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Savings
for the whole family with a London
Pass
FLYING OVER LONDON ROOFTOPS
London Eye on Thames Observation Wheel
Used
to be if you wanted a view of the London rooftops you had to go up
the chimney like Mary Poppins
and
Burt – “over the rooftops
step in time” or climb the steps of St. Pauls to the dome, but
since its opening at the turn of the century (the 21st that is, you remember
the Millenium, computers just kept on working), the London Eye has become
the landmark of London, almost eclipsing even Big Ben (see Touring
on Thames Time).
Billed
as the worlds tallest oberservation wheel the capsules of the "the
eye" rise 135 meters over London along the banks of the Thames River,
both villified and beloved by Londoners, as either modern marvel and
symbol of London's leadership in the new times or eye-sore besmearching
the city's cultural heritage. But
either way you look at it, the eye is a quite a ride and offers a magnificent
view of one of the
world's
great cities. Sponsored BA but
operated by Tussauds (the Wax Museum folks) this new millenium version
of the grand familiar Ferris wheel, The "Eye" has become
on of Britain's most popular commercial sight-seeing destinations, visited
by more than 3 million people a year.
Compare the best deals
on hotels in London
Since
it bears the BA airlines name, a ride on the London Eye is referred
to as a "flight" and
a variety of price and experience levels are offered. A standard flight
is £13.50
(currently about $24) £6.50 for a child
over 5. For 25 pounds you can get a fast track fare for go to the front
of the line booking. A Champagne Flight for those in a romantic mood
goes for £29.50. Kids can come too, but I don't think they're supposed
to get the champagne. Pre-booking tickets are at a discount. For
a group or just the randy romantic couple who want to be alone,
a private capsule flight can be arranged with priority check-in and boarding
for £385.00 with a maximum of 25 guests per capsule for the half-hour
ride. If you want a host to point out the sights or answer questions
they come along for fifty pounds. The flight also comes with "on-board" food
and drink. Watch out for the booze effect at altitude!
The British Airways London Eye also offers a 40 minute all-weather Thames River Cruise with commentary by a living guide (instead of the recorded ones) on the sights along the banks including Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. Its £10.00 for adults and £5.00 for kids under 15. A ticket to ride on the wheel is not included in the River Cruise Experience and they can be booked separately.
The landing for the London Eye is on the south bank of the Thames across the river from Big Ben and Parliament (see Visiting Big Ben and Parliament), near Waterloo Rail station at the Waterloo Millenium Pier. ©Bargain Travel Europe
The London Pass is accepted at many of the venues along the Thames and provides admission to 50 attractions for one price.
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Web Info
London Eye
These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission.
See Also:
LONDON
SIGHTSEEING BY BUS TOUR
Best Ways to See London from a Double-Decker
TOWER OF LONDON
Mind Your Head and the Family Jewels
FROM
TRAITOR'S GATE TO MORTIMER'S HOLE
LONDON'S
TOWER BRIDGE
Victorian Steam Engines and Thames Catwalk Views
LONDON'S SECRET GARDEN
Kensington Rooftop Gardens
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