Cycling around London is one of the best things to do in summer. Tourists can rent bicycles and electric bikes using the Santander Cycles. Docking stations are strategically placed in central neighbourhoods close to main attractions and our boutique hotel, the Central Park London.
You can rent a bike at the stations using the pinpad terminal or via the official app. With 24-hour passes costing as little as £3, it’s one of the most budget-friendly activities in London. These are the best cycling routes convenient for hotels near Westminster Borough.
- Hyde Park
The backyard of the Central Park London, Hyde Park is crisscrossed with hiking and cycling paths. These loop around the Long Water and Serpentine lakes and the Italian Gardens. The park is very flat and it’s a pleasure to explore Hyde Park by bike in all four seasons.
As there is no automobile traffic in the park, this is one of the best cycling routes in Westminster for inexperienced cyclists and families with young children.
- Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is another of the best places to cycle in London away from the roads. As with Hyde Park, cycling paths run alongside walking trails and care must be taken to respect pedestrians. Trails loop around Kensington Palace, the Round Pond, and the Serpentine Gallery.
Santander Cycles docks are dotted across all sides of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
- Victoria Embankment
The Victoria Embankment Cycleway (C3) runs alongside the main road on the north bank of the River Thames. It connects the historical sites of Westminster with Blackfriars Bridge and passes the Victoria Embankment Gardens, Cleopatra’s Needle, and Inner Temple Garden.
The route offers excellent river views although additional care must be taken as the Cycleway is shared with commuters.
- South Bank
Queen’s Walk on South Bank is a popular pedestrian zone. However, cyclists are permitted to share the space provided they give priority to those on foot. It’s more enjoyable to cycle here earlier in the day.
This cycling route connects Westminster Bridge and the London Eye with the National Theatre, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Docking stations are concentrated near Waterloo Station and Belvedere Road.
- Buckingham Palace and Westminster
Cycling from Hyde Park Corner to Buckingham Palace is a safe, fun, and scenic route for families staying at our hotels near Westminster Borough. The route travels down Constitution Hill and The Mall with options to venture into Green Park and St James’s Park and stop for a picnic.
You may then cycle Parliament Square and take a lap around Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. There are designated Cycleways but additional care must be taken in this congestion-prone tourist area.
- Thames Cultural Cycling Tour
Spread across both sides of the river, this 17-mile route from South Bank to Maritime Greenwich is one of the best cycling excursions for experienced road cyclists.
The trail passes iconic sights including Tate Modern, London Bridge, Borough Market, the Tower of London, and the Rotherhithe Tunnel. It’s possible to cycle on either side of the river and break it down into smaller chunks to suit your ability and availability.
