Post sponsored by Baja Bikes. Post contains affiliate links.
If there’s a way of really experiencing the authentic flavour of a place, it’s indeed through the eyes of a local. Walking tours, bike tours, hop-on hop-off buses and boat tours offer a fantastic way to see the best of an unfamiliar city. But what about experiencing your own town?
Having lived in London for the last 3 years, I’d never actually got around to grabbing a bike for the pure joy of exploring the capital. We often get stuck into the routine wandering and commuting, and although there’s always something to do in London (and I’ve got a long London bucket list to prove this), playing proper tourist is somehow left to the times where we get out of town.
So when Baja Bikes got in touch and proposed exploring London from a completely different perspective, I said yes without thinking it twice! To say I was pretty excited to somewhat rediscover London (and ticking the bike ride box too) is an understatement. Even Sam, who commutes to work by bicycle, was eager to explore more of the city on two wheels. So, come on and grab your bike (and helmet) – we’ve got some sightseeing to do…
About Baja Bikes
Cycling in London can sound somewhat confusing as everyone drives on the other side of the road to most countries. Which, people over here will say, is the correct side! But do not worry, Baja Bikes offer a safe and eco-friendly way of getting your bearings with a city. The best bit? You can choose from guided bike tours, city walks and even bike rental-only services in over 150 cities all over the world! From Amsterdam to Zurich, their local tours are available in different languages and offer discounts for children, if you’re looking for a fun family day-out. For our tour in particular, helmets were also provided when we picked up our bikes.
London Highlights bike tour
We sure know our way around London, but what about the history and the architectural diversity of the city? We channelled our inner tourist by opting for a classic bike tour of London. This tour was perfect as it includes not only the must-see landmarks for first-timers, but also hidden spots and plenty of interesting facts about London.
Accompanied by the sound of classic British rock ‘n roll, we headed out at 10.30am on a relaxed 3-4 hour ride, covering both sides of the river Thames. Stopping at the most important sights in London, our local guide Olly made sure to share anecdotes that both locals and tourists may have missed, instantly making the tour more interesting! Even on the odd occasion we got stopped at a light, our local guide would tell us a snippet about that particular location. For example, that William Blake lived on Hercules Road! On top of that, each stop offered plenty of time to wander around and take pictures too.
The highlights of the classic tour of London include:
- Cycling along Westminster Bridge
- Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard (on select days)
- Trafalgar Square
- Covent Garden
- Legal District
- Smithfield Market
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Cycling across Blackfriars Bridge
- Southbank
- Leake Street Arches
If you’re after a London bike tour that’s both fun and informative, Baja Bikes has to be on your list. Plus you get to do some exercise around the city – bonus! I loved our tour, and would strongly encourage everyone looking to get a different perspective of a city to go on one. If you would also like to do the London Highlights tour, you can book it here. Tours can be booked online 24/7 and paid on the day.
Have you played tourist in your own town before? Or have you been on a guided bicycle tour when travelling? If you enjoyed this post, please leave us a comment, pin some photos and show us some love on social media using the buttons below. 
G. x
This tour was sponsored by Baja Bikes and run by one of the local partners they work with. Views are my own.
Are you looking for things to do in London? Then check:
- Regent’s Canal Walk, a different way to explore London
- Conservatory Archives, Hackney – A trendy plant shop with a hidden treat
- Lily Vanilli, a dreamy bakery in London
- Afternoon Tea at Sketch, London | REVIEW
- Barbican Conservatory, a Tropical Jungle in Central London
- Sky Garden, The Best Free Views of London
- Zoo Nights – London Zoo After Dark
- My Ultimate London Bucket List
Looks like a really fun way to see the sights! I’ve taken to walking round London more recently rather than getting the tube as you see so much more. Bike looks a fun way to see cover more distance too with the benefit of someone else to tell you interesting facts.
One question – can the bike company provide helmets if you don’t have your own?
Photos great as always!
Hi Jane, thanks for your comment! Yes, absolutely – you can get both a bike and a helmet before starting the tour. Both Sam and I got ours there! That’s a great point – I’ll add it to the post! x
We would go out every day walking and exploring the city we are in every day but I wonder how it could be with bikes, great post.
You get a completely different perspective for sure! I would recommend you give it a go 🙂 x
This looks like so much fun! I don’t travel much at the moment (not that brave with our littles in tow!), but when I do I would love to do bike tours around the cities I visit.
Cycling around town is really a great experience to get to know a city! I think it’s a fun activity for all the family, but you need to make sure it’s safe for children too! x
Awesome. A fun way to see the sights is definitely on a bike 🙂
COT | Changeoftomorrow.com
Glad you liked it! We had a lot of fun cycling around London, and definitely discovered some things we didn’t know about! x
This is a great idea and a really unique way to see the sights of London! I can’t say I’ve ever ridden a bike around London. I’d definitely be a bit nervous with all the cars and people though! But much more eco-friendly which I love!
Thanks for stopping by, Jenny! I couldn’t agree more – cycling is environmental friendly, healthy and fun! I’m also a bit nervous when riding a bike right next to cars, but it feels much safer to do it in a group for sure. x
Wow lovely photos, I love the small phone boxes. I would love to
tour London by bike, so much covered
Thanks so much! Cycling is such a fun way to see a city from a different perspective, and it keeps your body moving too! x
I just moved to London and didnt know this existed! I have to give it a try
Awesome! It’s a great way to get to know London a bit more x
I’ve never considered taking a bike tour before, but it looks like such a fun way to see your hometown in a new light. Especially right now with all the travel restrictions preventing us from going too far. I don’t think there are any bike tour companies or rental bikes in my area, but I could always just head out with my own bike and make my own tour!
Hi Britt – thanks for stopping by! Absolutely, it’s always fun to explore and cycling makes it so much nicer! x
Looks like fun!
It is!
This is an interesting way to see London for sure! I would love to go on a bike tour. It sounds fun.
It is indeed! Try it next time you visit somewhere – you won’t be disappointed!
Great post! I kinda did this when my friend wanted me to give her a tour around Manhattan. I’ve grown up in New York most of my life and didn’t really appreciate the little things until my friend came and I became a tourist in my home city.
Thanks JoJo! I love it, a tour around Manhattan sounds likes so much fun!
wow this looks like a fun way to explore London.
You need to try it!