What's On: Take flight with the London Eye

© Damien Gorman

As one of the biggest and most iconic landmarks of London, the London Eye is visited by over 3.5 million people a year, making it the UK's most popular paid for visitor attraction.

I'd taken flight on the Eye three years ago and in honesty I never fully appreciated the experience due to a bout of the common cold and an unforgivable migraine. And so I set out to ride the London Eye again and this time, the experience was far more exhilarating. I took along my niece; a very 'clued-up' 14 year old from Buckinghamshire and possibly the future editor of Tatler. We set about a late Summer evening of sightseeting.

After enjoying a gorgeous seafood chow mein from Neds Noodle Bar on Belvedere road nearby, we started with a London Eye river cruise: 40 minutes of circular sightseeing and live commentary. Whilst the winds caused the boat to be a little unstable, it made for interesting viewing and provided a difference perspective to London than you would see on a traditional tour bus. As you might expect, the river cruise isn't for everyone; I was quite happily taking in the views, but my niece discovered she was prone to motion sickness.

Next we checked out the New London Eye 4D experience; a perfect prelude to a flight with 3D film and spectacular in-theatre effects including wind, bubbles and mist to add a breathtaking fourth dimension.

© Ajay Blackshah

The real treat however was viewing London by night - some 135 metres in the air. My niece did well to point out other major landmarks, worthy of note. I found it quite amusing being informed where to look for Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as if I were the tourist and she the tour guide. It was sweet really. That said she certainly made the actual tourists on the flight take note and it was great seeing the grandeur of London through a fresh pair of eyes.

As I gazed out of the capsule onto the vast array of twinkling lights and the serenity of the Thames river below, I began to re-appreciate London's beauty, it's architecture and character - all of which is so easily forgotten when London is your home.

If you haven't already taken flight on the London Eye, I'd highly recommend you do. And If you can stomach a ride on the river, I'd suggest this as a great addition to the experience. Prices for the River cruise start from £12, and trips on the London Eye begin at £8.75 for children (4-15years) and £17.50 for adults.

If you fancy something extra special, a champagne flight would be just the ticket; treat yourself and a guest to a a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne with the added benefit of fast track boarding. Price from £35.00.

Web: www.londoneye.com