London Eye

The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a huge observation wheel on the banks of the River Thames, that offers spectacular views of the city.

TravelCurious Tip

Why not take a spin on the London Eye at night, and witness the lights of the city twinkling beneath your feet?

All eyes on you

Many a visitor to London will take a spin on this famous wheel, which takes you high above the skyline and provides the best views of the buzzing metropolis. At a towering 135m, the London Eye is in the top five tallest Ferris wheels in the world and has won numerous awards for tourism. It is currently sponsored by Coca-Cola.

The Eye was first launched in 2000. It replaced the Great Wheel, which was a late Victorian Ferris wheel modelled on the famous Chicago wheel. This Great Wheel was built for the Empire of India Exhibition in 1895 and later demolished in 1907.

The observation pods or capsules, which can hold up to 25 people at a time, represent each of the 32 London boroughs. As the pods rotate around the wheel they look out over London city, which is the 33rd and final division of Greater London, providing exceptional panoramic views – an eye over London.

More than meets the eye

The obvious attraction of the London Eye is taking a trip around the Ferris wheel itself for the breathtaking skyline sights. However, this is not the only activity offered by the London Eye. Visitors are also offered a River Cruise. This lasts about 40 minutes and includes a trip past some of London’s other most popular tourist attractions including Big Ben, Westminster Palace and the Tower of London, with commentary from an expert guide.

It is also possible to book private capsules for couples and groups. Visitors may rent a capsule for one or more rotations to enjoy a unique and romantic date, or share a glass of champagne and hors-d’oeuvres with friends. Decadent fun in a fantastic setting; what more could you want?

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in London
Big Ben
Renamed "Elizabeth Tower" for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the iconic Victorian clock tower of London, has become a symbol of the city itself.
Thames River Boat
A River Thames Boat Ride is one of the most picturesque ways to travel through London like a Londoner while enjoying amazing views of the most popular landmarks.
Thames River
The second longest river in the UK the Thames is an iconic piece of London culture. Don't be put off by its murky colour it is actually one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in European.
The Cenotaph
A national war memorial in London.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit as you stroll around the Winter Market.
Westminster Tube Station
The Westminster Tube Station is a subway station managed by the London Underground in the city of Westminster. The famous movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, recorded a scene at the Westminster Station.

Related Tours

London in a Day: Private Walking Tour including the London Eye
This full-day tour is the perfect way to see London's most iconic attractions in a day, making the most of your time in the English capital by the hand of a professional tour guide who will share local stories and the history of the city.

On your full-day walking tour, you will: 

  • Spend a day in London with a Blue Badge tour guide who will share the history behind the most popular landmarks and hidden gems;
  • Get access to the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey and take a ride in the London eye;
  • Visit the Tower of London and see the impressive Crown Jewels, while learning about the Line of Kings and the Royal Family;
  • Stop for lunch at one of the many options in the City of London;
  • Hop aboard a Thames river bus to see some of the best sites from the water, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, and Tower Bridge;
  • Explore one of the world’s most famous Gothic cathedrals, Westminster Abbey, and see the place where royal coronations take place;
  • Enjoy a walking tour of the city of Westminster, where you’ll see St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, the Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben;
  • Conclude your tour at the London Eye, where your guide will give you Fast-track tickets to see the city of London from above.
Meet your guide at the Tower of London and explore one of the oldest buildings in the city where some of the greatest events in English history occurred. You will have the opportunity to admire the unmissable and stunning Crown Jewels which are kept here behind extensive security in the aptly-named Jewel House.

On leaving the Tower, travel to Westminster by river bus for a walking tour past some of London’s most famous buildings including St James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards, the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. 

Your full-day tour will continue in Westminster Abbey, London’s royal church, the site of 38 coronations and the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. You will learn about the Coronation ceremony and enjoy the beauty of this 800-year-old treasure. 

After a day in London filled with history, culture and visits to the most iconic landmarks, it's time for a relaxing ride on the London Eye, one of the world's biggest Ferris Wheels for spectacular views across London that you will enjoy with your group.


Please Note: timing of the itinerary, including lunch and Westminster Abbey, are subject to change
Family-Friendly Royal London: Private Half-Day Tour & London Eye
Discover the most popular sites in Royal London on this family-friendly half-day tour, where you will see London’s unmissable attractions, parks, and finest Royal sites with an expert tour guide while keeping your family entertained. 

On this family-friendly private tour, you will:

  • Explore London with a tour guide handpicked for leading family-friendly tours;
  • Begin your journey at the Statue Of The Duke Of Wellington and walk under the famous Wellington Arch;
  • Admire the grandiosity of Buckingham Palace from the outside and discover the Victoria memorial;
  • Visit St. James's Park and see the Pelicans donated to King Charles II by a Russian ambassador during a visit in 1664;
  • See Diana Princess of Wales Memorial and St James's Palace;
  • Walk past Whitehall and 10 Downing St, UK's Prime Minister's office;
  • Enjoy a walking tour of Westminster, where you’ll see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey;
  • Finish your time enjoying panoramic views of the city from the London Eye, a family favourite!
This tour is ideal for those families who would like a taste of London in half a day and want to see London’s unmissable attractions and finest Royal sites in an exciting four hours. 

Whether your family is interested in history, nature, experiencing iconic British traditions or marvelling at beautiful Royal Palaces and Parks, this tour has something for everyone.

Get a peppering of tales, fun facts and stories about London, British Culture and tradition. Hear of the Secret tunnels which lie beneath Buckingham palace, and the many attempts to steal the Crown Jewels. And the infamous 14-year-old cat-burglar caught stealing the late Queen Victoria’s underwear. See London’s famous palace guards, the household cavalry mounted on their famous black horses, and maybe even members of the royal family, if you are lucky!

On this half-day tour, you will also avoid the rush and busyness of a group tour, and enjoy a more intimate, flexible experience. Your tour ends with an adventurous ride on the London Eye. 

Your personal guide will help you quickly navigate London and ensure you have the smoothest, most enjoyable day possible creating great memories with your family. 
The Best of London in an Iconic Black Cab: Private Driving Tour
Explore the best of London by the hand of a well-informed cabbie and professional driver guide, who knows the city like the back of his hand, including the most popular attractions and many hidden gems on this panoramic sightseeing tour of London. 

On your private driving tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier;
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Drive alongside the Thames river to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
  • Stop for a coffee or tea along the way, if you need a pick-me-up.
Your guide will meet and greet you at your central London hotel (or preferred pickup location) and at the conclusion of your 4-hour tour, you can be dropped off at your hotel or any central location of your choice. 

On this half-day tour, your guide will stop at a minimum of 6 popular locations to tell you about the fascinating history of these iconic attractions. 

This is less of a whistle-stop tour than most of the London highlights tours and invites you to slow down, while those around you hop on and off of buses without enough time to truly appreciate the layers of history and wild stories that surround so many London icons. 

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout your tour to take those treasured photos – and if you want to take time out, your London guide knows all the best places to grab a coffee. 
007 James Bond Locations in London: Private Black Cab Tour
Delve into the world of espionage with Bond, James Bond on a private tour of London to uncover many filming locations in the city of London that you have seen in your favourite movies for over 40 years.

On your James Bond filming locations tour, you will:

  • Travel in the comfort of a private and iconic London Black Cab;
  • Relive your favourite spy flicks and their lead characters with an accredited London Driver Guide who's a 007 aficionado; 
  • Become a special agent of "His Majesty’s Secret Service" and explore the haunts throughout London where Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig each brought Bond to life;
  • Explore the places behind the stories in Ian Fleming’s iconic novels and the subsequent films;
  • Learn about the real-life world of the Secret Service as you tour Westminster, Whitehall, Downing St, and the National Gallery.

London is a city unlike no other in respect of its long associations with the world of espionage - the spies, double agents, traitors, heroes and villains from every continent played out their cloak-and-dagger games of cunning, deceit and treachery on the mean streets that we shall traverse. 

Like in real life, the city has played host to some incredible spy moments on the big screen, including in Bond film scenes over the past 55 years. Your 007 expert tour guide is here to take you undercover and whisk you through the film locations from ‘Dr. No’ through to ‘Spectre.’
 
James Bond fans will not only get to see those film scene sites - but also most of London's iconic landmarks, plus a special visit inside one of the world's most famous spaces, the National Gallery.
Customise Your Own 9-hour Private London Tour in a Black Cab
At Black Cab Heritage Tours, we have a wide range of private tours and day trips from London, but our priority is to make sure you have a memorable experience, and that every detail of your tour is taken care of.

This “Customise Your Own Tour” will allow you to work with one of our staff members to create the perfect customised tour according to your requests.

Depending on the tour duration selected, you can choose from tours that will take place entirely in London or day trips out of town.

We look forward to welcoming you to London soon!
Discover Westminster in a London Black Cab: Private 2-hour Tour
Explore the hub of British politics, power, and royalty on this two-hour private driving tour of Westminster and Central London in an iconic London Black Cab. With your expert private driver-guide, you will see all of Westminster’s historic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and Westminster Abbey, as well as three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two Tudor Palaces, and many others.

On your private tour you will:

  • See iconic sights including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Marvel at the architectural wonders of St James' Palace, Westminster Cathedral, St Margaret's Church, and Westminster School;
  • Visit famous and lesser-known places including Downing Street, Central Methodist Hall, Banqueting House, Horse Guards, and the National Gallery;
  • Hear stories and scandals about Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, Marble Arch, Wellington Memorial, Lambeth Palace, the London Eye, and the River Thames;
  • End your tour with a drop-off at any preferred Central London location.

Discover the real history of power, politics, and monarchy in London on this express two-hour private tour of iconic London landmarks with an expert Cabbie who not only knows London like the back of their hand but is also a historian... with many royal and historic secrets to share with you!  

Whether you are interested in the British monarchy's royal palaces or the historic UK Parliament based at Westminster for over 1000 years, your expert guide is more than happy to spill all the gossip, alongside the history of any topic which may interest you. 

Hear about the Second World War, the Blitz and Churchill's magnificent speeches; or more historically Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. Hear about King Charles I at Banqueting House, and his beheading at the Palace of Westminster. 

Learn about the secret tunnels beneath the streets of London used to protect the royals during turbulent times, and how democracy and Constitutional Monarchy work in the UK with the two Houses of Parliament: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Find out about the drunken sailors that brought back the body of naval Hero Horatio Nelson, who stands proudly atop Nelson's column. 

Learn about the ancient coronation rituals that have been taking place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 up to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and King Charles III. Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Abbey that has stood the test of time for over 1000 years. 

Your guide is ready to discuss anything you throw their way - including filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, and Downton Abbey, among many others. In short, for any curiosity, you may have about London today and British history as a whole, you're in great hands! 
Explore London in an Iconic Black Cab: Private Full-Day Driving Tour
Experience all that London has to offer in a day on this whistle-stop driving and walking tour of the most famous landmarks and sites that London is world-famous for, and see more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week! 

On your private full-day tour, you will: 

  • Travel in style in a private and iconic London Black Cab;
  • Enjoy the personalised attention of your private tour guide, who is also a licensed Black Cab driver;
  • Catch the awesome ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your reservation pick-up time is 10 am or earlier. 
  • See London's most famous attractions, including 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 2 Tudor Palaces;
  • Snap photos at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch, Kensington Palace, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the British Museum, and even... Abbey Road. 

London is a modern capital with an ancient past as for centuries it has occupied a central place in the rich fabric of British life and history. Your expert driver-guide will introduce you to one of the world's most multi-faceted and fascinating cities, home to the Queen, and aeons of Toyal history, not to mention Shakespeare's Globe and a thrumming West End theatre scene.  

On your private, full-day tour in a Classic Black Cab, you'll stop along the way for many photo opportunities and hear the histories of many of the most famous buildings of Britain's Capital city as well as take the opportunity to stroll and explore some of the Victorian alleys and markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall market in the East End (featured in Harry Potter movies). 

This comprehensive tour will include stops all over the city, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge,  and many more. 

At each place, you'll be able to capture your memories and share your amazing day on Instagram, before being dropped off at a location of your choice. 
Classic Westminster tour in a London Black Cab
Originally an island above the Thames marshes, Westminster has so much history crammed in one area that you’ll be struggling to keep up without your private driver guide. This short tour is a fast-paced experience that will take you around the most popular highlights of the city of Westminster.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Discover famous memorials, Westminster Abbey where Royal coronations and burials take place, Whitehall: the heartbeat of the British government, No. 10 Downing Street;
  • See the most-photographed, most-recognised and most-loved London landmarks that you will tick off your entire London essentials list;
  • Feel the buzz of Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, the elegance of St. James’s Park, and the glamour of Buckingham Palace;
  • Find broad boulevards and incredible views that portray the perfect backdrop for the pomp and pageantry of royal occasions;
  • Discover Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, the River Thames, Hyde Park, Albert Hall and even Harrods;
  • See UNESCO World Heritage and 2 Tudor Palaces in an action-packed 2-hour itinerary.

Discover the real history of power, politics, and monarchy in London on this express two-hour private tour of iconic London landmarks with an expert Cabbie who not only knows London like the back of their hand but is also a historian... with many royal and historic secrets to share with you!  

Whether you are interested in the British monarchy's royal palaces or the historic UK Parliament based at Westminster for over 1000 years, your expert guide is more than happy to spill all the gossip, alongside the history of any topic which may interest you. 

Hear about the Second World War, the Blitz and Churchill's magnificent speeches; or more historically Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. Hear about King Charles I at Banqueting House and his beheading at the Palace of Westminster. 

Learn about the secret tunnels beneath the streets of London used to protect the royals during turbulent times, and how democracy and Constitutional Monarchy work in the UK with the two Houses of Parliament: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Find out about the drunken sailors that brought back the body of naval Hero Horatio Nelson, who stands proudly atop Nelson's column. 

Learn about the ancient coronation rituals that have been taking place at Westminster Abbey since William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066 up to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and King Charles III. Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the Abbey that has stood the test of time for over 1000 years. 

Your guide is ready to discuss anything you throw their way - including filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, and Downton Abbey, among many others. In short, for any curiosity, you may have about London today and British history as a whole, you're in great hands! 
The Premier Classic London Tour in an Iconic Black Cab
The Premier Classic London Experience is the perfect way to discover the marvellous city of London for first-time visitors and for those that have a short time in the city. 

On your private driving tour, you will: 

  • Enjoy hotel pick-up from any central London hotel;
  • Discover the best 6 and most popular attractions that are the essence of the city;
  • Get a taste of the real London with a “cabbie”, a professional driver-guide who knows the city inside out,
  • Visit notable sites and landmarks while your local guide shares interesting stories and history at each locale;
  • Stop at several quintessential London must-sees, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace;
  • Catch the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony for tours starting at 10 am or earlier;
  • Hop back in for an easy drive to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster;
  • Drive alongside the Thames River to the Tower of London, where true stories seem more like fiction than fact!
  • Enjoy drop-off in any central London location of your hotel.

During the Premier Classic London Tour, your knowledgeable guide will warmly greet you at your central London hotel or chosen location. 

Throughout the 4-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the history behind at least 6 popular London landmarks, all while comfortably riding in an iconic black cab.

This tour has been designed for those who want to take their time to fully appreciate the rich and fascinating stories that surround these iconic attractions, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. 

Your guide will ensure that you have plenty of chances to snap memorable photos and can even recommend the best spots for dining, shopping, or any other of your interests for the rest of your trip.

It's important to note that this tour doesn't include entry to any attractions or tickets. 

At the end of the tour, you'll have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
The Ultimate Full-Day London Tour in an Iconic Black Cab
If you are looking to visit all of London’s iconic landmarks in a day, then The Ultimate London Experience is the perfect tour for you! You will visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2 Tudor Palaces, many secret locations and hidden gems with a professional driver guide in an iconic London Black Cab.

On your private full-day tour, you will: 

  • Travel in style in a private and iconic London Black Cab;
  • See more of London in a day than most visitors will see in a week!;
  • Catch the awesome ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace if your reservation pick-up time is 10 am or earlier;
  • See London's most famous attractions, including 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 2 Tudor Palaces;
  • Snap photos at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Marble Arch, Kensington Palace, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the British Museum, and even... Abbey Road. 

With a rich history spanning centuries, this tour offers you the opportunity to explore London's most iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the world-known Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral to the ancient Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge.

In addition to the well-known attractions, your driver-guide will show you some of the hidden gems of the city, including charming Victorian alleys and bustling markets such as Covent Garden in the West End and Leadenhall Market in the East End, famously featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Throughout the tour, there will be many photo opportunities and plenty of time to soak up the history and culture of the city. 

After a full day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at a location of your choice in Central London. 

Don't miss this chance to experience the wonders of London and create memories that will last a lifetime!


IMPORTANT: This tour does not enter any attractions and no tickets are included
"Darkest Hour" Filming Locations in London: Private Half-Day Tour
"Darkest Hour" is a 2017 British war drama film with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II when he became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom leading the country through "its darkest hour". The movie received 6 nominations for Academy Awards and an Oscar for Best Leading Actor, and on this tour, your driver-guide will take you to movie spots that will repeat the experience offscreen. 

On this half-day tour,  you will:

  • Travel back to 1940 in one of our traditional London Black Cab time machines, which doubled up as fire engines in WWII, when the wartime leader was under pressure to make peace with Hitler as his armies advanced across Europe;
  • Storm through the violence of ‘The Blitz’ with your private guide;
  • Feel the jitters as you visualise Nazi Germany threatening Western Europe and Great Britain’s very existence; 
  • See the Houses of Parliament, an iconic building where Churchill gave his famous speeches;
  • Discover Buckingham Palace, the residence of the British monarch is also featured in the film;
  • Pass by St. Paul's Cathedral, which plays a significant role in the film, as it was where Churchill attended a service to rally the British people during the war;
  • End your tour at the Cabinet War Rooms, the Imperial War Museum or Warship HMS Belfast. (Tickets not included)

Step into an iconic London black cab and immerse yourself in the history of the capital with a half-day tour of "Darkest Hour" filming locations. With an expert driver-guide at the wheel, you will visit some of the most iconic sites of the movie, from the Houses of Parliament to the Cabinet War Rooms. 

Pass by the places where Churchill stood and spoke to the people of Britain during the country's darkest hour and get a feel for the resilience and determination that helped shape the course of history. 

With a knowledgeable guide to provide historical context and entertaining anecdotes, this tour is a must-do for history buffs and movie lovers alike. 

Sit back and relax as you travel back in time in one of London's most iconic vehicles, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that Churchill called home during this pivotal moment in history.
Enjoy a Few Hours in London: Private Heathrow Airport Layover Tour
If you are in transit at Heathrow only for a few hours and you don’t know what to do, this London Layover tour will take you to the most popular landmarks and famous highlights in the time that you have.

Departing from Heathrow airport (approximately 25km away from the city), your professional driver guide will pick you up from your terminal to start your stopover experience in an iconic London Black Cab.

This fast-paced layover tour includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2 Tudor Palaces and all the must-see attractions in the heart of London including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Bridge, River Thames, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and many more! 

All our tours are fully customisable, and the itinerary can be adjusted on the day of the tour according to your interests and you will have plenty of time for photos and new memories.

You can choose from:

  • Royalty and Politics
  • A Flashback into ancient history
  • Playhouses and Pubs
  • Movie and music site locations
  • The best of London

Your driver guide will make sure you are back in time at Heathrow for your next flight.
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