The London Eye Sees All

London's Eye in the sky

Traveling
With Bob & Sandy Nesoff

For years we resisted the urge to take organized bus tours of foreign destinations because of the “cattle herding” mentality that seemed to accompany them. That all changed after a trip to Gettysburg in Pennsylvania where one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War took place.

Nearly 60,000 men were wounded and died in the three-day battle that ranged across the Pennsylvania landscape. It was one of the more complicated actions in history and quite bewildering to the visitor. However after a bus tour, including battle sound effects, and a viewing of the magnificent Cyclorama that depicted the phases of the battle, we were convinced that is often the way to go.

As often as we’ve been to London we will periodically take a guided tour of the city and invariably see and learn something we had not known before. There are several ways to accomplish this. Obviously one of the city’s myriad tour buses lines is an option.

Another option is a Thames River Tour that gives a different perspective of the city, including a prisoner’s-eye view of the infamous “Traitor’s Gate” entrance to the Tower of London through which those of high rank who had been condemned came to await their fate.

One of the most magnificent ways to see the city is by taking a “flight” on the London Eye, the huge Ferris Wheel that looms over the Thames and provides an unmatched view of Britain’s capital city.

Reaching a height of almost 443 feet (135 meters), the London Eye gives the traveler a view across the city taking in almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) from an angle seen only from a low flying airplane.

First opened in March 2000, the London Eye was sponsored for years by British Airways. It is currently called the EDF Energy London Eye. But whatever it’s called, it is a fantastic ride.

Lines at the ticket booth can be long, but not as long as lines (queues) waiting to board the capsules. The purchase of tickets in advance is strongly recommended and can be made through http://www.viator.com/London-attractions/London-Eye-tours-tickets/d737-a1400?pref=02&aid=g1942 and Fast track the line.

The cost for the flight varies considerably and ranges from £16.74 ($26) to £31.08 ($48). Check out the options. You can go absolutely wild and rent one of the capsules for a private party for two with champagne for £324 ($507). 

The cycle takes just a half hour with each of the 32 pods holding 25 people. Currently the London Eye is the fourth tallest structure in London and by far the most recognizable.

Use the ride as an opportunity to stake out other locations you’d like to visit. The Houses of Parliament in Westminster Palace is the seat of British government with the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Tours through the legislative chambers are conducted frequently.

Nearby is the famed Tower of Big Ben. Most visitors assume, incorrectly, that the name of the tower is Big Ben or that the clock facing in all four directions is of that name. They are wrong. Big Ben is the bell that chimes on the hour and half hour. Try to be in the vicinity at noon or midnight for the full experience.

Across from these two famed structures is Westminster Abbey, the final resting place of historical figures from the grand history of the United Kingdom ranging from Kings and queens to Rudyard Kipling. Some are in elaborate caskets above head level while others are buried in the walkways through the cathedral.

The cathedral has become more of a historic site than a religious one. Since 1066 all but one ofEngland’s rulers were crowned within its walls.

Admission is free but there is a nominal charge for those taking a guided tour.

No visit to London is complete without a tour of the Tower of London. While one section may still resemble an actual tower, the site is a large complex of buildings surrounded by a dry moat and high fortress-like walls.

Tickets are considerably less expensive if booked in advance on-line. They range from £9 ($13) for children under 16 to £17 ($25.35) for adults. There is an additional charge to visit the secure room where the crown jewels are housed and no photography is permitted in that section. The Tower offers discounts for groups and families and the tickets are generally good for five days.

The famed Beefeaters are in charge of the Tower and provide excellent tours with a grand retelling of its history. Of special interest is the section called the “Bloody Tower” where royals were kept and two young princes murdered.

One of the more interesting and considerably lesser known events is the daily “Ceremony of the Keys” that has been conducted without fail on a daily basis for more than 700 years.

This is the formal locking up of the Tower after a day of visitation as the Beefeaters go through their routine. No pictures are permitted and those who attempt to do so will be embarrassed by the Beefeaters. Although it is a brief ceremony for those interested in pageantry, it is well worth the effort.

Special tickets are required and the ticket holders wait outside the West Gate until all tourists have departed the Tower. The head Beefeater will then escort ticket holders inside and demand absolute respect and silence during the ceremony.

Tickets are an absolute must and may be obtained by writing to: The Ceremony of the Keys, Waterloo Block, HM Tower of London, England EC3N 4AB. You must also enclose a self-addressed envelope and two international reply coupons available at any post office in the United States. There is a limit of six tickets per request from April 2 through October 31 and a maximum of 15 tickets from November 1 through April 1.