The Best Cycling Routes in London

THE ROYAL ROUTE

Beginning at Corinthia London, this route takes you to Trafalgar Square, up The Mall, past Buckingham Palace and on to Hyde Park. 

Though the traffic can seem daunting around Trafalgar Square, seeing the famous lions and Nelson’s Column up-close will make the very short trip worth it before you begin your ride along The Mall.

Cycling under Admiralty Arch, you will want to glance to your left in case the changing of the guards is happening – 11am Monday-Saturday, 10am on Sundays. And if you have some spare time, a short detour here will take you to Churchill’s War Rooms.

Continue up The Mall and you will recognise the most famous building in London coming into view. Just before you approach the roundabout, look to your right for a glimpse of Clarence House, the official home of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Beyond the Victoria Memorial, a historic monument crafted from marble and bronze, soak up the breathtaking sight of Buckingham Palace.

Continue to the right of the Palace and enter Hyde Park. Here is where we’ll leave it up to you - you may opt for a brief rest (and an ice cream) but if you have the energy, we recommend continuing on to the Serpentine lake, where you can hire a pedal boat or simply watch the world go by.

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THE RIVER ROUTE

Take in the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Somerset House and plenty of riverside views on this 16-minute cycle route.

Corinthia London is just steps from the River Thames, and both north and south banks are perfect for biking. This route is quick but abundant with landmarks, something made instantly obvious as you begin your journey with the London Eye, Waterloo Bridge and Festival Hall in view.

But we're not going there just yet... Cycle east from Corinthia London along the river and you will soon hit Somerset House, a spot worth paying a visit to for seasonal exhibitions and pop-up restaurants and bars. If you’re braving this route in winter, you’ll find an ice rink too.

Continue on to Southwark Bridge and this is where we recommend you cross, as you’ll see London Bridge, HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge from your vantage point.

Once across the river, walk your bike around the Golden Hind and down Clink Street - the site of the historic prison and origin of the term “in the clink” - before continuing back towards Corinthia London past Shakespeare’s Globe. For theatre lovers, this is where we recommend you stay but you can also continue on to the Tate Modern if The Tanks, a permanent collection of live art and video work, are more your thing.

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