🇬🇧 United Kingdom.
The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over three million visitors annually. When it opened to the public in 2000 it was the world's tallest Ferris wheel.
The London Eye stands as an iconic symbol of London and offers a memorable experience for visitors, allowing them to take in the city's beauty from a unique vantage point, and here's some information about the London Eye:
• Design and Construction: The London Eye was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield. Construction began in 1998, and it was officially opened to the public on March 9, 2000. The design features a giant Ferris wheel with a diameter of 120 meters and a height of 135 meters.
• Observation Wheel: The London Eye is often referred to as an "observation wheel" rather than a Ferris wheel because it is intended for the primary purpose of providing panoramic views of the city. It offers 360- degree views of London, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the city's skyline and landmarks.
• Capsules: The London Eye consists of 32 air-conditioned passenger capsules, each weighing
approximately 10 tons. These capsules are attached to the outer circumference of the wheel and rotate slowly as the wheel moves, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views of London during their 30-minute rotation.
• Landmarks Visible: From the top of the London Eye, visitors can see several iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Shard, and the Tower Bridge, among others. On a clear day, the visibility can reach up to 40 kilometers (25 miles).
• Popularity and Tourism: The London Eye has become one of London's most popular tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. It offers a unique and memorable experience for both locals and tourists, providing an unparalleled view of the city's landmarks and skyline.
• Night Illumination: The London Eye is illuminated in various colors during special occasions, celebrations, or as part of lighting displays. It often displays colors to mark significant events, such as blue for the National Health Service (NHS) and rainbow colors during Pride events.
• Thames River Cruise: The London Eye is located near the Thames River, making it a popular starting point for river cruises and boat tours. Visitors can combine a ride on the London Eye with a scenic cruise along the river, exploring more of the city's attractions from the water.
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