With so many hidden cycle paths and scenic routes to discover, London is an incredible city to explore by bike. And if you’re still building up your confidence as a cyclist, Sundays are a great day to get going. So we’ve partnered with TfL to bring you inspo on some of the best spots in the city to visit on a Sunday.
There are over 60 leisure routes on paths and quieter roads to be discovered on the TfL Cycle Sundays page. Each route has a link to a map on Strava to help you find your way (Strava is free to join). What’s more you can enjoy a variety of cycling-related discounts, as well as tons of tips and advice to help you navigate your journey with ease – wherever you’re choosing to cycle in the city!
Keep reading to find out Secret London’s top picks for a Sunday outing along some of the TfL Cycle Sundays routes brought to you from popular cycling organisations: British Cycling, Cycle Sisters, Joyriders, London Cycling Campaign, Sustrans and Wheels for Wellbeing…
Browse TfL’s leisurely routes and plan your Sunday cycling.
South London
Wandle Trail (Sustrans)
This short and sweet route follows the Wandle Trail in Morden and is an excellent starting point for beginner bikers or those looking for a gentle Sunday cycle. Start in the lush greenery of Ravensbury Park before heading down to meet the River Wandle and those lovely waterside views.
You’ll follow the river trail right up to Morden Hall Park & Gardens. This tranquil National Trust property gives you a taste of country estate energy without having to leave the city! It’s well worth exploring the beautiful Rose Garden in the full-bloom of summer and the second-hand bookshop in the renovated Stable Yard is such a hidden gem.
Your cycle route will cross the picturesque Morden Hall Park Bridge before taking you up and out through the north of the park. One of the last points of interest on your route will be Deen City Farm where you can pet some adorable animals and enjoy a tea break in the farm cafe before the cycle back.
Distance: 6.1 km
West London
Boat Race Ride (British Cycling)
For those of you who can’t stand cycling up hills, this route is as flat as they come and you’ll enjoy lovely Thameside views along the way! You’ll follow the Thames Tow Path along a section of the river you might recognise from the iconic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
With the river to your left, you’ll find the Leg O’Mutton Reservoir to your right – a nature reserve that is excellent for birdwatching. Amateur ornithologists might recognise the cormorant, heron, tufted duck, and even spot some breeding common terns. But the real wildlife spotting fun starts when you turn down Queen Elizabeth Walk and end up at the WWT London Wetland Centre. This underrated spot is a nature lover’s dream where you can spot water birds from around the world and even meet the resident otters! Take on zip wires and wobbly bridges on the Wild Walks or admire the sustainable meadows and gardens. Meanwhile, the Kingfisher Kitchen is the perfect pitstop for a cup of tea should you require refreshment.
Distance: 9.67 km
East London
Valentines Park to Hollow Ponds (Cycle Sisters)
East London is home to some lovely ponds, lakes and wetlands and this route will take you on a tour of many of them! Your journey will begin in Valentines Park which boasts a pretty ornamental pond, a boating lake and Valentines Mansion & Gardens. Open to the public (and free to enter) on Sundays and Mondays, you can step back in time into period furnished rooms including the recreated Victorian Kitchen and Georgian bedchamber.
Once you’ve finished your historic ramble it’s time to cycle over to Wanstead Park, you’ll pass by Perch Pond after entry, and the Wanstead Tea Hut is on hand should you need a cuppa before you really get going.
Your route will take you up to Hollow Pond where you could stop and hire rowboats for some fun on the water, or you could choose to bike around the serene Leyton Flats instead. On your return journey you’ll re-enter Wanstead Park through an area which at the right time of year will be blanketed in bluebells, but even out of season you can guarantee it will still be absolutely gorgeous. Take some time to explore the Ornamental Waters (perhaps pack a picnic so you can really sit back and reconnect with nature) before you finish off your ride back to Valentine’s Park again.
Distance: 12.68 km
North London
Barnet at its best – by bike! (British Cycling)
This Barnet-based route passes through an array of North London parks with many built-in rest stops – ideal for those starting out on their cycling journey. You’ll start in Friary Park through to Bethune Park, both of which have tennis courts available to book if you fancy a friendly game to break up your cycle.
You’ll then bike right alongside Pymmes Brook on the lovely waterfall walk, before arriving at Brunswick Park. If you’ve packed a picnic you’re sure to find a spot to soak up the sun and rest your legs here.
Next, you’ll continue north to Oak Hill Park, where you could practise your swing at Oak Hill 9 Hole Pitch and Putt, or you could venture off-route a bit into the Oak Hill Wood Nature Reserve – this medieval woodland has many rare varieties of trees and flowers for you to admire. This is your last park en route, so get all your photosynthesising done before you hop back on your bike and ride over to Totteridge & Whetstone. Stop for tea at one of the cafes on the high street before you loop back round via West Finchley to finish back at Friary Park.
Distance: 13.07 km