London: Bike Tour of Classic Landmarks & Hidden Streets

Summary

Cycle through London’s stories from Big Ben to Covent Garden and beyond

You’ll pedal through London with a local guide, passing Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden and more—all at street level. Expect stops for photos, stories about royal guards and ancient markets, plus time to watch street artists perform. By tour’s end you’ll feel both exhilarated and oddly at home among London’s landmarks.

What’s the experience like?

“Oi, mind the pigeons!” That’s what our guide, Sam, shouted as we wobbled past Trafalgar Square — and honestly, I nearly did ride straight into one. You get so distracted by the swirl of people and those huge bronze lions (which are way bigger up close) that you forget you’re pedaling through some of the world’s most famous streets. The Houses of Parliament just sort of appear around a corner, all gold and stone against the sky. I didn’t expect to feel so tiny next to Big Ben — or for my hands to smell faintly like metal from gripping the handlebars so tight at first.

We stopped in St. James’s Park where everything smelled like cut grass and sugar from someone’s donut bag (not ours, sadly). Sam told us about the pelicans — apparently they’ve been here since some Russian ambassador gifted them? Anyway, we watched the Changing of the Guard from behind a fence; I could barely see over someone’s umbrella but you could hear the boots on gravel and that weird hush when everyone tries to get their phones out at once. It felt very British somehow. My favorite bit was Smithfield Market though — it still smells faintly like meat even though it’s mostly empty in the mornings.

Covent Garden was buzzing: street performers balancing on ladders, people clapping along, a kid dropping his ice cream right in front of me (his dad just sighed). We took a break there — legs aching in that good way. Sam pointed out Cleopatra’s Needle by the Thames later; I’d walked past it before but never really noticed how battered it looks up close. The London Eye spun slow above us as we coasted along the riverbank, wind picking up off the water and making my eyes water a bit (or maybe that was just tiredness?).

I still think about how different London feels from a bike — not rushed exactly, but closer somehow. There were moments when it was just quiet enough to hear church bells near St. Paul’s Cathedral or catch someone laughing in Mandarin outside Chinatown. So yeah, if you can ride a bike (and don’t mind dodging pigeons), this classic landmarks bike tour is worth every wobbly turn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Central London bike tour highlights

• Visit Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Explore Westminster area
• Ride through St. James's Park
• Watch Changing of the Guard
• See Trafalgar Square and lions
• Stop to watch street performers at Covent Garden
• Take a break
• Visit Smithfield Market
• See St. Paul's Cathedral
• View Cleopatra’s Needle
• Visit London Eye
• Watch street artists

Top questions

How long does the London classic landmarks bike tour last?

The bike tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Is bicycle rental included in this London bike tour?

Yes, bicycle rental is included with your booking.

Do I need to bring my own helmet for this tour?

No, helmets are available on request during the tour.

What age do you have to be for this London bike tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old for participants.

Will we see Buckingham Palace on this day trip?

Yes, Buckingham Palace is one of the main stops on the route.

Are there breaks during the bike ride?

Yes, there are several stops including a longer break at Covent Garden.

Is this central London bike tour suitable for beginners?

The route is not strenuous but you must be able to ride a bicycle confidently.

Does this tour include watching Changing of the Guard?

You’ll stop near St. James's Park to watch Changing of the Guard as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes bicycle rental with optional helmet provided by your local guide—plus plenty of stops at iconic sights like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Covent Garden for photos or just catching your breath before rolling on again.