River Thames Bike Tour

Duration: Approximately 5 hours Make a Reservation Back to Tours

Overview

Explore ‘liquid history’ and breathtaking urban landscapes by cycling both banks of London’s famous river.

With smaller groups, a different route and a focus on the people’s history, this tour is the perfect complement to our Royal London Tour.  Our guides offer legend and fact about a city that has united against Great Plagues, Fire and War, while developing into the cradle of modern civilization and commerce.

For lunch, we invite you to wander through the aromas of our oldest and largest food market (not included), before cycling across Tower Bridge and embarking on a riverboat to central London.

Although this tour is not considered difficult or strenuous, the cycling is more advanced than our Royal London Tour and as such we can accommodate only fully competent cyclists over 5ft tall.

TO BOOK OR NOT TO BOOK?

Spaces are limited on the River Thames Tour so booking is absolutely required.

CYCLING ON ROADS

 We spend a lot more time cycling with traffic on this tour so it is only open to more experienced riders. If you’re not too confident on a bike, please consider our Royal London Tour which is a lot more easy going.  All riders must be at least 5 feet tall on this tour and, unfortunately, luggage storage is not possible.  We meet outside Waterloo station which can be quite confusing to navigate so make sure to consult the directions in your confirmation email before heading out for the day.

Tour Highlights

• 
  The London Eye

  Despite being widely ridiculed when it first opened, the London Eye is now one of the most recognizable and loved structures in London.  On a clear day, it offers you a truly unparalleled, panoramic view of the city. 

• 
  St. Paul's Cathedral

  St. Paul’s Cathedral is the defining masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural genius.  The ground upon which it is built has been considered sacred for thousands of years.  In more modern times, this is where the world mourned the loss of Sir Winston Churchill and celebrated the fairytale wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.  It was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War but was saved by a courageous group of volunteers called the Church Watch.

• 
  Shakespeare’s Globe

  Have you ever used the expressions: to kill with kindness, one fell swoop, or dead as a doornail?  Those and hundreds of other expressions and words (excellent, critical, lonely to name a few!) are attributed to one of the greatest Brits that ever lived.  In the shadows of the historically accurate recreation of the Globe Theatre, learn about the less trumpeted side of William Shakespeare and his direct impact on our 21st century lives. 

• 
  Borough Market

  A hidden, culinary gem in London, with a history going back 900 years, Borough Market offers the finest food from all over the world.  We’ll break for about an hour, giving you time to explore on your own, grab a snack from any number of food vendors, and still enjoy a pint at a local English pub with your guide. 

• 
  Tower Bridge

  One of the most stunning and iconic bridges in the world, Tower Bridge was built nearly 60 years into the reign of Queen Victoria, and during the height of the British Empire.  You will have the opportunity to take photos at its most spectacular vantage point then actually get the chance to cycle across it.

• 
  The Tower of London

  Originally built by William the Conqueror, this World Heritage site has been used as a royal residence, prison, observatory, treasury, mint, and even a zoo.  The top of the list of recognizable prisoners includes:  Saint Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes and Anne Boleyn.

• 
  Trafalgar Square

  Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery and Lord Nelson's Column.  Lord Nelson was the enigmatic commander the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar.  Today the square is considered one of the most central points in London and hosts events, public gatherings, ceremonies and festivals.

• 
  Covent Garden

  Originally this plot of land was a garden for a convent in the area.  Today however, it is an exciting blend of restaurants, shopping, pubs, nightclubs and the most sought-after area in London to showcase licensed street entertainment, a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.

• 
  Thames Clipper Boat Ride

  After cycling along the South Bank of the river, we cruise back into Central London in style on a Thames Clipper.

• 
  Also See…

  ... the River Thames, the Tate Modern, London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, the HMS Belfast, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.