Cycling Through London

LONDON, March 11, 2010 -- If you have a limited time in London and don't know how to see all the city's greatest landmarks, then we may have a solution for you: a bicycle tour through London's landmarks.

The London Bicycle Tour Company's new Central London tour allows you to see the city's long list of attractions in two and a half hours. Whether you're travelling alone or in a group, a bike tour takes the hassle out of navigating among London's landmarks. An experienced guide will lead the way.

The tours run every day except Christmas and New Year's Day, starting at 10:30 a.m. You'll see London's famed attractions for less than 16 pounds ($24) and be done in time for lunch.

Meet your group and guide at Gabriel's Wharf on the south side of the Thames River. If you're early you can window shop in the stores nearby or indulge at the House of Crepes Cafe next door.

After you pick your bike and test its brakes, your guide leads you and a small group along the south side of the Thames. The spacious river way bustles with street performers, and the views along the river are lovely.

Make your first stop in front of one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, the London Eye. You can see tourists line up for a ride, but your guide will tell you that you can get just as good a view without the steep price by climbing St. Paul's Cathedral.

Continuing along the river, you'll stop to hear the story of Big Ben -- the name refers to the bell and not the clock -- and the Houses of Parliament while taking a postcard picture from across the river.

Crossing over the Thames on Lambeth Bridge and through side streets into the courtyard of Westminster School, you can admire the belfry of Westminster Abbey.

Biking through the quiet side streets allows you to see the quaint red brick houses lined with flowered window boxes. Some houses have blue plaques, telling you the names of famous Britons who once lived there.