London clicks into focus on a bike. This small-group ride follows the Thames past Westminster and the City, letting you check off Big Ben, St. Paul’s, and Tower Bridge without the stop-and-go of walking. I love the two-banks river route and the quick photo stops that keep the pace feeling relaxed.

I also love the way the guide connects the centuries, from plagues and wars to the Great Fire, as you roll past key landmarks like the Monument to the Great Fire (1666) and Leadenhall Market. My only caution: London gets crowded, so you may spend more time than you want dodging pedestrians in tight sections around the bridges and busy stops.

Key things that make this bike tour worth your time

• Two-bike-banks Thames sightseeing: You ride both sides of the river for more angles on the same sights.
• Big-name landmarks, fast: Big Ben, the London Eye area, St. Paul’s, the Globe, the Tower, Tower Bridge, and Leadenhall Market all fit in one morning-style loop.
• Local-story commentary: The route is framed by major events that shaped the cityscape, not just facts on placards.
• Borough Market break: A real food stop with lots of options, plus time to reset before Tower Bridge.
• Beer tasting + pub culture moment: A London beer tasting is included near the finish area.
• Small group size: Up to 14 people, which helps you stay in sync on a city route that can get chaotic.

Thames on Two Wheels: seeing London’s headline sights in one run

If your London trip is short, this tour is a smart way to get a high-quality overview fast. You’re not just gliding past postcard views; you’re also moving through the areas that make London feel like London—Westminster energy, South Bank foot traffic, City-of-London formality, and the older streets that still carry their stories.

The big win is efficiency. Riding a bike lets you cover ground that would take forever on foot. And because you cycle along the Thames riverfront, you keep getting river views between stops instead of “walk, arrive, crowd, repeat.” It feels like you’re traveling through the city, not just hopping between statues.

You’re also set up for photos. The stops are short, so your guide keeps momentum, and you get quick chances to capture the landmarks from angles that are hard to reach while walking among tour groups and commuting crowds.

Price and Time: what $62 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $62 per person for roughly 4 hours, this is priced for a serious sightseeing chunk, not a casual stroll. You pay for the guided ride plus a bike and helmet for the duration. That combination matters in London, where “self-guided” can quickly turn into route stress, traffic uncertainty, and time lost figuring out where you can safely ride.

The tour’s value is strongest if you want:

• a fast orientation to London’s major sights on the Thames corridor
• a guided storyline that helps you understand what you’re seeing

What’s not included is mostly the “choose-your-own” part of London:

• Lunch cost (there’s a Borough Market break, but you pay for what you eat)
• some attraction entry tickets (like the London Eye and St. Paul’s)

This setup is practical. You get the guided structure, and you still control what you want to spend money on later.

Meeting point and the bike setup: staying comfortable from minute one

You start at Unlimited Biking (formerly Fat Tire Tours), 135a Mepham St, London SE1 8SQ. The tour begins at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point, so you avoid the “how do we get back” headache.

The bikes are simple and designed for city riding, and you’ll get a helmet. One practical detail from the experience you should know: cycling guidance is part of the plan. In past groups, riders noted they stayed on the left side of the road while moving through traffic-adjacent areas. You don’t need to be a road racer, but you do need to be comfortable following instructions, keeping your balance at slow speed, and moving as a group.

Also, bring the right attitude for London riding. It’s not just about speed. It’s about spacing—between bikes, pedestrians, and the tight corners that show up around major attractions and market areas.

Westminster to the London Eye area: Big Ben and the river’s front row

Early in the ride, you’ll set eyes on Big Ben, which is officially part of Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament. The tour stop keeps it quick—think about a 5-minute look—so don’t plan on lingering for the perfect shot from every angle. Instead, use the short stop to get one strong photo and move on.

You’ll also pass the London Eye area. The Eye is iconic, and the river views are the reason it shows up here. Just note the important detail: London Eye admission is not included. So treat it as a sighting moment rather than an attraction you automatically enter.

A key benefit of getting this early is light and energy. You’re hitting the most recognizable landmarks when the day is still getting going. That can help you later decide what you want to return to on your own.

St. Paul’s and the Globe: art, empire, and storytelling on the move

Next comes a classic pairing on the Thames route: St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre area. St. Paul’s is a major stop (about 10 minutes), and the tour frames it with what’s happened there historically—state occasions, major ceremonies, and the cathedral’s role in London’s public life. Admission isn’t included, so this stop is mainly about exterior views and taking in the scale.

The Globe stop is another about 10 minutes and it’s timed for quick appreciation rather than a deep theater visit. The tour connects the site to Shakespeare and to the idea of the modern Globe—how the venue works to keep those plays alive for visitors.

If you like context, this is where the guide’s narration really helps. You start seeing London as a city of layers. The buildings aren’t just scenery; they’re characters in the story.

Borough Market break: food you can actually choose (and actually like)

This is your reset moment. You ride to Borough Market, one of London’s biggest food stops, and you get about 30 minutes. Lunch is not included, but the point is you can pick something that fits your appetite and dietary comfort.

Borough Market is especially valuable on a bike tour because it breaks up the ride with a social, sensory stop. You can see lots of produce and stalls, and the food options reflect London’s mix of cultures. In the experience, people grabbed everything from fish and chips to Middle Eastern-style wraps and noodle bowls with custom toppings—so you’re not stuck with one kind of meal.

Two practical tips for this stop:

• Go in hungry enough to commit, since the time window is not huge.
• If the crowd feels intense, order quickly and step aside to eat when you can.

One more timing detail that matters: the Borough Market stop is for morning departures only. So if you choose a different time slot, you might not get that exact food break.

Tower Bridge into the City: the old and new view combo

Then you hit the star crossing: Tower Bridge. It’s a short stop (around 10 minutes), but it’s one of the most satisfying parts of the day because you’re cycling across it. Seeing Tower Bridge from the bike route means you experience the space instead of only photographing it from one sidewalk angle.

As you cross into the City of London, you get the dramatic contrast London does so well: older architecture sitting near modern glass skyscrapers. The skyline view includes the Shard, the tall 95-story glass tower. It’s the kind of sight you remember because it feels like a time-lapse of city design.

This segment is also where the guide’s “major events” storytelling lands. The narration moves from human drama and disasters to the physical changes you can still recognize today—so the route becomes more than a parade of famous places.

Monument to the Great Fire and Leadenhall Market: where stories show up in streets

After Tower Bridge, you’ll pass the Monument to the Great Fire, tied to the 1666 fire. You don’t need a history degree for this part. The guide’s job is to make you notice the cause-and-effect: why certain buildings, districts, and city decisions exist the way they do.

Then you reach Leadenhall Market, described as a 14th-century gem and known for its film appearances. It has the “wait, this looks familiar” effect, especially if you’ve seen Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The stop is brief—about 10 minutes—but it’s one of those quick detours that makes a bike tour feel different from a bus tour.

Leadenhall Market’s value here is atmosphere and texture. You’re not only seeing landmarks; you’re seeing the quieter layers that make the city feel lived-in.

London Bridge finish and the included beer tasting moment

The closing loop brings you past an old medieval church that suffered during the World War II blitz, then you pedal over London Bridge and cycle back to Southwark where the tour ends.

One extra perk included on the route: a beer tasting at an authentic London pub. You don’t get to “pick your own adventure” for this part—it’s built in. But that’s a nice touch because it gives you a taste of local life without requiring you to plan a pub stop on your own.

Finally, remember the road reality. Even with a small group (up to 14 people), London pedestrian density can slow you down. Some groups report stress in crowded walkways where bikes have to weave. If that worries you, consider mentally preparing for frequent “slow and careful” moments rather than a smooth ride the whole way.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a big-sights overview early in your London trip
• like learning city history in small, guided chunks while moving
• feel comfortable riding a bike and following instructions in busier spaces

It may not be ideal if you:

• hate crowded public areas and want a mostly quiet experience
• struggle with moderate physical fitness or controlling your speed in traffic-adjacent zones
• are not comfortable riding on your own (the tour does not recommend children unless they are proficient riders)

It’s also worth choosing with timing in mind. Borough Market is tied to morning departures, so if food is a top priority, plan your day around that.

Should you book Secrets of London Bike Tour: Thames, Tower Bridge, and Market?

I’d book it if you want London’s headline landmarks connected by a story-driven Thames ride, with a practical food stop at Borough Market and an included beer tasting to close out the day. At this price, you’re paying for guided structure, a bike setup, and a route that covers more than walking could manage in a similar window.

I’d also pick it if you value variety: Westminster views, Shakespeare and cathedral vibes, then Tower Bridge into the modern City skyline, ending in a pub moment. The blend is the point.

Just go in expecting London to be London. Even with a well-run guide, tight spaces and foot traffic are part of the deal. If you’re okay with careful riding and quick stops, this tour can be one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to get your bearings fast.

FAQ

How long is the Secrets of London Bike Tour?

It runs about 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $62.01 per person.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

You get a guided bike tour plus use of a bike and helmet for the duration.

Which stops will you see on the route?

You’ll stop for sightseeing/photo opportunities at Big Ben, the London Eye area, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, Tower Bridge, the Monument to the Great Fire, Leadenhall Market, and London Bridge.

Are entry tickets included for major attractions?

Not all admissions are included. The Tower of London and Big Ben stops show free admission, while places like the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral are not included.

Is lunch included at Borough Market?

Lunch is not included. You’ll have a break at Borough Market, and you’ll pay for what you choose to eat.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are not recommended unless they are proficient riders. Guests must be able to ride a bicycle on their own, and tag-a-longs and trailers aren’t permitted for safety.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.