To build up anticipation for what was to come, our ‘flight’ was delayed long enough for a few hangovers to wear off and for the cheeky one to work his grubby magic on a number of the party. When the call came to board, we headed the charge for the pods – a year of preferential boarding of aeroplanes does that to a family - only to be informed that buggies are not allowed. The Tomato unleashed inside the bubble without restraining mechanism? Is that wise? A further blow was the discovery that we could check only the buggy. The multitude of bags, coats, food and assorted stuff had to remain with us. Bear this in mind, all who follow.

Still, such setbacks often have fringe benefits. We rejoined the rear of the party, largely consisting of friendly female IgoUgo staffers. Smiles and attention for the Tomato, along with a distinct lack of beards (it seems to be facial hair that perplexes – as if he’s not sure which way round the head is). The day was looking up.

The London Eye is a spectacular way to see a spectacular city. Its clever design, placing the cars so they are always on the outside of the structure, ensures incredible views for most of the 30-minute journey. The historic city spreads out below, and everyone begins to snap photos and share their observations. Just over the river to the west is a strip of the most familiar real estate. The imposing opulence of the various government buildings that line Whitehall is book-ended by the reassuring Big Ben and the surprisingly diminutive Nelson’s Column. At the top of the wheel, 135 metres above the Thames, the 360-degree view is complete and encourages a little awe--that’s if you’re not crawling around on the floor or trying to put your hand in the woefully inadequate air-conditioning unit, of course.

The Blonde and I took it in turns to apologise to our fellow passengers, as the Tomato did his best to trip them up or use them as a climbing frame. The Blonde took the opportunity to correct any preconceptions about her that may have developed from my journals, and I mostly sweated.

The London Eye is great. It’s even better than that when it's free and enjoyed with good company, but it does still justify the somewhat steep £11.25 (online) fare.

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.

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