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The Whole London Eye ExperienceBy Genevieve Richards
Since its first flight in March 2003 over 15 million guests have taken flight, at a height of 135 meters, above the London skyline. I took my first flight on a Saturday evening in October 2004. I don’t quite know what I was expecting but the whole experience was fantastic. When I arrived at the South Bank it was twilight and the sun going down behind the houses of Parliament and Big Ben was mesmerising and the speed with which it seemed to go from twilight to the more consuming early evening darkness was astonishing. Because we had pre-booked out tickets online all we had to do was collect them from the automated ticket machine inside the main hall and then wait in line to board the capsule. The line was thick and we thought we were in for a long wait. We were wrong. The line moved constantly for the Eye doesn’t actually stop while people alight and depart, it keeps moving, which I found a little disconcerting at first look. Guides separate guests into groups, and this ensures that the capsules are never over-loaded and those who need assistance are adequately looked after.
It was also the first time since I moved to London ten years ago that I saw just how the River Thames snakes its way through the Capital. It was amazing to see the bends and turns and know that all along its banks are the sights and places that make London so unique. The only hint of nervousness I experienced was when we reached the uppermost point on the flight, and I realised that if we were to get stuck up there the only way down was via a very narrow and seemingly unremarkable ladder attached to the frame of the Eye. Perhaps not the best of thoughts to be entertaining as that stage, especially as the wind was quite ferocious. That’s another thing, I was expecting the capsule to be buffeted by the wind but the ride was smooth and consistent, with nary a shudder or jolt. Although 30 minutes seemed a long time to be up in the air while still on the ground, time in the air seemed to speed by and before we knew it a recorded voice announced we were nearing the end of our journey and that it was time for the official London Eye photograph to be taken. Once back on the ground it was time for the second part of our London Eye experience, the pre-paid dinner at a restaurant on Gabriel’s Wharf, five minutes walk away. When booking for the London Eye there are several combination “deals” to choose from. The flight and supper at a restaurant of choice (a list of corresponding restaurants is also online). We had chosen a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, the Riviera Restaurant. When we arrived at the restaurant we opted to sit upstairs (in the smoking area, although none of us were smoking) in order to make the most of the views from the upstairs windows. The “smoking area” was actually surprisingly open, airy and smoke-free while the downstairs seemed a tad claustrophobic, although this could have been due to the fact that there was a large party of guests downstairs and the tables had been re-arranged accordingly. The menu was a choice of starter, main and desert off a set menu but unlike a lot of restaurants with set menus the menu was varied and everything sounded delicious. Along with our complimentary glass of house wine, I opted for the Parma Ham with rocket salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, followed by whole Sea bass filled with sage and served with cannelloni bean salad, and Lemon Brulee to finish. We also had coffee, again included in the original price of £39.50 (roughly $71.50) each for the flight and supper. Tickets for the flight on its own cost £11.50 ($20.80) for adults, £9.00 ($16.28) for senior citizens, and children under the age of 5 ride free. If you are thinking that the price for the combination deal may seem a little steep it is important to remember that dining out in London (at a reasonable restaurant) can be a costly affair. I personally think that at just under £40 ($72) for a night’s entertainment of such high quality it is downright cheap! I can thoroughly recommend the whole experience, and am now waiting for a chance to go back and do it all again - but in daylight this time. For further information visit: www.ba-londoneye.com Photos courtesy of www.Freefoto.com Bio: |
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TM
A flight on British
Airways’ London Eye is definitely a “must-do” when visiting London. The Eye,
which is open seven days a week, is the sixth tallest structure in London
and offers unparalleled views of the city – in fact passengers can see up to
25 miles in each direction with views over some of the worlds most
celebrated places of interest including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of
Parliament and apparently even Windsor Castle in Berkshire! 
Once we were in
the capsule it was quite difficult to decide which direction afforded the
best views. To the North views of the Royal Opera House, British Museum and
Covent Garden’ to the South Battersea Power Station and the Houses of
Parliament; the East offered St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and the
Tower of London; while to the West was Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace
and the Royal Albert Hall in the distance.