Top 5 Santander Cycle Hire Bike Routes

It's hard to remember a time before ‘Boris Bikes’ lined our beautiful streets. As spring has sprung and summer approaches, Culture Calling's Robert Bradley talks us through his Top 5 routes across the capital. Don't take his word for it though - get out there and experience them for yourself!

By Robert Bradley | Updated Mar 28 2024

A person wearing a red jacket with a graphic of a bicycle and the text ASK ME ABOUT SANTANDER CYCLES stands in front of a row of parked Santander Cycles, which are available for public use in an urban area. — Image © Transport for London via Facebook

Despite the tube and bus networks in London being world-class, there are times when you'd want a shorter, cheaper, and/or more scenic journey. There are hundreds of Santander bike stations dotted around London, with a full list available here.

With so many roads, parks and back alleys to choose from, how to do you find a worthwhile route?

Well, here are Culture Calling’s Top 5 Santander Bike routes (popularly yet erroneously known as Boris Bikes) for any of you weekend in the capital adventurous types!

Thames, the Palace and the Park Route

A map showing a bike route in central London. The route starts near the river Thames, passes Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and finishes nearby. Notable points include Pick up the bike here, Start, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Finish.

Starting at Victoria Embankment, pick up your Boris Bike and then ride west along the river and soak in the views of the south bank and Westminster.

Then branch off up alongside St James’ Park to Buckingham Palace for a quick how do you do with the Sovereign, then up over Green Park just in time for high tea at the Ritz. Lovely!

Average riding time: 60 mins

Greenwich to Blackheath Route

A map highlighting a route in East London. Key points labeled include the start point in Limehouse, a bike pick-up spot, a foot tunnel, a planetarium, and the Railway Inn. The route twists through the Isle of Dogs peninsula and crosses the River Thames.

If you’re planning on making a day of it, and it’s a Sunday, why not pick up the bikes and head for a roast? One of the best roasts in the capital is that of the Railway Inn down in Blackheath.

So pick up your bikes at South Quay in Canary Wharf, then cycle down though all the picturesque Docklands down onto the Isle of Dogs. Then keep going in a straight line and dismount for the foot tunnel that will take you under the Thames and on to the south side at Greenwich.

After marvelling at the Cutty Sark for 5 to 10 minutes, cycle up through the park, past the planetarium and keep going straight, where eventually you’ll reach the massive heath…aka Blackheath. Cycle down towards the church, then the station, and you’ll find the Railway Inn on the right next door to the station itself.

Average riding time: 120 mins

Dart around Hampstead

A map showing a running route through Hampstead Heath and surrounding areas in London. The route is outlined in blue and starts at a marked point labeled Start near the Gospel Oak station. The map includes street names and landmarks like Hampstead Park and Highgate.

If, like me, you find all of the tremendous houses in the NW7 postcode inspirational, than a dart round the heath, and a few of her back roads, is always worth the trek.

However, Hampstead - while lovely to look at - has some of the steepest hills in all of London, so make sure your calves are fully briefed before embarking on such an adventure.

You can pick up the bikes up at Castleheaven Road in Camden Town then head north towards Hampstead. The best part of this route is when you hit the heath; I have outlined an area where I normally cycle that takes you right through the centre of this wonderful park, but you can, of course, go wherever you wish.

Average ride time: 120 mins

Tate To Tate

Map showing a race route through central London. The starting point is marked in red at the upper-right near Borough Market and the Golden Hinde. The route follows the Thames River, ending at Westminster Bridge on the lower-left marked with a finish flag.

This is perhaps one of my favourite rides; it’s a little bit of a trek, but well worth it - and what better way to spend your time than with fitness and culture. All in one day!

You can start at either one of the Tates, as they each have cycle bays close to them. But, for arguments sake, let’s say that you start at the Tate Modern:

Head for the Thames and be sure to be heading south along the south side of the river until you get to Vauxhall Bridge (this is the bridge closest to the MI6 building), cross over the bridge and turn left - then, shortly after a few left turnings, you’ll see the Tate Britain clearly sign posted.

Average ride time: 50 mins

Hyde Park at Leisure

A map of Hyde Park with a blue line tracing a route around its perimeter. The route begins and ends at a marked point labeled Start & Finish on the east side. Another point labeled Tea & Cakes is marked on the west side near the Round Pond.

This route is for those who enjoy the leisurely bike ride, as opposed to pain-inducing endurance! Hyde Park in the spring and summertime is abuzz with activity.

With various festivals and activities it certainly makes for a fun afternoon ride and, what’s more, the park has many tea and cake shops to take your fancy as well as ice creams and usual park life enjoyments.

Simply pick up your bikes at Hyde Park Corner and follow the cycle path that will take you on a leisurely tour of one of London’s many gems.

It’s always a good idea to plan your journey beforehand - and don’t forget to find out how much it will cost for your ride before embarking.

You can find a list of the various and the most up to date charges here.