely impressed with the staff who clean each capsule and check it over for safety reasons between travellers.
JJ tells me there were about 25 people in our capsule and this number was fine. Yes it was busy but we could see out of every window and get good views, we always managed to get a seat on the central bench when we wanted one and everyone seemed to help each other out with taking group photos etc. I was being a bit silly that day and ducked out of most photos!
The views were excellent and I loved the fact that you could see in every direction and the capsule was labelled so you could tell if you were looking North, South, East or West. We were lucky that the weather was good and thus our views were excellent, the kids got very excited when they could see the Wembly Arch. Daddy was able to talk the kids through what they were seeing and even the girls could not keep away from looking out and watching London go by! I was just grateful for a completely smooth ride.
Once we left the ride you were ushered into the shop but I have to say there was no pressure, the door was right there and you could escape if you did not wish to purchase anything. Whilst you ride the eye a photo is taken from the outside and that is quite a novel photograph to buy, but at £10 per print, it was an expensive luxury in my view. So we bought JJ a nice acrylic frame with the London Eye on it for £5 and we will print out our own photo so he has a nice memento.
With regard to price, you are best to book online at least 24 hours in advance and this will save you about 10% on the ticket price. The price is £16.74 for an adult and £8.59 for a child aged 4 - 15. Children of 3 and under are completely free, so all the more motivation for taking your pre-schooler on the London Eye.
The day does not have to turn out to be too expensive there is a great grassy area right by the eye and you could easily pack a picnic, or do what we did and have a McDonalds treat on the grass. There is also a good adventure park right there. We had thought that we would travel over to a museum after finishing the eye but the South Bank provides a day out in itself when the weather is nice. All the street performers and exhibitions outside the National Theatre made for a fun day. I think my kids favourite part of the day was the bus ride back to Kings Cross on the double-decker - yes, they are easily pleased! However, if you want to extend your day into a weekend then check out some of the best Airbnbs in London.
All in all, we had a great time and every one of our kids said they would love to visit the London eye again. You never know if we win the lottery I might even let the is have a birthday party on the eye!
Lovely pictures, Mich. I am so scared of heights but in a way would love to go up in it. Maybe next time we are in London I will pluck up courage.
ReplyDeleteI love the London Eye and so do my children, and have done from around 18 months. Why you would not think it a suitable treat for kids, I don't know...
ReplyDeleteSheffy - I find that if I look straight ahead I am fine. I am not a fan of heights either!
ReplyDeletePotty Mummy - I know, she is very opinionated!
Mich x
I simply love the London Eye. We've been on it twice but not since Aaron was born. Great attraction for London xx
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to go on the London Eye but never got round to it before we left the UK. Maybe one for when we take Leo to London sometime in the future.
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