Aerial view of Big Ben, Westminster Bridge and the River Thames at sunset in London.

Cycling in London: Best City Routes for Commuters, Families and Explorers

May 17, 2025

Whether you're solo, with friends or the whole family—London has a route for every type of rider.

Cycling in London has never been more popular, accessible or exciting. With more than 150 miles of enhanced Cycleways, traffic-free routes, and bike-friendly parks, the capital is fast becoming one of the best cities in Europe for exploring on two wheels. And whether you’re commuting, adventuring with family, or discovering hidden gems, London offers a variety of scenic, safe, and cycle-ready routes for all kinds of riders.

In 2025, cycling isn’t just about traditional bikes either. With the rise of electric bikes, longer journeys and hilly routes have become more manageable than ever. For anyone looking to beat the Tube crowds, enjoy nature, or simply travel more sustainably, an e-bike makes every journey a joy.

Best London Cycling Routes for Commuters

If you’re commuting in the capital, time, safety, and efficiency matter most. These routes balance practicality with pleasant scenery, offering smooth rides with minimal traffic and plenty of stops if needed.

Cycle Superhighway (C3): Tower Hill to Lancaster Gate

Start: Tower Bridge Piazza
End: Lancaster Gate via Victoria Embankment
Distance: ~6 miles (10km)
Best for: Office commuters heading through Central London

Cyclist commuting on London’s blue cycle superhighway CS3 bike lane on an urban road.

This well-known Cycleway provides a direct, mostly segregated route through the heart of the city. It passes iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and St James’s Park. Thanks to the protected lanes and smooth surfaces, it’s an ideal route for e-bike commuters seeking speed, safety and scenic views.

Paddington to Hayes via Grand Union Canal

Start: Little Venice, Paddington
End: Hayes
Distance: 14.9 miles (24km)
Best for: West London commuters wanting a peaceful ride

Cyclist near canal boats at Paddington Basin, London, with modern buildings and waterfront cycle paths.

Following the tranquil Grand Union Canal, this route is a fantastic alternative to crowded streets. Flat, mostly traffic-free, and full of green views, it's especially rewarding for e-bike users who want an effortless start or end to their day.

Hackney Marshes to Walthamstow Wetlands

Start: Hackney Marshes Centre
End: Walthamstow Wetlands
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Best for: East London workers looking for a nature-packed commute

Two people relax on a lakeside jetty under a cloudy blue sky surrounded by trees and still water.

This riverside ride along the River Lea is not only calm and scenic but also highly accessible for all levels. You'll pass through parks, nature reserves and even a Victorian-era engine house—now a quaint café.

Best London Cycling Routes for Families

Cycling as a family should be easy, fun, and above all, safe. These routes are designed with little legs in mind, featuring flat paths, interesting sights, and plenty of places to stop and play.

Regent’s Canal Towpath to Camden Lock

Start: Regent's Park (Chester Road entrance)
End: Camden Market
Distance: 4.6 miles (7.5km)
Best for: Weekend outings with children

Historic canal lock and footbridge reflected in calm waters with green willow trees in the background.

A firm family favourite, this flat and car-free ride runs alongside London Zoo and the Regent’s Canal. Listen out for animal sounds as you pass the aviary and enjoy the colour and bustle of Camden Market at the finish.

Parkland Walk to Alexandra Palace

Start: Finsbury Park
End: Alexandra Palace Park
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Best for: Nature-loving families

Group of people walking along a forest trail surrounded by lush green trees.

Following a disused railway line, this tree-lined path is quiet, green and packed with wildlife. Stop at viaducts and tunnels, then enjoy sweeping skyline views and zip lines at Ally Pally.

Top tip for parents: For younger riders enjoying their first spin in Hyde Park or Richmond Green, Little Gliders has a colourful range of balance bikes and scooters to help them start strong.

Rainham to Upminster

Start: Rainham Station
End: Upminster
Distance: 3.1 miles (5km)
Best for: Little cyclists just starting out

Group of cyclists riding on Q14 Quietway path near the Thames, heading toward Greenwich Peninsula.

This short, traffic-free ride through Ingrebourne Hill and Hornchurch Country Park offers play areas, picnic spots and even mountain bike trails for bigger kids.

Best London Cycling Routes for Urban Explorers

Looking to explore London like never before? These routes take you through historical neighbourhoods, street art havens, riverfront paths and hidden green spaces. Bring your e-bike and let curiosity lead the way.

East End Highlights Loop

Start: Tower Bridge Piazza
End: Limehouse Basin (loop via Shoreditch and Spitalfields)
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Best for: Culture lovers and weekend adventurers

Brick Lane at night with neon-lit restaurants, people dining, and parked cars in London’s famous curry district.

This lively loop combines history with hipster vibes. Glide past the Tower of London, grab lunch at Spitalfields Market, cruise through Columbia Road Flower Market, then relax in Victoria Park.

Chelsea Harbour to Greenwich (National Cycle Route 4)

Start: Chelsea Harbour
End: Greenwich via the Thames Path
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Best for: Thames-side sightseeing on two wheels

Cyclists riding along a scenic coastal cycle path with sea views and grassy hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Ogle luxury yachts, iconic towers and historic bridges as you cruise along the river. From Battersea Power Station to Borough Market and the Cutty Sark, this route is a feast for the eyes.

The Olympic Park to Epping Forest

Start: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
End: Epping Forest
Distance: 16 miles (26km)
Best for: Urban-to-wildlife day trips

Cyclists riding along the canal at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with Orbit and London Stadium in view.

Start in Stratford and head northeast via the River Lea and Hackney Marshes. This route blends gritty East London with wild forest trails, perfect for adventurous e-bikers wanting a full-day escape.

For the Challengers: Bonus Routes for Advanced Riders

Westminster to Richmond Park

Distance: 16 miles (26km)
Challenge: Richmond’s Broomfield Hill (12% incline!)

Riverside view of Richmond Bridge and waterfront buildings along the River Thames in southwest London.

Follow the Thames from Westminster Bridge through Battersea to Richmond Park. A perfect training loop with deer, views and reward-worthy hill climbs. Electric bikes make that final push a little easier.

Central London to Box Hill

Distance: 25 miles (40km)
Highlight: Olympic-famous Zig Zag Road

Panoramic view from Box Hill in the Surrey Hills with green fields and blue skies in the English countryside.

A rite of passage for serious cyclists, this route begins at The Mall and winds its way past Putney, Bushy Park, and on to the legendary hills of Surrey. Refuel at the Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel before your return leg.

Final Thoughts: London by Bike in 2025

London in 2025 is a city built for cycling. With expanded infrastructure, bike-share schemes, and greener travel habits, getting around on two wheels—especially electric ones—has never made more sense. Whether you're gliding to work, spinning through parks with your kids, or uncovering hidden corners of the city, there's a route waiting for you.

So charge up, clip in, and let London roll beneath your wheels.

For more urban cycling tips and to get the little ones started early, check out Little Gliders for a top range of balance bikes and scooters designed for first-time riders.

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