London’s a big old place. Full of hustle, bustle and everything in between, wouldn’t it be great if you could discover some spots that are little bit… hidden away. And what better way than on two wheels? From the East to the West, the North to the South, we’ve got cycling trails for you that are packed to the rafters with things to see and do along the way. Swapping miles of traffic for miles of scenic, we’re #InnTheKnow of some of the best places to ride. You ready?
Best London biking rides and cycling trails
SOUTH: The Tamsin Biking Trail at Richmond Park
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7.35 miles / 12 km
Taking you away from the hubbub of South London, this amazing cycle trail is designed to let you explore all corners of the park so you don’t miss out. Join at Richmond Gate and you’ll soon spot Pembroke Lodge, a breathtaking Georgian Mansion - a great place for perfecting the pinky finger lift with a cup of tea at the cafe. Next, head up to King Henry’s Mound where you’ll see the best view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Continue along the cycling trail and keep a beady eye out for some wildlife including citrus green parakeets and of course the world-famous deer. Finally, head a little inwards to 40-acre Isabella Plantations full of unusual and exotic trees, shrubs and flowers.
#InnTheKnow top tip: Factor in time for an ice cream pit stop at Colicci’s.
If you need somewhere to kick things off, our nearest hotel is Premier Inn Kingston Upon Thames.
WEST: Uxbridge to Rickmansworth Cycling Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 7.6 miles / 12 km
Nearest PI: London Uxbridge / 1.3 miles
Leaving the city far behind you, this cycle path is ideal for families who are ready to saddle up for a nice and relaxing 8 miles. You’ll cycle off road along canal paths and bridleways through Colne Valley Park, reaching Fran’s Tea Room / Denham Deep Lock for some tasty refreshments. Keep going and you can explore some of the 19 nature reserves along the way, rich with London-living wildlife. The best bit? Pack your swimmers and you can be splashing about on the lakes and trying out canoeing, windsurfing or water skiing to name but a few water sport activities as you get closer to Rickmansworth.
#InnTheKnow top tip: Uxbridge station is a point of interest itself. Designed by architect Charles Holden complete with stained glass windows and sculptures framing either side of the entrance.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay and park up in style, our Premier Inn London Uxbridge hotel is super close to the start of this trail.
NORTH: Finsbury Park to Ally Pally Cycling Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8 miles / 12.4 km
Nearest PI: London Archway / 2.1 miles
A North London hidden gem (ssshhh keep this one to yourselves), this cycle route follows an old, out of use railway line to show off a mix of forest-esque cycling trails and jaw droppingly amazing views of North London. The whole route is a local nature reserve (and the longest of its type in London) so there’s plenty of flora and fauna including 300+ species of wildflowers to see along the way. Starting at the western end of Finsbury Park, you can enjoy Finsbury Park itself with its pretty lake and formal gardens before heading off west to Crouch End – look out for the old platforms of Crouch End station.
Continue along the woodland cycling trail through Queen’s Wood and Highgate Wood before finishing up at Alexandra Palace. And there’s a lot here including a boating lake, a deer enclosure and a 10 hole golf course!
#InnTheKnow top tip: If you’re around on the weekend, head to the Farmer’s Market on Sundays and pick yourself up some local produce treats to take home (or chomp before the ride back!)
Kick back and relax after your cycling adventure at our Premier Inn London Archway hotel. Aaaaaand relax.
EAST: Olympic Park to Tottenham Marshes Cycling Trail
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 5 miles / 8 km
Nearest PI: London Stratford / 0.3 miles
There’s probably not a more impressive way to start a bike ride than at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Kick it off by taking in the wonders of the park itself because there is A LOT to see before heading to the London Stadium. From here, head North on the cycling trail towards Hackney Wick and Hackney Marshes where you’ll feel the buzz canal side and see the pretty canalboats docked or on the move. As you cycle your way alongside the River Lea, be prepared to ‘WOAH’ when you see stunning Grade II listed buildings and beautiful scenic parks such as Lee Valley, Walthamstow Marshes and Springfield Park.
Stop for refreshments at one of these or hold out until you get to the breathtaking Walthamstow Wetlands Wildlife Reserve. Finish up by the lake at Tottenham Marshes and just take it allllll in.
#InnTheKnow top tip: There are so many places to eat and drink along the canal near Hackney Wick. Why not park up and grab a bite before you head off?
Comfy beds, breakfast and somewhere safe to store your wheels is where we come in at our Premier Inn London Stratford hotel, quite literally a stone’s throw away from all the action.
So there you have it, cycling trails for you to explore all over the capital. Don’t forget all our hotels are bike-friendly so there really is nothing stopping you making your next London break a cycling adventure. Thank us later! If you’ve got the city explorer bug and want to discover even more urban woodlands, parks and greenery, we’ve got a long old list of London’s best natural attractions. But if you want even more ideas for your visit to London, we’re #InnTheKnow of so many things to do in the capital!