One of London’s newest and most popular sites is the London Eye. This massive structure stands 135m (442.91 feet) from the ground to the top of a capsule. This structure is not technically a Ferris wheel. It was a wonderful experience to be on. You can see for 25 miles, which gives you a view of many famous landmarks, like the houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Windsor Castle. The true experience is being at the top, a feeling like you are flying. And since you don’t actually feel like you are that high, it works for those who are not fond of heights. These capsules are made of glass and steel, so buckle up and enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to see the picture at the end.

The London Eye near Westminster is truly an inspiration. I have been on this about six times, but always for business and never for pleasure. I usually have lots of clients to entertain, so cannot normally enjoy the actual ride or the views. To view it as a visitor this time was fun.

We pre-purchased our ticket, so we had a set time to board and thus didn’t queue. You can buy a joint ticket with Madame Tussaud’s, as they are owned by the same company, and it works out cheaper.

The London Eye consists of lots of large glass pods rotating slowly on the biggest ferris wheel you are likely to go on. If you manage to pick a clear, sunny day, you can see for miles; unfortunately, on this occasion, it was rather overcast and not too good on the view front. Usually you can see Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster, and many more sights. The pods are equipped with landmark pictures, so you can spot the sights as you go round.

If you are worried about travel sickness, don't. You are rotating very slowly, so you hardly notice it; you are, however, pretty high, so if heights aren’t your thing then you have been warned. I would, however, urge anyone to have a go on the London Eye. It really is an excellent way to spend half an hour seeing London as you cannot see it any other way. Remember to take a camera or camcorder, as the views can be spectacular.

It's a definite must-visit for anyone going to London. Remember, pre-purchase your ticket on the web so you don't have to queue, and you will not be disappointed.

I recall being at a staff Christmas party and being ordered by my boss to enjoy myself. Cracking near-the-truth jokes about him, I realised, was perhaps not the best way to go about it. The Millennium celebrations also had to be enjoyed, and umpteen crackpot schemes were put forward to celebrate it. Among the worst was the Millennium Dome in London, and among the best, an idea by Julia Barfield and David Marks – British Airways’ competition winners.

They wanted to present something symbolic that people could participate in and enjoy. They came up with the idea of a giant observation wheel. Perhaps not entirely original; for one was built for Chicago’s Worlds Columbian Exposition in 1893. It became known as the Ferris wheel, after its designer - his name becoming synonymous with such wheels. These are traditional structures at great occasions of celebration and have been included at many of the great expositions throughout the world. David and Julia were therefore bang on with their idea - they intended it to represent the turning of the century.

The British Airways’ London Eye is the largest of its kind ever to be built. At a height of 135m (450 feet) and 1,600 tons, it is a new London landmark - looking for all the world like a giant bicycle wheel. Positioned at Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank, it is in the dead centre of the city. It was an instant hit. People make special journeys to see the giant Wheel and to be transported high above London. It turns very slowly and, viewed from a distance, might even appear stationary.

It only stops to allow disabled people on board. My wife and I piled into the capsule on the move along with 18 others. Bench seats are positioned in the centre. These proved insufficient, for when I tried to sit down, I discovered a bottom had beaten mine from the other side. No matter - as the Wheel rose our expectation grew and we were soon racing around trying to identify what we could see and snapping everything in sight. The higher it soared, the more celebratory the experience became, as we enjoyed the awe-inspiring views over the heart of the city.

Well-known landmarks and buildings of central London spread out in a great panorama before us. These are not identified in the capsule, but we found it fun to see how many we could identify. Some to look out for are: The Imperial War Museum; The Globe Theatre; The Oval Cricket Ground; The Tate Gallery; Westminster Abbey; The Houses of Parliament; The Tower of London; St. Paul’s Cathedral; The National Portrait Gallery; Buckingham Palace; The British Museum; and The Telecommunications Tower.

Three years of effort went into the project. In recognition of their work, the imaginative design, and the pleasure it gives to millions of people, the couple have been awarded the MBE.

Tickets: Adult £11.50

For great views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Thames, and much more...take a "flight" on the London Eye, sponsored by British Airways. Allow plenty of time--lines are long. In 2000, the lines were closed right in front of us. This year, we managed to get on the last "flight" of the day. You walk on and walk off while the Eye is moving, so be alert. For more information, see ba-londoneye.com.

Once, when I was flying into Heathrow, my flight got in very early and we were forced into a holding pattern for about 20 minutes, circling around and around the city of London. From my seat, I had the most remarkable view of London and felt incredibly lucky to be caught in that moment of time. Barring such an experience, London lacks places where you can get above it all and see for miles and miles. Rome has the top of Domes, Florence has its Bell Towers. And now London has the London Eye. Visible from anywhere near the River Thames, the London Eye, at first glance, seems like a pretty tacky touristy thing to do. But it's NOT!

I don't think there is any single place in London from which you get such a wonderful birds' eye view of the City. I found that it gives one a perspective of direction and scope and distance and size that it is very hard to achieve from anywhere on the ground.

For the first year of its existence, the lines were very long and the smart way to get tickets was online in advance. Today the lines are mostly gone and I really think it's smarter to wait until you are ready to "ride". The view is so dependent on weather, light, and time of setting sun.

Although the Eye looks something like a ferris wheel, it's not one. It moves about 1 mile per hour and you will not really notice the movement at all. Inside your capsule, you also do not suffer from any fear of heights or claustrophobia. All in all, it's a very pleasant experience.