London Bike Tour: Landmarks, Secret Gems, Pub Stop & Street Art

Discover London’s Landmarks, Street Art, and Pub Charm on a Bike Tour

The London Bike Tour: Landmarks, Secret Gems, Pub Stop & Street Art offers a lively and engaging way to explore London in just over three hours. Priced at $89.22 per person, this tour provides a relaxed cycling route through the heart of the city, combining famous landmarks, hidden alleyways, and local pub culture. The tour operates with a small group of up to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of personal attention and flexibility.

What really sets this experience apart is the blend of sightseeing, street art, and a pub stop — all led by an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide. The tour is suitable for those comfortable on a single-speed bicycle, with a minimum height requirement of 5 feet. It’s perfect for visitors who want an active, immersive way to see London’s most celebrated sites while also discovering some lesser-known spots.

Key Points

• Price: $89.22 per person for a 3.5-hour guided bike adventure
• Highlights: Landmarks, street art (Banksy), and a traditional pub stop
• Includes: Classic British bicycle, helmet or tweed cap, spray paint, and luggage storage
• Small Group: Max 10 travelers for a personalized experience
• Flexible Departure Times: Morning or afternoon options
• Weather: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly

Starting Point and Meeting Details in South London

This tour begins at 189 Hercules Road, a convenient spot near public transport options in London’s SE1 area. The meeting point is straightforward to find, and luggage storage is available for ease. After gathering, the guide provides bikes and helmets (or optional tweed caps for a classic touch), preparing everyone for the journey ahead.

The first few minutes involve a loop around Archbishop’s Park, allowing participants to get comfortable on their bike and make any necessary adjustments. The park also offers seasonal attractions, like a Zipwire in summer, making the initial stretch relaxing and scenic.

Visiting Lambeth Palace and the Thames View

From the start, the tour leads you onto quiet backstreets near Lambeth Palace, the historic residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Flanking the River Thames, this stop offers views of the palace’s impressive grounds and a sense of London’s ecclesiastical history.

Just across the river, the guide points out Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, stopping briefly on the south side of the Thames for a great photo opportunity. The focus here is on capturing iconic views rather than long visits, making the most of the cycling route.

Exploring Westminster’s Hidden Corners

Next, the route meanders through St. John’s Smith Square, known for its quaint streets and political history. You’ll pass through Dean’s Yard, where the connection to Winnie-the-Pooh and Shane Macgowan sparks curiosity, and stop briefly outside Westminster Abbey — a world-famous site, though entry isn’t included.

Cyclists then enjoy a peaceful ride around St. James’s Park, acknowledged as London’s most beautiful Royal Park, with blooming gardens and pelicans. The tour continues past the Old Admiralty Building and Horseguards Parade, offering glimpses of military parades and Downing Street’s garden.

The Royal Experience and Westminster Underpass

A highlight is riding up to Buckingham Palace, especially on Sundays when the Mall is car-free, giving riders a rare chance to cycle directly past the Queen’s residence. The guide shares Royal stories and gossip, making this a lively and informative stop.

Passing under Admiralty Arch, the route takes you into central London, crossing Westminster Bridge to get an up-close view of the London Eye and Big Ben again, with a brief pause for photos at the best vantage points.

Banksy Graffiti Tunnel and Street Art

One of the most unique parts of this tour is the visit to the Banksy Tunnel under Waterloo Station. Known as the legal graffiti zone, this spot features murals by street artists, with Banksy’s work as a highlight. Tour participants get to try their hand at graffiti tagging using provided spray paint, making this stop both interactive and memorable.

The street art focus is complemented by a stroll through the Trafalgar Square, where monuments and the National Gallery create a dramatic backdrop, and Covent Garden‘s lively market offers a taste of London’s shopping and entertainment scene.

Pub Stop at The Lamb & Flag

A classic pub experience caps off the tour at The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden. This historic pub, older than the United States, was once known as the ‘bucket of blood’ for its connection to bare-knuckle boxing. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy an optional local beer or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.

This pub pause provides a relaxed moment amid cycling and sightseeing, allowing for conversation and refreshment before heading back along the route.

Passing the Egyptian Obelisk and the London Eye

After the pub, the tour passes Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk on the River Thames. The guide shares stories about its history and the Victorian sewage system, adding a quirky twist to this historical site.

Finally, the London Eye comes into view as the route crosses Westminster Bridge again, offering an iconic view of London’s skyline. The brief stop here allows for photo opportunities before returning to the starting point.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Participants ride on classic British single-speed bikes, suitable for most people over 12 years old and with a minimum height of 5 feet. The route is designed to be relaxed and flat, making it accessible even for those who are not avid cyclists. The average pace is steady, with plenty of stops, making this a comfortable way to see the city.

The tour is operational in all weather conditions, so dressing accordingly is advised. Luggage storage is available at the start, and helmets or tweed caps are provided to add a bit of classic charm.

Group sizes are capped at 10 travelers, ensuring the guide can give personal attention and adapt to the group’s interests. The tour includes English-speaking guides known for their energy, humor, and wealth of local knowledge.

Why This Bike Tour Stands Out in London

This experience offers a rare combination of famous landmarks, hidden street art, and a pub visit, all woven into a 3.5-hour ride. The small group size and friendly guides like James, Katie, Ed, Ross, and others earn high praise for making the tour informative and entertaining.

Reviews highlight excellent guide storytelling, with many mentioning how the tour organizes a lot of ground while maintaining a relaxed pace. The inclusion of graffiti art and public house stops adds a personal, lively touch that differs from more traditional sightseeing options.

A notable advantage is the flexible schedule with morning or afternoon departures, allowing visitors to plan around other activities. The cost offers good value for the depth and variety of sites covered, especially considering the personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on the London Bike Tour

Looking for a fun, active way to explore London? This bike tour delivers a rich mix of sights, from royal palaces to street murals, all with expert guides in a small group setting. The pub stop adds a perfect cultural touch, and the street art session makes it stand out from typical city tours.

The experience is most suited to those with cycling experience or enthusiasm for active sightseeing. While the single-speed bikes and flat route make it manageable, participants should be aware of London traffic and plan to dress for the weather.

This tour offers a comprehensive, lively overview of central London, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors and those looking to explore beyond the usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is recommended for participants over 12 years old and with a minimum height of 5 feet.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers a British bicycle, helmet or tweed cap, spray paint for graffiti, and luggage storage.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Does the tour operate in rain or shine?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

Is the route flat and easy to ride?
Yes, the route is mainly flat and designed to be relaxed, making it suitable for most riders.

How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, providing a more personalized experience.

Can I participate if I am not an experienced cyclist?
Yes, the single-speed bikes are straightforward, and the pace is relaxed with several stops, making it accessible for most.

What are the stops with the best photo opportunities?
Big Ben, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace offer prime photo moments, especially during the brief photo stops.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but the pub stop at The Lamb & Flag offers the chance to purchase a drink.

How do I find the meeting point?
The tour starts at 189 Hercules Road, a central location easily accessible via public transport.