Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN LONDON
Planning to explore London by bike? Great choice. London might be known for red buses and black cabs, but it's also packed with top-tier cycling routes that make touring the city an absolute breeze. Whether you're into leafy parks, riverside paths, or urban rides past iconic landmarks, London delivers. With dedicated cycling lanes, rental options, and bike-friendly cafés, it’s the kind of city that rewards you for taking the scenic route. This guide maps out the best cycling and bike touring routes to make your London cycling vacation unforgettable.
Cruising the Thames Path and Central London
The Thames Path is London’s poster child for scenic cycling. Stretching along the River Thames for over 30 km within Greater London, it offers an unbeatable mix of urban buzz and serene waterside calm. This route is perfect if you want to tick off major landmarks while enjoying a relaxed, flat ride.
From Westminster to Greenwich — the scenic route
Start your ride near Westminster Bridge and head east. You’ll cruise past the London Eye, the Southbank, and Shakespeare’s Globe before reaching Tower Bridge. From there, follow the Thames further east into Docklands and eventually Greenwich, home to the Royal Observatory and leafy Greenwich Park. There’s a mix of smooth pavement and cobblestone here and there, but it’s mostly beginner-friendly.
Distance: ~30 km one way
Surface: Mostly paved
Skill level: Easy to moderate
Highlights: London Eye, Tower Bridge, Greenwich Park
Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy brunch at a riverside café in Greenwich before heading back.
Pedaling through Royal Parks and green spaces
London's Royal Parks offer a lush, car-free break from the city's energy. Perfect for relaxed bike touring, these parks connect beautifully for a full day of riding through natural beauty with royal history sprinkled in. Expect smooth paths, Instagram-worthy views, and plenty of picnic spots.
Hyde Park to Richmond Park circuit
Start in Hyde Park and cruise west through Kensington Gardens. You’ll pass the Albert Memorial and Kensington Palace before heading into Holland Park. From there, connect through quieter roads or cycle superhighways toward Richmond Park — London’s cycling crown jewel.
Richmond Park is famous for its wide open spaces and herds of deer. The park’s outer loop is about 11 km of gently rolling terrain, perfect for testing your touring legs. With scenic hilltop views over London and plenty of rest stops, it’s an ideal halfway point for lunch and wildlife spotting.
Distance: ~40 km round trip
Surface: Paved park paths, some roads
Skill level: Moderate
Highlights: Kensington Gardens, Holland Park, Richmond Park deer
Pro tip: Pack a picnic or stop at Petersham Nurseries Café near Richmond — it’s a local fave.
London's canal trails and hidden bike gems
Looking for a chill route away from heavy traffic? London’s canal paths are your low-key bike touring jackpot. Quiet, quirky, and full of local flavor, these routes offer a different side of the city — where graffiti art, houseboats, and warehouse cafés set the vibe.
Regent’s Canal and beyond
Start at Little Venice and follow Regent’s Canal east. You’ll pass through Camden Market (lock up your bike and grab a snack), glide past Regent’s Park, and reach the hipster haven of Hackney. Continue on toward Victoria Park and eventually hit the River Lee Navigation if you want to extend your ride deep into East London’s greenbelt.
Expect narrow paths, lots of bridges, and the occasional duck crossing. It’s a casual route, but one full of character and perfect for a slower-paced adventure with plenty of stop-and-go moments.
Distance: ~25–35 km depending on route
Surface: Mixed gravel and paved
Skill level: Beginner to moderate
Highlights: Camden Market, Regent’s Park, Victoria Park
Pro tip: Go midweek to avoid pedestrian-heavy spots like Camden Lock and Broadway Market.
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