London Bike Tour: Landmarks, Secret Gems, Pub Stop & Street Art

Getting around London on a bike might just be one of the best ways to take in the city’s iconic sights while feeling the pulse of the streets. This 3.5-hour guided bike tour offers a balanced mix of famous landmarks, lesser-known treasures, street art, and local pub culture—all with a friendly, small-group vibe. With enthusiastic guides, comfortable bikes, and a relaxed pace, it promises an engaging way to experience London that’s both fun and informative.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of sightseeing, street art, and a pub visit—a nicely packaged half-day adventure that appeals to active travelers looking for something more authentic than the usual bus route. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be comfortable cycling on busy city streets, and the tour involves some mild exercise, so it’s best suited for those able to ride a bike independently. If you’re after a lively, engaging way to see London’s highlights while discovering its hidden corners, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of landmarks, street art, and local pub culture
• Small-group setting ensures personalized attention and flexibility
• Includes classic British bikes and optional tweed caps for a fun, authentic experience
• Provides spray paint tools for graffiti art—a chance to get creative
• Perfect for active, curious visitors who want more than just sightseeing
• Operates in all weather conditions with appropriate dress recommended

The Itinerary in Detail

This tour kicks off at Tally Ho Experiences on Hercules Road, where you’re greeted with a classic British bicycle, a helmet or a tweed flat cap, and a friendly team ready to guide you through London’s secrets. The initial few minutes are spent in Archbishop’s Park, giving everyone a chance to get comfy on the bikes, make minor adjustments, and enjoy a bit of fresh air. This warm-up is more than just a formality; it sets the tone for a relaxed, unrushed ride.

Exploring Westminster and the Heart of London

From there, the tour moves past Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, with its impressive riverside setting. The next few minutes are dedicated to iconic views—stopping at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, where you’ll get a perfect photo op and hear snippets of political lore. Reviewers have praised guides like Ross and Katie, describing them as knowledgeable and lively, making the history come alive without overwhelming.

Venturing into Westminster’s backstreets, you’ll pass St. John’s Smith Square, a charming historic area teeming with stories of air raid shelters, politicians, and even Lawrence of Arabia. The route then takes you through Dean’s Yard, where you’ll glimpse the grounds of a prestigious London school and learn quirky tidbits connecting Winnie-the-Pooh to Shane MacGowan, adding a touch of fun and trivia to the ride.

Royal Parks, Palaces, and Hidden Corners

Next, cycling around St. James’s Park introduces you to London’s most photogenic royal green space, with its pelicans and vibrant flower beds. From there, it’s a short ride past the Old Admiralty Building and Horseguards Parade, where you might witness a military ceremony or the changing of the guards if timing aligns—a highlight for many visitors according to reviews.

Reaching Buckingham Palace, you’ll enjoy a grand view of the Queen’s residence, with commentary about royal gossip and history. On Sundays, the Mall is closed to traffic, turning this part of the route into an almost car-free parade, which riders have described as an extra treat.

Embarking on Iconic Landmarks and Hidden Treasures

Crossing Westminster Bridge, you’ll cycle underneath Big Ben once again, this time from a different vantage point. The tour then heads towards Trafalgar Square with its Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, perfect for a quick photo and some local atmosphere.

The next stop is Covent Garden, London’s bustling piazza—full of street performers, shops, and street food stalls. Here, the tour makes a special stop at the Lamb & Flag pub, where you can opt for a pint of local beer. This pub, older than the USA, was once infamous for its raw history and is now a cozy spot loved by locals, according to reviews.

Street Art and Creative Expression

One of the most unique parts of this tour is the visit to the Banksy Tunnel under Waterloo Station. This is the only legal graffiti zone in central London, and it’s where the world-famous street artist Banksy has left his mark. You’ll see murals painted by various artists and even get the chance to try spray painting yourself, which reviewers have found to be a surprisingly fun and memorable experience.

Iconic London Sights from the Riverbank

Moving along, you’ll pass the London Eye briefly, capturing the best angle for photos, then cross Westminster Bridge again, cycling underneath Big Ben. The final highlight is a visit to Cleopatra’s Needle, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, and a quick stop at the Thames to soak in views of London’s modern architecture and historic monuments.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The guides—notably Ross, Katie, and James—are often praised for their humor, knowledge, and ability to weave fascinating stories into the route. Reviewers consistently mention how their lively commentary adds depth to the experience. One guest said, “Ross knew all the best-kept secrets in London,” making the ride feel personalized and special.

The mix of landmarks and hidden gems ensures you get a well-rounded understanding of London, from its royal history to its vibrant street art scene. The inclusion of a pub stop provides a relaxed break and an opportunity to mingle, while the graffiti workshop adds an unexpected creative element that reviewers loved.

The bikes and gear—classic British bicycles, optional tweed caps, and spray paint—are well-maintained, and the small group size (max 10 riders) means more personalized attention and a more flexible pace. Many reviewers note how the comfortable bikes and well-planned route make the ride accessible, even for those who aren’t seasoned cyclists.

Analyzing the Value

At roughly $89, this tour offers a rundown of London’s core sights combined with offbeat experiences that you won’t find on standard bus tours. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide, bike rental, helmet, public transport-friendly luggage storage, and graffiti spray paint makes it a good deal for active travelers wanting a multi-layered experience.

While it’s not a cheap tour, the value lies in the multi-sensory engagement—the sights, sounds, stories, street art, and pub experience—that collectively deepen your appreciation of London. Many travelers have commented that it’s a perfect way to start a trip, giving a broad overview and inspiring further exploration.

Practical considerations

This tour is suitable for most travelers over 12 years old who can ride a bike independently and are comfortable cycling in traffic. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately—layers and rain gear are recommended if the forecast calls for rain. The group size is capped at 10, ensuring safety and personal attention, and the tour runs twice daily, making it easy to fit into most schedules.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re active, curious, and eager to see both London’s famous landmarks and its hidden corners, this tour is a fantastic choice. It suits travelers who appreciate local stories and authentic experiences, value good guides, and aren’t afraid of a bit of exercise. It’s also ideal for those wanting a memorable, playful way to start their London adventure—especially with the inclusion of street art and pub culture.

Travelers who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing pace or are less comfortable cycling in busy streets might want to consider other options. But for those who love a bit of adventure, this bike tour offers a rich, engaging day in London.

The Sum Up

This bike tour combines the best of London—its iconic sights, secret spots, and creative expressions—delivering an experience that’s both fun and informative. The guides’ humor and local insights keep things lively, while the varied stops ensure you see the city from multiple perspectives. The inclusion of street art and a pub stop adds authenticity and a touch of local flavor, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

For active travelers, history buffs, street art enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed, this tour offers excellent value. The small-group setting guarantees personalized attention, and the comfortable bikes make the experience accessible to most.

If you want a memorable, energetic way to explore London beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially perfect as a first-day activity, giving you a broad overview and inspiring future adventures around the city.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a classic British bicycle, optional tweed cap, helmet, luggage storage, and spray paint for graffiti art. The guide is local and speaks English.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including stops for photos, sightseeing, and the pub.

Are the bikes suitable for all levels?
Yes, the bikes are traditional and well-maintained. The route is mostly flat and designed for comfort, but you need to be able to ride independently.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for rain or cold. If the weather is particularly poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 10 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I join if I am not very experienced with cycling?
If you can ride a bike and are comfortable cycling on city streets, you’ll be fine. The initial warm-up in the park helps everyone get familiar with the bikes.

Is there a recommended age for participants?
Most travelers over 12 years old who can ride solo are suitable for this tour.

How do I book?
Bookings are made in advance, typically 32 days ahead, and the experience is available as a mobile ticket for easy access on the day.

In sum, this London bike tour offers a lively, well-rounded way to see the city with a friendly guide, a small group, and a blend of landmarks, street art, and local pubs. It’s a great option for those who want more than just sightseeing—an authentic, active adventure that captures London’s essence from a unique perspective.