The legendary London Eye aka the Millenium Wheel is one of the most popular attractions in London city! Overlooking the majestic River Thames, the gigantic Ferris wheel is known to offer some of the best views of the city. Reserve an opulent stay at The Piccadilly London West End for a luxurious holiday experience and some of London’s best attractions and adventures at your doorstep. Read on to learn more about the icon’s history!
Here’s a fact to start with:
Standing at 135m, the London Eye near your Piccadilly West End Hotel with spa and other premium amenities is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel and was first launched in 2000. On a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles (40 km) while riding the London Eye.
History of the London Eye
Look out for a London West End stay package and grab the opportunity to experience a London Eye journey as its presence brightens the South Bank area and gives it a new dimension. It also aided the regeneration of the area surrounding Jubilee Park. Renowned for its outstanding engineering and architectural quality, here’s all you need to know about its history.
- It was in 1993, that Great Britain’s Architecture Foundation and The Sunday Times sponsored a design competition for a new landmark in London for the millennium turn. Architects Marks and Barfield submitted their entries for the competition.
- In 1998, Marks and Barfield started the project development despite being the official winners of the competition (no winner was ever announced). The construction of the London Eye began in the same year and most of the funding was provided by British Airways. Initially, the wheel was constructed horizontally over the city river and then pulled upright by the time the project came to an end.
- On 31st December 1999, the then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair opened the London Eye ushering the city into a new millennium.
- On 9th March 2000, the London Eye welcomed its first paying visitor after over two months of its opening.
- In 2005, the London Eye was scheduled to be dismantled but was kept alive due to its immense popularity and in 2006 a massive LED lighting system was installed to make the attraction look equally beautiful during dark.
- In addition to this, in the year 2006, Tussauds was announced as the sole owner of the London Eye followed by its ownership by a private equity firm- The Blackstone Group.
- Since its opening, over 50 million people have journeyed and enjoyed the London Eye experience, near Piccadilly London with incredible views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
If you’re planning a visit, remember, that it opens from 11 am to 6 pm and adult tickets are paid and tickets for children under the age of three are free. Keep a check for discounts on London hotels in West End London and experience the charm of the London Eye as you admire the views of London’s contemporary skyline from an ever-changing perspective. Have a great time!
