The 6 best Bike Tours in London

Discover all the corners of the English capital riding your bike. With these tours you will know the essential places of London as well as those others that only an expert guide can show you.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

The 6 best Bike Tours in London

Buckingham Palace | ©Josh Stead

Touring a big city by bike is a truly unique experience. Depending on the tour you choose, you can ride through the center of London, past key royal landmarks (such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey), along the River Thames, or you may be interested in discovering the best of London's street art. Whichever option you choose, you are sure to have a great time.

You will see that there are many things to see and do in London, so there is nothing better than touring the city on two wheels, at your own pace and with a specialized guide who will tell you absolutely everything you need to know about this fascinating city. Are you ready? Here we go!

1. Central London Bike Tour

Buckingham Palace by bike tour| ©Yaffa Phillips
Buckingham Palace by bike tour| ©Yaffa Phillips

London is a magnificent city, full of history and charm, which makes it ideal for touring by bike. In this type of guided tour in English you will get to know some of the most relevant points of interest of the English capital, such as Westminster Abbey, the English Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and its street artists, St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square, among others.

This tour is among the top 10 tours and excursions in London, since it is really very complete, and serves to get a general idea of the different places of interest and their location. You will also get some exercise while you get to know the most representative of this incredible city.

You can even witness a changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, a real show that you can not miss for anything. With their traditional black and red uniforms, the Queen's guards perform some traditional and not so traditional songs. For about 45 minutes you can enjoy this show that takes place at the main entrance of Buckingham Palace.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 44 €
  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes approximately
  • Means of transport: Bicycle
  • Advantages of this option: It is ideal to get an idea of each attraction, where it is located and what it is about, plus you get some exercise, and the guide speaks Spanish
  • Disadvantages of this option: It is not entirely recommended for people who do not like exercise

Book a bike tour of London's parks by bike

2. London's street art by bike tour

Shoreditch, Street Art.| ©Stephen Kelly
Shoreditch, Street Art.| ©Stephen Kelly

If art is your thing and you choose this option, you will get to know the highlights of East London. Guided by an expert on the subject, you will ride your bike through the works of artists such as the incredible Banksy, Space Invader, ROA, Shepherd Fairey and many more.

You will visit the areas that have become synonymous with street art. Ride through London neighborhood by neighborhood on your bike, and enjoy places like Hackney, Brick Lane, Shoreditch or Hoxton, where it seems that every wall is a canvas, and everything is dressed in colors with the talent and imagination of these amazing artists.

You will be guided by a London street artist, an active part of the Street Art movement in London, so you may hear a few stories that will leave you spellbound. Some of these tours provide some cans of spray paint so you can experience for yourself what it feels like to create a work of art.

Definitely a must for art lovers.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 35 €
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Means of transport: Bicycle
  • Advantages of this option: You can learn from the hand of an artist the best of London Street art aboard your bike
  • Disadvantages of this option: The guide only speaks English.

Book a bike tour in London's parks

3. Thames riverside tour

Tower Bridge by bike, London| ©Javier García Alfaro
Tower Bridge by bike, London| ©Javier García Alfaro

Enjoy one of the most incredible views of London. On the banks of the Thames you will be able to enjoy some of the most traditional and famous places in the city. From the legendary Globe Theatre, where William Shakespeare performed his plays, the London Bridge, the imposing London Eye or the English Parliament, among others, the banks of the Thames have been over the centuries, silent witnesses of English culture and history.

On this 4-hour guided tour you will discover some of those places you always wanted to visit, riding your bike. Your guide will tell you stories and legends about the different corners of the city, to make a stop at one of the largest and oldest markets in London: the Borough Market. There you will be able to enjoy the most typical London aromas and flavors, while you rest your legs after so much pedaling.

You will see that this tour has it all, you will even be able to cycle across London Bridge! A unique experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 39 €
  • Duration: 4 hours approximately
  • Means of transport: Bicycle
  • Advantages of this option: You can visit the most interesting places located on the banks of the Thames, you will have an expert guide
  • Disadvantages of this option: Not suitable for people with a bad physical condition, due to the duration. Guide only in English

Book a bike tour along the Thames River

4. Royal bike tour of London's key Royal landmarks

Westminster Abbey Cycling Tour| ©Garry Knight
Westminster Abbey Cycling Tour| ©Garry Knight

England is one of the few countries that even today continue to maintain a monarch, in this case Queen Elizabeth. If you have always been captivated by royalty, this tour will take you to all those places traditionally linked to royalty. From Buckingham Palace and the Royal Gardens, to Westminster Abbey, to the classic and photographable Clock Tower, home of the famous Big Ben.

Your expert guide will tell you stories about the kings, queens, princes and princesses who toured these incredible spaces. Riding your comfortable bike, you will be able to move at your own pace and with ease through every corner of the English capital. And for sure you will pass by the 10 best monuments of London.

Live this incredible experience through the secrets of the royal house, the Sussex, the Windsors and the Mountbattens and all its history of love and hate that has conquered a multitude of fans and historians.

The tour concludes with one of the must-do's of any tour of London: a visit to a traditional pub for an ice-cold tankard of beer. To toast to the cry of God save the Queen!

Details of interest

  • Price: from 32 €
  • Duration: 4 hours approximately
  • Means of transport: Bicycle
  • Advantages of this option: you will know in detail everything about the royals, while you do some exercise
  • Disadvantages of this option: the guide only speaks English. Not suitable for people in poor physical condition.

Book a bike tour on the River Thames

5. Traditional Richmond Park Bike Tour

Richmond Park, London| ©Andreas
Richmond Park, London| ©Andreas

Located about 16 kilometers from the center of London, Richmond Park is a dream place. It is hard to believe that at such a short distance from the megacity that is London there is a place like Richmond Park, where deer still live.

Atraditional hunting ground for royalty in the 16th century, Richmond Park is now a place to enjoy nature and stroll along its trails on a bicycle or have a picnic on the lawn. If you are lucky enough to get a sunny day in the misty English capital, do not hesitate, book your place on this tour and enjoy a unique place.

Your specialized guide will tell you stories about royalty and you will be able to visit the remains of Henry VII's Palace, as well as other selected places within this wonderful place. Have lunch in a traditional pub by the Thames, while you see part of the city of London in the distance. A very interesting tour to feel transported to other times.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 109 €
  • Duration: 4 hours approximately
  • Means of transport: Bicycle
  • Advantages of this option: you will learn in detail everything about royalty and the history of this traditional hunting ground, while you do some exercise
  • Disadvantages of this option: the guide only speaks English. It is not suitable for people in poor physical condition.

6. Rent a bike on your own and cycle around London

Bike London| ©Jaanus Silla
Bike London| ©Jaanus Silla

Another excellent idea is to rent a bike and tour among other things the 10 best parks in London.

Visit the incredible Hyde Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city, full of details and where the Kensington Gardens are located. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, two places full of charm. You can not miss Victoria's Park, with its large lake. These are all must-see places in the English capital. London is famous, among other things, for its incredible parks. Ideal to ride for hours, since most of them have several trails and special routes for bicycles.

There are many places to rent bikes for the day in London, you can search on the internet according to your budget and the type of bike you want. In many places they even rent tandem bikes if you are traveling with children over 10 years old, and bikes with special seats in case you are traveling with very young children.

Touring a city by bicycle is one of the best ways to get in touch with the rhythm of the city and its people. You will have experiences that will remain forever etched in your memory. Take my advice, you won't regret it. Whether with a guided tour or on your own, getting around London on two wheels is unbeatable.

How do I book a bike tour in London?

On a London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla
On a London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla

As you will see there are many options for tours and bike tours in the city of London, the best is to book it online, it is the easiest way and you can also read the comments of other users who have hired the tour before you. Since this type of bike tour is very popular among travelers, I recommend that to guarantee a place you book in advance. Most of these tours have free cancellation, so you don't have to worry if the weather is not the best.

How long are the bike tours in London?

At Bicleta around London| ©Jaanus Silla
At Bicleta around London| ©Jaanus Silla

As I have detailed in each one, most of them are around 3 or 4 hours, since this is the time you need to be able to visit some places of interest in the English capital, if it were less time you would have many places left to visit. That is why it is necessary not to be in bad physical condition, since the tours have scheduled itineraries that require you to follow.

What will I see on this type of tours?

London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla
London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla

In principle, in this type of excursions you are going to pedal a lot, I can guarantee you that. But above all you will visit the most striking points of the English capital. Then, depending on the tour you choose, you will visit the royal highlights, the places where the street art movement flourishes, the most famous places located on the banks of the River Thames, or Richmond Park. As you can see, there are tours to suit all tastes, you just have to take the time to see which one suits you best.

Tips for a bike tour in London

With a bike next to the cars| ©Jaanus Silla
With a bike next to the cars| ©Jaanus Silla
  • First of all, don't forget to bring some snacks in your backpack, as well as a bottle of water. Keep in mind that there are several hours of pedaling, and although they are not continuous, you can get tired at times.
  • Take a light coat or a poncho for the rain, do not forget that London is a city that has earned its good reputation of rainy, gray and cloudy, although when the sun comes out I can assure you that it is a delight.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, beyond looking good in the photos for Instagram, you should be comfortable and move freely.
  • One more thing, keep in mind that in England cars drive on the left, so you must be very attentive at intersections. Luckily the city has many bike paths, so you can move within them with peace of mind.

How much does a London Bike Tour cost?

London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla
London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla

There are options for all budgets, from a few hours to half-day tours. They generally range from 32 € to 109 €.

Why is it advisable to take a bike tour in London?

London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla
London Bike Tour| ©Jaanus Silla

It is an excellent way to get to know the city, since with the bike you can enter small places where a bus does not fit, plus the tour has a much more agile and dynamic pace, ideal for young people (or with young spirit). I guarantee that riding your bike you will get to know another city very different from the one you can get to know on a traditional tour.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting the city on my own?

Street Art, London| ©junepurkiss
Street Art, London| ©junepurkiss

A question I am always asked, and I never get tired of answering. A guided tour is the perfect way to get to know a city in depth. Who better than a specialist to tell us all about the place we are visiting. Whether it is the Street Art tour, the royalty tour, the tour along the banks of the Thames, the tour of Richmond Park or the tour of the city center, in all of them you can find the best guides who will immerse you in the details that no one else can tell you.

Doing a tour on your own has the charm of the explorer, sure, we've all done it, but then you realize that you missed out on seeing or knowing an amazing place because you didn't know it was there. Guided tours and excursions are always the best option, and sometimes they are also very interesting for the locals, who end up discovering details of their own city that they didn't know about.