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Frequently asked questions
Tours
What sights do your tours cover?
We have three different tours, and between them we cover all the major sights of London.
Central Tour:
Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, The London Eye, The Millennium bridge, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, Westminster Abbey and School yard, Lambeth Palace, Tate Modern Gallery, St Pauls Cathedral, Smithfield Meat Market, Lincoln’s Inn, Temple Bar Gate. St James’ Park.
Royal West Tour
Buckingham Palace, Admiralty Arch, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, The London Eye, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, The Mall, Westminster Abbey and School yard, Lambeth Palace, Wellington Arch and War Memorials, St James’ Park, Hyde Park, The Serpentine, Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial, Speakers Corner (Sundays only).
East Tour
Tate Modern Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, London Bridge, Greater London Authority Buildings, Tower Bridge, St Katherine’s Dock, Wapping, Tobacco Dock, Cable Street, Mitre Square (Jack the Ripper), 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), Lloyds of London Building, Ledenhall Market, The Royal Exchange, Bank of England, Mansion House. St Pauls Cathedral, The Millennium bridge.
Wow that sounds like a lot, will I keep up?
We go at an easy pace, if you can ride a bike, you won’t get left behind.
Do you take breaks?
On the East tour, we stop at the Captain Kidd riverside pub for a drink. On the Royal West Tour we stop at the Serpentine or Speakers Corner for a drink. On the Central tour, which is only 2 and a half hours, we generally don’t stop for a break, but if the group wants a break, sure! The guide will get in touch with the group’s needs. Breaks are at your own expense.
What will my guide be like?
We have great guides who are Londoners and know the city like the back of their hands. They will stop at major sights and tell you what you’re looking at and interesting stories about it, plus giving you info about the city life today.
What if I have a problem with my bike on the tour?
This rarely happens, but the guides are equipped with repair kits and helpful attitudes.
Can I bring my own bike on the tour?
Yes but the cost is the same, and if you bring a bike that breaks down all the time the guide and the rest of the group may not wait for you.
Is there a tour happening today/tomorrow/next month??
Yes. Tours run every day of the year except Christmas and New Years day.
We have 2 different schedules:
Summer season: During British Daylight Savings time Winter Season: Non Daylight Savings time
Central Tour
2.5 Hours, 6 Miles
Cost: 15.95GBP
Starts 10.30am
Every day during Summer season
Weekdays only during Winter season - and strictly by advanced booking only.
Royal West Tour
3.5 hours, 9 Miles
Cost: 18.95GBP
Starts 12.00pm
Saturdays and Sundays during Summer
Sundays only during Winter season - and strictly by advanced booking only.
East Tour:
3.5 Hrs, 9 Miles
Cost: 18.95GBP
Saturdays and Sundays during Summer at 2.00pm
Saturdays only during Winter season - and strictly by advanced booking only.
Do I need to reserve?
Bookings are recommended in Summer and REQUIRED in winter
Can I just turn up and hope there is a spot available on a tour?
Yes. We’ll try and get you on a tour if we can. Sunny days in Summer are very popular though so you might want to get there a bit earlier.
How do I book?
Use our online booking form here
How do I book if I have a London pass?
call/email us. We will require credit card details to secure the booking. Your card will only be charged if you fail to turn up without giving us 24 hours notice of your cancellation.
Do tours include bicycle hire?
Yes
Do the tours go on the road?
Most of the time we stay off the road, or in quiet back streets. Occasionally we have to cycle alongside traffic. 90% of the tours are on quiet streets, bicycle paths or parks.
What sort of bicycles do you have?
We provide good quality hybrid cycles for the Tours. Great for on road and through the parks.
Can I reserve a certain type of bike?
We’ll sort you out with a bike most suitable for the tour.
Do I have to wear a helmet on the tour?
No. But we can provide one for you if you wish
Is the tour suitable for children?
If they are competent cyclists, and comfortable with some riding alongside traffic, then yes. Generally children younger than 10 would not be suitable, unless you book a private tour for your family, in which case you can go at whatever pace you like. Adults are responsible for children and their safety at all times
How do I book a private tour?
Contact us. We can tailor a tour to suit your needs. Private tours start at £65 for up to 4 people, which will last 2.5 hours. Considerable discounts are given for large groups. We can tailor a tour to suit your needs.
Can you provide child seats/buggies/helmets?
Yes, please contact us for more information.
Where do tours start from?
Gabriel's Wharf, on the South bank of the Thames in Central London. See www.londonbicycle.com/directions
What do I need to bring?
Clothing suitable for the weather, enclosed footwear, money to pay for the tour (cash or card) and money drink/food stops.
What time should I arrive?
Ideally about 10-15 mins before a tour starts. We try and get away on time so if you’re late, you could miss out.
But I don’t want to miss out!!
Use the Journey planner on our contact page to plan your route to the tour starting place, which will give you approximate travel times.. and allow a bit more as London is unpredictable with traffic/congestion.
Are there public toilet facilities at Gabriel’s Wharf?
Yes
Can I leave bags or jackets behind while I take the tour?
Yes
Bike Hire
What do you charge for bike hire?
See our hire rates here
Do I need to book or can I just turn up to hire a bike?
It’s a good idea to book if you want something specific, or if there is a special bike event that is happening. We can’t guarantee a bike’s availability without a booking, but most of the time we have something at the wharf for hire on the spot.
What sort of bikes do you have?
See our hire section for a full list.
Can I reserve a certain type of bike?
Yes
What sort of security do you require?
We require payment of the first hours hire on Credit or Debit card, or £180 cash as a security deposit.
Do I pay upfront for the hire?
Only the first hour. We calculate the balance when you return the bike.
Where can I take the bike?
We don’t mind, just as long as it doesn’t come back damaged.
Can you provide maps for cycling routes in London?
You can pick them up when you hire the bike. They’re free.
What if the bike gets stolen while I have it?
You have to pay for the bike, £180 (more for tandems/city sport bikes)
Can I take out insurance against theft?
No. We used to offer this but too many bikes were being "stolen".
What about locks?
We provide bike locks free of charge.
What about helmets?
You can hire a helmet for £1 per day
Can I return a bike outside your shop opening hours?
Yes. Ask us how when you come to rent it.
Can I hire a bike outside your shop opening hours?
No.
Can you deliver bikes to my location/pick them up?
Possibly. Email us with your requirements and we will provide you with a quote if we have the capacity to deliver your order.
Do your bikes have racks/ panniers?
Some bikes have racks. Just ask if you need one. Panniers can be hired. Check accessories prices here.
FAQ General
What are your opening hours?
10am-6pm, every day of the week
How do I find your shop?
Click here for directions.
What are your contact details?
Click here for contact details.
What if my question is not answered here?
