London hides some of its best riding in plain sight.
Leave the busy streets behind and the city begins to change. Paths appear beside the Thames, park gates open, quiet roads wind through old estates and suddenly you're riding through a completely different landscape.
The Rivers & Palaces ride follows one of the most surprising cycling corridors in the city — an easy, mostly flat bike ride through West London, linking royal parks, historic houses and quiet riverside paths.
Much of the route uses cycle lanes, park roads and sections of the Thames Path, meaning large parts of the ride are completely traffic-free.
Cycling across Hammersmith Bridge on the Rivers & Palaces ride.
Following the Thames Through West London
The idea behind the Rivers & Palaces route is simple.
Follow the River Thames west out of London, joining together the parks, estates and riverside paths that sit along its banks.
The river quietly connects some of London’s most remarkable landscapes — from historic houses and hidden gardens to long avenues and open parkland.
By bicycle, these places link together into one continuous ride.
Instead of fighting the city, the Rivers & Palaces cycling route slips through it.
A quick stop at Marble Hill House — one of the historic houses along the Rivers & Palaces ride.
“The Rivers & Palaces ride links a surprising chain of historic houses along the Thames, from Marble Hill to Hampton Court.”
Royal Parks, Palaces and Hidden Corners
As the ride unfolds the scenery changes again and again.
One moment you're riding beside the river.
The next through the open parkland of a royal park.
A bridge appears.
A gate opens.
A palace suddenly rises behind trees.
The route passes historic estates, royal parks and some of the most beautiful buildings in West London, connecting places most people only ever see individually.
On this ride they form a single journey.
Richmond Bridge on the River Thames along the Rivers & Palaces route.
Originally Written for the London Cycling Campaign
The Rivers & Palaces route was originally created for the London Cycling Campaign, who wanted to highlight how much of London can be explored using cycle paths, park roads and riverside routes.
Many riders assume cycling in London is difficult.
But follow the rivers and parks and a different city appears — one where cycling becomes easy, relaxed and surprisingly peaceful.
The Campaign later endorsed the Rivers & Palaces ride, recognising it as one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this quieter side of the capital by bike.
Deer grazing in Richmond Park along the Rivers & Palaces cycling route.
A Ride Designed for Exploration
The Rivers & Palaces cycling event is not about speed.
It’s about discovering the quieter side of London.
Stopping beside the river.
Pausing at a historic house.
Finding a café you didn’t know existed.
Each rider receives a Rivers & Palaces Field Guide, with notes on the main landmarks along the route and a little potted history of the parks, palaces and curious corners along the way.
Think of it as a small companion to the ride.
Quiet parkland riding through Richmond Park.
Join the Rivers & Palaces Ride
The Rivers & Palaces ride is an easy, mostly flat cycling route through West London.
Expect:
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cycle lanes and park roads
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Thames riverside paths
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royal parks and historic houses
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coffee stops and quiet corners of the city
It’s a relaxed day out discovering London by bike.
👉 Find out more about the Rivers & Palaces ride
Quiet lanes, old brick walls and unexpected paths — another hidden stretch of the Rivers & Palaces route.