The
London Eye opened to the public in 2000 and was built in celebration of the new
millennium. Since its highly-anticipated unveiling, the enormous Ferris wheel has
become one of London’s most iconic landmarks. For a long time the London eye offered
the highest viewing point in London, until The Shard opened in 2013 and
provided tourists with even better views from its observation deck. Despite also
losing its status as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, the London Eye still maintains
its prominence as Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel.
Provided
that the United Kingdom is home to a large number of hugely popular tourist
draws, it remains incredibly impressive that the London Eye is still the most
popular paid tourist attraction in the country, attracting over 3.75 million
visitors annually.
Facts About The London Eye...
- While
the London Eye certainly is a big wheel, it wasn’t the city’s first big wheel.
The famed attraction was preceded by The Great Wheel, a west London-based
Ferris wheel constructed for the Empire of India Exhibition in Earl’s Court.
- The
London Eye was originally only intended to perch on the Southbank for a
temporary basis, approximately five years. In July 2002, Lambeth Council
provided the landmark with a permanent licence.
- The
London Eye was designed by husband and wife, Julia Barfield and David Marks of
Marks Barfield Architects.
- Since
January 2015, its official name has been the Coca-Cola London Eye.
- The
London Eye was ceremoniously opened by former Prime Minister, Tony Blair on the
31st of December 1999.
- On a
clear day you can see up to 40 kilometres in every direction.
- The London
Eye is made up of 32 passenger capsules that are numbered 1 to 33. No capsule
was given the number 13 for superstitious reasons.
- In 2005
the colossal landmark was lit up with pink lights in honour of the first Civil
Partnership performed aboard the wheel.