Where is london eye

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The London Eye is located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England, specifically at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB. It stands opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, with its official address placing it in the London Borough of Lambeth. Opened to the public on March 9, 2000, it was originally intended as a temporary attraction but became permanent due to its popularity.

Key Facts

Located at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, on the South Bank of the River Thames
Opened to the public on March 9, 2000, as part of London's millennium celebrations
Stands 135 meters (443 feet) tall, making it Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel
Has 32 sealed and air-conditioned passenger capsules, each representing one of London's boroughs
Attracts over 3.75 million visitors annually, making it the UK's most popular paid tourist attraction

Overview

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England. It was constructed as part of London's millennium celebrations to mark the year 2000, with its official opening on March 9, 2000. Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, it was initially planned as a temporary attraction for five years but became a permanent fixture due to its immense popularity. The wheel stands opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, offering panoramic views of London's skyline.

The location at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, places it in the London Borough of Lambeth, a prime tourist area. It is easily accessible via public transport, with Westminster and Waterloo stations nearby. The London Eye has become an iconic symbol of modern London, often featured in media and tourism promotions. Its construction involved over 1,700 workers and took seven years from conception to completion, with a total cost of approximately £70 million.

How It Works

The London Eye operates as a slow-moving observation wheel, allowing visitors to experience 360-degree views of London from its capsules.

Rotation and Capacity: The wheel rotates continuously at a speed of 0.9 kilometers per hour (0.6 mph), completing one full revolution in about 30 minutes. It can carry up to 800 passengers per rotation, with each of its 32 capsules holding up to 25 people. The capsules are sealed and air-conditioned, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.
Engineering and Design: Standing 135 meters (443 feet) tall, the London Eye is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. It was constructed using 1,700 tonnes of steel and 3,000 tonnes of concrete for its foundations. The wheel is supported by an A-frame structure on one side only, allowing it to cantilever over the Thames without obstructing views.
Passenger Experience: Visitors board the capsules while the wheel is in motion, thanks to a slow-moving platform system. Each capsule represents one of London's 32 boroughs, with names like Westminster and Camden. The experience includes audio guides available in multiple languages, providing commentary on landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace.
Maintenance and Safety: The London Eye undergoes regular maintenance, including daily safety checks and annual inspections by engineers. It has a robust safety record, with no major incidents since its opening. The capsules are equipped with emergency communication systems and are designed to remain stable even in high winds up to 50 mph.

Key Comparisons

Feature	London Eye	Other Major Observation Wheels
Height	135 meters (443 feet)	High Roller (Las Vegas): 167.6 meters (550 feet); Singapore Flyer: 165 meters (541 feet)
Year Opened	2000	Singapore Flyer: 2008; High Roller: 2014
Annual Visitors	Over 3.75 million	Singapore Flyer: ~1.5 million; High Roller: ~1 million
Number of Capsules	32	Singapore Flyer: 28; High Roller: 28
Rotation Time	30 minutes	Singapore Flyer: 30 minutes; High Roller: 30 minutes

Why It Matters

Tourism Impact: The London Eye attracts over 3.75 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to London's tourism economy. It is the UK's most popular paid tourist attraction, generating an estimated £100 million in revenue each year. This supports local businesses and creates jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Cultural Symbolism: As an iconic landmark, the London Eye represents modern innovation and London's global status. It has been featured in films, television shows, and promotional materials, enhancing the city's image worldwide. The wheel's design reflects architectural creativity, inspiring other structures globally.
Urban Development: The London Eye has spurred regeneration on the South Bank, transforming it into a vibrant cultural district. It has led to improvements in infrastructure, such as enhanced pedestrian areas and public transport links. This development supports sustainable tourism and community engagement.

The London Eye continues to evolve, with plans for technological upgrades and expanded visitor experiences. Looking ahead, it aims to incorporate more sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting and reduced carbon emissions. As a forward-looking attraction, it will likely remain a key part of London's identity, adapting to future trends in tourism and urban design while preserving its historical significance as a millennium landmark.