County Hall SE1 7PB
10am - 8.30pm most days
Tube: Waterloo, Westminster Train: Waterloo
30 mins
About the London Eye
Want a London experience your kids will actually remember (and post about)? The London Eye is a giant rotating observation wheel offering jaw-dropping 360° views across the capital. At 135 metres high, it’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in London – and yes, even teens will ditch their phones to soak it all in.
Each glass pod is fully enclosed, climate-controlled and moves slow enough for even the most wobbly toddlers or grandparents. You’ll spot Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The Shard – even Windsor Castle on a clear day.
The ride takes 30 minutes (perfect attention-span length), and the South Bank location means cafés, street food, and riverside fun are right on your doorstep.
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Time your ride for just before sunset – the views are next level, the crowds are thinner, and the lighting makes everyone look good (yes, even moody teens). Bring a fully charged phone – this is one family photo op you won’t want to miss.
It keeps turning (very slowly!) while you hop on and off, but don’t stress, it’s smoother than a bedtime story. Staff are there to help, and they’ll pause the wheel if anyone needs extra time. Even grandparents and toddlers can handle it like pros.
Yep, but you’ll need to fold it before boarding. There’s not loads of space in the pod, so leave the giant travel system at home and bring your folding-friendly ride instead.
Around 30 minutes – the perfect sweet spot between “ooh wow” and “are we done yet?” Just long enough to soak up the views without anyone melting down.
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Shard, Tower Bridge, even Wembley on a good day. It’s basically London bingo with an unbeatable view.
Totally. The pod is big enough to shuffle around for selfies and skyline spotting. There’s a bench in the middle if anyone needs a quick sit-down, but otherwise, feel free to roam.
Absolutely. Great views, great pics, and no history lectures. Teens love the Insta potential – and they don’t even have to pretend to be interested.
Not on board, but there are some right near the ticket hall, before you board. Definitely hit them up beforehand, because 30 minutes at 135 metres is not the time to need a wee.
Sorry, no food allowed in the pods (apart from water). Save the snacks for afterwards, the South Bank is packed with places to grab a treat.
Try early morning or just before sunset – fewer queues and dreamy lighting for those family photos. Top tip: golden hour = golden ride.
Yes, unless you love queuing with hangry children. Book online to save cash and skip the worst of the wait.
Surprisingly, lots of nervous types love it! It moves slowly, doesn’t wobble, and the pods are fully enclosed. Plus, you’re too busy going “look – there’s The Gherkin!” to worry.
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