London Eye Live Cam

The contemporary Park Plaza County Hall Hotel London, the latest 4-star hotel in London will open in February 2008 with 398 guestrooms. Conveniently located near Waterloo International rail and underground station, the hotel is close to some of London's favourite tourist attractions such as the London Eye, London Aquarium and Westminster Abbey.

The hotel offers six impressive and contemporary meeting rooms with breakout facilities. All rooms offer natural daylight, Wi-Fi and the latest audiovisual and technical equipment. These rooms are ideal for conferences, meetings and private dining. On the 14th floor, the hotel also offers seven penthouse apartments, which would be ideal for smaller meetings, dinners and cocktail receptions and boast some stunning views of London’s skyline.

Spectrum Restaurant is a fantastic new dining concept where a myriad of colours from the hotel’s 14 storey atrium blends with a fine gastronomic selection of ingredients and recipes from around the Mediterranean offering a variety of tapas, pizza, pasta and grill options. Spectrum Bar and Café offers a relaxing yet sophisticated environment to unwind with friends or colleagues and serves a choice of specialty beers from around the continent as well as a great selection of wines and blended cocktails.

Each of the hotel’s 398 guestrooms will have large flat screen televisions, irons, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar and a safe for laptops, with 300 having both a bath and separate shower in their en-suite bathrooms. Blurring the line between hotel room and studio apartment, 300 guestrooms will also have a fitted kitchenette and separate, relaxed seating area. Park Plaza County Hall is being developed in partnership with Galliard Homes and Frogmore Property Company Limited and is scheduled to open within its sizeable £100m budget.

Six luxury private rooms will be available at London’s brand new 398-room Park Plaza County Hall Hotel, London opening in February 2008. Located just south of Westminster Bridge over looking the River Thames, the hotel’s meeting and event space is fresh and contemporary with all rooms benefiting from natural daylight. Whether your event is a high tech business conference for 45 people, a series of smaller training courses, one-on-one interviews, a private dinner with a client or a glitzy cocktail party for up to 100 - the Park Plaza County Hall London is the ideal place to meet and entertain. The dedicated Meetings & Events management team guarantee impeccable service, making sure all business objectives and private dining requirements are met to the highest standard.

The London Eye - the Millennium Wheel

Except for a brief spell in January, the British Airways London Eye never closes. Over 200 people help keep the Eye open and operating day after day, and sometimes into the early hours, when behind the scenes work is carried out to keep the Eye beautiful, safe and in top condition. This section of our website gives you a glimpse behind the scenes at the Eye.

Admissions - London Eye admissions staff manage our sophisticated booking system, work on the main tills and serve daily walk-up visitors. Customer service and appearance are vital, as admissions staff are often the first point of contact for most guests. Ride Control - Operation of the London Eye never stops. Our Ride Control department ensures continuous operation is as smooth as possible, managing large groups of visitors and queues, both in the queue area and on the boarding platform of the Eye. The department also manages all ride operating systems, ensuring a safety and comfortable flight.

The team has 18 technicians and four administrative staff. There is always a minimum of two technicians on site. They work on a rotating shift pattern; there are also night regulators and four specialists in the following fields: hydraulics, drive control systems, capsule control systems and capsule mechanism systems. The technical team carries out daily and annual maintenance.

Daily maintenance - On average, 350 hours a week are spent on routine maintenance and testing of the Eye, covering: capsule doors, heating, ventilation and dehumidification, communication and audio-visual systems, speed control, battery charge, drive motors and gearbox and drive systems.

Annual maintenance - Annual maintenance during January is carried out according to regulations governing the Eye - and is similar to an MOT. Work includes: fitting new drive wheels, checking electrical systems, changing oils & grease in the main bearings, changing filters in the air-conditioning, checking the capsule drive system, checking the capsule stability system and weld inspections. In addition, the ticket office is refurbished and improvements to the landscape around the Eye are carried out.

First aid - The London Eye has over 50 qualified first aiders. A First Aid Co-ordinator, looks after the first aid area and equipment, as well as providing first aid cover for London Eye guests and all staff. The co-ordinator makes sure that the Eye has sufficient first aid supplies, and that our accident/medical database is up to date.

The finance department supports the strategic business objectives of the British Airways London Eye. It provides quality management information and maintains efficient and effective financial controls, responsible for the processing and maintenance of all accounting records.

The Human Resources and Training team consists of four staff who are responsible for recruiting, selecting and retaining 'inspiring people' with extremely high standards that will fit into our already established teams and continue to project the company's professional image. The team induct new starters to understand the company's vision and values and are involved in their development throughout their employment. Another of the team's priorities is to ensure all contracts of employment comply with employment legislation and that all staff are treated in a fair and consistent manner.

London Eye Customer Services employs over 45 people. Their responsibilities include taking complex calls, dealing with disabled ticket sales, group bookings, promotions, wheel stoppages and the riverboat trip. The team takes over 22,000 calls a month and over 100 emails a day. The department also handles all customer letters and feedback, meets and greets guests, and manages Private Capsule sales, Fast Track visitors and the press. A specially trained team from Customer Services provides commentary to riverboat guests, delivering the 'cruise experience'.

The departments aim is to deliver revenue targets for the Eye. Strategically it develops and ensures the Eye's brand personality and values are consistently communicated in all forms of media. All advertising and tactical promotional campaigns are generated from the team along with sponsorships and product placement programmes. In addition it is the hub of all design activity on and off site. This includes closely working with partners and sponsors, literature and merchandise development and of course all website design and content management.

The customer experience on site and the development of new products in this area is also the team's responsibility along with managing all customer satisfaction and mystery shopper research programmes. The press office pro-actively manages both the media and community relations strategies for the London Eye. We are also the first points of contact for press who need information for their stories. Filming requests and press trips are chosen to support both the media and business strategy of the organisation. We also work on charitable/community events and projects.

Cleaning and maintenance staff from Mitie Ltd give the London Eye 24 hour attention. The most important and time consuming job is cleaning the capsules inside and out. This involves picking off chewing gum, clearing ventilation systems and removing finger marks from the inside glass. Capsules are cleaned outside at least twice a week. Cleaners use special raised stages, ladders and harnesses, along with personal protective equipment and life jackets. We use only distilled water to clean the Eye, as this is environmentally friendly and leaves fewer spots on the windows.

The department aim is to deliver revenue targets for the Eye by promoting space within County Hall and Private Capsule hire for all different types of events. This involves targeting both the corporate and private market. The department is responsible for managing the events from start to finish which begins at enquiry stage and involves careful project management to event completion. There are nine people in the team who manage a range of events such as receptions, meetings, celebrations, exclusive hire of the whole wheel and weddings.

Wherever you are in the world, you can book your flight on the world's largest observation wheel right now - online or by phone. More and more visitors realise that the Eye is the best possible introduction to London - which is why we advise advance booking. Our flights are scheduled to give you a choice of dates and times. Each flight lasts half an hour, enabling you to experience unrivalled views of London's famous landmarks and see parts of the city, simply not visible from the ground.

Give your friends and family the unique gift of a flight on the London Eye. Vouchers come in an eye catching presentation card with attractive photography of the London Eye and space for a personal message and are valid until 30 December 2003 (2004 in the case of Private Capsule vouchers). The London Eye River Cruise is the perfect experience after a flight on the Eye. It is an enlightening 45 minute Thames sightseeing cruise from the Eye to the Tower of London and back via the Houses of Parliament to the Eye. A host gives live commentary throughout the cruise.

Gift vouchers allow the holder the flexibility of deciding when they want to visit the Eye. Gift vouchers come in a choice of adult, senior (60 plus years) and child (5-15 years). Enhance their gift further by giving them a voucher for a London Eye guidebook, Fast Track, River Cruise or Private Capsule voucher. Spoil someone with a Fast Track gift voucher. Benefits include priority check-in just 15 minutes before their flight and a personal fast track on to the Eye. Each Fast Track guest receives a complimentary London Eye souvenir guidebook.

For a truly unforgettable gift, why not treat them to a Private Capsule? Private capsule guests enjoy the benefits of priority check-in just 15 minutes before their flight, a personal fast track service on to the Eye followed by experiencing the Eye's breathtaking views from the luxury of their own capsule. Each capsule accommodates up to 25 people (20 people if they opt from our extensive menu of hospitality options such as champagne). Alternatively, they can select a Cupid's Capsule: a romantic champagne flight for two.

The London Eye is the UK's most unique and inspirational attraction and is the ultimate location for entertaining and private celebrations. Enjoy the luxury of your own private capsule or for the ultimate in entertaining amaze your guests with exclusive use of the entire Eye. Even take your love to new heights with a champagne flight for two. The London Eye can be exclusively yours for a truly unforgettable evening event. Exclusive use includes a reception area inside County Hall for up to 500 people. Our Westminster Room and Belvedere Room are ideal for receptions before or after a flight on the Eye and can accommodate up to 40-60 guests. Our events team can offer you advice on rooms and hospitality options. Perfect for groups, our all-inclusive packages include a private capsule, priority boarding, in-flight hospitality and in some options, dining or entertainment at a venue of your choice.

Exhilarating heights, breathtaking views, prestigious surroundings - getting married on the London Eye can make a very special occasion even more memorable for you and your guests. In conjunction with Lambeth Registry Office we will help you plan every stage of your London Eye wedding.

Following a short private meeting with the Registrar of marriages, you and your guests will be personally escorted on to your own private capsule on the Eye, which will be elegantly decorated with fresh and silk flowers. The wedding capsule accommodates 14 guests in addition to the bride and groom. If required, further capsules can be arranged for up to 25 guests each, or 20 if champagne is served on board.

Your civil wedding service takes place as you gently rise to an incredible 135 metres at which point you will be pronounced husband and wife. You can then celebrate your marriage high above London's stunning skyline as you raise a glass of champagne with your friends and family. London Eye weddings are available Monday to Fridays, excluding bank holidays. London Eye weddings are available Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays.

A choice of food and drink can be served in our reception rooms following your exclusive wedding ceremony. Compliment your wedding at the top of the world's tallest observation wheel, then board one of the elegant Silver Fleet-Woods River Cruises, for you to celebrate your special wedding reception. You and your guests will be collected from the London Eye's own pier and taken on board one of the luxurious Silver Fleet vessels. Take in the river views while enjoying fine dining, music and entertainment tailored to your personal needs. The stunning Silver Fleet vessels can accommodate 40 to 450 people for your reception.

London, from two unrivalled perspectives - Combine your flight on the Eye with an enlightening 45 minute cruise on the Thames, taking you from our pier at the London Eye to the Tower of London and back via the Houses of Parliament to the Eye. Your experience will start with your half hour flight on the Eye where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views 135 metres above London. You will then board the Silver Bonito boat, which departs conveniently from our pier at the Eye. Onboard, you will receive a warm welcome from our host who provides a commentary throughout your journey. As you cruise along the Thames, you will get closer to some of London's most famous landmarks and learn fascinating facts about the capital's history. The River Cruise is operated by Silver Fleet - Woods River Cruises.

British Airways London Eye is the world's highest observation wheel offering passengers amazing panoramic views of the capital. Your flight on the Eye will last 30 minutes taking you to an incredible 135 metres above the River Thames in a high-tech fully enclosed capsule. When planning your visit, please note that you will arrive 30 minutes before your flight to allow time to collect your tickets and board the Eye (or 15 minutes if you book a Fast Track ticket or Private Capsule).

There are many ways to enhance your visit to the British Airways London Eye. The London Eye In-flight mini guide is an essential part of your in-flight experience on the Eye. The mini guide provides a handy pocket sized guide to London, in a handy pull out format.

The Essential Eye is available in English, French, German, Spanish or Braille. This not only enhances your flight but also makes the perfect souvenir. The book offers a map with annotated 360 degree views of London's famous skyline, exciting close up photography of key landmarks, interesting facts and figures about London and the story behind the construction of the Eye. If you pre order your guidebook when you book online, you will receive a ten per cent discount.

As your flight comes to an end, a souvenir photo with the backdrop of Big Ben amongst other famous London sights is taken to commemorate your visit to the eye. Your photo is ready for you to view and order after you disembark from your capsule.

A good way to spend time before or after your flight is a visit to the London Eye gift shop, just opposite Costa Coffee on the landscape or outside. The shop contains many essential items for your flight such as Fuji film, batteries, cameras, Nestle confectionery and Coca-Cola drinks, as well as souvenirs and gifts such as Storm watches and sunglasses, pens, pencils, fridge magnets, panoramic posters and London Eye inspired jewellery. We have a selection of merchandise available online to purchase. If you wish to buy retail gifts click here.

Costa Coffee serves tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes in pleasant surroundings. There are two outlets - in County Hall and outside opposite the gift shop.

London has many exciting and diverse events taking place throughout the year. We have selected a few of them and special occasions at the London Eye that we feel would be a great opportunity for you to combine with a flight or even better, a Private Capsule.

The British Airways London Eye was first conceived as much more than a landmark or attraction: it was meant to be a symbol of technological and design excellence in the new millennium, provide a focus for new development within its area of London, and contribute to the regeneration of the communities and businesses that surround it.