EDF Energy London Eye |
||||||||||
|
EDF Energy London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Situated on the South Bank of the Rive Thames EDF Energy London Eye, is a focal point of the Nation's celebration of the New Century. The Wheel is the largest of its kind ever to be built, at a height of 135m (450 feet) and 1600 tonnes, it is a new landmark for London, to mark the new Millennium.
People of all ages from around the country are making special journeys to see this new and exciting giant Wheel and to participate in the excitement of being transported high above London. Visitors to London from abroad are delighted by this new and novel way of seeing the city from a birds eye view.
As EDF Energy London Eye is set in motion, you will feel a keen sense of anticipation. The higher it soars, the more celebratory the experience becomes, as you enjoy the breathtaking views from the heart of the city.
When you fly on EDF Energy London Eye, well-known landmarks and buildings of central London are spread out in a great panorama before you; it is fun to see how many you can identify. Some to look out for are; The Imperial War Museum; The Globe Theatre; The Oval Cricket Ground; The Tate Gallery; Westminster Abbey; The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; The Tower of London; St. Paul's Cathedral; The National Portrait Gallery; Buckingham Palace; The British Museum; The Telecommunications Tower.
The architects of EDF Energy London Eye are husband and wife team, Julia Barfield and David Marks, winners of the competition for ideas to mark the Millennium, their design was considered to be the most imaginative project conceived.
David and Julia wanted to present not just a monument, but something celebratory, that people could participate in and enjoy. David researched and developed the idea for a giant observation wheel and Julia found the ideal site by drawing a circle round London and finding the dead centre, Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank.
An observation wheel was built for Chicago's Worlds Columbian Exposition in 1893, it became known as the Ferris wheel, after the designer whose name has been synonymous with these wheels ever since. Observation or Ferris wheels, have been included at many of the great expositions throughout the world, and are considered to be traditional structures at great occasions of celebration. David and Julia thought of the wheel as representing the turning of the century.
Three years of work went into EDF Energy London Eye project, planning permission had to be granted, feasibility studies undertaken, financial consultations and all the groundwork needed to get the giant Wheel designed and built. David and Julia hoped to have two and a half years to construct the Wheel, but by the time the finances were in place they were left with only fourteen months. In recognition of their work, the imaginative design and the pleasure it will give to millions of people, the couple have been awarded the MBE.
Pictures copyright © Colin Palmer
| Video | |
|
|
|
|
Opening Times
|
|
(2011 times)
Please check EDF Energy London Eye Web site for full information.
|
|
Admission Charges
|
|
(2011 prices)
Standard Flight:Adult £18.60; Child (4yrs and under) Free £9.50; Child £9.54. Senior Citizen/Disabled (except weekends and during July and August) £15.00. All paying Disabled guests may bring one carer with them Free. |
|
Directions
|
|
By Tube: The nearest stations are Westminster (Exit 1 Westminster Pier) andWaterloo, which are both within 5 minutes walking distance. From Waterloo mainline station, take exit 6 for the South Bank and followthe signs. By Train: Waterloo International Station & Charing Cross Station By Bus: Bus routes to the British Airways London Eye include the 211, 24 and 11,and we are on most London Sightseeing tour bus routes. By Car: We would advise customers against driving to the British Airways London Eye. If however you do decide to drive, there are 3 car parks at the South Bank Centre, accessible from Belvedere Road. These are Hungerford Bridge, The Hayward Gallery and the National Theatre car parks. By Coach: The coach drop off point is located on Belvedere Road behind the British Airways London Eye. Access to The Eye is then through Jubilee Gardens. |
| Show map of EDF Energy London Eye... |
|
EDF Energy London Eye Postcode for SatNav: SE1 7PB |
|
Nearby Attractions
|
|
10 Downing Street
(< 1 Mile)*
No. 10 Downing Street, with its famous black front door - the backdrop to many historical announcements, has been the official residence of Britain's Prime Minister since 1732. |
 Big Ben
(< 1 Mile)*
Most people are surprised to learn that Big Ben is not the landmark clock which adjoins London's Houses of Parliament. It is the name of the largest of the five bells which hang in the Clock Tower. |
 Houses of Parliament
(< 1 Mile)*
The Houses of Parliament, otherwise known as The Palace of Westminster, stands on the site where Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. |
| more attractions in London and things to do in London ... |
| more things to do in Greater London and days out in Greater London... |
|
Nearby Hotels
|
|
Nearby Self Catering
|
|
National Trust | Estate Agents |
Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited.
All rights reserved.
Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Link to Us Index Site Map
