Company Logo - Home Link

The Best London Bike Tours

Updated: October 15, 2022

This is a comparison of the various bike tour companies available in London. We've broken all of the different types of tours down by category and then compared them by quality and price, so that you can find what's right for you!


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Not all bike rentals include a helmet, so be sure to ask the company beforehand! 
  • Don't worry if you're not used to biking in a city. Your guide will help familiarize you with the rules of the road, so you'll be left feeling comfortable and confident in no time! However, if you're worried about city riding, consider taking a bike tour on a day-trip outside of London.
  • Remember that Londoners drive on the LEFT side of the road. Luckily your guide will be leading the pack so all you need to worry about is following him or her. However, it's a good idea to get used to always looking both ways before crossing the street! 

GUIDED CITY BIKE TOURS 

There are 3 highly rated companies currently offering guided tours of the city.

With each of these companies, you will cycle past all of the major tourist attractions in London like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and many others.

Brakeaway Bike Tours is the most affordable option, costing just £28 per person on either of their 2 central bike tours.

The London Bicycle Tour Company and Fat Tire Bike Tours are similarly priced, costing between £32-£36 per person or £39 per person, respectively. 

All receive outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor, though Brakeaway Bike Tour and Fat Tire Bike Tours are the only 2 that maintain a coveted 5 stars


Brakeaway Bike Tours 

Brakeaway Bike Tours is a popular company offering 2 bike tours of Central London.

Their Grand Bike Tour of London takes you by all of the major tourist attractions such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

There is also a break midway though in Convent Garden for those looking for a little snack along the way. Alternatively, this company also offers a Secret London Tour, which visits the historic City of London, as well as East London.

At just £28 per person for each tour, Brakeaway Bike Tours are the most affordable option for those looking to cycle around London. 

Reviews of Brakeaway Bike Tours

Brakeaway Bike Tours is a very highly rated company that receives lots of praise for their friendly and informative guides (read the reviews).

Guests who were worried about cycling along London's busy roads report that their fears were allayed thanks to the routes primarily using quiet side streets.

In fact, this company has such excellent reviews that only a handful of their nearly 2,000 reviews fall below 4 stars. TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars


Fat Tire Bike Tours 

At 5 hours, the River Thames Bike Tour offered by Fat Tire Bike Tours is longer than any of the other Central London tours -- which means you get to see and do the most!

Sites include major attractions like Big Ben and the London Eye, as well as interesting places of cultural interest such as Borough Market.

It is there that guests get to enjoy a brief lunch break and sample some of the best cuisine in the city. Food, drinks, and gratuity are not included in the price of the tour.

Fat Tire Bike Tours operate around Europe and remain one of the most popular companies around the continent. Be sure to see check out their full list of London tours

  • River Thames Bike Tour
    • 5 hour bike tour along the River Thames 
    • Departs daily at 10:30am from Southwark, London
    • From £32 per person

NOTE: Check Groupon for potential discounts on this tour.

Reviews of Fat Tire Bike Tours

This is another outstanding company that receives excellent reviews from nearly all former guests. Their guides are described as "well-informed, patient, and fun."

They are also commended for maintaining a good pace throughout the tour and keeping the whole group together.

Many guests wrote their praise for the bikes themselves as well, which are described as clean and sturdy. TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars


The London Bicycle Tour Company

The London Bicycle Tour Company offers 3 different types of Central London tours.

The first and most popular is their Classic London Bike Tour, which takes you around Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, and several other centrally located sites.

With twice daily departures at 10:30am and 11am, this is a popular site for those hoping to familiarize themselves with the city's biggest attractions.

Also available is their Love London Bike Tour, which explores London's famous West End. Sites include the Old Vic, Carnaby Street, and Mayfair, amongst others.

Lastly, they also lead a Old Town London Bike Tour, which visits the City of London. Bike helmets are available upon request, so be sure to ask if you're interested! Be sure to check out their full list of London tours

  • Classic London Bike Tour of Central London
    • 3 hour bike tour of central London, featuring sites such as Covent Garden, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Trafalgar Square
    • Departs daily from Gabriel's Wharf at either 10:30am or 11am 
    • From £38.95 per person
    • Included with the London Pass and the London Sightseeing Pass.
    • Check Groupon for potential discounts.
  • Love London Bike Tour 
    • 3 hour bike tour of alternative London attractions in London's West End
    • Departs daily from Gabriel's Wharf at either 12pm or 2:30pm
    • From £38.95 per person
    • Included with the London Pass.
    • Check Groupon for potential discounts.
  • Old Town London Bike Tour 
    • 3.5 hour bike tour along the River Thames and through the City of London to see sites such as Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Gherkin, the Shard, and many others
    • Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Gabriel's Wharf at either 12pm or 2pm
    • Not currently available as of October 2022.

NOTE: This company also offers a Christmas Lights bike tour during the holidays for £34.95.

Reviews of the London Bicycle Tour Company

Reviews of the London Bicycle Tour Company are also very positive, with most people emphasizing their wonderful experience with the company.

There are a handful of guests who found the routes to be too heavily trafficked by both cars and pedestrians, making it difficult to cycle safely.

However, most of these reviews come from visitors who took the tour in the height of the summer or during the Christmas season, when London is by far its busiest! TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars


Other Guided City Bike Tours

Golden Tours (Gray Line London) - Travelling as a large group? This company offers a fixed rate for groups of up to 50 people on their Magic of London Bike Tour

Alternative London - This popular walking tour company also leads a East London Bike Tour, which explores one of London's hippest neighborhoods. Not currently available as of October 2022.


PARKS AND PALACES BIKE TOURS

A popular alternative to the standard city tours are bike tours of London's most famous parks and palaces.

There are 3 different companies taking advantage of the city's impressive green spaces: Fat Tire Bike Tours, Golden Tours, and Merry Pedaller.

The first two are very similar in that they both remain in Central London and royal parks and palaces in the area.

Merry Pedaller Tours, on the other hand, escapes the hustle and bustle of the city to explore Deer Park, Hampton Court Palace, and Windsor Castle.

All of these tours are especially popular with families who are concerned about taking their little ones on London's busy roads. 


Fat Tire Bike Tours 

One of their most popular tours on offer, the London Royal Parks Bike Tour (with Hyde Park) takes you on a 4 hour journey through Kensington Gardens, St. James's Park, and other popular sites in Central London.

For those nervous about cycling on London's busy roads, this is a nice alternative that takes advantage of the city's many manicured gardens.

Tours depart at 11am and 3:30am daily, so you have the option of touring around in the late morning or afternoon. Helmets are included. Be sure to see check out their full list of London tours

NOTE: Check Groupon for potential discounts on this tour.

Reviews of Fat Tire Bike Tours

Though Fat Tire Bike Tours rate highly for ALL their tours, this one in particular is the crowd favorite. People rave about the easy to follow routes and high quality of guides on the London Royal Parks Tour.

Families are especially thrilled with this option, as it allows them to avoid cycling on busy streets with their little ones.

In fact, there are only 3 reviews that give this tour 3 stars (and none that fall below that!), but each of those commenters date back from 2013! TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars


Merry Peddlar Bike Tours 

Merry Pedaller Bike Tours is a relatively small company that specializes in bike tours in London's quiet surrounding suburbs.

In fact, they are the only company currently leading tours to places like Royal Deer Park, Hampton Court Palace, or Windsor Castle. The first two tours run for half a day and cost approximately $46 per person.

Though Windsor Castle Bike Tour is a much more expensive option, it promises to give you an intimate introduction into the area's natural beauty -- which is something that is often missed when traveling by bus!

Be sure to check out their full list of London tours. 

  • Royal Deer Park Bike Tour
    • Half-day tour through Richmond Park, located 10 miles west of Central London
    • Departs at 10am 
    • From £94 per person
  • Hampton Court Palace Bike Tour 
    • 3.5 hour bike ride along the River Thames to Hampton Court Palace, former home to the Tudor King Henry VIII.
    • Departs Thursdays at 10:30am from Richmond Train Station
    • From £47 per person
  • Windsor Castle Bike Tour 
    • 4 hour bike tour of Windsor Castle and a picnic breakfast with optional visit inside Windsor Castle on your own 
    • Departs Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturdays at 10:30am from Shepperton Train Station
    • Not currently available as of October 2022.

Reviews of Merry Pedaller Bike Tours

Though their reviews are much more limited than some of the other companies, they still rate very highly and maintain an impressive 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide (read the reviews).

People looking for a unique bike tour experience should definitely consider Merry Pedaller, who offer trips that are otherwise unavailable with all of their competitors. TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars


Golden Tours - Gray Line London

This 3 hour tour will take you through most of Central London, and around the city's most famous parks and palaces.

The Houses of Parliament, Kensington Palace, St James’s Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, Hyde Park, and Princess Diana’s memorial fountain are just some of the highlight that you will cycle past. 

You can upgrade to an electric bike if you're over the age of 14 for just $10 more. 

  • Royal Parks and Palaces Bike Tours
    • 3 hour bike tour through Hyde Park and past Kensington Palace, St James’s Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, and many others
    • Cycle, Houses of Parliament 
    • From £24 per person
    • Not currently available as of October 2022.

Reviews of Golden Tours - Gray Line London

Golden Tours is primarily a bus tour company, and so reviews regarding their bike tours are very limited. However, of the 2 people who wrote about their bike tour experience, both were very complimentary.

They praise their guides for being kind and informative, as well as the bikes for being in such good shape. TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5 stars


BOOZEY BIKE TOURS

There are a few companies that have cleverly blended their cycling tours with a few adult beverages along the way!

Tally Ho Cycle Tours tends to appeal to a slightly younger crowd interested in learning about London's impressive liquid history.

The Merry Pedaller, on the other hand, takes you just outside of London and through some of the beautiful surrounding countryside, stopping at local pubs along the way.

An ale tasting and picnic lunch is included in the price of the Merry Pedaller tour. 


Tally Ho Cycle Tours

Tally Ho Cycle Tours offer a number of bike tours around London, including one that features some of the city's historic English pubs.

Unfortunately their website is currently under maintenance, so up-to-date details about their tours are limited. It is best to book directly through Viator or Get Your Guide. 

NOTE: Check Groupon for potential discounts on this tour.

Reviews of Tally Ho Cycle Tours 

This tour company is especially well known for guaranteeing a fun time!

As many guests note, Tally Ho Cycle Tours' young and energetic guides have an infectious appreciation of London's liquid history. People are also pleased with the ease of their routes, which are flat and simple to follow. 

They are also really good at making you feel like a local by bringing you to lovely little hole-in-the-wall places. TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars


The Merry Pedaller 

In addition to their Parks and Palaces Bike Tours, the Merry Pedaller also leads an Ale Tasting Bike Tour which visits local breweries along the Thames.

You can choose between either a half-day tour or a full-day tour, the latter of which also includes a visit to Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Park -- making it essentially two tours in one!

A brief picnic of afternoon tea is also included in the full-day tour, as well as water and a helmet. Be sure to check out their full list of London tours. 

  • Ale Tasting Bike Tour and Picnic 
    • Half-day or full-day tour along the Thames, stopping in local breweries along the way 
    • Departs at 10am on Tuesdays
    • From £35 per person
    • Not currently available as of October 2022.

Reviews of The Merry Pedaller  

Like their other tours, the Ale Tasting Bike Tour and Picnic offered by the Merry Pedaller is a very popular option for those hoping to enjoy a pint while they learn more about London's history.

Guests seem especially happy with the choice of pubs and the route itself, which is described as beautiful and easy.

There are NO negative reviews for this particular tour, so we can almost guarantee that you'll have a great time! TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars.


NIGHT BIKE TOURS

A bike in London after dark. Image source: Pixabay user jplenio.

Thanks to its impressive skyline along the Thames and varied architecture, London is arguably even MORE beautiful at night!

There are 2 companies leading evening tours around the city: Fat Tire Bike Tours and The London Bicycle Tour Company.

Both explore Central London, though the former is slightly longer and more expensive, lasting 4 hours and costing $44 per person. The London Bicycle Tour Company is $10 cheaper, but also an hour shorter than their competition. 


Fat Tire Bike Tours

Four nights a week Fat Tire Bike Tours run an Evening Bike Tour, which is very similar to their daytime tour... but just at night!

Enjoy the beautiful London skyline as you ride along the River Thames and learn about the history of major attractions such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

At 4 hours, this tour is slightly shorter yet more expensive than their day tour. However, the incredible views that you get to enjoy makes it well worth it! Be sure to see check out their full list of London tours

  • London Evening Bike Tours  
    • 4 hour evening tour along the River Thames, seeing sites such as the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower of London, and Shakespeare’s Globe
    • Departs Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 6pm from Southwark
    • From £49 per person

Reviews of Fat Tire Bike Tours

People seem just as pleased with this companies London Evening Bike Tour as they are with their regular daytime tours.

Once again, families are the ones most often singing this companies praises for doing such a good job at keep the group safe and well-organized on London's busy streets.

Guides are also complimented for making the tour fun for guests of all ages. TripAdvisor Rating: 5 stars.


The London Bicycle Tour Company

The London Bicycle Tour Company's Night Bike Tour is very similar to the one listed above, except slightly shorter and cheaper.

You will still visit major sites like Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, the London Eye, and many others. They depart at 3:30pm in the winter to help with the cold and early sunset. Be sure to check out their full list of London tours

  • Night Bike Tour of London
    • Evening tour through Central London past sites such as Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral
    • Departs daily at 3:30pm in the winter and 7pm in the summer 
    • From £25.95 per person
    • Not currently available as of October 2022.

Reviews of The London Bicycle Tour Company 

Though their Night Bike Tour of London is not nearly as popular as their daytime tours, it still rates really well be reviewers on TripAdvisor.

With the exception of one guest who felt unsafe cycling in traffic in the dark, all seem thoroughly impressed with how professional and well organized the company was.

In fact, others even comment on how surprisingly safe and comfortable they felt thorough the ride thanks to the guides. TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 stars


DEALS AND DISCOUNTS

London Tourist Passes

There are several tourist passes in London that include bike tours at no additional cost. These services typically provide access to dozens of popular activities for one low cost.

Depending on how you use a tourist pass, you could save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices.

Here are the bike tours currently included with various London tourist passes:

Brakeaway Bike Tours

London Bicycle Tour Company

To learn about other deals and discounts available to visitors of London, check out this post


Discount Sites

If all else fails, there are several discount websites like Groupon that you might want to check, as they frequently offer deals on popular local activities.

In addition to their already low prices, these services also frequently provide coupon codes for an extra 10% - 20% off, making it easier to save a lot of money on a London bike tour.

Here are some of the bike tour companies listed on Groupon:


About The Author

Canden Arciniega

Follow On Instagram | I'm a historian & tour guide in Washington DC with 4 published books about the city. I have written for HuffPost Travel and have been featured in the Washington Post, WTOP, and numerous other DC papers. I've also been interviewed by the BBC, NPR, Travel Channel and Discovery Family Channel. I am the producer of the podcast, Tour Guide Tell All. I am an authority on D.C. history, and have led tours in the city since 2011. I currently resides in DC, but have also lived in London and South Korea, and have traveled to over 28 countries and every US State but Hawaii. I homeschool my 2 children by exploring the plethora of museums in DC. Read More...
Updated: October 15th, 2022
Back to Top
cross