The Original East London Bike Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see London that breaks away from the usual bus routes and crowded attractions, the Original East London Bike Tour might just be your next great adventure. While many visitors stick to the classic sights, this tour offers a fresh perspective on the city’s less-trodden neighborhoods. It’s a perfect pick for those who want to combine a little exercise, local flavor, and some insider knowledge into one enjoyable outing.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances seeing iconic landmarks—like Tower Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe—with exploring quieter areas, such as the docks and the lively Borough Market. Plus, you get a chance to enjoy some of London’s best street food and see the latest skyline additions like The Shard and The Gherkin. That said, it’s worth mentioning that this tour is all about activity; if you’re not comfortable cycling or prefer a very relaxed pace, it might not be your best fit.

This experience suits active travelers, food lovers, and those eager for a more authentic look at London’s diverse neighborhoods. It’s also family-friendly, with a minimum age of ten, making it accessible for older kids and teens. If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging way to explore London beyond the typical highlights, this bike tour is well worth considering.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of famous sights and hidden gems
• Includes stops at iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Great for active travelers who enjoy cycling and exploring on foot
• Offers a taste of local food culture at Borough Market
• Tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate about London
• Suitable for all fitness levels, with bikes and helmets provided

What Is the Original East London Bike Tour?

This tour is a guided, approximately 3.5-hour biking experience that takes you through London’s east side, an area packed with history, modern development, and local flavor. It’s designed for people who want a more interactive, less touristy way to see the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

The tour begins at a central meeting point near Kennington Road, where you’ll meet your guide, get fitted with a helmet, and choose a bike suited to your size. From there, you’ll pedal along Southbank, with your guide leading the way through some of London’s most visually appealing and historically interesting spots.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Unlike some bus or walking tours that stick to the main streets and predictable sights, this bike tour is all about straying off the beaten path. You’ll explore areas often missed by typical visitors, giving you a more local, intimate sense of London.

Highlights include riding over Tower Bridge, crossing the Thames, and stopping at Borough Market, where you can browse vibrant food stalls. You’ll also pass by landmarks like the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful recreation of the original Elizabethan playhouse. The route then takes you through the Docklands, an area once bustling with industry, now full of warehouses, murals, and waterside pubs.

For architecture buffs, the tour also covers the Square Mile, London’s historic financial district, with sights like Mansion House and the Royal Exchange. The finale is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic Wren masterpiece, where you can snap some memorable photos.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Tate Modern
Your guide will introduce you to this modern art museum, housed in a converted power station. While you won’t go inside, you’ll get a quick overview of its significance and enjoy views of the Thames from the outside.

Stop 2: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
A brief stop to learn about the history of this replica of the original Elizabethan theatre. It’s a picture-worthy spot that captures London’s theatrical spirit.

Stop 3: St. Paul’s Cathedral
This awe-inspiring church designed by Sir Christopher Wren is a highlight. You’ll spend around 10 minutes here, listening to your guide’s insights about its history and architecture.

Stop 4: Borough Market
A food lover’s paradise where you can browse stalls overflowing with local produce and street food. It’s a lively, sensory-rich stop that gives you a taste of London’s culinary culture.

Final Stop: The Docklands & City of London
Ride through the historic docks and financial district, passing landmarks like Mansion House and the Royal Exchange. You’ll also have the chance to relax at a waterside pub.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included:
– Quality cycle hire with helmets
– A knowledgeable guide passionate about London
– All the cycling equipment needed for a smooth ride

Not Included:
– Hotel pickup or drop-off—this is a self-arranged start from the meeting point

This setup works well if you’re staying somewhere central or easily accessible by public transport, as the meeting point is near multiple stations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy being active and want to see London from a different angle, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate history, architecture, and local food markets. The fact that it’s suitable for most fitness levels makes it accessible, but keep in mind that the tour involves some cycling in urban environments, so comfort on a bike is helpful.

While families with children over ten will find it a fun outing, it’s not tailored specifically for very young kids or those with mobility challenges. Still, most of the stops are brief, and the guide’s insights make it engaging even for older children.

The Value of This Experience

At $61.90 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It combines transportation, guided commentary, and access to some of London’s most photogenic and culturally significant spots. Compared to sightseeing by bus or on foot, the cycling element adds a layer of fun and flexibility—plus, you get to cover more ground in less time.

The reviews echo this sentiment, with many travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and the variety of sights. One reviewer said, “Doug took our group on a fun and interesting tour of London. His wit and insight into history along with unique stories about the city made this an enjoyable morning.” The mix of scenery, history, and local flavor makes it a well-rounded experience.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for cycling.
• Bring sun protection or rain gear, depending on the forecast.
• Arrive a little early to get fitted with your bike and helmet.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware that cycling on city streets might be a little bumpy at times.
• The tour runs starting at 2:00 pm, so plan your day accordingly.

The Sum Up

The Original East London Bike Tour offers a lively, engaging way to see a different side of London. It’s perfect for those who want active exploration combined with local flavor and some of the city’s most famous sights. The knowledgeable guides, diverse route, and vibrant stops like Borough Market make it a memorable experience—especially if you enjoy mixing history, architecture, and food in one outing.

While it’s not a relaxed sightseeing cruise, the balance of activity and cultural discovery makes it ideal for travelers who appreciate a little adventure. If you’re after a fun, informative, and energetic way to explore London’s east side, this bike tour is a solid choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 10 years old, so it’s suitable for older kids who can comfortably ride a bike in an urban environment.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
No, the tour includes high-quality cycle hire, complete with helmets and bikes suited to your size.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 74 Kennington Rd, London SE11 6NL, and ends back at the same location.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options, making it easy to join from most central London locations.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and the weather—don’t forget sun or rain protection as needed.

If you’re after a lively, authentic way to see London’s east side, this bike tour combines history, local sights, and a little exercise—all in just over three hours. It’s a different way to experience the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and hidden corners, guided by passionate experts who want to share their love for London.