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.

I went up at night and I was not prepared for the view that I got. It was misty raining outside and the views were great. I could not see everything as it was dark. I bought an observation map that shows London buildings during daylight hours so it can be a guessing game to figure out what some of the buildings are at night. It takes approximately 30 minutes to go all the way around and back to earth. It is sponsored by British Airways and the announcer talks as if you were riding in an airplane. Ticket admission was $25USD. One should expect a security check before boarding.

The London Eye is a definite must! Erected to commemorate the Millennium, this is the world's biggest observation wheel, lifting passengers 135 metres over the Thames. On a clear day, you can see down the river past the Canary Wharf Tower with its constantly flashing red beacon and up-river to Windsor, more than 25 miles away to the west.

It's interesting to see where the well known landmarks are in relation to each other. When using the tube you miss so much of London and places seem much less far apart. But up in the air however, you realise a couple of things. One is that the real map of London bears no relation to the tube map, which has been stylised to make it look prettier and easier to fit all the staions in. The other thing is that the tube is a pretty fast way to get around, even though it sometimes seems to take an age.

The best way to do the Eye is to book in advance on line or by telephone. We booked about 10 days in advance and had no problems with availability. When you arrive, follow the signs to the ticket office and pick up your tickets. You then make your way to the queue, your advised to arrive about 30 minutes before your time slot. If you've booked a whole capsule, you need to make sure all members of your party are there because the Eye does not stop moving as it comes back round to admit passengers (except for wheelchair users).

As the capsule comes round, you step on and there is enough time for around 15 people to climb on board. The doors are shut and you're under way. You are aware of gently moving at first but then it becomers barely noticeable because you're enthralled by the amazing views. If you don't feel comfortable standing right at the edge of the capsule, there is seating in the centre of the pod. The ride lasts around 30 minutes and seems to fly by. At first it's hard to know where to look as you hear your fellow passengers pointing out new sights through the ride. From the second you step into the capsule until the moment you step out, it's breathtaking and incredibly exciting. At the very peak, the capsule swings over gently and all of London and beyond is laid out before you. Quite emotional . . .

The descent comes too soon and everyone is straining to spot just a few more sights. There is a recorded announcement telling you to stand in the corners of the capsule if you would like a souvenir photograph of yourself in the pod. These are available to buy a couple of minutes after descending.

The Eye costs £11 for adults until November and £5.50 for children. Yes, the price is high for what is a glorified Ferris wheel, but for a really memorable experience, it's worth splashing out.

It looks like a Ferris wheel but it isn't. It rarely ever comes to a complete stop and moves so slowly that you don't realize that you are moving. Each capsule is able to hold up to 25 people, but on my trip I only had 9. Just an overall great thing to do.

The London eye, you can't miss it if you walked towards the end of Camden, it's a huge wheel with capsules attached to it. The big wheel was successfully brought up only the second time round as the 1st attempt failed due to weak ropes that snapped before complete erection of the wheel. A few people go into the capsule and it moves in a circular motion in order for you to view London. The view is simply spendid and a good place to go if you don't have time to see everything, see all in one go.