London Bicycle Tour Company

A Gateway to London by Bicycle

The London Bicycle Tour Company, situated on Kennington Road in South London, has established itself as a premier destination for experiencing the capital from a unique vantage point. The shop serves as both a rental facility and tour operator, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore London's diverse neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and hidden corners at a leisurely cycling pace. The company's central location provides convenient access to major attractions and serves as an ideal starting point for guided explorations that weave through both famous sights and lesser-known streets.

Guided Tours Tailored to Every Cyclist

The company operates several distinct tour routes, each designed to showcase different aspects of London's character and history. The Gold Classic Tour and the Original East London Bike Tour represent flagship offerings, typically lasting between 3 and 3.5 hours and covering major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the Changing of the Guard. Tours navigate through a carefully planned mix of busy main roads and quieter backstreets, allowing cyclists to experience both the grandeur of central London and the intimate charm of residential neighborhoods. The routes are specifically designed to be manageable for cyclists of varying abilities, with guides adjusting pace and providing frequent stops for rest, photography, and historical commentary.

Professional Equipment and Safety Standards

The rental fleet consists of well-maintained bicycles in excellent working condition, each equipped with comfortable helmets and practical phone mounts for navigation and photography. The company prioritizes safety through comprehensive briefings before departure, clear instructions during rides, and guides who actively manage group dynamics to ensure no cyclist feels rushed or left behind. Guides maintain awareness of traffic conditions and deliberately choose routes that balance exposure to London's iconic thoroughfares with safer, quieter streets. This commitment to safety extends to accommodating cyclists of all confidence levels, from those unfamiliar with left-side driving to families with children and older adults seeking a relaxed pace.

Expert Local Guides and Cultural Storytelling

The company's guides are the heart of the experience, combining extensive knowledge of London's history, architecture, and culture with engaging storytelling abilities. Guides share fascinating historical anecdotes, point out architectural details and historical plaques that might otherwise go unnoticed, and reveal the stories behind famous landmarks and obscure corners alike. Many guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch, making tours accessible to international visitors. The guides' enthusiasm and patience create an atmosphere where questions are welcomed and learning feels organic rather than didactic, transforming a simple bike ride into an educational journey through centuries of London's development.

Flexible Booking and Accessibility

The company offers both group and private tour options, with flexible cancellation policies allowing bookings up to 24 hours in advance for full refunds. Reserve-now-pay-later options provide travelers with planning flexibility, and the shop's location near public transportation makes it easily accessible by underground. The facility itself is welcoming and professional, with staff described as friendly, flexible, and responsive to special requests or changes to original plans. Operating hours extend throughout the week from 9 AM to 4 PM, accommodating both early morning and afternoon tour departures.

Year-Round Exploration of London

While London's weather can be unpredictable, the company recommends bringing rain jackets and layering clothing, allowing tours to operate in various conditions. The cycling routes remain viable throughout the year, though seasonal variations affect crowd levels at major attractions and the quality of daylight for photography. Spring and summer months offer longer daylight hours and more pleasant cycling conditions, while autumn and winter provide quieter streets and a different perspective on the city's character. The flat terrain of most routes makes cycling accessible regardless of season, though riders should be prepared for typical London weather conditions.