CHASING THE SUN: SWAPFIETS REVEALS TOP CYCLING ROUTES TO CATCH LONDON’S BEST SUNSETS

As summer (finally) arrives in the UK, the Dutch cycling pros at Swapfiets have created the ultimate list of cycling routes that end with you enjoying the sunset from London’s best viewing points, with a drink in hand. 

From Primrose Hill to Greenwich Park and Notting Hill to The Southbank Centre, Swapfiets has a route for every Londoner – whether north, south, east or west of the city – as research reveals cycling is on the rise in London, with more than 1.26M people in the city riding their bike daily.

Each route has been carefully crafted to help Londoners enjoy the city in the summer on two wheels, all while enjoying cityscapes and beautiful sunsets.

Katarina Hvlata, UK Country Manager and cycling expert, at Swapfiets said: “With more people than ever cycling in London, we want to make sure that every Londoner, no matter where they live, can see some of the best sights the city has to offer on two wheels. 

“Summer is the perfect time to jump on the saddle and explore the city as the sun shines, encouraging even more Londoners to explore by bike. 

“Our brand new summer cycle routes end with the best spots London has to offer when it comes to watching the sunset, complete with suggestions of local pubs and restaurants close by to refuel before cycling home.”

North London

St Paul's Cathedral to Hampstead Heath, via Regents Park

Distance: 5.8 miles 

Time: 38 minutes 

Difficulty: Intermediate 

Best for: Push bike/ rental 

Elevation: 33ft 

Arrive by 7:30pm for the sunset, the best place to watch is from the summit of Parliament Hill at Hampstead Heath

Start your ride at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and make your way through to Regent’s Park where you can enjoy a refreshing cold drink or coffee at the Espresso Bar inside the park. Then continue your journey through edgy Camden Town and wave (or maybe not) at the iconic punks as you cross the bridge over The Lock. Upon arrival at Hampstead Heath, take in the orange and pink hues of the sunset as you watch from one of London’s best viewing points - Parliament Hill. After the sun sets, go to The Old Oak pub just outside of Hampstead Heath for an ice cold pint before heading home. 

Hampstead Heath to Primrose Hill

Distance: 3.7 miles

Time: 22 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: Push bike

Elevation: 125ft

Arrive before 7:25pm for the sunset, best place to watch is from the top of Primrose Hill for verdant views of London

For beginner cyclists, this mid-sized route focused in primarily green spaces is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of city cycling. Start off at Kenwood House and slowly cycle down towards the Spaniards Inn where you can take a pit stop for an icy cold drink and a traditional roast dinner (if you visit on a Sunday of course) before re-entering Hampstead Heath for an easier cycle away from the busy roads. Continue following the route past Keats House and Belsize Park station before heading into Primrose Hill’s beautiful park where you will have one of the best views to watch the sunset over the city. 

Lloyd Park to Alexandra Palace

Distance: 5.9 miles

Time: 37 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Best for: E-bike

Elevation: 308ft

Arrive before 7:26 for the sunset, 

Begin your cycle in North East London’s Lloyd Park, following the route through Walhamstow’s Wetlands - where you might spot some majestic wildlife - and Tottenham Hale. You will then cut through the quiet Downshill Park to avoid busy roads before arriving at the iconic Alexandra Palace. Here you will find the Phoenix Bar & Pizzeria, where you can sit down and enjoy views of the city while eating a freshly cooked pizza, with a cold drink in hand. As the sun starts to set, head to The Terrace - Alexandra Palace’s highest viewing point - to enjoy an ice cold pint and take in the view. 

East London

Hyde Park to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Distance: 7.8 miles

Time: 41 minutes 

Difficulty: Intermediate 

Best for: Push bike/e-bike 

Elevation: 59ft

Arrive before 7:20pm for the sunset

Begin your cycle in one of London’s most famous parks and cycle past some of London’s iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben before following the Thames towards the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In the heart of the Olympic Park, you will find The Lock Inn, serving a range of delicious cocktails as well as pizzas, burgers and Sunday Roasts. 

South London

Tower of London to Telegraph Hill 

Distance: 5.7 miles 

Time: 38 minutes 

Difficulty: Hard 

Best for: E-Bikes

Elevation: 157ft

Arrive before 7:35pm for the sunset and make sure you watch from the upper park for the ultimate viewing experience 

Enjoy a scenic cycle from Tower Hill, right by the Tower of London, to South East London’s popular Telegraph Hill. Cross Tower Bridge and follow the route through Southwark Park (much quieter than the roads) before following the Thames towards Deptford. As the elevation begins to increase, you will be heading towards Telegraph Hill Upper Park. After watching the sunset over London’s skyline from one of the best viewing points in South East London, exit the park and grab a freshly made pizza from Dinner 4 100 and enjoy al fresco. No cycle would be complete with a beverage from the local pub, so walk down the road to Skehans Freehouse where you can order a pint of London’s best Guinness to wash down that delicious pizza. 

Barbican Centre to Greenwich Park

Distance: 6.6 miles 

Time: 44 minutes 

Difficulty: Intermediate

Best for: E-bikes

Elevation: 52ft

Arrive before 7:30pm for the sunset

Starting at the Barbican Centre, follow the route along the Thames passing the busy Liverpool Street and Tower of London before joining the CS3 - a bike friendly route from the Tower Hill area to Canary Wharf. You will then follow the Thames taking in views of the cityscape before cutting through the Greenwich foot tunnel, bringing you out right by the Cutty Sark. Stop and enjoy food and drink in The Gypsy Moth pub before cycling the short distance to Greenwich Park to watch the sunset over the Thames and historical architecture. 

Notting Hill to the Southbank Centre via Hyde Park

Distance: 5.4 miles 

Time: 31 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Best for: Push bike / rental 

Elevation: 62ft

Arrive before 7:25pm for the sunset

This short 31 minute route takes you through some of London’s most iconic locations, beginning in Notting Hill and finishing on the Thames’ Southbank at The Southbank Centre. This route will take you through Hyde Park and past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye. Upon arrival, head to Between The Bridges for a relaxed beer garden vibe where you can fill up on food and drink before watching the sunset over the river. 

West London

Borough Market to Battersea Park

Distance: 3.5 miles 

Time: 22 minutes 

Difficulty: Easy

Best for: push bike/rental 

Elevation: 23ft (almost flat)

Arrive by 7:35 for the sunset and make sure you are facing west to take in the most of the orange and pink hues

Start off in Borough Market where you can enjoy a selection of dishes from a variety of street food vendors before taking an easy cycle, passing The Imperial War Museum before crossing the Lambeth Bridge and following the route along the Thames where you can enjoy the scenery and London’s skyline.  You will then cross Chelsea Bridge before arriving at Battersea Park where you can watch the sunset over the Thames before heading to The Waterfront pub, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage.