5 Shortest and Safest Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in London

It's not easy to find biking paths suited for children in London. You might use Google Maps' cycling feature to plan your route, but you can't trust the recommended cycle path to be child-friendly. However, cycling traffic-free in London is achievable, so have a look at our five family-friendly not too long but very diverse and pictorial bicycle lanes that are suited for even the youngest family members.

Battersea Park Circular Cycle Route

1,2 miles: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo - Australian Memorial Garden - Pear Tree Café - Rosery Gardens - Boating Lake - Battersea Play Park - Go Ape Battersea Park - Old English Garden

This one is the shortest but may take longer than the rest because riding around Battersea Park you’ll see so many interesting things for kids that you'll be tempted to stop frequently. You'll find lots of kids' activities to spend the day, from Go Ape and play areas to the Children's Zoo and a Boating Lake. Bike rentals are pricey, but if you've never tried riding a recumbent before, now is a wonderful opportunity to do so! When planning your cycling route around Battersea, keep in mind that the park is very busy on weekends, so remain on the approved routes.

Lewisham to Sydenham via River Pool

3 miles: Ladywell Fields Adventure Playground - Ravensbourne Park Gardens - River Pool Linear Park - Bellingham Play Park

Here's an excellent one for you if you reside in South East London! A linking chain of traffic-free parks runs south from Ladywell Station in Lewisham, along Pool River and Ravensbourne Gardens. You can pedal all the way from Deptford Creek by the Thames to Lower Sydenham by following the river south. The Waterlink Way is the name of the route, and Lewisham Council has created an excellent map outlining the best cycling path as well as how to navigate the few areas where there is traffic.

Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to Camden Lock

3 miles: Little Venice - Grove House - London Zoo - Regent’s Park - Primrose Hill Playground - Camden Lock - Camden Market

Little Venice does not resemble the actual Venice, but it is a charming little neighborhood with canal-side narrowboats and terraced Georgian and Victorian residences. The Regent's Canal is unique, and we can now enjoy a great traffic-free cycling route between East and West London owing to the towpaths that were formerly built for horses to tow barges. Because the route isn't quite as broad as a boulevard, take care not to step into the puddles. This trip cannot be rushed, so take your time and get off your bike if it becomes too congested. We've merely highlighted the cycling path from Little Venice to Camden Lock, but if you want to go any farther, you can pedal along the canals all the way to East End and the Limehouse Basin by the Themes.

Canary Wharf to Victoria Park via Miles End Park

6 miles: Canary Wharf - Limehouse Miles End Park- Regent’s Canal - Museum of Docklands - Victoria Park

Although this 10-kilometer route appears to be a bit longer for small kids, you can always skip part of it or take breaks because it is well worth your time. It takes you from Canary Wharf via Limehouse, Miles End Park, and the Regent's Canal before wrapping around Victoria Park in a round path. The trail passes through some quite different East London neighborhoods, and in Victoria Park's playground, you'll get the chance to try one of London's largest slides. There are a few road crossings to be mindful of, but you'll be cycling mainly traffic-free.

Richmond Park Route

6 miles: Roehampton Cycle Hire - Pen Ponds Café - wild deer that roam freely around - Isabella Plantation - Pembroke Lodge - King Henry’s Mound

Richmond Park is one of London's most family-friendly parks, offering various alternatives for family bike rides. It's not as well-kept as Central London parks like Hyde Park and Regent's Park, but you may observe wild deer running about freely! If you don't have your own bike, you can hire one from Roehampton Gate, which also has a variety of child-friendly choices like seats, trailers, and tag-a-longs. Keep an eye on the official tourist map to ensure you remain on the authorized cycling tracks and keep in mind that pedestrians have precedence.