London Eye

The London Eye dominates the South Bank skyline - that enormous observation wheel that's been the subject of countless holiday snaps since 2000. You get 135 metres up in a sealed capsule and the view across London is genuinely impressive: you can trace the Thames snaking through the city, spot the Houses of Parliament to the west, Tower Bridge downriver. On a clear day you'll pick out Windsor Castle in the distance. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes and it moves slowly enough that you're not fighting to get a decent photo before your cabin dips below the railings.

It's fundamentally a tourist experience, which isn't meant as criticism - sometimes the obvious choice is obvious because it works. Families with younger children get the most from it because the height feels properly dramatic without being vertiginous, and there's enough time to work out where things are. History enthusiasts will find it less rewarding since you're essentially gazing at modern London and Victorian landmarks from a distance.

Expect queues unless you book online in advance - that's not negotiable on a weekend. Allow around two hours total including queueing. It's free for under-3s, paid admission for everyone else, though prices vary by advance booking.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks just 1.4 miles away, the Eye makes an easy afternoon diversion before heading south of the river for food. Don't kid yourself it's a replacement for actually walking around those neighbourhoods though.