London's Best Kept Secret Bike Tour

Overview

Available languages

German

English

Spanish

4 hours

Mobile ticket

This is a fascinating bike ride, free of traffic, with a maximum group size of 7 people, along a charming river with plenty of stops to admire some of South London's most beautiful parks, wildlife, waterwheels, a local market, cottages, churches and an ancient village that became part of London. You will also stop at a marvelous 17th century pub for lunch/refreshments. An enthusiastic local guide, who has been living in the area for over 20 years, will meet you at his hundred- year- old house and lead you along winding paths on this 4 hour/12 mile/20km long relaxed ride through a mesmerising part of London where once a church stood as big as Westminster Abbey and a King was crowned. Are you ready to enter a peaceful world of lush greens and serenity? Only a short distance away from the busy centre of London a different world is waiting for you.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

minimum age is 15

participants must be able to ride a bike

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

bicycle and helmet provided

light rain poncho (if needed)

local Guide

luggage and unneeded bags can be stored for free

waterproof trousers (if needed)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drink

What To Expect

Meet your guide in the morning at his 100 year old house only a one minute walk away from Colliers Wood underground station in South London. You will be provided with a bicycle and a helmet before setting out on a 12 mile trip lasting around 4 hours. We will start off admiring old cottages along a river, that was once known as 'Europe's hardest working river', because of the amount of waterwheels that operated here. We will stop at London's only still working waterwheel which is now part of a local market and you will learn about an important monastery that included a massive church and once inhabited this site. We will continue along winding paths to one of South London's most beautiful parks, steeped in history and you will learn about the industries that made some inhabitants of the area incredibly rich. We will than follow the river to an ancient village which became a part of London but has kept it's charm and and has one of the United Kingdom's tallest tree and ponds full of wildlife. We will stop at the fantastic 17th century village pub before turning back.

Options

London's Best Kept Secret Bike Tour

Reviews

4.90

70 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A fun way to explore beautiful parks and gardens
Lauren R,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
An absolutely wonderful bike tour. We were looking for something outside the city, having done those bike tours a few times, and this was perfect. We rode on a bike trail that connected parks, gardens, and past mills and waterways. The pace was great, the scenery outstanding and Stefan was a fantastic guide. Highly recommend it for anyone who likes to explore new areas in an active way.
Great Experience
Julie O,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience biking along parks on the outskirts of London - ~20k bike ride pausing to learn about the history of the buildings and the little towns. Would recommend to others visiting the area :)
Forest bathing & river appreciation with history
nesnajmk,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Are you in London and feeling like you need some greenery or forest? This is your tour! We rode along the Wandles River, saw a working water mill and where Liberty scarves and William Morris tapestries were made. Lots of time in parkland and forest, like a cool drink of water for those overwhelmed by the city. Stefan was personable, and a great guide. He shared some amazing history, from grand scale (Elizabeth 1) to a fellow who took over a public garden and lavished his time and artistic skills on the small plot of land. Highly recommend - learn about this part of London! Also, super easy to get there and back via the underground or train.
Highlight of my trip to London!
Getaway636621,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stefan led us on a wonderful ride through parks, forest trails and small villages- providing interesting commentary about the history of the sites along the way. We stopped for lunch in a picturesque small village at a charming small inn (everyone loved their meal!). This was truly a unique experience- I would recommend his tour highly. Note that our group was not an especially athletic bunch (some hadn't been on a bike in years) and it was an easily manageable.
Great tour of parks and bike paths outside London city center
Joan B,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I would highly recommend this tour. It was a great way to see another part of London. And it was a nice change from walking and taking the tube. Visited mills and learned a little bit about the history of the area. Had a nice snack half way. Great experience overall and my kids (17 and 21) really enjoyed it too.
A Enjoyable, Relaxing Bike Ride
Q7365VOpaull,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great ride on pathways along the river. Saw some great old mill sites and enjoyed our stop at an old pub for a pint. Stefan was an excellent guide as he had great knowledge of the area and ensured we biked at a pace that was enjoyable. A nice way to get some exercise while seeing some hidden treasures. Thanks Stefan for being accommodating with our late arrival. An excellent start to our London vacation.
London bike tour of secrets
Grace D,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a fun day and learned a lot about the old wheelhouse along the river which was an industry then. Trails were great serene parks and perfect weather to enjoy the ride!
Great Time!!!
edm35,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stefan was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the area and the history of London! The route was mostly trails going through parks and along waterways with a break for lunch…Approx 12 miles in all. Highly recommend!!!
great ride by the Wandle river
Michael B,
Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
fun ride but way outside London central Stefen was a great guide, learned the history of the mills there
Wonderful ride along the river
pmsmith4,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful tour with Stefan! About 11 miles total, mostly along a trail following the Wandle River. Lovely views of several historic mills, as well as local parks. There is a small amount of riding on the road, but there was very little traffic to deal with on our tour.