London Bicycle Tour - East, West or Central London

Explore London by bicycle, and enjoy the city in a different and highly entertaining way. Centuries of history, a story around every corner, tales of the good, the bad and the ugly.

London is a city of stunning contrasts. Her rich past is well preserved, while her modern face shows how architecture, trade and culture have evolved in their own unique settings. For those trying to discover London on their own, or hoping to glimpse her from bus or coach, many of her secrets will remain a mystery.

The London Bicycle Tour is a much more exciting way of exploring the city. You will be provided with a bike and guide, and escorted on a tour though the cycle routes, side roads and alley-ways of the capital. There is no better way to soak up the true atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Your journey will not only take you to the famous places like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's but to the Law Courts, dungeons and docks, to lively markets and elegant shopping areas, to street theatre and Shakespeare's theatre and so many more places in between.

This is the real London if you want to see all of her faces, take a ride!

You have the option of three itineraries to choose from, and each tour distance is approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometers).

Schedule Details Departs:

East London Bicycle Tour

• November 04, 2007 to March 31, 2008 - Saturday
• June 01, 2008 to October 31, 2008 - Saturday and Sunday

West London Bicycle Tour

• November 04, 2007 to March 31, 2008 - Sunday
• June 01, 2008 to October 31, 2008 - Saturday and Sunday

Central London Bicycle Tour

• June 01 to October 31, 2008 - Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• January 01 (New Years Day)
• December 25, 26 (Christmas)

Departure Point: Tour departs from Gabriels Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP Departure Time:

East London Bicycle Tour

• November 04, 2007 to March 31, 2008 - 12:00pm (noon)
• June 01 to October 31, 2008 - 2:00pm

West London Bicycle Tour
12:00pm (noon)

Central London Bicycle Tour
10:30am

Return details: Tour returns to original point of departure Hotel Pickup: Hotel pick up not available Itinerary:

The East London Bicycle Tour (3.5 hours)

The East London Tour takes a route from Gabriel's Wharf, along the river, stopping at attractions including the new Globe Theatre, Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, on to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Over the bridge, to St. Katherine's Dock and then on to Brunel's tunnel, Tobacco Dock, experiencing the atmosphere of the disused London docks. Cross the highway to Cable Street and discover the true East End - the multi-national, multi-cultural London.

Back to just outside the City walls at Aldgate, learn the truth of who Jack the Ripper was, and what was covered up! Through the gate, to the City from poverty to riches (metaphorically speaking); a stunning contrast, London's financial district, the splendor of the Royal Exchange, the Mansion House and the Guildhall, intermingled with modern design and a massive number of churches competing for space. And of course; including the glory of St. Paul's Cathedral.

The West London Bicycle Tour (3.5 hours)

From Gabriel's Wharf, you will be equipped with a cycle of your choice and have time to gain your balance, before setting off at an easy pace with your guide. Moving west along the side of the River Thames, past the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall and then right under the big wheel, British Airways London Eye.

Continuing under Westminster Bridge stopping for that Kodak moment, to admire the architecture of the Houses of Parliament. Still cycling along the side of the River Thames to Lambeth Palace, one of London's oldest buildings the home of the head of "The Church of England".

Now crossing to the north side of the river, explore the lanes of traditional red brick houses, though a back gate into Westminster Abbey School yard, the first school in England. Just outside the school you will be standing right on the place where so many Kings and Queens have had their coronation, only to end up in the crypt of the Abbey.

Across the road join the green trail, though St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace up Constitution Hill into the open space of Hyde Park. In the park you will stop for a break at the Royal Albert Memorial (the late husband of Queen Victoria) then to listen to the eccentric orators at Speakers Corner.

Back down the hill past Green Park, then down the Mall to Trafalgar Square, with Lord Nelson looking down. Passing the National Gallery, pedal through the back streets and alleyways of Covent Garden, theatre-land, home of the Royal Opera House, street theatre and much more. The trip is nearly over winding its way back to the river and crossing over Waterloo Bridge.

The Central London Bicycle Tour (2.5 hours)

Saddle up at Gabriels Wharf located on the south side of the river in Waterloo. After choosing a bike, your experienced guide will escort you along the riverside, down side roads and alley ways though central London. Stop along the way to admire the amazing engineering achievement, of The British Airways London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in the world, and then just under the bridge, the story of Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament.

Continuing along the river, crossing on Lambeth Bridge cycling past the small red brick houses that line the streets. Though the courtyard of Westminster School, from there you can admire the belfry of Westminster Abbey, then over to St. James and the park. An early start means you will not miss the pomp and pageantry associated with the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Heading back to central London, walk through Trafalgar Square with Lord Nelson looking down from his pedestal, Leicester Square, skirting China Town we then cycle over Covent Garden.

Take a break to watch some street theatre on offer in the market piazza before getting back on the bikes. Your ride takes you though London's legal district and over to the colorful Leather Lane Market. Smithfield's Market London's meat market recently redeveloped to conform to EU hygiene standards.

Then over to Sir Christopher Wren's amazing St Paul's Cathedral and with the river in sight, crossing south on the famous Wobbly Bridge, you will feel you now have a real orientation of London.

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