LONDON EYE, One of the Favourite Tourist Attractions in London.

The London Eye, also known as the Millenium Wheel, is one of the top tourist attractions in London and is situated between the Hungerford and Westminster Bridges, on the South Bank of the River Thames, in London England and is the largest Ferris Wheel in Europe.

Throughout the world, at this time of writing, it is surpassed only by two other Ferris Wheels, The Star of Nanchang and The Singapore Flyer.

All of the thirty two London Boroughs are represented, by one of the thirty two, egg shaped, air conditioned capsules, each one of which, weighs 10 tonnes, and has the ability to hold twenty five people in spacious comfort, giving them the freedom to either walk around, or sit themselves down on benches, whichever choice takes their fancy.

The giant wheel does not stop to allow people to embark, nor does it stop to allow them to disembark either. It has no need to. The rotation of the wheel is slow enough, with a leisurely speed of 26 cm per sec. to allow passengers to board with ease.

A 30 minute trip , from start to finish, in which to savour and wonder at the delights of the City of London, by slowly climbing above it, to a height of 135m/443ft, then gazing down upon it, before slowly descending again, to arrive back at the point where it had all begun, and there to alight with just as much ease as when they had stepped on board.

It will of course be stopped, for disabled or elderly people, or for people with any difficulties at all, to allow easy access and egress.

Originally the Ferris Wheel had only five years planning permission. However, from the moment in March 2000, when it opened its doors to the public, it had proved beyond all doubt what a staggering success it was. For, by the time July 2002 arrived, the Eye had attracted 8.5 million paying customers.

By this time, bouyed by its success, Lambeth Council had agreed plans which would make the attraction permanent. It was a very wise decision. The popularity of the London eye was as strong as ever.

On 1st. January 2005, a New Years Eve Fireworks Display took place, with Fireworks being let off from the Wheel itself. Since then, the focal point of each New Years Celebrations, has been a ten minute display of fireworks, being set off from the Eye. I saw the one in 2006, but was unable to witness the celebrations on the following two years.

What is my abiding memory of the display I witnessed?....It was just awesome....Long may these celebrations continue.

The popularity of the London Eye has not abated. Over thirty million people had, by the 5th June, so the announcement informed us, paid to take a ride on it, since its opening in March 2008.

From my own experience this top London Attraction is a great place

to take children of any age from 1 year old to 90 they all seem to love it. There is full disabled access and a fast track policy for elderly and disabled people if requested.

The nearest London Underground Stations are Westminster and Waterloo. You cannot miss it. The nearest British Rail Stations are Waterloo and Charing Cross. My personal recommendation. I give it top marks out of ten. The London Eye is well worth the price of admission.

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