NIGHTRIDE

The London Eye

Trip overview and the flickering
lightshow of the
Nearest station
London Aquarium
Start/End: Waterloo Station
Distance 26 miles
Difficulty Medium
Duration 3 hours See this route on
Traffic Light traffic
Terrain Flat Google Maps
Suitability Confident with riding in
the dark

Empty London streets

While London sleeps take to the streets and see the city in with Albert Bridge in
a different light. With the traffic toned right down in the early the background 

hours of the morning cycling becomes a much more

enjoyable experience. You are actually able to hear your
wheels spinning beneath you and enjoy parts of London that
would be a nightmare at other times. The beautifully lit
buildings around the city will keep your eyes busy while your
legs get on with their work.

London at night

Pg. 1 – Nightride 29
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Aside from a quick case of insomnia you will also need some bike lights. The few cars
that are on the street still need to see you. A standard pair of bike lights will do fine
because we are sticking to main roads. It’s not a bad idea to take everything you need to
repair a puncture because it would take a heroic bike shop owner to open in the late
hours you will be travelling in.

London is at its most quiet around 4am but anytime after 11.30pm-12am should do
fine, especially on quiet evenings such as Sundays.

The ride starts off from Waterloo Bridge which has fantastic views over London. You
start by heading east all the way to Canary Wharf. You then turn round and head back
towards central London. Do a loop around Regents Park and head over the Thames at
Albert Bridge. Check the time from Big Ben and head back towards Waterloo Bridge (or
home!).

Some of the lit up buildings along the way include the glorious Royal Albert Hall, the Oxo
Tower and the striking 4,000 light bulb lit Albert Bridge.
The lights illuminating the passage beneath London Bridge
One of the most enjoyable sections of the route is the cycle through Hyde Park and then
down the small roads to the river Thames. This section allows you to pickup some good
speed and features some fantastic architecture, not least of which is the Natural History
Museum. The ride around Hyde Park is equally fast paced but you will soon want to
slow down going over Chelsea Bridge to enjoy the views down the Thames.

Canary Wharf is one of the quietest locations in London at this time and you can
occasional spot office workers continuing late into the night. The towers around here
look very impressive at night. Equally impressive in central London is the Gherkin which
you pass on your way to St. Pauls Cathedral.

Oxford Circus is hardly recognisable without the crowds. The loop around Regent’s Park
is also great fun and a good chance to break your speed record as you will have the road
almost completely to yourself.

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 N
A
Oxo Tower
S

Tower of London

City Hall
F

I B
Albert

4m

8m
C

Pg. 3 – Nightride 29
 C

D F

Regents Park

Albert
Memorial

12m
Albert Hall

16m
E Natural History Museum
D

F
G

Pg. 4 – Nightride 29
 Vauxhall

Big Ben

24m
Harrods

20m Albert Bridge Battersea Power Station

Battersea Park

Pg. 5 – Nightride 29