Annual Bike Events in London for Families and Friends to Join

Family bike rides are a fun and healthy way to catch up and bond. Take this as a sign to step up your riding game with your squad and head off to one of these great cycling events in the London area!

Summer Cycle

(Image Credit: Pexels)

Bike riding isn’t usually allowed in the gardens, but Kew is offering you and your family a special opportunity to explore all of Kew Gardens for one evening only. Don’t miss it; hop on your Bobbin bike and enjoy the beautiful spots, accompanied by music and entertainment, as you tour through nature.

This is a leisurely event, not a race. However, a strict speed limit (no faster than a jogging pace) must be adhered to for the comfort and enjoyment of everyone.

Note: You must bring your own adult and kids’ bikes. Entry will not be allowed for anyone without a bike (including children). Balance bikes, scooters, or power-assisted bikes are not permitted.

Visit the Kew Gardens website to learn more about this London bike ride event.

London to Paris Cycle

(Image Credit: Flickr)

This is one of the most iconic cycling challenges that families and groups of friends can take on. While it may not be suitable for toddlers and young children, young adults can take part in this. Grab those adult bikes and get started!

The adventure begins in London with three tough days of cycling through scenic countryside and carried terrain. The route covers over 180km, starting from Greenwich Park and ending at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Following a bespoke route that links up with the glorious Avenue Verte on the French side, this event truly has it all. You might even feel like you’re competing in the Olympics!

Many bike tours offer this event, but for more information, check out this offer from Choose a Challenge.

London to Amsterdam Cycle

(Image Credit: PickPik)

Better pack your bags, because this is a long cycling challenge.

This fantastic trip will take you cycling from the capital of the UK through Belgium and into the Netherlands, ending in the magnificent city of Amsterdam. Bike over 300 miles through four countries over four days and make memories to last a lifetime! The itinerary can vary depending on the agency you book your tour with. Say you’ve chosen the Global Adventure Challenges; here’s what your trip will look like:

The ride starts through the Kent countryside and heads to the coast, where you take a ferry to Calais. From there, you ride to Bruges, known for its old buildings and cobbled streets. The next day, you head to Breda, a Dutch city with a rich history. Finally, you reach the finish line in Amsterdam, famous for its canals, museums, and nightlife!

London to Brighton Bike Ride

(Image Credit: Flickr)

This 55-mile ride guides you along quiet country lanes, passing through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead, and Haywards Heath before taking on the challenge of Ditchling Beacon.

Ditchling Beacon is a mile-long climb to the top of the South Downs, where you will be rewarded with amazing views. But the best part of this cycle route isn’t just the wonderful places you’ll see; you can also support services for children. For instance, you can ride with Team GOSH to help build a better future for them.

Visit the London Brighton Cycle website for more information.

Cycle to the Cinema

The concept of this bike event is simple: put on great films for anyone interested to view while participants cycle to them. This event puts cycling, as a form of transport, in a good light and encourages more people, including you, to participate while enjoying and discovering films you may have never seen before in cinemas but are worth the pedal.

The film viewing varies, but this year, cycle your way to Pacific Tavern in East London and watch the award-winning film Janapur - Love On A Bike 2013 for free, as long as you join the event. Don’t miss it on the 3rd of September, from 18:30 - 21:30.

Cycle Sundays

After a full week at work, often confined to a desk, you’re left with just two days to continue your personal life outside of your job and do things for your well-being. If you are left sighing, ‘There goes my weekend,’ then you might be spending those days lounging around and losing track of your precious time.

If this sounds like your weekends, then why not take a different route on Sundays and pedal away your stress? Enter Cycle Sunday, a campaign that helps you get active through cycling and is best done with family and friends.

There are many organisers offering events for Cycle Sunday. If you want a gently-paced, safely marshalled 5-mile ride, consider joining this ride that will take you to the Leaside Trust — it’ll be mainly through parks and on quiet roads.

The Cotswolds Classic

Gather your friends and take part in the Cotswolds Classic cycling event this year! The routes include some challenging climbs and thrilling descents. You have three options: short (58km), middle (77km), and long (122km) — all taking you through the beautiful Cotswolds AONB, famous for its thatched medieval villages, charming churches, stately homes, and rolling hills.

At the finish line, you’ll earn a medal and some goodies as a reward for your efforts. This event is perfect whether you’re new to cycling, a seasoned rider, or just love to cycle.

The Peaks Tour

(Image Credit: Flickr)

Looking for a sporty challenge? The Peaks Tour takes you on an adventure through the stunning Peak District National Park. All three routes begin at Bakewell Showground and head north, leading you through the beautiful Hope Valley.

You'll encounter both short, steep climbs and longer, more enduring ones along the way. But don’t worry — you’ll earn a great payoff for your efforts with breathtaking views at the top and long, winding descents on the way down. The Long Route reaches its peak at Whetstone Ridge and with other climbs like

Visit this website for more information.

Round-up

These are just a few options to consider when planning which cycling cities to visit during the holidays. For summer rides, register for RideLondon’s FreeCycle, a one-day event held every May. This annual event opens up eight miles of traffic-free roads in the city centre — passing landmarks such as Holborn Viaduct, Piccadilly, Pall Mall, St Paul’s Cathedral, Strand, Trafalgar Square, Victoria Embankment, and Whitehall/Central Westminster.

Complete your riding adventures with these bike accessories!