London Bike Tour: Landmarks, Street Art & Pub Stop

Summary

Cycle past palaces, street art and secret corners with a classic London pint

You’ll ride classic British bikes past Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, try your hand at graffiti in Waterloo’s legal tunnel, share stories with a local guide, and pause for a pint in one of Covent Garden’s oldest pubs. Expect unexpected moments — from pelicans in royal parks to laughter over spray paint stains.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet hum of tires on wet pavement as we circled Archbishop’s Park — not what I expected in central London. Our guide, Jamie, handed me a tweed cap (couldn’t resist) and pointed out the zipwire strung between the trees. Kids were shrieking overhead while we fiddled with our bike seats. The air smelled like grass and rain-soaked stone — very London, if you ask me.

We pedaled along the Thames and suddenly there it was: Big Ben looming over us, all gold edges and that deep bell sound echoing across the water. Jamie had us stop for photos right under Westminster Bridge. He told this story about Lawrence of Arabia sneaking around the backstreets nearby — honestly, I didn’t catch all the details because I was distracted by a pelican gliding over St James’s Park lake. There are always these odd little moments here.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the “street art” part of this London bike tour, but when we rolled into the Graffiti Tunnel under Waterloo Station it hit me — paint fumes and color everywhere. Local artists were working on fresh murals; one nodded at us as Jamie handed out spray cans. My attempt looked more like a wobbly cloud than anything cool, but hey, now I can say I left my mark in London (sort of). We ended up at the Lamb & Flag pub in Covent Garden for a pint — turns out it’s older than America and used to host bare-knuckle boxing matches. The bartender grinned when I asked about that.

I still think about weaving through traffic-free streets on Sunday up The Mall toward Buckingham Palace — so quiet you could almost hear your own thoughts. It’s funny how cycling makes you feel like you belong here for a minute or two, even if you’re just passing through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — London landmarks and cultural highlights

• Meet at 189 Hercules Road
• Get bike and helmet or cap
• Loop Archbishop's Park to adjust
• See Lambeth Palace
• View Big Ben and Parliament
• Explore Westminster backstreets
• Pass ancient public school grounds
• Stand outside Westminster Abbey
• Ride around St James's Park
• Visit Horseguards Parade
• Ride up the Mall to Buckingham Palace
• Ride under Royal London arch
• Visit Trafalgar Square
• Explore Covent Garden Market
• Stop for pint at Lamb & Flag pub
• See Cleopatra’s Needle obelisk
• Stop for photo at London Eye
• Cross River Thames via Westminster Bridge
• Visit Graffiti Tunnel and try spray painting

Top questions

How long is the London bike tour?

The tour covers several hours with multiple stops around central London landmarks and hidden spots.

Is there a minimum age or height for riders?

Yes, riders must be over 12 years old and at least 5ft (1.5 meters) tall.

What’s included in the London bike tour?

You get a classic British bicycle (with optional basket), helmet or tweed cap, spray paint for graffiti session, luggage storage, and an English-speaking local guide.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Do you go inside Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace?

No entry is included; you see these sites from outside during stops but don’t go inside.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included but there is an optional pub stop for a pint at Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden.

Can beginners join this bike tour?

The route is easy-going and suitable for all fitness levels as long as you can ride solo.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfy classic British bicycle (with basket if you want), helmet or tweed flat cap to borrow, spray paint for your own try at graffiti art in Waterloo Tunnel, secure luggage storage at the start point, plus stories from an English-speaking local guide along every stop—and an optional pint at one of London’s oldest pubs before heading back.