Secrets of London Bike Tour: Thames, Tower Bridge, and Market

London’s grandest sights come quickly on two wheels. In about four hours, you cycle along both sides of the Thames, cross Tower Bridge and London Bridge, and see icons from Big Ben to St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is a smart way to get your bearings early in a London stay.

I especially like two things here: the chance to stop at Borough Market for food from around the world, and the local storytelling that links plagues, fires, wars, and modern skyscrapers. The main caution is city riding. You may weave around pedestrians, face cobblestones, and share tight paths with foot traffic, so this is best for confident cyclists.

Key points

• Two Thames crossings: Cycle across Tower Bridge, then return toward Southwark over London Bridge.
• A strong first-day overview: Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul’s, the Globe, the Tower of London, and more appear in one outing.
• Morning Borough Market stop: Allow about 30 minutes for lunch, with food costs paid separately.
• Small group, but not always tiny: The stated maximum is 14 people, and some departures may have around 11 riders.
• Local guides shape the ride: Guides such as Emily, Jonathan, Thomas, Josh, Beth, Nick, and Matt have been praised for humor, history, and safety.
• Bring the right expectations: This is a sightseeing ride, not a fast cycling tour, and a previously advertised boat ride may no longer be part of the experience.

Why a Thames bike ride works so well in London

London spreads its best sights across a wide central area. On foot, you can see Westminster, South Bank, the City, and the Tower of London, but covering all of them in one morning means plenty of pavement time. A bicycle gives you a broader view without turning the day into a long series of Tube rides.

The route also keeps you close to the River Thames, which helps make the city easier to understand. On one bank, you have Westminster, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Southwark. Across the water, the City of London rises behind the Tower, with old churches and markets beside newer glass towers.

Your guide does more than point at landmarks. The tour connects London’s past to the streets you are riding through. You hear about disease, war, the Great Fire of 1666, and the constant rebuilding that has changed the city.

The ride is limited to 14 people, though a group of 11 is possible. That is small enough for a guide to keep an eye on the riders, but it may not feel intimate at every moment. A smaller departure of four people can move more easily and spend more time at stops.

Starting in Southwark at 10 a.m.

You meet at Unlimited Biking, formerly Fat Tire Tours, at 135a Mepham Street in London SE1. The tour starts at 10 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point.

A bicycle and helmet are included. You need to ride your own bike, and every person in your group must be able to cycle independently. Children are not recommended unless they are proficient riders. Tag-alongs and trailers are not permitted, so this is not a good fit for a family with very young children.

The company supplies bikes described in the experience details as fat-tire bikes. Their wider tires are comfortable at the slow pace used for sightseeing, though road cyclists may find them less familiar than a standard touring bike. You will spend time stopping, listening, and riding through busy areas rather than covering ground at speed.

Wear clothing suited to the weather. The tour runs in all conditions, and London’s weather can change during four hours outdoors. Comfortable clothes and shoes matter more than dressing up for the sights.

Big Ben and the London Eye from the riverfront

The first part of the ride brings you toward Westminster. You stop near Big Ben, properly called Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is technically the name of the great bell, though people commonly use it for the tower and clock as well.

The stop is short, about five minutes, so think of it as a photo and orientation pause rather than a visit inside Parliament. You can take in the tower, the Houses of Parliament, and the river setting before moving on.

The London Eye gets a similar brief stop. The observation wheel turns above the Thames and gives London one of its most familiar modern shapes. Admission is not included, and you do not ride it during this tour. If you want the full wheel experience, plan that separately for another time.

This quick-stop format is one reason the bike tour covers so much. It is also its main limitation. You see the sights, hear the essential story, and take pictures, but you will not explore each attraction in depth.

St. Paul’s, the Globe, and the streets of South Bank

Across the river, the tour takes in St. Paul’s Cathedral. Its dome is one of London’s defining views, and the cathedral has hosted major state occasions, including Winston Churchill’s funeral and the wedding of Charles and Diana.

The stop lasts about 10 minutes, with admission not included. You will see the exterior and hear the setting explained, but you should return on your own if you want the interior, crypt, or galleries.

Shakespeare’s Globe follows as another South Bank highlight. The present theater was founded by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker as a working reconstruction and center for exploring Shakespeare’s theater. The bike stop gives you a look at the building and its place on the riverfront. It is not a performance or an interior tour.

This stretch is where the bicycle offers something a bus or walking route can miss. You pass through lanes, river paths, tunnels, alleys, and food areas, with everyday London appearing between the famous buildings. The route is not made up only of postcard views.

Still, South Bank can be crowded. Several riders found that weaving around pedestrians in narrow spaces made parts of the ride stressful. Your guide will direct the group, but you should be comfortable slowing down, stopping often, and walking the bike briefly when needed.

A proper break at Borough Market

Morning departures include roughly 30 minutes at Borough Market. This is one of the best parts of the day because it changes the rhythm from sightseeing to eating.

You pay for lunch yourself. Choices can include fish and chips, a Damascene falafel wrap, or noodles with your chosen toppings. The market’s food reflects London’s mix of cultures, and you can use the stop to try something quick rather than sit down for a formal meal.

The break is useful for more than food. Four hours on a bike is easier when you have time to pause, eat, and reset. If your group rides at an easy pace, the market stop may feel generous. That can be a plus if you want lunch, but less so if your main goal is to cover more streets.

The timing matters. The market stop is specified for morning tours, and the listed start time is 10 a.m. If you are choosing another departure, confirm exactly what food stop is planned. Lunch is not included in the price.

The Tower of London and a Victorian bridge

The route continues to the Tower of London, one of the city’s most famous historic buildings. The complex has served as a fortress, royal residence, prison, and place connected with the Crown Jewels. The Bloody Tower, the Chapel of St. John, the Royal Armories, and the cell associated with Sir Walter Raleigh are among the features linked to the site.

The tour allows about 10 minutes here and does not include an indoor visit. That is enough to see the exterior, understand the Tower’s role, and mark it for a longer return visit. If the Crown Jewels are high on your list, treat this bike stop as a preview.

Then comes the ride many people will remember most: crossing Tower Bridge by bicycle. The bridge’s twin towers and high walkways make it one of London’s most striking pieces of Victorian engineering. From the crossing, you get broad Thames views in both directions.

The bridge also gives you a sharp contrast between old and new London. The Tower and historic riverfront sit near the Shard, a 95-story glass pyramid that dominates the view. You do not need a lecture to see how quickly the city’s architecture changes from medieval stone to modern steel and glass.

Into the City, past the Monument and Leadenhall Market

After Tower Bridge, you enter the City of London, the capital’s financial center. Glass towers rise above older streets, and the guide explains how this small area became a major center of trade and finance.

You pass the Monument to the Great Fire of 1666. This tall column marks the disaster that destroyed much of the medieval city and led to major rebuilding. The stop helps tie the earlier stories about fire and change to a real place.

Leadenhall Market is another worthwhile pause. Its covered structure and ornate details make it a pleasant contrast to the office towers nearby. The market dates back to the 14th century, and its appearance has also made it useful as a film location, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The listed stop is about 10 minutes. That is enough to look around and hear the film connection, but not enough for serious shopping or a long meal. If you love architecture, note the location and return later on foot.

Returning over London Bridge

The final section takes you past an old medieval church damaged during the Second World War Blitz. Details like this are part of the tour’s appeal. You are not only ticking off famous sights. You are also seeing small reminders of the events that shaped London’s streets.

You then cross London Bridge and return toward Southwark. Unlike Tower Bridge, London Bridge is a more functional crossing, but it gives you another view of the Thames and the City. Riding both bridges helps you compare two very different chapters of London’s development.

The written tour details also mention a beer tasting at an authentic London pub near the end. However, some descriptions and past departure experiences refer to a Thames boat ride that was no longer included. Do not book this tour expecting a cruise. Confirm the current ending details before you go, especially if a boat trip is the reason you are choosing this outing.

Guides, pace, and road confidence

The guide can make or break a city bike tour. Names associated with especially strong departures include Emily, Jonathan, Thomas, Josh, Beth, Nick, and Matt. The praise centers on local knowledge, lively storytelling, clear safety guidance, and a real affection for London.

Beth, in particular, was noted for keeping younger riders close and helping a group manage left-side traffic. Jonathan was praised for making history entertaining. Josh brought strong enthusiasm for the city, while Thomas was described as engaging and good at pointing out places you might otherwise miss.

That does not mean every guide will suit every person. One departure received a lower assessment because the guide did not add enough to the scenery. Your experience will depend partly on the guide assigned that day and partly on the group’s pace and interests.

You should also be comfortable riding near traffic, buses, pedestrians, tunnels, uneven surfaces, and cobblestones. Several riders felt safe with their guides, while others found crowded walkways tiring. The ride is manageable for people with moderate fitness, but it is not passive sightseeing.

Is the $62 price good value?

At $62.01 per person, the tour is fairly priced if you want a guided overview rather than entry to major attractions. The bike, helmet, guide, and four hours of organized sightseeing are included. You also avoid planning a route between Westminster, South Bank, the Tower, the City, and Borough Market.

The value is strongest at the start of your London stay. You can note the places you want to revisit, then return later for the interior of St. Paul’s, the Tower of London, the Globe, or the London Eye.

The price does not include lunch, attraction admissions, or any confirmed boat ride. Add your Borough Market meal to the budget, and do not assume that a stop means entry. The tour is best viewed as a guided city sampler, not a package covering every major ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this London bike tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a broad first look at London and enjoy learning while moving. It suits adults and confident young cyclists who can control a bike without help. It is also a good match for people who prefer local streets and river views to a formal bus tour.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded paths, have limited cycling experience, or want long visits inside museums and historic buildings. The tour gives you short stops and a lot of context, but it cannot replace dedicated visits to the Tower, St. Paul’s, or the Globe.

Book it near the beginning of your stay if you can. The guide’s route, stories, and practical sense of direction can help you decide where to spend your remaining days. Just bring patience for pedestrians, a willingness to ride on London’s left, and a plan for lunch at Borough Market.

FAQ

How long does the Secrets of London Bike Tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending back at the Southwark meeting point.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Unlimited Biking, formerly Fat Tire Tours, at 135a Mepham Street, London SE1 8SQ. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

What sights will I see?

The route includes Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, Borough Market, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the Monument to the Great Fire, and Leadenhall Market.

Is lunch included?

No. Morning departures stop at Borough Market for about 30 minutes, but you pay for your own food.

Do I need to bring my own bicycle and helmet?

No. A bicycle and helmet are provided for the duration of the tour. You must be able to ride a bicycle independently.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations inside that period are not refunded.