Tourstamps is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Alright, gather round, because we’re about to dive into some seriously cool stuff about the London Eye that’ll make you go, “Whoa!”
Big and Bold, but Not the Biggest
So, you think the London Eye is tall, right? Well, it is—at a whopping 443 feet! But get this: it’s only the fourth-largest Ferris wheel in the world. Crazy, huh? And get this—even though it’s huge, it doesn’t crack the top 20 tallest structures in London! But here’s a twist: if the Eye weren’t a wheel, it would actually be taller than the Shard, the tallest building in London!
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Picture yourself on the London Eye, slowly spinning above the city. It takes a whole 30 minutes to complete one loop, cruising at a leisurely 0.6 miles per hour. Talk about a chill ride!
The Dream Team Behind the Wheel
Did you know the idea for the London Eye came from a husband-and-wife duo, David Marks and Julia Barfield? They cooked up the concept for a new landmark to celebrate the millennium. And even though they didn’t win the competition, their idea stuck—and the rest is history!
A Star-Studded Spin
Guess who loves riding the London Eye? Celebrities! Kate Moss holds the record in the UK with 25 spins, while Jessica Alba takes the crown worldwide with a whopping 31 rides. Talk about seeing stars!
Capsules and Superstitions
The Eye has 32 capsules, one for each borough of London. But here’s the kicker: they’re numbered from one to 33 because there’s no No. 13 capsule—superstitions, am I right?
Heavy Lifting
Get this: the whole wheel weighs over 1,000 tons! That’s like lifting a million pounds! And get this—when they built it, they had to move it flat and then raise it up. Talk about a heavy lift!
A Wheel Unlike Any Other
What makes the London Eye special? It’s cantilevered, meaning it’s supported on just one side. Fancy, huh? Plus, other cities like Orlando have built similar wheels inspired by the London Eye’s design.
Love is in the Air
Over 5,000 couples have gotten engaged on the Eye, and more than 500 weddings have happened there too! Talk about a romantic setting!
Pop-Up Fun
Ever been to a nightclub on a Ferris wheel? Well, in 2013, the London Eye became just that! It turned into a rotating nightclub with different parties happening in the capsules. How cool is that?
The Selfie Stick Saga
Good news for selfie lovers: selfie sticks are still allowed on the London Eye! Snap away, folks!
Inspired by Greatness
Since its opening, other cities like Las Vegas and Seattle have built observation wheels inspired by the London Eye. There’s even a mini version at Legoland Windsor—talk about being famous!
Sky-High Views
From the top of the London Eye on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle. Now that’s what we call a view!
So there you have it, folks—some seriously cool stuff about the London Eye that’ll make you see it in a whole new light!
