From quality views to 'cupid-pods' – visit the London Eye with Sun Supersavers

ONE of the most iconic symbols of our capital city, the lastminute.com London Eye has been spinning excited tourists in the sky for nearly 25 years.

Perched on the Thames at Southbank, it first opened in 2000, after a seven-year, £75m build — and hands up who remembers that it was originally called the Millennium Wheel?

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It has since become the UK’s most popular paid attraction with more than 3.5million visitors checking out the Eye every year.

The 30-minute sightseeing trip is such a big hit people return time and time again.

Supermodel Kate Moss and actress Jessica Alba are apparently the Eye’s biggest celebrity fans — having visited over 25 and 31 times, respectively.

While reality star Kim Kardashian, singer Lily Allen, magician David Blaine and Hollywood’s Angelina Jolie have also popped by for a spin.

The London Eye’s 32 pods — representing each of the capital’s boroughs — can cater for 800 people every 30 minutes and the stunning uninterrupted, 360-degree views mean there’s something for everyone, no matter what takes your fancy.

One of the best ways to take in the ride is by printing out the downloadable guide before you go — so you can really take in the London landmarks.

And there is so much to see you might need more than one spin on the wheel.

Fancy an ogle at Buckingham Palace from above?

Royalists can get a bird’s-eye view of King Charles’ home and nearby Horse Guards Parade, where often you will see the soldiers practising — especially in the run-up to a special event.

And on a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle 25 miles to the west.

Footie fans will have fun picking out stadiums across the capital, including West Ham’s and Arsenal’s — plus Wembley’s famous arch.

History buffs will be spoilt for choice and won’t know where to look first.

There is the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s The Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge to name just a few.

While politics lovers can spy on Downing Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

For lovers of romance, there’s even a “cupid pod” — where more than 5,000 proposals have taken place over the past 24 years.

Although the 15-minute journey back to ground level from the 135-metre high point could be a bit awkward if the answer was no.

If the answer was yes, then the London Eye can also be the wedding venue — with more than 500 happy couples having said “I do” there.

The lastminute.com London Eye has also featured in hit movies Paddington and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, as well as episodes of Dr Who, The Apprentice and even The Simpsons.

Just as long as you don’t mind heights — it’s the perfect way for London lovers to see the city spread out below in all its glory.

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