Fly Over - Tunnel Under the Thames. A Great Day Out

These are two unique ways of crossing the River Thames in London by bike. They make for a great day out. The  Emirates Flyer is the 1.1 km cable car crossing  that links the Greenwich peninsula on the south side of the river with The Royal Docks on the north and gives a unique view of London. Flip the seat to load your bike and 'enjoy  your flight' as the commentary requests. Its quick- some say too quick, painless and fun.  Pedal past the O2 to Greenwich village, or for a bit of added fun board the Thames Clipper at the North Greenwich Pier and be propelled there. Stop for a refreshment at The Trafalgar with its atmospheric riverside  views, or busy yourself with a visit to the Cutty Sark or Maritime Museum before heading for the lift down to the Greenwich foot tunnel that takes you 50ft below the Thames. Opened over a hundred years earlier than the Flyer, in 1902 and free, (the Flyer is £3.20 on the Oyster) it was built to enable shipyard and dock workers to reach their jobs on the north bank Isle of Dogs. You will have to walk your bike along the tunnel and from the lift you emerge up in Island Gardens. Follow Sustrans Route 1 north through the Isle of Dogs where you'll get some great surprise views of the docks, the Thames and the London skyline. Almost at Limehouse - where you can detour via several canals to the Olympic Park, the Greenway and Broadway Market to mention but a few options, you turn east and pedal along the Cycle Super Highway. Here Dutch style cyclist traffic lights, alleys, bridges and bike paths thread you through east London.  Leave the Highway near the East Inda Docks and then its not far to reach the Royal Docks where you started. This last section is poorly signposted and I admit we took a few wrong turns. You will need a map or local knowledge or one of our guides here.

Borough Market

London brims with markets in all shapes and sizes. We love Borough Market located just off the Thames Path under the arches of London Bridge and behind Southwark Cathedral.  Apparently there have been traders here for hundreds of years and a market since the mid 18th Century selling fruit, vegetables,bread and meat.  Now, there's a huge variety of produce on offer and much is reared, grown or made by the stall holders which is why the place is so vibrant and full of passion. The community of 130 traders from all over England, Europe and further afield are a draw for chefs, restauranteurs and all who care deeply about food.   So visit when its open on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. If you like less busy then make it Thursday. Their website also offers some interesting recipes.
Take in the market on our walking and cycling tours