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

A fun, balanced way to experience London’s highlights and hidden corners—that’s what this bike tour promises and delivers. For $89.22 per person, you’ll spend about three and a half hours cycling through some of London’s most iconic landmarks, along with lesser-known spots that most visitors overlook. Led by knowledgeable guides like James, Ross, or Katie, you’ll see everything from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the Banksy graffiti tunnel. The tour includes a classic English bike, optional tweed cap, and spray paint for graffiti fun. It’s a small-group experience, which means personal attention and a relaxed pace.

One thing we love about this ride is its mix of famous landmarks and secret gems—like the Graffiti Tunnel under Waterloo Station and the pub stop at Covent Garden’s Lamb & Flag, a local favorite since before the American Revolution. The other highlight? You get to pedal past royal parks, historic streets, and even catch the changing of the guard on certain days—without the crowds of a bus tour.

A possible downside is the reliance on good weather and some mild exercise, since the bikes are classic, single-speed models. If you’re not comfortable riding a bike or prefer a more leisurely stroll, this might not be your best fit. But for those who enjoy active sightseeing, and want to get a true feel for London’s neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an engaging, authentic way to explore London’s landmarks and secret corners while getting a bit of exercise. It suits active explorers, history buffs, street art fans, and anyone looking for a lively, memorable introduction to the city.

Key Points

• Comprehensive route covering iconic landmarks and hidden gems
• Small group size for personal attention and a relaxed experience
• Includes use of classic British bicycle with optional tweed cap
• Fun graffiti and pub stop add interactive and social elements
• Guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, making history and stories engaging
• Good value considering the variety of sights and activities included

Exploring London by Bike: An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at 189 Hercules Road, near Waterloo Station, a central and accessible location. After a quick gear-up, we’re introduced to our bikes—classic British models with a comfortable riding position, perfect for navigating London’s mostly flat streets. The tour company provides a helmet or a charming tweed flat cap, which adds a bit of local flavor and fun to the experience. The secure bag storage is handy, letting us ride light and worry-free.

The first few minutes are spent in Archbishop’s Park, where we get comfortable on our bikes and make minor adjustments. It’s a smart way to ease into the ride, especially for those new to cycling in a city. The park itself is a pleasant start, often busy with locals, and offers a peaceful backdrop before heading into the bustling streets.

From Parks to Palaces: The Heart of the Tour

Our guide, whether James, Ross, or Katie, quickly sets a friendly tone with stories and tips. The route takes us past Lambeth Palace, the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is often missed by traditional tours. It’s a quick stop but offers a glimpse into London’s ecclesiastical history.

Next, we cross the Thames to view Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from a south-side vantage point—some of the best views in town. It’s an ideal photo spot, and the guide shares tidbits about the clock tower’s history and recent renovations. The stop is brief but impactful, giving us just enough time to snap photos and take in the grandeur.

Strolling through Westminster, we pass St. John’s Smith Square, a charming area with political history, and Dean’s Yard, with its historic school buildings and connections to literary figures like Winnie-the-Pooh. We don’t enter Westminster Abbey, but getting a close look at its impressive façade is a highlight—an opportunity to appreciate its architectural majesty and its role as a royal event venue.

Parks, Palaces, and Parades

We continue through St. James’s Park, London’s oldest royal park, dotted with pelicans and vibrant flower gardens. It’s a peaceful moment in the middle of the city, with the backdrop of Buckingham Palace’s facade. The guide shares stories of the royal residence, and on certain days, you might catch the Changing of the Guard—a spectacle that’s even more special when experienced from a bike, as the Mall is closed to cars on Sundays, making it a rare, quieter glimpse.

Next, we pedal past the Old Admiralty Building and stand in Horseguards Parade, where military parades are a common sight. Here, the guide explains the significance of the location and the tradition behind the Queen’s Guard.

Cycling up The Mall, we reach Buckingham Palace, where we get a good view of the front gates and hear tales of royal history and gossip. While we can’t enter, the photos and stories make it feel close enough. The best part? On Sundays, the Mall is closed to vehicles, turning the usual traffic-heavy route into a peaceful, car-free cycle—an unexpected treat for any London visitor.

Iconic Landmarks and Hidden Corners

Crossing Westminster Bridge, we get a shot of Big Ben from directly underneath—an impressive view that’s hard to get from the ground. Then, we head to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. It’s a lively hub, and the guide shares stories about London’s naval history and the square’s role in protests and celebrations.

Next, we arrive at Covent Garden, known for its street performers, shops, and the historic market. Here, the tour pauses for a well-deserved break at the Lamb & Flag pub, one of London’s oldest pubs. According to reviews, this pub has a fascinating history—once called the ‘bucket of blood’ due to its connection with bare-knuckle boxing. The half-hour stop is an opportunity to enjoy a drink, chat, and soak in the local atmosphere.

Street Art and Modern London

The ride continues along the river, passing Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk with a captivating backstory, and the London Eye, offering a quick photo op with a panoramic view of the city. Cycling across Westminster Bridge again, we enter the vibrant Waterloo area.

The highlight for street art fans is the Banksy Tunnel under Waterloo Station. It’s an open-air gallery filled with murals by various street artists—and famously associated with Banksy. The tour includes a visit to this legal graffiti zone, where we even get the chance to try spray painting ourselves. Multiple reviews praise the graffiti stop, calling it a fun, offbeat experience that offers a different perspective on London’s creative side.

Ending the Tour and Final Thoughts

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, having covered a lot of ground in just three and a half hours. You’ll leave with a better understanding of London’s neighborhoods, a handful of memorable photos, and perhaps even a new appreciation for street art. The guide’s humor, combined with their local knowledge, makes the experience both informative and entertaining.

The Value of the Experience

Considering the inclusion of bikes, helmets, a pub stop, and spray paint for graffiti, the price of $89.22 feels quite fair for the variety and quality of what you get. Compared to other ways of seeing London—like hop-on-hop-off buses or walking tours—this active approach offers a fresh, immersive perspective. Plus, the small-group format ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This bike tour is best suited for those who enjoy active exploring and want to cover more ground than a walking tour would allow. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable on a bike and looking for a lively, engaging way to get a sense of London’s main sights and hidden corners. History lovers, street art fans, and those who appreciate local pubs will find plenty to enjoy. It’s a great way to kick off a trip, providing a solid overview that can inform your further adventures in London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to join?
You should be comfortable riding a bike, as the tour uses classic single-speed models. The route is mostly flat and well-maintained, but some mild exercise is involved.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. The bikes have optional tweed caps, but most people wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and perhaps a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Stops are brief—typically around 2 minutes for landmarks (like Big Ben or Buckingham Palace) and longer at the pub for about 15 minutes. The graffiti zone is around 10 minutes.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there’s a pub stop where you can purchase beverages and enjoy a break.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

What about safety and group size?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a safe, personalized experience. Guides are attentive to traffic and pedestrian safety, making it suitable even in busy areas.

To sum it up, this London bike tour offers a lively, authentic way to see the city—combining famous landmarks, hidden street art, and a touch of local pub culture. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to learn, explore, and have fun in one compact package. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a standout choice for those eager to experience London beyond the usual tourist spots. If you’re comfortable on a bike and craving a dynamic, memorable day in the city, this tour is well worth considering.