London is a city of contrasts. One minute you're weaving past Victorian warehouses, street art and bustling markets; the next, you're riding beside a quiet river, spotting herons or escaping into a stretch of woodland that feels miles away from the capital.
Cycling is one of the best ways to discover these unexpected sides of London. You can cover more ground than you would on foot, take spontaneous detours and stumble across places you might never have found on the Underground.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely weekend ride, a family adventure or a longer journey through the city's fascinating history, here are some of the best cycling routes in London to explore.
1. The Regent's Canal: Little Venice to Victoria Park
Best for: Canal views, colourful neighbourhoods and a leisurely day out
Regent's Canal is one of London's most charming cycling destinations, linking the waterways of west and east London through a wonderfully varied landscape of houseboats, old industrial buildings, leafy parks and lively neighbourhoods.
You can explore sections of the canal between Little Venice, Camden, King's Cross and Victoria Park, stopping along the way to admire the boats, visit a market or enjoy a coffee beside the water.
The route offers a different perspective on the city, away from its main roads and familiar tourist attractions. The stretch around Mile End and Victoria Park is particularly appealing, with plenty of green space and interesting architecture along the way.
It's worth remembering that canal towpaths are shared with pedestrians and some sections have restrictions on cycling. Check the route before setting off, ride slowly where cycling is permitted and be prepared to dismount in busy or restricted areas.
A little detour: Broadway Market and London Fields make excellent places to stop for something to eat or browse independent shops.
2. The River Lea: Hackney Marshes to the Lee Valley
Best for: Wildlife, wide open spaces and escaping the city
If you want to experience a wilder side of London, head towards the River Lea.
The Lea Valley offers an impressive network of paths, waterways and green spaces running through east and north-east London and beyond. It's a wonderful route for anyone who enjoys the contrast between the city's urban landscape and its unexpected natural habitats.
Starting around Hackney Marshes or Stratford, you can follow suitable cycling paths north towards Tottenham, Walthamstow and the wider Lee Valley Regional Park.
Along the way, you'll pass wetlands, open meadows and stretches of water where you might spot kingfishers, herons and other wildlife. The landscape changes as you travel, moving from the edges of the Olympic Park to quieter, more rural surroundings.
For a shorter ride, explore the paths around Hackney Marshes and Walthamstow Marshes. If you're feeling more adventurous, continue north towards Cheshunt and the countryside beyond London.
The Lee Valley is a particularly good option for cyclists who want to combine a ride with a little nature watching.
3. Tower Bridge to Greenwich: A Ride Through London's Maritime History
Best for: Architecture, historic landmarks and riverside discoveries
London's relationship with the River Thames has shaped the city for centuries, and cycling between Tower Bridge and Greenwich is a brilliant way to explore that history.
This stretch of National Cycle Route 4 takes you through a fascinating mix of old docks, riverside streets, historic buildings and modern developments.
Starting near Tower Bridge, head east towards Rotherhithe and Greenwich, exploring the quieter streets and waterside paths where cycling is permitted. The route offers views of the Thames, glimpses of London's maritime past and plenty of opportunities to stop and investigate.
Greenwich makes a particularly rewarding destination. Visit the Cutty Sark, wander through the historic town centre or enjoy the views from Greenwich Park before heading home.
The Thames Cultural Cycling Tour is another excellent option for experienced cyclists who want to explore the river's history in greater depth. Its self-guided route covers around 27 kilometres, taking in South Bank, Rotherhithe, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Wapping.
One important thing to remember: the Thames Path is primarily a walking trail, and cycling is not permitted on many sections. Use designated cycle routes and permitted paths rather than assuming the riverside footpath is open to bikes.
4. Richmond Park: A London Ride With a Countryside Feel
Best for: Open landscapes, wildlife and a more challenging ride
Richmond Park is one of London's most spectacular green spaces, with rolling hills, ancient trees, wide grasslands and herds of deer roaming through the landscape.
It's a wonderful place to spend a few hours cycling, especially if you're looking for something that feels more like a countryside adventure than an urban ride.
The Tamsin Trail is a popular route around the park, offering a circular ride through its beautiful scenery. You can also explore the park's permitted cycling routes, taking in the changing views and stopping to watch the wildlife.
Richmond Park is not completely flat, so expect a few climbs along the way. It's worth taking your time, particularly if you're riding with children or less experienced cyclists.
Remember that deer are wild animals. Give them plenty of space, particularly during the rutting season, and never approach them for photographs.
5. The Wandle Trail: South London's Hidden River
Best for: Quiet green spaces, local history and a less touristy ride
The Wandle Trail is a lovely way to explore south-west London, following the River Wandle through a landscape of parks, old mills, gardens and residential neighbourhoods.
The trail connects Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon and Sutton, with many sections offering peaceful paths alongside the river.
One particularly enjoyable section is around Morden Hall Park, where the river winds through beautiful green spaces and reminders of the area's industrial history.
The Wandle was once an important centre for mills and manufacturing, and cycling along the river gives you a sense of how much London's landscape has changed over time.
It's a good choice for a relaxed weekend ride, with plenty of opportunities to stop at a park, explore a local attraction or simply enjoy the sound of the water.
6. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Modern London on Two Wheels
Best for: Contemporary architecture, public art and an easy urban adventure
For a ride that celebrates London's more recent history, head to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The park was created for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is now a fascinating mix of landscaped spaces, waterways, public art and striking architecture.
There are cycling routes around the park that allow you to explore its different areas, including the Olympic venues and the surrounding Stratford neighbourhood.
You can also link your ride with nearby Victoria Park, the River Lea and sections of the canal network to create a longer east London adventure.
It's an especially good option for anyone interested in how cities evolve, with the Olympic legacy sitting alongside older industrial landscapes and established neighbourhoods.
7. The Waterlink Way: A Journey Through South-East London's Parks
Best for: Connecting green spaces and discovering a different side of London
The Waterlink Way follows the Pool and Ravensbourne rivers through south-east London, connecting a series of parks and green spaces between Greenwich and Kent House.
The route passes through Lewisham and Catford, offering a different perspective on a part of London that many visitors rarely explore.
It's a good choice for anyone who enjoys linking together smaller parks and local discoveries rather than following one major landmark.
As with many London cycling routes, some sections use shared paths or quieter streets, so check the route and conditions before you set off.
What to Take on a London Cycling Adventure
One of the best things about cycling in London is that you don't need to plan an elaborate expedition. A bike, a little curiosity and a free afternoon are often enough.
A few essentials can make your ride more comfortable:
- A practical bag: Something that carries your water, snacks, phone and an extra layer without getting in the way.
- Lights: Essential if you're riding in the evening or in poor visibility.
- A lock: Particularly useful if you're planning to stop at a café, market or museum.
- A route map: London cycling paths can change, and not every riverside or canal path allows bikes.
For longer rides, it's worth thinking about how you carry your belongings. A backpack can become uncomfortable after a few hours in the saddle, especially if you're carrying a camera, a picnic or a change of clothes.
A useful alternative is a bag that can attach directly to your bicycle. The Goodordering Eco Monochrome Rolltop Backpack Pannier is designed to work as both a backpack and a bike pannier, making it a practical companion for exploring the city.
Its monochrome design is a particularly good match for London's mix of old brickwork, industrial architecture and contemporary urban landscapes.
You can discover more colourful, functional and thoughtfully designed cycling bags on the Goodordering website.
Discover London at Your Own Pace
The best cycling route in London is often the one that takes you somewhere unexpected.
Perhaps it's a quiet stretch of canal you hadn't noticed before, a riverside café hidden behind old warehouses or a park where the city suddenly seems a million miles away.
London's cycling network offers plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the usual tourist destinations, whether you're discovering the city's industrial heritage, following its waterways or simply enjoying a different way of getting around.
So choose a route, pack a few essentials and see where two wheels take you.
Useful route-planning resources:
