LONDON WEEKEND BREAKS - The Millennium London Eye

London's Millennium Eye was officially opened to the public in March 2000 as part Britain's second millennium celebrations. The official opening and unveiling took place almost four months earlier and was attended by Britain's Prime Minister and a number of other dignitaries on the 31 December 1999.

Although the Millennium saw many buildings and events centred around its occurrence, London's Millennium Eye is arguably the only major project that received, and has continued to benefit from, the support of the general public.

Views of the city

The Millennium Eye, now more often referred to as the London Eye, provides panoramic views looking down and across the entire city of London. It offers truly spectacular cityscapes of London's skyline and, when it comes to London weekend breaks, is an experience not to be missed.

Over the last few years the Millennium Eye has become increasingly successful, both financially and in terms of visitor numbers and popularity.

It has also become a major focal point and silhouette on the London horizon and a must see visitor attraction that5 is now known throughout the world.

London Millennium Eye facts

The Millennium Eye is situated in Jubilee gardens on the South Bank of the Thames.

The Millennium Eye takes glass encased capsules around in a vertical loop peaking at a height of 135 metres.

When the Millennium Eye was officially opened it was the largest human transport wheel in the world. That mantle has since been lost to another larger wheel.

The Millennium wheel travels at a speed of one half of a mile per hour .

The duration of a single 360 degree vertical rotation is about half one hour.

The Millennium Eye thirty two individual air conditioned capsules offering a 360 degree view of the city.

Each Millennium Eye capsule can accommodate up to a maximum of 25 people.

Tickets and location

The Eye is in Millennium Gardens and as of Spring 2008, the cost of a single 360 degree rotation (flight) was 14 pounds sterling per adult, with reduced rates for children and senior citizens.