This review is intended for parents of infants or young children who would probably avoid going to the London Eye with their children. Here is everything you need to know.
Pros
- Safe and free buggy storage (only for oversized buggies)
- Folding carts can be taken with you
- One of London’s best attractions for young children
Cons
- Carts must be folded
- You cannot leave the bag to change with the buggy in storage; all bags must be carried
Advice
More information on all these points is available below.
- Use step-free access to the London Eye Ticket Hall
- Clean baby changing facilities inside County Hall
- Use free and secure buggy storage (oversized buggies only)
- Limit what you carry in the day as there are no lockers
- Consider booking Fast Track tickets and skip the lines
Stepless access
The main entrance to County Hall, where the London Eye ticket office is located, has steps, so go to the side of the handicap entrance so you can enter with your buggy (see photo).
Diaper changing facilities
Once in the building, turn right, which takes you to the main entrance, then turn left down the hallway into the two handicap bathrooms with diaper changing facilities. It is always best to get things out of the bathroom first.
Oversized Buggy Storage
At the priority boarding counter, staff will store folded and oversized buggies. You will be given a ticket to pick up your buggy after your turn at the Eye. If you have a travel buggy that folds small, you can take it with you but it must be folded. If you have a newborn in a car seat on wheels, then that is fine, but the section of the wheels should be bent. Baby can stay in the car seat or in your arms / in his own carrier / sling.
Do not take too many things for your trip as there are no lockers and you cannot leave any bags with the buggy in storage. They are only large buggies.
Fast track desk
You can book standard flight tickets or just walk in and queue for a ticket. These are great options if you don’t have kids, but standing in line with a baby or toddler isn’t that much fun. Lines can be long and children don’t always understand patience. We recommend spending a little more and opting for the Fast Track option. This gives you quick check-in, plus they escort you past the queues outside, directly to the London Eye at your allotted time.
Enter the London Eye
Once your Fast Track host has escorted you to the security team, your bags will be checked so it is really wise not to take too much with you. And remember for everyone’s safety, sharp items are not allowed on board.
The London Eye doesn’t stop to let passengers get on and off, it just goes at a constant slow speed (0.26 m / 0.85 feet per second). There is a wide entrance to each capsule, but ask for help if you are concerned about boarding while transporting young children.
On the london eye
Once in the capsule, there is a long seat in the middle. Most people want to stand up and see the views, so take a moment to put your bags and the folded cart under the seat at one end and make yourself comfortable. The flight lasts 30 minutes, so there is no need to rush to the windows.
When you’re ready, get up and enjoy the views. If one end of the pod is busy, go to the other end. You won’t miss it while moving around a wheel, so you’ll get that view later.
Interactive tablets are fun to figure out what buildings are called in the distance, but you will have to pick up young children as they are positioned for adults to use while standing.
No food or drink is allowed in the capsules, so do not try to feed children. It’s only a 30 minute flight so they can wait! Just be sure to feed and change them before boarding.
Local coffee shops
There is a cafeteria in County Hall, next to the priority boarding counter. Or, if it’s busy, don’t try to go to All Bar One or Slug & Lettuce on Chicheley Street as they don’t allow kids (21+ only). Instead, go down the path behind County Hall, Belvedere Road, where there are some proper cafes. There are a few steps to enter them, but ask the staff and they will come out to help you.
Hotel local
If you want to stay on the South Bank and have views of the London Eye and Big Ben, check out the deals at the Marriott County Hall.
Visit their website
