Cycling

Cycling along and near to the Thames opens up a broad range of fitness and cultural activities. 

Whether a short ride along sections of the Thames Path open to cycling or part of a longer tour, there’s a wealth of opportunities to explore the explore the upper tidal Thames, central London or the wider estuary’s wildlife. 

Here are some suggested cycling routes that will help you discover the Thames:

National Cycle Network

• The Thames Valley route takes you out of Central London and on to Oxford via Windsor and Reading. It’s a lovely way to explore some of the nicest landscapes in southern England. On your way, you’ll cycle through rolling green hills and parks.
• West London Thames ride begins at Kingston station, from which you follow the signs to Hampton Court. Then you are away from the traffic, following a riverside path through the grounds of one of Britain’s great historic palaces.
• Tower Bridge to Greenwich: Starting from the iconic Tower Bridge, this section of National Route 4 weaves around the River Thames through various parks to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich.
• Thamesmead to Greenwich: 
  This section of National Route 1 is largely traffic-free, along the Thames riverside and passing some of the tidal Thames’ key landmarks including the Thames Barrier, the O2, the Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark in maritime Greenwich.

Visit London

• Thames Cultural Cycling Tour: The 27km (16.8 mile) Thames Cultural bike tour begins at the South Bank and follows the Thames through Rotherhithe to the World Heritage Site of maritime Greenwich. The cycle route then heads north, under the Thames, to Canary Wharf before heading west through Limehouse and Wapping, over Tower Bridge and back to the South Bank.