London is a city best explored on two wheels. With its flat terrain, abundant cycle paths, and a mix of historic sites and lively neighborhoods, cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city. We love how bike tours let you cover more ground than walking, while still feeling immersed in the local atmosphere. For instance, the Love London Bike Tour offers a fantastic ride through lesser-known spots, avoiding the city’s traffic chaos and giving you a fresh perspective on classic sights like Westminster Abbey and Covent Garden. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride or an energetic adventure, London’s bike scene has a lot to offer.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 13 best bike tours in London, covering a variety of experiences—from electric bikes perfect for quick sightseeing to peaceful rides along the River Thames and private guided tours. We’ll help you choose the right fit based on your interests, fitness level, and budget. Ready to pedal your way through London? Let’s get started.
1. Love London Bike Tour
This 3.5-hour guided bike tour offers a lively exploration of lesser-known London attractions, perfect for avoiding the city’s traffic jams. The tour starts at the London Bicycle Tour Company and takes you past Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, and through Soho’s vibrant streets. The focus is on neighborhoods and sights often missed by standard tours, giving you a fresh perspective on the West End. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with guides sharing lively stories to bring each site to life. Reviewers mention guides like Ollie and Nanie, praising their knowledge and engaging personalities. At just $61.90, it’s a great option for those wanting an active, fun way to explore London’s hidden corners.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a lively, small-group ride through offbeat neighborhoods with a knowledgeable guide.
2. Best of London Electric Bike Tour
If you’re short on time but want to see many of London’s top sights, the 3-hour electric bike tour is a perfect choice. It allows you to zip effortlessly between landmarks like Parliament Square, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, all while enjoying the ride without breaking a sweat. The electric bikes make navigating the city’s hills and busy streets easier—and your guide takes care of the route. This tour is especially suited for first-timers or visitors arriving in London who want a quick but rundown. Reviews highlight Dan, the guide, who made the experience memorable with engaging stories, and the tour costs around $85.57, offering good value for a fast-paced snapshot of London’s highlights.
Bottom line: Best suited for visitors who want to maximize sightseeing in a short time without the physical effort.
3. London’s Best Kept Secret Bike Tour
For those looking for a peaceful, scenic ride that uncovers London’s less-visited spots, this 4-hour small-group tour is hard to beat. Pedal beside the river through tranquil parks, see historic cottages, an old waterwheel, and a 17th-century pub, with plenty of insider commentary from your guide. This tour is perfect if you love history and quiet surroundings, away from the crowded tourist areas. Rated 5/5 with glowing reviews, travelers mention how the serene parks and rare sights like London’s only operational waterwheel make this a memorable experience. The cost is $94.71, which reflects its high-quality, intimate experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a leisurely ride through peaceful landscapes and historical sites.
4. London: Private Bike or eBike Gold Classic Tour
This private 3-hour tour offers a customizable experience of London, perfect for families or groups of up to four. You can choose between a traditional bike or an electric bike, exploring iconic landmarks at your own pace. Starting at the London Bicycle Tour Company, the guide tailors the route to your interests, whether that’s classic sights or hidden gems. The private setting ensures flexibility and personalized storytelling, making it a great choice for special occasions or those who prefer a more intimate experience. At $331, it’s a bit more costly but provides exclusive access and tailored attention.
Bottom line: Best for groups or families seeking a private, flexible cycling experience with a personal guide.
5. London: Guided E-bike Tour
This 2.5-hour guided e-bike tour provides a quick but rundown of London’s major sights. Starting from Blackfriars, you’ll glide past Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. The e-bike makes covering the city’s hills and busy streets easy, so you can relax and focus on the stories about London’s landmarks. The tour is popular with first-time visitors who want a lively, informative ride without too much exertion. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, and at around $70, it offers good value for a city highlights tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a shorter, energetic overview of central London’s most famous sights.
6. Small-Group River Thames Bike Tour
This 4-hour tour takes you along London’s iconic River Thames, exploring both banks while riding through historic and lively neighborhoods. Highlights include Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. Morning departures include a stop for lunch at Borough Market, making it a full-day experience. The ride combines sightseeing with insightful commentary on London’s history, making it a strong choice for those wanting a mix of culture and scenic views. With a 4.5-star rating and an emphasis on small-group intimacy, it’s well-suited for visitors who want a relaxed yet comprehensive Thames-focused ride at $62.11 per person.
Bottom line: A great combination of sightseeing, history, and a tasty lunch option for a full Thames experience.
7. London Package: Royal Bike Tour with River Thames Cruise
This 4-hour tour combines biking past London’s royal landmarks with a river cruise offering a different perspective on the city. Starting at Westminster, you’ll see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey, then glide onto the Thames for a cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. The guide shares fascinating stories about the monarchy and London’s royal history. This package is ideal for travelers who want both an active exploration and a relaxing boat ride. With excellent reviews, the tour is both educational and entertaining, perfect for history lovers and royal enthusiasts alike.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting a rich, multi-sensory experience of London’s royal sights combined with a scenic river cruise.
8. London: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
This 2-hour guided ride is a quick, relaxed introduction to London. Pedal past Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey while hearing engaging stories from your guide. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with comfortable bikes and a gentle pace. Ideal for travelers with limited time or families looking for an easy way to see the city’s highlights. Reviewers comment on the “safe guiding” and “interesting info,” making it a reliable choice for a brief overview.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, family-friendly introduction to London’s main sights.
9. London Bike Rentals
Renting a bike in London is a flexible way to explore at your own pace. With durations from 2 to 8 hours, you can craft your own route along the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Parks. This is an excellent option for independent travelers who prefer spontaneity or want to explore specific neighborhoods without a fixed itinerary. The rental service has a 4.7-star rating, and you can choose bikes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a cost-effective way to spend a day, especially if you want to linger in favorite spots or combine riding with visits.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous travelers seeking freedom and flexibility to explore London on their own terms.
10. London Electric Bike Rentals
For those who want effortless exploration, electric bike rentals are unbeatable. Similar to the regular rentals, but with the added power of assist, you can cover more ground with less effort. Ride past Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and enjoy the Royal Parks, all at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for visitors with limited time or those who want to avoid physical exertion while seeing London’s top sights. The reviews are similarly high, praising the ease and enjoyment of the ride.
Bottom line: The ultimate way to zip through London comfortably, especially on longer days or for those with limited stamina.
11. London: Historic Richmond Cycling Tour – Park, River, Palace
This 2-hour ride takes you outside central London to historic Richmond, cycling around Richmond Green, passing the old royal palace, and enjoying the deer in Richmond Park. The highlight is the stunning view from Richmond Hill and the tranquil ride along the Thames towpath. With the opportunity to see famous herds of deer and Ham House, this tour is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Rated 4.9/5, travelers love the leisurely pace and scenic stops, making it a delightful escape from busy London.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a peaceful, scenic ride through history-rich Richmond.
12. London: Private Highlights of London Bike Tour
This 3-hour private tour allows you to customize your experience of London’s main sights with your own guide. It’s an ideal choice for couples, families, or groups wanting a tailored ride with flexible timing and stops. The guide shares stories at key spots like Westminster, St. James’s Park, or the Tower of London, making it a personalized experience. The private setting ensures your group can explore without rushing, and reviews confirm the excellent storytelling and attentive guidance.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an intimate, flexible, and personalized London cycling experience.
13. Epic and Electric: E-Bike Tour of London
This 3-hour e-bike tour is designed to be both fun and energetic, with retro eBikes that make covering London’s major sights effortless. Highlights include a mix of classic landmarks and urban street art, with photo stops and opportunities to relax in a pub. It’s suited for those wanting a dynamic, lively ride with a touch of adventure. The tour’s high-energy vibe and unbeatable photo ops make it stand out, and with a price of $839 per group (up to 4), it offers a premium experience for small groups or couples.
Bottom line: Best for small groups seeking a fun, energetic way to see London with plenty of photo opportunities.
How to Choose Your Perfect London Bike Tour
When deciding which bike tour is best for you, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic ride, the London: Private Highlights or Richmond Tour might suit you. For a fast-paced sightseeing day, the Best of London Electric Bike Tour offers great value. History lovers will appreciate the Royal Bike Tour with Thames cruise, while those wanting independence can opt for bike rentals or electric bike rentals.
Planning ahead helps—book early during peak seasons, especially for private tours or popular times like summer. Think about your stamina and whether you prefer guided storytelling or exploring on your own. For family adventures, the child-friendly private tours are a good pick, while energetic travelers may enjoy the Epic and Electric experience.
Final Thoughts
London offers an incredible variety of bike tours to suit every taste. Whether you want a guided small-group ride, an electric-assisted tour, or the freedom of renting your own bike, you’ll find options that fit your schedule and interests. For a relaxed introduction, the City Highlights Guided Bike Tour provides a quick overview, while the Love London Bike Tour offers a lively ride through lesser-known sights.
For those seeking a combination of sightseeing and comfort, the Royal Bike Tour with Thames cruise is a memorable choice. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, the Private Highlights will give you the flexibility to customize your day. No matter your style, booking early ensures you secure your spot for these popular tours. Happy pedaling!