The EDF Energy London Eye at Night

The London Eye at Christmas

With Frostival at The London Eye and the Southbank Centre Christmas Market, the riverside will be sparkling this winter

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This festive season The London Eye will be transformed into the perfect winter destination and become the focal point of the South Bank's Christmas events. There's an array of fun-filled winter activities for all ages as well as fantastic markets for bargain hunting, gift browsing and treats to take home.

From November 15 to January 4 2015, Frostival will offer an array of icy excitement, on and around the iconic London Eye itself. Inside the capsules special treats including Champagne and Cocktail Experience are on offer, or you can embark on an immersive Frosty Guided Experience. On the ground there will also be the return of Eyeskate, the much-loved rink that's a favourite of skaters of all abilities. Frostival and Eyeskate events do sell out, so pre-booking is absolutely recommended, especially for dates during the school break. And don't miss our special offer and competition!

Close to The London Eye you can also enjoy the Southbank Centre Winter Festival, including spectacular shows and free activities, the brand new Southbank Centre Christmas Market and the chance to tuck into excellent Yuletide nosh at the Real Food Christmas Market. It's just a short walk to the National Theatre to see the theatre adventure 'Treasure Island', 'Grimm Tales for Young and Old' at the Bargehouse, and the village of designer-maker shops at Gabriel's Wharf and the boutiques of Oxo Tower Wharf.

Enjoy riverside ice skating daily until January 4 2015, from 10am to 9pm. Adults can skate from £9.45 (bought online), while children's tickets (age 4-15) are just £6.75. For a limited time only family tickets are available from £18.90 off peak through an early bird offer when bought online before November 30 for skate sessions before December 12. For a complete list of prices see Eyeskate or take advantage of a great offer.

The London Eye sits between Jubilee Gardens and the Thames just five minutes east of Waterloo station (rail and tube), though visitors travelling on the District or Circle lines will find it easier – and far more scenic – to alight at Westminster station and walk across Westminster Bridge. Charing Cross and Embankment tube stations are also within comfortable walking distance, and nearby bus routes include the 211, 77 and 381.

Hotels near the London Eye

  • Hotels
  • Leicester Square
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended
Haymarket Hotel
Haymarket Hotel
A terrific addition to Kit Kemp’s Firmdale portfolio, this block-size building (a private townhouse within the hotel can be rented) was designed by John Nash, the architect of Regency London. The public spaces are a delight, with Kemp’s trademark combination of contemporary arty surprises (a giant light-bulb affair over the library’s chessboard, a gothic little paper-cut of layered skulls above the tray of free afternoon canapés) and impossible-to-leave, bright, plump, floral sofas. Wow-factors include the surprisingly bling basement swimming pool and bar (shiny sofas, twinkly roof) and the couldn’t-be-more central location. Rooms are generously sized (as are bathrooms), individually decorated and discreetly stuffed with facilities, and there’s plenty of attention from the switched-on staff. The street-side bar and restaurant are top-notch, the breakfast exquisite.
  • Hotels
  • Park Lane
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
With an ideal location in the centre of London, between Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens, this Park Lane hotel boasts stunning city views. There is free Wi-Fi throughout, and free parking on site.Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane are elegant and modern, with sleek design. Many have picturesque views, and all benefit from a contemporary bathroom and a TV.The hotel’s Amaranto restaurant, lounge and bar serves an Italian-inspired menu – with in-room dining also possible in the comfort of your own private space. Guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunch, evening meals and afternoon tea.In the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the world-famous shops of Oxford Street. Harrods is less than a mile from the building.
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  • Hotels
  • Oxford Street
This smart and functional hotel is located in the heart of London’s famous Oxford Street. With various bars, restaurants, shops and nightclubs within a short stroll, the Marisa Hotel offers en suite rooms with free Wi-Fi.Heated rooms at the property are tastefully decorated and feature an LCD Freeview TV, mini-fridge and an en suite shower room.Soho, Chinatown and the iconic West End are all within 5 minutes’ walk of the Marisa, while the heart of Covent Garden is half a mile away. The British Museum can be reached by foot in 7 minutes and Regent’s Park, home to London Zoo, is less than 1 mile away.Tottenham Court Tube Station is just 2 minutes’ walk from the hotel, with direct services to St Pancras International, Kings Cross, Charing Cross and Euston Train Stations.
  • Hotels
  • Chinatown
  • Recommended
St John Hotel
St John Hotel
St John Hotel is now closed; it is now occupied by One Leicester Street. The review below no longer applies. On premises well known to a previous generation of Soho theatre-diners – the site used to be Manzi’s ‘famous seafood restaurant’ – the decor is in keeping with the white, masculine, minimalist style of the original Smithfield restaurant, itself converted from a derelict smokehouse. St John’s approach to the hotel trade isn’t entirely unprecedented. The template of carefully designed but thoroughly simple rooms that was set by the Soho House hotels (Dean Street Townhouse; Shoreditch Rooms; High Road House) can perhaps be seen in St John Hotel’s offhand self-descriptions: ‘Mini Grand, Urban Hut’ or, in relation to the cheapest ‘Post-Supper Rooms’, ‘These smaller guest rooms remove the need for a taxi home after supper.’

Guides to areas near The London Eye

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