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New in London? Explore these hidden gems by bike

New in London? Explore these hidden gems by bike

New in London? Explore these hidden gems by bike

New in London? Explore these hidden gems by bike

Ever get the feeling that the real London is hiding just beyond your daily route? The hidden parks, quiet alleys, riverside views… it’s all there, just waiting. And the best way to find it? On a bike of course. How else will you just stop on your own terms to enjoy the views? Let's take a look at how Swapfiets comes into the picture!

Ever get the feeling that the real London is hiding just beyond your daily route? The hidden parks, quiet alleys, riverside views… it’s all there, just waiting. And the best way to find it? On a bike of course. How else will you just stop on your own terms to enjoy the views? Let's take a look at how Swapfiets comes into the picture!

Published

Published

Published

Jul 23, 2025

London’s cycling scene is booming. In 2024 alone, daily cycling journeys hit 1.33 million. A 5% rise from 2023, and up 26% since 2019. That means now’s the perfect time to swap tube rides for cycling. Let's see which underrated locations are worth your time.

Hidden gems to explore by bike in London

  1. West Reservoir, Stoke Newington

    A secret heaven for open-water swimmers and kayakers, this reservoir is buzzing with nature and community feel. Post-renovation, the area now includes a café, changing rooms, and cycle parking; ideal for a sunny ride.

  2. Clissold Park, Stoke Newington

    A leafy escape with playgrounds, a butterfly dome, ducks, and even goats. With good bike parking and scenic paths, it’s a perfect spot to explore by bike.

  3. Canal Path Ride: Little Venice to Camden

    Float past barges, graffiti walls, and cafés. The towpath ride ends at Camden Market, where you can lock up and explore.

  4. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

    Far from the city’s crowds, a serene Japanese-style garden awaits. Pedal in, pause by koi ponds, and soak in the calm.

  5. Greenwich & Thames Path

    Cycle south to Greenwich, weave through historic streets, then return via the Thames Path. River views, old pubs, and green birdsong make it worth the detour.

How Swapfiets makes exploring London effortless

  • Bikes ready for any type of weather: Anti‑slip tyres and always‑on LED lights mean rides are smooth, rain or shine.

  • Instant help: Flat tyre? No problem. Repairs or swaps are included, so you stay exploring.

  • Flexible stopping points: Lock up your bike anywhere secure and wander off, worry‑free.

Curious to try? Book a free test ride and see why swapping Tube delays for pedal power is catching on.

Tips for smoother bike rides in London

  • Bike wisely: Citymapper and Google Maps are your best friends. They highlight low-traffic and cycle-friendly streets for convenience.

  • Ride off-peak: Early mornings or late evenings mean quieter roads and golden light.

  • Dress smart: Pack a rain jacket or layer up. It’s London, after all!

London’s cycling scene is booming. In 2024 alone, daily cycling journeys hit 1.33 million. A 5% rise from 2023, and up 26% since 2019. That means now’s the perfect time to swap tube rides for cycling. Let's see which underrated locations are worth your time.

Hidden gems to explore by bike in London

  1. West Reservoir, Stoke Newington

    A secret heaven for open-water swimmers and kayakers, this reservoir is buzzing with nature and community feel. Post-renovation, the area now includes a café, changing rooms, and cycle parking; ideal for a sunny ride.

  2. Clissold Park, Stoke Newington

    A leafy escape with playgrounds, a butterfly dome, ducks, and even goats. With good bike parking and scenic paths, it’s a perfect spot to explore by bike.

  3. Canal Path Ride: Little Venice to Camden

    Float past barges, graffiti walls, and cafés. The towpath ride ends at Camden Market, where you can lock up and explore.

  4. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

    Far from the city’s crowds, a serene Japanese-style garden awaits. Pedal in, pause by koi ponds, and soak in the calm.

  5. Greenwich & Thames Path

    Cycle south to Greenwich, weave through historic streets, then return via the Thames Path. River views, old pubs, and green birdsong make it worth the detour.

How Swapfiets makes exploring London effortless

  • Bikes ready for any type of weather: Anti‑slip tyres and always‑on LED lights mean rides are smooth, rain or shine.

  • Instant help: Flat tyre? No problem. Repairs or swaps are included, so you stay exploring.

  • Flexible stopping points: Lock up your bike anywhere secure and wander off, worry‑free.

Curious to try? Book a free test ride and see why swapping Tube delays for pedal power is catching on.

Tips for smoother bike rides in London

  • Bike wisely: Citymapper and Google Maps are your best friends. They highlight low-traffic and cycle-friendly streets for convenience.

  • Ride off-peak: Early mornings or late evenings mean quieter roads and golden light.

  • Dress smart: Pack a rain jacket or layer up. It’s London, after all!

London’s cycling scene is booming. In 2024 alone, daily cycling journeys hit 1.33 million. A 5% rise from 2023, and up 26% since 2019. That means now’s the perfect time to swap tube rides for cycling. Let's see which underrated locations are worth your time.

Hidden gems to explore by bike in London

  1. West Reservoir, Stoke Newington

    A secret heaven for open-water swimmers and kayakers, this reservoir is buzzing with nature and community feel. Post-renovation, the area now includes a café, changing rooms, and cycle parking; ideal for a sunny ride.

  2. Clissold Park, Stoke Newington

    A leafy escape with playgrounds, a butterfly dome, ducks, and even goats. With good bike parking and scenic paths, it’s a perfect spot to explore by bike.

  3. Canal Path Ride: Little Venice to Camden

    Float past barges, graffiti walls, and cafés. The towpath ride ends at Camden Market, where you can lock up and explore.

  4. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

    Far from the city’s crowds, a serene Japanese-style garden awaits. Pedal in, pause by koi ponds, and soak in the calm.

  5. Greenwich & Thames Path

    Cycle south to Greenwich, weave through historic streets, then return via the Thames Path. River views, old pubs, and green birdsong make it worth the detour.

How Swapfiets makes exploring London effortless

  • Bikes ready for any type of weather: Anti‑slip tyres and always‑on LED lights mean rides are smooth, rain or shine.

  • Instant help: Flat tyre? No problem. Repairs or swaps are included, so you stay exploring.

  • Flexible stopping points: Lock up your bike anywhere secure and wander off, worry‑free.

Curious to try? Book a free test ride and see why swapping Tube delays for pedal power is catching on.

Tips for smoother bike rides in London

  • Bike wisely: Citymapper and Google Maps are your best friends. They highlight low-traffic and cycle-friendly streets for convenience.

  • Ride off-peak: Early mornings or late evenings mean quieter roads and golden light.

  • Dress smart: Pack a rain jacket or layer up. It’s London, after all!

About Swapfiets

About Swapfiets

About Swapfiets

Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.


The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.

Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.


The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.

Swapfiets is the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company. Founded 2014 in the Netherlands, the scale-up quickly developed being one of the leading micro mobility providers in Europe with 270.000 members in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Austria and UK.


The concept of Swapfiets is quite simple: For a monthly subscription fee, Swapfiets members receive a fully functional bicycle or e-mobility solution for their own use. If needed, a repair service is available within 48 hours to repair or directly swap the two-wheeler at no additional cost.

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