Spot the best hotels near London Eye

Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is a giant cantilevered observation wheel that offers a peaceful way to see the capital from above. Stepping into one of the 32 glass capsules allows you to watch the city unfold beneath you, providing a perspective that is hard to find anywhere else. It is a brilliant spot for anyone wanting to spot landmarks like Big Ben or St Paul’s Cathedral while slowly rotating 443 feet in the air. This structure has become a staple of the skyline and is a great choice for a relaxed afternoon spent admiring the urban sprawl.

Standing tall on the South Bank, this massive observation wheel offers a perspective of the capital that you simply cannot get from the ground. Booking your slot in advance is a smart move to avoid the longest queues, as this is one of the most popular paid attractions in the country.

What this structure means for the skyline

The London Eye was originally built to celebrate the turn of the millennium and has since become a permanent fixture of the city. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, often described as a cantilevered observation wheel because it is supported by an A-frame on only one side. The entire structure stands 443 feet tall, making it a dominant feature along the River Thames.

Each of the 32 glass capsules represents one of the London boroughs, though they are numbered up to 33 because number 13 was skipped for good luck. The design allows for a slow, graceful rotation that gives you plenty of time to spot landmarks like Big Ben or St Paul’s Cathedral from a height of 135 metres.

Planning your visit to the riverfront

You should plan for the rotation to take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Because it is a major attraction, the site can get quite busy during school holidays and weekends, so arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time is recommended. An entry fee applies for all visitors, and various ticket types are available depending on whether you want standard entry or a faster boarding process.

The attraction is located just a 5-minute walk from Waterloo Station, making it very easy to reach by public transport. While there are set daily operations, the wheel occasionally closes for annual maintenance, usually for a period of 2 weeks in January. Please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information regarding specific opening hours and seasonal closures.

Useful amenities for your flight

The boarding area and the capsules are fully accessible for wheelchair users, though it is best to book these slots in advance as there is a limit of 2 wheelchairs per capsule and 8 wheelchairs on the wheel at any one time. Each capsule is climate-controlled to keep the temperature comfortable regardless of the British weather, and there is enough space for up to 25 people to move around freely and take photos.

Nearby, you will find a gift shop and ticket office which provide baby changing facilities and toilets for guests. If you have large bags, keep in mind that items over a certain size are not permitted in the capsules for safety reasons, so you may need to use local luggage storage services. Please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information on prohibited items and facility availability.

You will find that navigating your way to the London Eye is a straightforward task as it sits right in the heart of the capital's South Bank. A wide variety of places to stay are easy to find nearby, ranging from luxury suites to simple spots for those on a budget.

Where to stay near the South Bank

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, look for accommodation in South Bank or Waterloo. This area is perfect for families because many hotels offer large family rooms and are just a 5-minute walk from the river. For a more historic feel, Westminster is just across the bridge, offering upscale stays and grand views of the city skyline. If you prefer a younger, artistic atmosphere, heading slightly east towards Bankside gives you access to quirky boutique hotels and plenty of riverside eateries.

Getting to the riverside

The easiest way to arrive is by taking the London Underground to Waterloo Station, which is only a 5-minute walk away and fully accessible for wheelchairs. You can also travel by water using the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which stops at London Eye Waterloo Pier right at the base of the structure. If you are coming from Charing Cross Station, it takes about 10 minutes to walk across the Hungerford Bridge, providing a great view of the river along the way.

Discovering a great place to stay near the London Eye feels effortless with eDreams. You can quickly look through hotels that fit your style and grab the best deals in just a few clicks. Whether you want a view of the river or a spot tucked away in the city, the right hotel is waiting for you. Let us help you find the perfect match so you can focus on the view from the top. Start your search today and pick from the top hotels in London.