Walking & cycling around London 

Cycling around London

> Got any questions?

The London Cycling Campaign and Transport for London are the best places to go for information about cycling in the city. You can find their websites at lcc.org.co.uk and tfl.gov.uk.

How to hire a Boris Bike

‘Boris Bikes’ is the affectionate nickname for the hire bikes that the London Mayor Boris Johnson introduced in 2010.

As you travel around London you will likely see racks and racks of dark blue bikes all lined up on the pavement. All you have to do is take a bike, ride it wherever you like (within London, obviously!), and then drop it off at the next rack. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but do require a fee.

If you’d like to use one, then there are two ways that you can pay. You can either become a member beforehand (at tfl.gov.uk), or you can buy access at the docking station with a credit or debit card. It is not possible to pay by cash. There are two separate fees that you have to pay – one is just for access, and the other one changes depending on how long you use the bike. You can see the current prices here.

Once you have completed your journey, it is very important that you correctly return the bike to a docking station. It doesn’t have to be the same station that you got it from (it can even be miles away, if you like), but if you don’t dock it then you will be charged a hefty fee for losing the bike. The lights on the terminal should turn green once it has been successfully accepted.

If all of the docking stations are full, then you can use the terminal on the docking station to find out where the nearest free space is. You will then be given up to 15 minutes extra freetime to return the bike to that station.

If the bike is lost or damaged whilst you are using it, or you are involved in an accident, then ring 0845 026 3630 for advice.

Bicycles for hire

If you are looking to hire a bike, then try the following companies:

London Bicycle Tour Company: Tel 0207 928 6838, or visit londonbicycle.com. They also have a shop at 1a Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground

On Your Bike: Tel 0207 378 6669, or visit onyourbike.net. They also have a shop at 52–54 Tooley Street, Bankside

Guided walks and tours

There are numerous companies offering guided walks in London. You can find a selection of the most popular ones on our Guided walks, tours and cruises page.

Here is a selection of walks and tours coming up in the next few months:

Explore the City's gardens and churchyards When: 1st June 2013
This two-hour tour will explore some of the best and most historic gardens and churchyards in the City of London. The walk will start at the City Information Centre opposite St Paul's Cathedral (on St. Paul's Church Yard). There is no need to boo... more

The D-Day Duck Tour... around London's World War II sites When: 2nd June 2013
The D-Day Duck Tour is a lively and informative tour suitable for the whole family, which takes you around some of London's most important Second World War sights. Once you enter the water you will get to see what these extraordinary boats were o... more

Guided tour of the Albert Memorial When: 2nd June 2013
This fascinating tour gives you exclusive access inside the Albert Memorial railings to take a closer look at the Frieze of Parnassus and the other fine details on one of the greatest monuments of the Victorian era.

Guided tour of Spencer House When: 2nd June 2013
Built a short distance from Buckingham Palace with magnificent views of Green Park, Spencer House is one of the finest aristocratic town houses in London. It the city's only great 18th-century private palace to survive intact. The restoration is... more

City Highlights Walk -- The Top 10 Sights When: 2nd June 2013
This enjoyable walk will take you around some of the best sights that the city has to offer -- including the Guildhall, Mansion House, the Bank of England, and the Royal Exchange.

Guided walk around Roman London When: 3rd June 2013
Explore the city beneath our feet...it existed in Roman times. The walk will include the site of the Roman amphitheatre, the military fort and Temple of Mithras. Discover how the city's residents worked, rested and played throughout the life... more

Guided tour of Mansion House When: 4th June 2013
Learn about the history of Mansion House, and how it has been used by previous Lord Mayors. The tour includes many of the public rooms and a collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings by masters like Frans Hals, Nicoleas Maes, and Jac... more

Walk in the footsteps of Samuel Johnson When: 5th June 2013
Follow in the footsteps of legendary London wit Samuel Johnson and explore the courts and alleys off Fleet Street where he lived. The tour will include Gough Square, Temple Church, Temple Bar and Fleet Street itself.

Walk around Charles Dickens' London When: 5th June 2013
Walk the streets of London through the eyes of Charles Dickens and his characters. See the places where the Victorian novelist lived and worked, and where he conjured up scenes for his books. Listen to readings and his unfolding biography, as you... more