Is it worth going on the London Eye at night?  That was the question I asked myself when I visited London for a weekend break last month. The London Eye is open until 9pm at night, and I was keen to see what the experience would be like in the dark.  Can you still have a memorable experience when the lights have gone out over London?

The London Eye At Night

I waited for my friend to join me on a very wet and dark night in December.  She was at work during the day so the earliest she could meet me was 6pm.  I had lots to do in the day, so this was the perfect time for us both to meet up.  It also gave me chance to admire the big London wheel from the ground.  The London Eye does look pretty spectacular all lit up at night.  I was quite happy enjoying the view and the lights while I waited.

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london eye

I’ve not been on the London Eye in the day time, but I guess on a overcast day in December, going on the wheel at night time might be the better option for making the most of the experience.  I was looking forward to a) getting out of the rain and b) seeing all the lights and enjoying the skyline at night from the London Eye.

Getting On The London Eye at Night

We had fast track London Eye tickets that we could use between 6pm and 9pm.  It meant we didn’t have to queue, but to be fair there wasn’t much of a queue for that time in the evening anyway.  If you’re visiting at off peak times in the winter you could probably manage with a standard London Eye ticket and not have to wait too long at all.

view from southbank over thames

The London Eye is still rotating, albeit slowly, when you step on.  It was a little unnerving but there are people on hand to help you out as you get on.  Walking onto something that is moving plays havoc with your senses I think!

The London Eye pod is completely sealed, so kept us out of the rain and completely dry throughout the experience.  Sadly the weather didn’t do much for my photography and I was struggling to use my DSLR to capture the view so relied on my iPhone that seemed to handle the rain a lot better.

Views From The London Eye At Night

Big ben at night

The London Eye takes 1/2 an hour to complete a full rotation, so it gives you plenty of time to take in the view over the city’s skyline.  Possibly the most recognisable and iconic building you will see is Big Ben and The Houses Of Parliament on the other side of the Southbank.

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The city  looks pretty spectacular from the London Eye at night and it was a lovely thing to do while catching up with an old friend.  The speed the wheel rotates at is actually very relaxing and you can enjoy the view and a catch up without fear of missing anything.

view from london eye

Prices start from £19 for an adult ticket to go on the London Eye.  I would look out for deals and offers when booking tickets in advance as discounts are available on various websites when you book in advance.

I enjoyed my London Eye at night experience and it was a great way to start our evening before heading off to Jamie’s Italian for dinner.  I would be interested to go on the London Eye again in the daytime, to compare the experience.  I’m sure on a bright clear day the views are pretty breathtaking.  Given the time of year though I actually think that a visit to the London Eye at night in winter would be better that going on during the day.  On a blue sky day in summer I’m sure a visit to the London Eye in daylight would win hands down though.

Thank you very much to the Coca Cola London Eye for providing me with complimentary passes to enjoy the London Eye at night in exchange for this post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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10 COMMENTS

  1. Sounds incredible Zena! We went on the Eye on new years eve during the day, which was my third time. Had a fabulous clear day and it was stunning… I’d love to do this though 🙂

  2. Thanks for sharing!

    I’ve done the eye a few times and night time is my favourite by far. Whata great way to catch up with a friend.

    And I couldn’t agree more about stepping on (and off) while its moving! Even though its pretty simply and not exactly a roller coaster it does mind melt you a little bit!

    x

  3. We are hoping to go on the London eye some point this year. I don’t think we will be going at night though as will need to get back to Blake but it would be a wonderful experience to also go at night in the future.

  4. We hope to try out the London eye. It’s going to be in my next bucket list! 🙂 I think I’d like to try it out in the day and at night!

  5. Last time I was in London I was about 13 years old. My parents, sister, and I made it a quick day trip because my father was living in Bath at the time. One of my biggest regrets is not being able to go on The London Eye. So this post totally will be bookmarked in my Wanderlust file. Great pics!

  6. It looks amazing at night! We had a fantastic trip to London some years back and we went up the London Eye, but during the day. It was great though, the views were spectacular.

  7. I’ve only been up in the day time and on a clear day it is amazing. 30 minutes sounds like a long time in the dark, but it really does look beautiful

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