Let’s be honest: riding in London during the day isn't for the faint-hearted. Between the endless 20mph zones, aggressive taxis, expanding ULEZ borders, and gridlocked traffic, navigating the capital can feel like a chore. However, London is also home to one of the most vibrant, historic, and passionate motorcycling communities in the world.
If you know where (and when) to go, the capital transforms into a phenomenal playground. From cinematic midnight cruises through the heart of the city to lightning-fast escape routes into the home counties, there is serious riding to be done. Here at WeBuyAnyBike247.com, we’ve put together the top five motorcycle routes and destinations for London riders looking to stretch their bike's legs this summer.
1. The Midnight Central Cruise (Victoria Embankment to Tower Bridge)
Vibe: Cinematic urban exploration, bright lights, empty tarmac
You haven't truly experienced riding in London until you've done it at 2:00 AM on a warm summer night. When the commuters are asleep and the traffic lights sit on green, the city becomes a gorgeous, glowing race track.
Start at Westminster Bridge, taking in the illuminated Houses of Parliament, and sweep down the Victoria Embankment alongside the River Thames. The road here is wide and smooth. Continue past the City of London, banking around the Tower of London, and cross the iconic Tower Bridge. With no buses or cabs to fight, you can finally appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the capital's architecture while the sound of your exhaust echoes off the historic stone.
2. The Pilgrimage to the Ace Cafe (A406 North Circular)
Vibe: Rock 'n' roll history, massive bike meets, greasy spoon breakfast
No list of London motorcycle rides is complete without mentioning the legendary Ace Cafe on the North Circular Road (A406) in Stonebridge. Historically the hangout for the 1960s Ton-Up Boys and Cafe Racers, it remains the beating heart of London’s motorcycle scene.
The ride along the North Circular to get there is an aggressive, fast-paced urban multi-lane blast that demands sharp filtering skills. Arriving at the Ace is a rite of passage. Depending on the night of the week, you'll be greeted by hundreds of custom builds, sports bikes, or classic British twins. Grab a mug of tea, a burger, and soak in the rich heritage.
3. The South London Escape: Box Hill Zig Zag (A24)
Vibe: Alpine-style hairpins, incredible views, massive Sunday meet
If you live in South or South West London, your premier escape route is straight down the A24 towards Dorking to tackle Box Hill. Owned by the National Trust, this area features the famous "Zig Zag Road"—a short, sharp climb that features some of the only true alpine-style hairpins near the capital.
It’s a relatively short blast, but it's hugely entertaining. At the bottom of the hill sits Ryka's Cafe, another monolithic biker hangout where hundreds of riders gather every weekend to compare bikes and plan routes deeper into the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (Note: Keep your speed down on the Zig Zag itself, as it's heavily frequented by cyclists!)
4. The East London Forest Run: Epping to High Beach
Vibe: Instant countryside, historic tea hut, tree-lined sweepers
For riders in East and North East London looking to escape the concrete, Epping Forest is the ultimate sanctuary. Leaving the sprawl of Chingford or Loughton, you plunge instantly into a dense, ancient woodland via the A104.
The winding, tree-canopied roads offer a massive contrast to the city streets you left just 10 minutes prior. The destination for any biker here is the Original Tea Hut at High Beach. Operating since the 1920s, it's nestled deep in the woods. You pull up on the dirt, buy a cheap, hot cup of tea, and chat with a truly eclectic mix of London bikers.
5. The Kent Border Blast: A21 to Oakdene Cafe
Vibe: Fast dual carriageways, race track proximity, Sunday morning blast
South East Londoners know that the quickest way to find open roads is to hit the A20 or A21 heading down into Kent. The A21 out of Bromley offers fast, sweeping dual carriageways that let you blow the city carbon out of your exhaust.
The traditional Sunday morning run involves blasting down to the Oakdene Cafe in Wrotham. It's a huge staging ground for bikers heading further south to the coast or preparing for track days at the nearby Brands Hatch circuit. The roads opening up around Wrotham and Sevenoaks offer some brilliant, fast-paced country riding completely free of ULEZ cameras and 20mph zones.