London is full of fascinating museums to visit, and we have the perfect bike ride to take in many of London's most famous sights en route to exploring some of the best museums London has to offer.
Starting from our riverside bicyle hire centre at Gabriel's Wharf, you head eastwards along the river for a few minutes before reaching the imposing industrial beauty of the Tate Modern Art Gallery. Always displaying the most cutting edge art and with many exhibitions free to enter, it's worth popping in for a quick look.
Cultural tastes satiated, swing behind the Tate and down onto Southwark Street where you can follow your nose to the tantalising smells of Borough Market's street food. If you want to sample some of the culinary delights on offer at this buzzing undercover market make sure you do this ride from Thursday to Saturday when it's open for business. When you emerge with a full belly, find your way to Tooley Street before turning left to cross our most iconic river crossing - Tower Bridge. Once north of the river you will get a great view of the Tower of London, home to the crown jewels and the royal Beefeaters, and boasting a grisly history of torture and death.
From here you will turn left and enter the City of London, our capital's oldest quarter established by the Romans in 1st Century AD, and now the business and financial centre. The City is eerily deserted at weekends thus offering the best views of the beautiful architecture on every corner and a smooth ride up past the Bank of England and other iconic buildings. Keep your eyes peeled for sights of our most famous skyscrapers, the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie, and the Shard, always watching faithfully over this part of town.
This route will take you straight past St Paul's Cathedral. If you've got time, climb the 259 steps to the top of the central dome to the Whispering Gallery . Up here with an ear to the wall you can hear the whispers of another person standing all the way on the other side of the room. It's also a great opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the city without splashing out for a ticket to the London Eye.
Continue onto Fleet Street, the historic home of the British press. And if by now you're ready for a drink make sure you stop at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, one of London's oldest watering holes. This ancient establishment was frequented by famous literary figures of the past; Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to name but a few.
Keep pedalling and soon you will reach the geographical centre of London and one of London's most visited sights - Trafalgar Square. Take a moment to admire the bronze Lions reclining below Nelson's perch. Did you know they are made from the melted down cannons of the defeated French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar?
Cross the busy roundabout with care and pass through the splendid gateway, Admiralty Arch, to reach the magnificent width of The Mall. A quick cruise up the Queen's 'driveway' gives you a glimpse of Prince Charles' home, Clarence House, before arriving at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth's official residence. If you'd rather pay a visit to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street you can take a detour down Whitehall before approaching the Palace via Birdcage Walk and the greenery of St James' Park.
Power up the slight incline of Constitution Hill and you've made it to bustling Hyde Park Corner. Choose your route through Hyde Park, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful landscaping before emerging to your left onto Exhibition Road. Veer to the right to catch a glimpse of the impeccable Royal Albert Hall and the gleaming Albert Memorial opposite before cycling south to the heart of leafy South Kensington. Once here take your pick between the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum or the ever impressive V&A.
The ride itself takes around an hour, but if you want to make the most of the sights and have the opportunity to explore one or more of the museums we suggest taking a whole day and a leisurely pace.
Keep an eye out on our blog for more London cycling inspiration.