London cycle hire -rent a bike in London's Royal Borough of Greenwich
How to book your cycle:
Please email: derek@flightcentregreenwich.co.uk (best for enquiries outside a few days from rental)For enquiries within a few days of rental a text to our mobile is better 07403 612572, but you can also email us too. You may also call our mobile, but no voice mail messages can be acknowledged if we miss your call.
***CLOSING DATES: We expect to be open for Easter, but please book your days/times in advance by mobile text thanks! Prior to Easter by arrangement only, and weather permitting.
Cycling - by far the easiest and most pleasant way to see the historical buildings, streets, parks and riverside -surroundings which make Greenwich quite unique (some may say a little quirky) among London's multitude of tourist attractions.
Greenwich Cycle Hire- the first and only bicycle hire shop in Greenwich & Blackheath. No.1 on the top ten list of things to do visiting London! Explore beautiful Greenwich without the traffic, its a true pleasure.
AND 3 NEW REASONS TO VISIT !
1: Greenwich has been recognised by the readers and writers of the world renowned 'Frommers Guide' as being one of the top ten destinations in the WORLD to visit. A visit to their site will explain why, but better still- come and see for yourselves!
2: In 2012 we became a 'Royal Borough', a great honour bestowed upon us by Her Majesty The Queen during her Diamond Jubilee year, in recognition of our Maritime Heritage and historical Royal connections.
3: 'The Olympics' came to town in the summer of 2012, with Greenwich playing a major role, hosting several events including Equestrian cross country and dressage in the park (only 5 mins walk from our office), Basketball in the amazing O2 arena just a ten minute cycle along the riverside paths, and Shooting in the purpose built venue at Woolwich military barracks. See the venues you saw screened worldwide for this spectacular occasion. And of course you could easily cycle across to the main Olympic Park in Stratford East London for a great day out.
Bicycle hire charges:
Based at the 'Flightcentre', Greenwich's oldest established travel agency, Greenwich Cycle Hire offer rental MTB and Hybrid Ladies and Gents cycles hourly for £5 per hour with a minimum charge of 2 hours, with reduced rates for half day (four hours) daily, weekend and weekly hire and children/families. For full prices and contact details, skip to bottom of page.
Cycling in London is an inexpensive, fun activity involving exercise as gentle or as strenuous as you wish. Perfect for families, couples, singles or groups of friends; cycling around Greenwich and Blackheath is the most fun you can have in London! An entertaining leisure activity which can be both healthy and relaxing at the same time. Our bikes are cleaned, checked and maintained for comfort and safety. With rental charges of £5 per hour, you'll not find a better value activity in London. Enjoy spectacular views, fascinating history, endless dining and drinking venues and some of the freshest least polluted air in the city.
Hiring a bike in London is great fun for visiting tourists. London bicycle hire from Greenwich has easy access from central London by riverboat to Greenwich Pier, bus connections London wide virtually to our door, and several rail options both above and below ground- National rail at both Maze Hill & Greenwich stations, DLR at Cutty Sark Gardens, Underground at North Greenwich (Jubilee line). Parking is free for up to two hours, but at peak times roads to and from Greenwich can be busy so choose a different option if you can to help cut our cities pollution! So whether you're here just for the day or staying over in one of our great value hotels in Blackheath (such as the Clarendon) and Greenwich (such as the Novotel or the Ibis), choose Greenwich Cycle Hire to add that extra ingredient to your holiday -it's proven to be one of the most healthy forms of exercise too, so you could lose those extra pounds your holiday here has probably put on!
The Sir Christopher Wren designed University buildings- one of many great photo opportunities! - and look! -no crowds -eat your heart out central London!
Looking to buy or rent a property here? If you're checking out the nicest streets in this increasingly affluent, sought after part of South London-bike hire is far and away the best way to enjoy it. That's how you'll get the best feel for Greenwich and Blackheath. For properties in SE10 and SE3 may we recommend contacting a long established local business and a personal friend of ours- Comber & Co.
Ideas from our cycling clients
Our cycle clients range from the experienced to the complete novice, so don't worry if you haven't ridden a bike for years, we'll offer expert advice. Visitors come both from the local area- such as Eltham, Lee and Greenwich in South East London, across the Thames in Docklands and Canary Wharf, and from around the U.K and overseas. Recent clients include two from Saudi Arabia (who thought the Thames to be 'smelly'), two from Michigan USA (who had 'a reeeal fun-day'!) and a family from Germany more used to mountain biking through the Alps (who had a 'really good work out'). Here's a few good reasons people had for hiring a bike:
'We were thinking of commuting by bike from Eltham to London and wanted to try it out and try different routes.'
'This was perfect for something to do on a rainy day in Greenwich and London.'
'We need a bike for a charity bike ride and didn't want the cost of buying one.'
'We're taking a drive out to the coast and there are some great cycle routes along there.'
'My bike is in for repair and I need a bike for a few days to get to/from work.' (By the way we can help with bike repairs and routine maintenance cheaply in Greenwich too).
'We wanted to cycle around Greenwich and Blackheath as its so green compared to where we live in Docklands, but the Docklands Light Railway doesn't allow travel with bikes. Renting from Greenwich Cycle Hire was the answer.'
'I wanted to tour the proposed sites for the London Olympics in Greenwich, and renting a bike seemed the cheapest,quickest and most fun way to do it'.
'We are an advertising agency and needed a bmx bike for a photo shoot in london.'
'Our film company often need bicycles for props and background activity- it makes sense to rent them as and when we need them.'
'I'm having a bike custom built for me to tackle a charity bike ride across China, and i felt i should put in some training beforehand since i havn't ridden a bike for years- since i was a kid in fact! Renting a cycle was the answer.'
'We're a large marketing company handling a local half-marathon and need bikes for our marshalls and stewards to reach their stations around the course'.
'My daughter is 10 but can't ride a bike yet, so i need advice and a safe place to teach her. Greenwich park seemed the ideal location and we could try different sizes before buying'.
Greenwich and Blackheath Sightseeing
Greenwich enjoys a great atmosphere fostered by markets, pubs, clubs and restaurants. A comedy club in Creek road called 'Up The Creek' and of course enough history to satisfy the most enthusiastic historian.
Guided tours led by one of our staff, requiring a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10. Priced at £15 per person this will include a tour of the major sights lasting around 2 hours, with stops for photos and refreshments (food/drink not incl.) For a private, custom made tour led by our staff to see the sights you have a particular interest in, prices will vary according to the length of tour and number of cyclists. All tours will need to be prebooked and late booking is not advisable in high season. Prices include all equipment rental for the duration of the tour.
The O2 Building (the 'Dome') and world famous Greenwich Park
-both major settings for the 2012 Olympics, these are 'must see' attractions for any visitor on a bike. The O2 re-opened in July 2007 as London's major entertainment and sporting venue, having been totally refitted following the Millennium celebrations for which the Dome had become infamous! It is a truly spectacular iconic structure housing major exhibitions such as Tutankhamun, world sporting events such as the World Gymnastics championships in 2009 and the 2012 Olympics Gymnastics and Basketball events, and concerts featuring the worlds top artists such as Madonna, Mick Jagger and even Led Zep! In 2014 the Monty Python team finished their farewell spectaculars here too.
Greenwich Park is the oldest of London's royal parks, being the first to be enclosed in 1433! On the site of the Royal Naval College was Greenwich Palace, home to the Tudor Monarchs, and Henry the Eighth himself hunted deer here in what was effectively his back garden! Indeed deer have been here since the 15th C and there is still a small herd of fallow and red deer, to be seen in an enclosure within the beautiful flower gardens at the top of the park.
Quite appropriate then that the park should prove host to that most ancient of sporting events- the Olympics. In 2012 the park was transformed into the venue for the equestrian events and the modern pentathlon. A most wonderful setting for a spectacular period in the parks history.
Cycling up from the bottom gates you'll pass the children's boating lake where boats and canoes may be hired, adjacent to which is an impressive playground. Heading up towards the Royal Observatory and Planetarium you'll experience the superb views over London and the Thames, where at high tide large sea-going vessels can be seen going up to the Pool of London.
The top half of the park levels off before exiting to Blackheath and here you'll find the flower gardens and lake. There's a large cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating and in summer on Sunday afternoons brass bands play on the bandstand. You may also catch a cricket match or watch some tennis or even lawn bowls(just outside on Blackheath near the Rangers House). A whole programme of events runs throughout the summer and it's worthwhile contacting the tourist office for details of what's happening when you visit.
To sum up, where else can you sit in the 'back garden' of a Kings Palace with a foot in each hemisphere setting your watch to world time and watch a thousand years of history before you?
Blackheath
Cycle out through the main top park gates, pass the donkey rides which have pleased children here for generations in the summer months (I remember them as a child and am now in my 50's!) and you're on Blackheath- an expanse of open space on one of the highest points in London, with even the air smelling fresher! Cut across the busy A2 road at the crossing (even busier since the lorry ban through Greenwich) and enjoy some pleasurable cycling across Blackheath. Watch the multitude of kites fly at weekends, catch a football match or simply relax and watch the wildfowl by one of the three ponds. Across the far side of the heath you'll enter Blackheath Village, an antidote to 'mall' shopping with its many traditional quaint shops, restaurants and pubs
A Maritime Past
Greenwich is a bustling town, especially at weekends, and is steeped in history. But what has really contributed to it becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 is its maritime links, with many striking examples of its maritime past.
The award winning National Maritime Museum is set in delightful grounds at the bottom of Greenwich Park, and adjoins the historic Queens House with its strong links to the British Monarchy over centuries. The Queens House is said to be the model used for the White House in Washington DC USA, home of US Presidents.
Dismount and walk a little through the magnificent historical buildings of Greenwich University (previously the Royal Naval College, when it was not open as a public thoroughfare). Stop to admire the wonderful backdrop across their lawns with the River Thames beyond and Canary Wharf towers in the background- a view to savour.
See the Cutty Sark tea clipper which has recently undergone a multi-million pound restoration and has now re-opened within a spectacular new glass enclosed setting.
A 'must visit' since 2010 is the brand new Discovery Centre and Tourist Office, another grand development portraying Greenwich's historical importance, with plenty of 'hands-on' exhibits for the young and young at heart. This has been awarded the title of 'best tourist information centre in London'.
Marvel at the world famous links to the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, where East meets West. The line runs through the courtyard of the 17thC Royal Observatory and indicates the spot from which Greenwich Mean Time is calculated. The Meridian line divides the hemispheres and marks longitude zero- people travel from all over the globe to stand on this point!
The Trafalgar rowing centre marks a long history of rowing at Greenwich and is currently home to the Curlew Club.
The quaint and the star struck!
Browse the little shops and stalls of the famous Greenwich Arts and Crafts market whilst making a lunch stop at one of the superb pubs in the covered market square. In stark contrast then visit one of our latest attractions- the new multi-million pound Planetarium at the world famous Royal Observatory set at the top of Greenwich Park (opened May 2007).
The old and the new
Take a leisurely ride along the banks of the Thames-the most famous river in the world! You could even cross under the Thames through the Victorian foot tunnel and head across to see Canary Wharf, new home to many of the greatest financial institutions and now more important than even Wall Street! There's also some great canal side rides to try over this side of the river going from Limehouse basin- an ideal half days outing. Our free cycle maps from 'Transport For London' will guide you to the best cycling in the area. And all without having to endure those endless traffic jams so common in London, and, unlike walking, letting you skip the boring bits with ease to spend more time in the best bits!
Forthcoming and regular events
As a major tourist destination attracting more and more visitors annually, the facilities and events continue to improve and expand rapidly. We suggest visiting the website of the Greenwich Tourist Office for full up to date information, but here are a selection of major happenings locally of interest to cyclists:
Annually each spring on a Sunday we are host to the world famous The London Marathon run, when thousands of competitors and spectators converge on the area to partake in or witness this spectacular event. Starting in Greenwich Park it runs through the whole area before passing over the Thames towards central London. It's a sight to see and hiring a bike avoids the problems of road closures which are from early morning until late afternoon.
The Tour de France cycle road race had its first stage through Greenwich for the first time ever in July 2007- blink and you missed them as they moved at a breathtaking speed along the empty Trafalgar road- you'd never catch them on our mountain bikes!
The carnival parade passed around 9.00a.m and the cyclists around 11.00a.m, after which Greenwich centre hosted an amazing day of events for all the family -'French style'! Road closures began at 6.00a.m so renting a bike from the day before meant you could escape the jams.
October 2008 saw Londons first Half-Marathon run, the SONY 'Run to the Beat', starting from the O2 Dome, adding to the importance of Greenwich as a world leading centre for distance road running.
Greenwich centre traffic free day- held late September or early October- an annual event not to be missed, with fun for all the family and ideally suited to bike hire. Check the Greenwich tourist office website for full details of all forthcoming events.
The Prudential Ride London Free Cycle Ride, (www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk), is now on a Saturday (28th July in 2018), where you can enjoy the marvel of streets throughout central London closed to vehicle traffic.
This annual event enables thousands of cyclists every year to see the wonders of London's sights by bike without the fear, noise and pollution of road traffic. See their website for full details of a whole weekend devoted to cycling for both novices, experienced road cyclists and top professionals. Rent a bike from us for the Prudential Ride London, and cycle along the riverside from Greenwich to Tower Bridge which marks the start of the traffic free route. Charges for this days hire are a fixed rate of £30/bike inclusive of helmets, with a reduction of £5 per bike for rentals of 3 or more.
Greenwich Traffic Free Day scenes, street parade & cyclist sculpture
Cycling further afield
Thames Path and Greenwich Peninsula -Westwards towards London an easy 60-90 minute ride to Tower Bridge along the River Thames, or further to Westminster. Take a coffee break at the community farm on the riverside (yes-farm! and they do decent cappuccino!) or wander the Brunel museum, on the site of Brunel's very first (and the worlds first) tunnel under a river. Eastwards around the site of the O2 building and location for 2012 Olympic events, the ecology park, the Thames flood barrier and onwards towards the estuary for 12 miles to Erith.
Cross the river underneath via the Greenwich foot tunnel and cycle along the canals of east London towards the Olympic village at Stratford.
Several great rides in the county of Kent, both coastal and through charming villages in the 'Garden of England'. There's even a converted railway line from Canterbury to Whitstable which formed the first ever steam passenger railway line in the world, designed by the great George Stephenson. See the Kent county website for details and a brochure.
Local residents- Get fit!
Renting a bike is also ideal for local residents who fancy the occasional exercise, or want to get to know their local environment better or just feel like some fun at the weekend. You'll also be helping protect the environment by cutting pollution from cars/taxi's/buses. So if you have nowhere to store bikes, or don't have the cash to buy them at the moment, or would like to try cycling before you buy...call us now. We'd also like to hear from you should you have any good quality bikes for sale, as we are continually updating and upgrading our 'fleet' of bicycles for hire.
Cycle hire prices in London
Prices for Gents and Ladies mountain bikes start from £10 for two hours, £17.50 for a half day (4 hours), £25 for a full day or £40 the whole weekend. There's 50% discounts on childrens bikes (20inch wheel, for age up to approx 11) and discounts for longer periods on request. We also offer group discounts. A non-refundable deposit of £10 per bike is taken when booking. A security deposit is required of course, payable on receipt of the bikes and refundable on the safe return of all equipment undamaged. Credit/Debit cards may be used as a guarantee for the deposit, but we prefer cash or cheque for the rental charges.
Accessories 
We now provide helmets free inclusive with the rental and it is a condition of hire that every hirer wear a cycle helmet for their own safety. Locks(£2/hire) reflective straps, cycle clips, puncture repair kits, and lights as required all for nominal rental charges. Maps and suggested cycle routes can be provided, and the award winning Greenwich 'Discovery Centre' Tourist Office (by the Cutty Sark) can provide free cycle maps of all London routes.
Please text, call or email a day or two in advance to check our opening times/days, which are variable as we are a small family business (and weather dependent!).
During the winter months November-March our bikes are in storage but we can still provide them Monday-Friday and occasional 'nice week-ends' so please contact us to check opening times during this period.
To book, or for more details please contact us on.....
mobile: 07403 612572 (text only please)
Email : derek@flightcentregreenwich.co.uk
Tel office: Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00:
020 8858 6677
(Sats/Suns-times variable, and winter by appointment only and weather permitting)
The Flightcentre, 95 Old Woolwich Road, SE10 9PP (junction with Hadrian Street.)
Where are we?