The London Bicycle Tour Company

Family (two adults, and children 9 years + 7 years) had done Fat Tires bike tours in Berlin (good) and in Paris (disappointing) earlier this year. Now wanted to do a bike tour of our home city, London, and decided on this smaller operator. Very pleased with it. The guide was attentive and knowledgeable, and we all had a great time. The 7-year-old rode on a "hitch-hiker" style device which effectively converted my bike into a tandem. Almost all off road (in the Royal Parks, ot the riverside), and took us to some marvellous spots. Highly recommended.

I wish I had eaten beforehand though, or brought a packed lunch. The tour stops off at the cafe neaxt to the Sepentine Lido, which is seriously expensive.

I can’t fail to say that I enjoyed this tour which takes you off of the beaten track allowing you to see the ‘real’ London. It did, however, seem a little bit hit-and-miss with the organisation. It was a case of that bike will do, no option of a helmet or any other advice given. In fact, the girl thought I was just hiring a bike, it got a bit confusing.

At one point we had to carry our bikes down rather a lot of steps at Tower Bridge which was a struggle in the crowds, particularly for one older gentleman whilst the guide was off in the front.

The guide was OK, a bit vague in places, contradicted himself a bit but on the whole, did gives lots of interesting facts.

I would go again. It certainly puts a different spin on viewing London. I used a voucher but if I paid full price I’d probably try another company. Gabriel Wharf though, is a great location - very vibrant.

Overall it was huge fun, but not particularly professional.

We took their Central London tour. We selected this company because it was included on the London Pass card. We had a great time - the concept is excellent, and I would recommend the tour if you get it with your City Pass. However under no circumstances take a child less than 11 or 12. We had to navigate through harrowing traffic at times and I feared for my life on more than one occasion. Our tour guide was nice and pointed out some interesting things, but he really gave no heads up on the more dangerous portions of the route, and the group ended up scattered on a couple of occasions (there is strength in numbers while biking in a big city). We took a bike tour in Paris and used Fat Tire Bike Tours. Our experience was totally different , it actually turned out the be the highlight of our trip. I would HIGHLY recommend a bike tour while in London. It is a wonderful way to see the sights. If you have a London Pass and no young children this one is fine. Otherwise I would recommend Fat Tire or one of the other tours - with good reviews.