London Eye—Sponsored by British Airways to celebrate the millennium, the London Eye is a 440-ft-/135-m-high Ferris wheel that offers a superb 30-minute bird's-eye view of London. The "pods" you ride in are enclosed to ensure year-round operation. Located on the South Bank, opposite the Houses of Parliament, it's the highest observation wheel in the world. As London's top attraction, lines can be lengthy and rides are often sold out in advance. Advance booking is highly recommended. If you haven't planned ahead, some tickets may be available at County Hall 30 minutes before each "flight." October-March daily 10:30 am-7 pm, April and May daily 10:30 am-8 pm, June-August 10 am-10 pm, September 10 am-8 pm. £8.50 adults, reduced rates for seniors and children. Westminster Bridge Road, SE1. Phone 0870-500-0600. http://www.ba-londoneye.co.uk.
Madame Tussaud's—See celebrated likenesses of the great and famous in wax. The eerie Chamber of Horrors and interactive experiences like the Time Taxi are crowd pleasers. Opening times vary throughout the year, but it's generally open daily 9 am-5:30 pm. £12 adults, reduced rates for seniors and children. Marylebone Road, NW1. Phone 0870-400-3000. http://www.madame-tussauds.com.
Queen's Silver Jubilee Walkway—This walkway provides an uninterrupted stroll along the south side of the Thames from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge, more than 2 mi/3 km with views of the river and landmarks and monuments on the opposite bank.
Trocadero—This entertainment complex at Piccadilly Circus is a surefire hit for teenagers. Attractions: Sega World—all the Sega madness you can handle and a bit more, phone 7734-2777; Rock Circus—pop stars in wax, phone 7734-7203; Alien War—a monster experience, phone 7437-2678; Imaginator—stomach-wrenching rides, phone 7437-5723; and Virtual World—a virtual reality system, phone 7494-1492. Call for times and prices, which vary. 13 Coventry St., Piccadilly, W1.
Vinopolis—Wander through with an interactive audio headset and stop to watch the short videos: It's a complete audiovisual tour of wine (you can even jump on a Vespa in the Italy room). And the highlight—tasting. Good restaurant and shop, too. Sunday-Friday 11 am-6 pm (Monday to 9 pm), Saturday 11 am-8 pm. £11.50 adults, reduced rates for seniors and children. Bank End, SE1. Phone 7645-3700. http://www.vinopolis.co.uk.
London Aquarium—Thousands of species—including sharks, stingrays, piranha and sea scorpions—live in elaborate, simulated habitats: European freshwater; tropical; deep, dark pseudo oceans; coral reefs; and rain-forest pools. Daily 10 am-6 pm. £8.50 adults, reduced rates for families, seniors and children. County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1. Phone 7967-8000. http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk.
London Zoo—Britain's largest zoo houses more than 650 species. On the grounds are an aquarium, a reptile house and a children's zoo. The new Web of Life exhibit, set in a glass pavilion, focuses on biological diversity. Daily 10 am-5:30 pm. £10 adults, reduced rates for seniors and children. Regent's Park, NW1. Phone 7722-3333. http://www.londonzoo.co.uk.
The Wetland Centre—A haven for all sorts of birds and wildlife. There are 14 specially created wetlands from around the world, from New Zealand whitewater to African floodplains. Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm (to 6 pm in summer). £6.75 adults, reduced rates for families, seniors and children. Queen Elizabeth's Walk, SW13. Phone 8409-4400. http://www.wwt.org.uk.
