Top Cycling Day Trips from London

If you’re looking to take advantage of your eBike, and take in some of the very best routes, then here you’re going to find a look at the best London cycling day trips. When you take a look around London, you’ll realise that there’s a whole host of options right on your doorstep.

Despite London being the most populated city in the country, but you don’t have to venture far to take in some stunning scenery. Here’s a look at the top 10 London cycling day trips:

1. Central London

If you don’t want to venture too far from the heart of London, then you’ll be pleased to see that this is where our selection of London cycling day trips start. By making the most of your eBike, you can take yourself on a tour around some of the most famous sites in the world. Seeing the likes of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge, all from the comfort of your saddle. Jumping onto your eBike really is the best way to see all that central London has to offer.

2) Windsor - 48 km (30 miles)

Cycling along the banks of the River Thames to Windsor sees you taking in the traditional towns of Richmond, Twickenham, and Kingston-upon-Thames. You also get to see the historic Hampton Court as you head out of London and find yourself in Windsor. With this route being almost entirely flat, heading there and back could prove a test of your battery life, but it's well worth giving it a go. Using the Swytch PRO Kit sparingly, on the low power assist mode, would see you there and back comfortably.

3) Kent Weald - 40 km (25 miles)

This cycling day trip takes you south of London and towards Kent’s alternative to the Surrey Hills. While enjoying this ride you can take in the pretty town of Westerham. It's easy from here to then pop over and see Churchill’s home at Chartwell. While there’s plenty of cycling to be done, this route also allows for some wonderful woodland walks too with Toys Hills and Limpsfield Chart to choose from.

4) The Surrey Hills - 37 km (23 miles)

We’ve taken a look at Kent’s alternative, but the reality is that nothing can really compete with this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As one of the most picturesque London cycling day trips, this sees you taking in greenery that you’ll find hard to believe exists so close to the capital. If you cycle for 32 km (20 miles), you’ll find yourself in Leatherhead and from here you are close to famous landmarks such as Leith Hill, Box Hill, and Ranmore Common. You’ll also be able to appreciate the stunning little villages of Shere and Abinger Hammer.

5) Colne Valley Regional Park - 38 km (24 miles)

By heading west of London, you will find yourself at Colne Valley Regional Park. This is an area filled with parks, green spaces, and reservoirs that are all based alongside the River Colne. As London cycling day trips go, this is a route that is relatively flat and easy-going. If the desire takes you there’s even the option to keep going the full 193 km (120 miles) along the canal path until you find yourself in Birmingham.

6) Greenwich - 11 km (7 miles)

If you fancy exploring what is on offer to the east of London, then this could be the cycling day trip for you. You will find that there’s plenty to see as you follow the Thames and head out towards the Channel. By staying south of the river, it's only a few kilometres before you arrive at Greenwich, the World Heritage Site. Here you will find a market brimming with character along with historical quislings and a beautiful park.

7) Epping Forrest and rural Essex - 32 km (20 miles)

By heading north from the capital you can find some of the most charming hamlets and market towns around as you enter rural Essex. It's not just what you’ll find at your destination that makes this cycling day trip worthwhile: it's all that you’ll see en route too. Not long after you’ve left London will you find yourself pedalling through the ancient Epping Forest.

8) Thames Valley Cycleway - 698 km (432 miles)

Okay, as far as London cycling day trips go, this one is nothing short of epic in terms of the distance that you will cover. The Thames Valley Cycleway runs all the way from central London to Fishguard, on the Welsh coast. By starting in Greenwich, you can follow the Thames until you reach Putney Bridge. It's here that you’ll leave the city behind you as you make for Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park.

9) Paddington to Hayes - 24 km (15 miles)

With this London cycling day trip, you will find yourself starting in Little Venice which is nestled just between Camden and Paddington. Some 24 km (15 miles) later you will arrive in the pretty town of Hayes. Your trip will see you passing Kensal Green Cemetery, Wormwood Scrubs Park, and Park Royal. When it comes to heading home, you can either choose to cycle again or, if fatigue has set in, you can even hop onto a train.

10) Windsor to Feltham - 17 km (11 miles)

For this London cycling day trip, you will need to start by taking the train from Waterloo to Windsor. From here, you can start this relatively short ride that takes you past moorland and reservoirs, straight from Windsor Castle to your end destination in Feltham. While this makes for a great cycling trip, you can also take the time to take a break from the peddles and enjoy the pretty streets that Windsor has to offer. These provide a great contrast to the stunning countryside views that you will take in when you’re back in the saddle.

Written by @lulu on March 15, 2022