Located on the Southern Bank of River Thames, London, the London Eye has become one of the most visited attractions in this city. The so called London Eye is actually a huge Ferris wheel and it is otherwise referred to as the London Millennium Wheel. It has gone by a couple of names officially include EDF Energy London Eye, British Airways London Eye and Merlin Entertainments London Eye. The whole structure is quite a giant with a height of 135 meters and the when having a 120 meters diameter. Currently, it is tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and the most visited paid attraction in UK attracting more than 3.5 million local and international tourists a year. The London Eye has also made numerous appearances in culture.
The London Eye was erected back in 1999 and it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world by then until in 2006 when the 160 m Star of Nanchang surpassed it. In 2008, the erection of the Singapore Flyer that has a height of 165 m made the London Eye the third largest. The London Eye is supported only by an A- Frame and on one side something which is not the case with the taller Singapore and Nanchang wheels. Its operators actually describe the Eye as the tallest cantilevered wheel for observation in the world. It has been offering the highest viewing point in London for the public until the building of the observation deck that had a height of 245 m on The Shard on its 72nd floor.
Most tourists who have ever travelled to witness the marvels of the London Eye have explained that the Eye has actually done for the city exactly what Eiffel Tower in France did for Paris. It has given the city a symbol that makes it so iconic. People climb over to the tower and can look back down and all over the city when on it. The London Eye isn’t just for the rich people or specialists but anyone who is interested can experience it. This is the beauty of the London Eye in that it is accessible easily by members of the public. Its strategic positioning right at the center of London makes it an attraction that you really can’t miss. It is the first attraction that you set your eyes on upon your arrival in London.
The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom officially opened the London Eye back in December 1999. However, due to technical problems that were experienced on the wheel, the public was only allowed to visit and use the London Eye about three months later. Since its opening, nearly a 100 million people have ridden on the London Eye which showcases its significance in London as one of the hottest tourist attractions in the city. While the locals are extremely enthusiastic about visiting the London Eye, tourists come to the wheel from all over the world and it is one of the most visited destinations in the World.
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