Our Top 10 Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in London

London is a great city to explore by bike, and there are many family-friendly cycle routes to choose from. Whether you're looking for a short and easy ride or a more challenging adventure, there's a route to suit your needs. 

In this blog post, we list our top 10 family-friendly cycle routes in London. We've included a mix of routes that take in some of London's most iconic landmarks, as well as routes that offer a quieter escape. Make sure your kids all have bikes that fit, and get ready to set off! 

For more bike routes, you can also see our top 10 family cycling routes in the UK. We also have blogs dedicated to bike routes in Cornwall and bike routes in Devon.  

Richmond Park to Hampton Court 

The first in our list of the best cycle routes in London for families is Richmond Park to Hampton Court. This 13-mile cycle route is a great way to explore some of London's most beautiful parks and historic sites. Due to its length, it is probably best for older children who are confident on a bike. The route is mostly flat and traffic-free. 

Start: Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park 

End: Hampton Court Palace 

Photo by David Dixon under CC BY-SA 2.0 License 

Points of interest: 

• Richmond Park: This Royal Park is home to over 600 deer, as well as a variety of other wildlife. There are also several historic buildings in the park, including Pembroke Lodge and White Lodge. 
• King's Observatory (Optional): This observatory was built in 1675 and is one of the oldest working observatories in the world. It is open to the public for tours and stargazing events. 
• Teddington Lock: This lock is located on the River Thames and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. 
• Hampton Court Palace: This historic palace was built in the 16th century and was once home to King Henry VIII. It is now a museum and is open to the public for tours. 

Route: 

1. Start at Roehampton Gate, Richmond Park. 
2. Follow the path through the park, past Pembroke Lodge. 
3. You can ride north to the King's Observatory. 
4. Otherwise, follow the Thames path to Teddington Lock. 
5. Cross Teddington Lock and follow the path along the River Thames. 
6. Continue following the path until you reach Hampton Court Palace. 

 

 

Richmond Park – Tamsin Trail 

The Tamsin Trail is a 7.35-mile circular cycle route that circumnavigates Richmond Park. It is a popular route for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Getting on two wheel is also a great way to see the park and its wildlife. It’s a good trail for cycling with kids of different ages. 

Start: Any point on the Tamsin Trail 

End: Any point on the Tamsin Trail 

Photo by Gary Knight available at Flickr under CC BY 2.0 License. 

Points of interest: 

• Richmond Park: This Royal Park is home to over 600 deer, as well as a variety of other wildlife. There are also several historic buildings in the park, including Pembroke Lodge and White Lodge. 
• Isabella Plantation: This woodland garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. It is a popular spot for picnics and walks.  
• King Henry's Mound: This mound offers panoramic views of Richmond Park and the surrounding area. 
• Ponds: There are several ponds located throughout Richmond Park, which are popular spots for fishing and birdwatching. 

Route:  

1. Start at any point on the Tamsin Trail. 
2. Follow the trail around the park, keeping the park wall on your left. 
3. You can cycle the entire 7.35-mile loop. If its too far you can hop off the trail at any point.
4. There are several exits along the trail, so you can easily leave the park if you need to.  

 

Thames Path Heading East From Tower Bridge  

This 4.7-mile cycle route is a great way to enjoy the views of the River Thames. It is suitable for all children with experience cycling, and the route is mostly flat but involves some roads. 

Start: Tower Bridge 

End: Cutty Sark 

Points of interest: 

• Tower Bridge: This iconic bridge is one of London's most popular tourist attractions. There are several cycle paths on both sides of the bridge. 
• Surrey Quays: This vibrant waterfront district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the views of the River Thames.  
• Cutty Sark: This historic sailing ship is now a museum and is open to the public for tours.  

Route: 

1. Start near the south side of Tower Bridge.
2.  Head East towards King’s Stairs Gardens. 
3. Keep heading East, passing north of Canada Water Station, through Russia Dock Woodland. 
4. Turn South, heading over Greenland Dock. 
5. Hug the river as best you can as it wraps around towards Greenwich.

 

Lewisham to Sydenham  

This 2.5-mile cycle route lets you explore some of South London's green spaces and enjoy the views of the River Ravensbourne. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, and the route is mostly flat and traffic-free. 

Start: Ladywell Station 

End: Waterlink Way (by Moremead Rd) 

Photo by N. Chadwick available at Geograph under CC BY-SA 2.0 License. 

Points of interest: 

• Ladywell Fields: This park is home to a variety of play areas, a cafe, and a skate park. It is also a great place to see wildlife, including ducks, swans, and squirrels.  
• Waterlink Way: This shared-use path follows the River Ravensbourne and connects a number of green spaces in South London. It is a great place to cycle, walk, or run. 

Route: 

1. Start at Ladywell Station.  
2. Head south to reach the Waterlink Way along the River Ravensbourne. 
3. Follow this until you get to Ladywell Fields. 
4. Then you can continue along the Waterlink Way until you reach Catford Bridge, where you can cross underneath through a tunnel. 
5. You can end your ride at Sydenham Wells Park. 

 

Canary Wharf to Victoria Park 

This route takes you from Canary Wharf to Victoria Park. On the way, you will cycle by Regents Canal and through Mile End Park. The route runs mostly on the towpath by the canal.   

Start: Westferry Circus  

End: Victoria Park  

Points of Interest: 

• Westferry Circus: This roundabout is located on the Isle of Dogs and is a major transport hub. It is also a great place to start a cycle ride, as there are several cycle paths in the area. 
• Mile End Park: This park is home to a variety of play areas, a cafe, and a skate park. It is also a great place to see wildlife, including ducks, swans, and squirrels. 
• Victoria Park: This park is one of London's largest and most popular parks. It is home to a variety of attractions, including a lake, a bandstand, and a children's playground. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the views. 

Route: 

1. Head north by the river up to Limehouse Dock. 
2. Cycle onto the towpath by Regents Canal. 
3. Follow the path north to Mile End Park. 
4. You can keep following the towpath or cycle through Mile End Park to reach Victoria Park. 

 

Green Belt Cycle Route - Hyde Park to St James Park 

Try the Green Belt Cycle Route to see some of London’s most famous landmarks with the family. It covers iconic sights and parks. These include Hyde Park, St. James's Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.  

Start: Hyde Park  

End: Hyde Park 

Photo by David Hawgood available at Geograph under CC BY-SA 2.0 License. 

Points of Interest:  

• Kensington Palace: This historic palace has been the home of British royalty for centuries. It is now open to the public and visitors can tour the State Rooms. 
• Buckingham Palace: This is the official residence of the King. It is open to the public during the summer months.  
• St James's Park: This beautiful park is located in the heart of London and is a popular spot for tourists. There are several ponds, fountains, and gardens in the park, as well as a variety of wildlife. 

Route: 

1. From the northwest corner of Hyde Park, ride south past Kensington Palace. 
2. From here head east through the park to Wellington Arch. 
3. Ride onto Constitution Hill and past Buckingham Palace. 
4. Ride down Birdcage Walk with St James Park on your left.  
5. Ride round the park to The Mall. 
6. From here you can retrace your steps or ride through the park back towards Hyde Park. 

 

Battersea Park Circular Cycle Route

Battersea Park is a great place to take your family for a cycle ride. This 2-mile loop is easy to follow and has lots to do for young children. It would be a good short route for a first family bike ride. 

Start: Any entrance to Battersea Park 

End: Any entrance to Battersea Park 

Points of Interest:   

• Peace Pagoda: This pagoda was built in 1984 as a symbol of peace. It was donated to the British people by the Japanese people. 
• Children's Zoo: This zoo is home to a variety of animals, including penguins, monkeys, and snakes. 
• Subtropical Garden: This garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. 

Route:

1. Enter Battersea Park at any entrance.
2. Follow the main path around the park, keeping the River Thames on your left.
3. You can choose to cycle the entire 2.8-mile loop, or you can exit the park at any time.
4. There are several exits along the loop, so you can easily leave the park if you want to. 

 

Regents Canal From Little Venice to Camden Lock

This traffic-free route starts in Regent's Park. It follows the Regent's Canal towpath, and winds its way between London Zoo and the houseboats at St John's Wood, before ending at Camden Market. It's a great place to stop for a bite to eat and admire the sights.  

Start: Little Venice 

End: Camden Lock  

Photo by Alan Stanton available at Flickr under CC BY-SA 2.0 License.

Points of interest: 

• Little Venice: This picturesque area is home to a number of canals and waterways. It hosts a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. 
• Regent's Canal: This historic canal runs through the heart of London and is a popular spot for cycling, walking, and boating. 
• London Zoo: This world-famous zoo is home to over 20,000 animals from all over the world. 
• Camden Lock: This vibrant market is a popular spot for shopping, eating, and drinking. 

Route:  

1. Cycle east from Little Venice along Regents Canal. 
2. Cycle along the canal with the London Zoo on your right.  
3. Take a detour south down The Boardwalk when you get to it. 
4. Cycle down to The Espresso Bar then turn back on yourself.  
5. Return to Regents Canal then cycle east to Camden Market

River Lea and Lea Valley to Waltham Cross

This long bike ride is best for older children. This route is mostly traffic-free and suitable for cyclists of all levels. However, there are a few sections where you will need to cycle on the road.  

Start: Seventy Acres Lake Bird Sanctuary, Lee Valley 

End: Island Gardens, Canary Wharf  

Points of Interest: 

• Walthamstow Wetlands: This nature reserve is one of the largest urban wetlands in Europe. It is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. 
• Canary Wharf: This financial district is home to a number of skyscrapers and modern buildings. It is also home to a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. 
• Island Gardens: This park is located on the Isle of Dogs. It offers stunning views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline.  

Route:   

1. Starting at Seventy Acres Lake head south towards Waltham.
2.  Ride under the M25 to Gunpowder Park. 
3. Head southwest through Enfield Island Village to the River Lea. 
4. Ride south with the reservoirs on your left towards Springfield Park. 
5. Cross over to Walthamstow Marshes.  
6. Head past Hackney Marsh then southwest to Victoria Park. 
7. Ride south through Mile End Park, then onto Limehouse and Canary Wharf. 

 

Epping Forest Circular Route

 Cycling is a great way to explore the beautiful Epping Forest, with its maze of dirt trails. The forest is home to a network of over 100 miles of cycling trails. These range from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging cross-country trails. 

If you're looking for a more challenging ride, you can explore the many off-road trails in the forest. These trails are suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes. 

The route we have chosen is of intermediate difficulty and is best for families with older children.  

Start: Epping Train Station  

End: Epping Train Station 

Photo by Slbs available at Geograph under CC BY-SA 2.0 License.

Points of Interest: 

• Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge: This 16th-century building and was used as a hunting lodge by Queen Elizabeth I. 
• High Beech: This area of the forest is home to some of the oldest trees in Epping Forest.
• The Hollow Ponds: These ponds are a popular spot for birdwatching, as they are home to a variety of waterfowl. 

Route:  

1. Head south from Epping Station on Theydon Road 
2. Enter the forest at Piercing Hill Car Park 
3. Follow the route in the map provided 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in London 

Are there any safety tips or guidelines for cycling with my family in London? 

When riding family cycle routes in London, prioritise safety. Ensure that all family members wear helmets and obey traffic rules and signals. Practice cycling on roads locally to get experience.  

Utilise designated bike lanes whenever possible and inspect the condition of your bikes before riding. Enhance visibility with lights and reflective gear, plan your London cycle route carefully, and be cautious in busy areas. Additionally, always lock your bikes securely when not in use.  

Which London park is best for cycling? 

Hyde Park is the ideal choice for cycling in London. It offers well-maintained paths, beautiful scenery, and wide open space in the bustling city. With its central location and dedicated lanes, it's not only a recreational haven but also a practical commuting option. 

What should I pack or bring with me when cycling with my family in London? 

For bike rides in London, remember to pack a few essentials. These include helmets, water bottles, snacks for energy, maps or a phone, locks, rain gear, and basic bike tools for repairs. These essentials will help ensure a safe and enjoyable London bike ride with the family.