London: Bike Tour of Landmarks, Palaces & Parks

Summary

Cycle past Big Ben, royal palaces and leafy Hyde Park with stories at every stop

You’ll cycle London’s royal parks and palaces with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Pause for photos at Big Ben and Kensington Palace, watch life swirl around Trafalgar Square, maybe even spot swans in St. James’s Park. Expect laughter, city sounds, and those small moments that stick long after you’ve parked your bike.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — tires humming over the pavement as we set off from the edge of Hyde Park, that low city buzz mixing with birdsong. Our guide, Sam (who grew up in Camden), waved us into a loose line and pointed out the statue of Peter Pan. I’d always thought Hyde Park was just grass and joggers, but there’s this almost secret calm under the trees. The air smelled faintly like cut grass and roasted chestnuts from a nearby cart — not what I expected in central London.

We stopped at Kensington Palace next. Sam told us about Queen Victoria sneaking out as a kid — he made it sound like she’d just done it last week. There were families picnicking on the lawns, a couple of kids chasing pigeons near the gates. Then Trafalgar Square — busier here, all chatter and camera clicks. Someone tried to feed a pigeon right beside us (which you’re definitely not supposed to do), and we all laughed when one of our group nearly lost her sandwich to a bold little bird.

Riding through Westminster felt surreal — I mean, you see Big Ben in photos but gliding past it on two wheels is something else. The Houses of Parliament looked even more dramatic with clouds rolling overhead. Sam had this way of dropping weird facts — apparently there’s a tiny police station hidden in Trafalgar Square? Didn’t expect that. By St. James’s Park, we slowed down for swans crossing (no joke), and I caught myself grinning at how ordinary it seemed for everyone else.

I still think about that moment outside Royal Albert Hall: the sun broke through for just a minute, lighting up the red brick while someone played violin nearby. It wasn’t perfect weather or anything — bit chilly actually — but somehow that made it feel more real. Three hours went by faster than I thought they would; my legs were tired but my head was buzzing with stories I’d never have found on my own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon tour of London landmarks

• Visit The Palace
• See Kensington Palace
• Explore Trafalgar Square
• Cycle through Hyde Park
• Visit Westminster
• See Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
• Visit Royal Albert Hall
• Start and finish tour
• Visit St. James's Palace
• Walk through St. James's Park
• Learn about local history

Top questions

How long is the London landmarks bike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours in the afternoon.

Is bike rental included in this London tour?

Yes, your bike and helmet are included in the price.

What famous places will we see on this tour?

You’ll visit Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, Royal Albert Hall, St. James's Park & Palace.

Is there a minimum height or age for riders?

This tour is recommended for people from about 10 years old or 150 cm tall who can cycle 15 km at a moderate pace.

Are child seats or junior bikes available?

Yes—junior bikes (from 134 cm/maximum 40 kilos) and bikes with fitted child seats must be requested in advance.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?

No food or drinks are included; bring your own if needed.

Is hotel pickup provided for this London bike tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the starting point near Hyde Park.

Can people with health issues join this cycling tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes use of a comfortable city bike and helmet plus guidance from a friendly local expert as you pedal through London’s most iconic parks and landmarks before returning to your starting point near Hyde Park.