Where else can you see London in all its glory at 450 feet in the air? The Eye is the highest observation wheel in the world and took seven years to build (a little late, if you remember). It was built to commemorate the new Millenium and represents the turning of time: celebrating London's past and looking forward to the future.

After taking the 30 minute flight I can truly say it offers a breathtaking view of the city. You ride in one of the 32 capsules. The capsules are big enough so you can walk around and get the view in different directions.

If you are going to take the flight, book ahead at www.londoneye.com. Arrive about half an hour early and bring lots of film.

This was one of the highlights of my entire life!!! YES, it was fun. The wheel is 450 feet and takes 1/2 hour to ride, but it's worth it. When you look at it, it doesnt even seem to be moving because it's so slow.

When you get to London you need to make a reservation for a time and pay for it at that time. Cost $12.00US for an adult. Seniors and children get a lower price. You have to get there 1/2 hr before your scheduled time and wait in line. Check the British Air website for times and information. I did it in September, and the hours went till 10PM. In the winter the wheel is in operation only until 6PM. You also need to remember that the sun sets at about 4:30PM in November and December.

I was hesitant - not being all that thrilled with heights, to step into our glass capsule, one of a series that makes up the London Eye. I was happy to see that the floor was not glass and that there would be a guide in each capsule. After a brief welcome, the guide suggested we all remove our jackets as it tends to get very hot inside. The Eye moved slowly and it was hard to tell you were moving at all. The view from the stop however was spectacular. The cost is 8.50 pounds per adult and 5 pounds for those under 16. It is possible to buy advance tickets which I would suggest, as there is usually quite a waiting list. Tickets can be purchased online at londoneye.com

Despite living and working in London I had never taken a trip on the London Eye before, that all changed in Christmas 2006. My boyfriend’s mum had received free tickets for the London Eye and Thames river cruise, which she gave to us. We got priority queuing but to be honest the queues weren’t that bad. This might have been because of the time of year (30/12/06). We took the river cruise first. The cruise was excellent; we sat outside, which was freezing, but worth it for the views. The intricate history of the buildings, bridges and areas of London received on the boat trip is incredible.

I live in London and thought I knew the buildings and history quite well, but details such as the type of birds on Blackfriars bridge being different on each side due to whether they are facing towards or away from the sea, made me realise how little I know. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and you get a free drink, we got mulled wine but I presume it changes with the season. I would definitely recommend the trip, especially if you don’t plan to get a guide for the eye, this will give you a perspective of which buildings are which and the history of them. After finished the cruise we headed to the queue for the eye. We queued for about 35 minutes, which didn’t seem to bad. The views are spectacular but we didn’t get a guide and I think it would be worthwhile doing as there were questions I wanted to ask about some buildings. I would take another trip on the eye as I would love to see across London at night, its beautiful just from the train so I can imagine that at night the views are spectacular.

I went with a friend in late January 2003, right when it reopened after its annual repairs. It’s best to order tickets online (there are tons of internet cafes in London where you can do this, if you don't book before you arrive). Then you won't have to stand in a queue for ages to get tickets and then queue again for the actual ride. It is sponsored by British Airways, so they keep calling it a "flight", though there is no free soda or peanuts. The ride lasts about 45 minutes, but it doesn't feel that long (unless you have to go to the toilet maybe). I would say an overcast day is better, as the sun creates a glare that makes it difficult to see. I knew a lot of the sights, but wish I'd bought one of those maps that helps you identify everything before I got on. I'm sure they charge something extortionate, but I'd buy it for £6 or under if I went again.