Cycling

Greenwich is famous for being the beginning of many an historical journey,  with stories of exploration of the seven seas and new world discoveries. There is so much to see right here IN Greenwich though, that we wanted to inspire your incredible journeys of discovery around the Royal Borough.

As one of London’s leafiest Boroughs, it’s difficult to imagine a better landscape to explore on two wheels, with acres of parks and miles of cycle paths to explore with your friends and family. There’s so much to explore here, so saddle up and hit the trail!

Getting Here
If you aren’t a resident of the Borough, did you know you can your bring bikes onboard Uber Boat by Thames Clippers? Well you can! It’s a great way to arrive in lots of space and fresh air, plus they’ve just expanded their capacity for bikes. You can also take your bike on trains, the tube and DLR at any time of day if you have a folding bike, or at certain times with a non-folding bike. The London Cable Car also permits bikes, so you can fly elegantly into Greenwich Peninsula ready for a great day of exploration on two wheels.

Getting Around
Greenwich has an incredible 8.5 miles of open river frontage, the majority of which is accessible on the Thames Path, and ideal for safely cycling with the family.

Starting in historic Maritime Greenwich, the easiest thing to do is head down river toward the modernity and buzz of Greenwich Peninsula, home The O2 Arena, London Cable Car, Up At The O2 and ICON Outlet shopping centre. It’s just 3 miles away on the Thames Path, with no hills to slow you down whilst you get warmed up, but if you do fancy a rest, you’ll be passing some beautiful riverside pubs along the way where you could stop for a drink with a view.

Keep heading East down river from Greenwich Peninsula along the Thames Path and you’ll find the mighty Thames Barrier, which spans the river from Charlton to London’s East End. There’s a visitor centre here, and some free picnic benches outside with amazing views back through the Barrier of London’s city skyline for the all-important bike ride selfie!

A little further East from the Thames Barrier is the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. A fantastic example of urban renewal on Greenwich’s incredible river frontage! The combination of original military architecture and residential modernisation contributes to Woolwich’s already vibrant community of arts and culture. Woolwich is also home to a brand new Cultural Destination, Woolwich Works, as well as a vital transport hub, with Woolwich Station opening as part of the new Elizabeth Line! For now though, the beautiful wide pedestrianised streets of the Arsenal are a great place to cycle, with some great pubs for pit-stops, too.

For the more advanced cyclist, you could head South from Greenwich Park to Eltham across Blackheath, and you’ll find the stunning and unique combination of classic Tudor and Art Deco architecture at gorgeous Eltham Palace – the childhood home of Henry VIII. Whilst you’re in the area, zoom over to Well Hall Pleasaunce, a lovely ornamental garden where you can pop in to the local Tudor Barn for coffee and cake.

Severndroog Castle
Make your way a couple of miles North from there to find Severndroog Castle, a fabulous Gothic folly, standing on one of London’s highest points above sea level, in ancient Oxleas Wood. There’s a beautiful 360º view over all of London and into Kent from the top, which is well worth a visit when they reopen.

Charlton House
Just another couple of miles East of there lies another fine example of South East London Heritage, Charlton House. One of the finest standing examples of Jacobean architecture in the UK, set in the beautiful surrounding gardens and grounds of Charlton Park. Just perfect for a mid-afternoon picnic.

So make sure you see all of Greenwich when you visit – you’ll be missing out if you don’t!