River Thames Bike Tour

Duration: Approximately 4 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.

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

The River Thames Bike Tour spends more time on roads than our Royal London Bike Tour. The cycling is not intimidating or strenuous but if you are not a confident cyclist our Royal London Tour will be the better tour for you. Children are welcome on this tour but should be competent and confident on a bike.

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 spectacular panoramic view of the city.

• 
  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, during the height of the British Empire.  Not only will you have the opportunity to take photos from its most spectacular vantage point, but you'll actually get the chance to cycle across it!

• 
  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.

• 
  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.

• 
  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. 

• 
  Trafalgar Square

  Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery and 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.

• 
  London Bridge

  There has been a bridge at this location since the Roman occupation nearly 2000 years ago. Since then, 10 different bridges have spanned the Thames in this spot. All but one were washed away, burned down, or fell apart over the years. Another was even pulled down by a vengeful king, giving rise to the famous nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down".

• 
  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. Please note Borough Market is only open Th, Fr, and Sa.

• 
  Leadenhall Market

  Harry Potter fans might recognise this as the film location for Diagon Alley. Once the centre of Roman London, you'll learn how Queen Boudicca reduced this site and the rest of the city to just a thin layer of ash. A marketplace for the last 600 years, today you'll find a fantastic off-the-beaten-path place to shop.

• 
  Big Ben

  Attached to the houses of parliament, Big Ben actually refers to the 13 tonne hour-bell within the clock tower.  London first heard the chimes on May 31, 1859.