With London having so much to offer for both locals and visitors, it can often feel like you'll never be able to experience the city to its fullest in just one day.
However, with the summer solstice on the 21st of June, this is your chance! So, we want to show you how to get the very best out of this amazing city on the longest day of the year.
To make the most of the 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight, what better way to get around London than by bike?
Not only is cycling around London enjoyable, with Santander Cycles it’s never been more simple and convenient.
So, sit back, relax, and discover how Santander Cycles can take you on an unforgettable trip around this city from just £2 for unlimited 30-minute journeys in a 24 hour period.
04:43AM: Watch the sunrise at St. Katharine’s Dock
With over 12,000 Santander Cycles at over 750 docking stations across London, getting yourself on two wheels couldn’t be easier.
And what better way to start the day than to watch the sunrise over the beautiful St. Katharine’s Dock?
Before you leave home, be sure to download the Santander Cycles App. This is the fastest way of hiring your next Cycle, and to checklive cycle and docking space availability.
Pack a bottle of water and enjoy this moment of calm and tranquillity as the rising sun illuminates the greatest city on Earth.
7:00AM: Enjoy breakfast by the river
After enjoying the sunrise, it’s time to hop on your bike and take a 16-minute ride to the South Bank.
You’ll see from the Santander Cycles App that the South Bank has plenty of docking stations to choose from.
At this time of day, the riverside is wonderfully tranquil, and boasts eateries to suit every budget. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to set you up for the day and take a moment to listen to the Thames rippling nearby as the rest of London starts to wake up.
9:00AM: It's time to hit the shops!
You can’t enjoy the capital city without a shopping spree!
London's iconic Oxford Street is just a 13-minute cycle from the South Bank, and with Santander Cycles readily available throughout the area (we recommend picking one up at Waterloo Station for convenience), it’s time to get on your bike.
Many brands have their flagship stores on Oxford Street, which means you can often pick up items that aren't available elsewhere. And getting to the stores early means you have the first pick.
This is where the convenience of Santander Cycles really comes into play - you won’t have to worry about where you’ve parked your bike.
Now you can take your time to browse the stores with that added peace of mind of knowing Santander Cycles has got you covered.
12:00PM: Relax in Hyde Park
At midday, it’s time to hit pause and once again escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.
The breath-taking Hyde Park - the largest of the four Royal Parks - is just eight-minutes away.
This beautiful park boasts a stunning cycle path running from Hyde Park Corner through the park and along the Serpentine Lake. Take in the incredible sights of Kensington Palace or absorb some culture at the Serpentine Gallery.
Or you can just take a load off, put your feet up and find the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.
2:00PM: Dine in Kensington
It’s time for lunch - and with all that cycling, it’s time to treat yourself to the best London has to offer.
Kensington is full of amazing places to eat, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
By now, you’ve not only fallen in love with cycling, but with Santander Cycles too. Seeing how convenient and wallet-friendly they are, they’re sure to become your go-to when it comes to getting around London.
Why not consider a Santander Cycles membership? Members get access to Santander Cycles quicker, and they can also track their activity and trip history.
3:00PM: Discover historic London
London is renowned the world over for its museums, and there truly is something for everyone.
Whether you're an animal lover who wants to check out the Natural History Museum, a history buff who fancies a stroll around the Churchill War Rooms, or an art fanatic who wants to take in the amazing sights of the Victoria and Albert Museum, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
A top tip for your museum visits - take a sketchbook. Even if you don't see yourself as much of an artist, I guarantee that you'll see something worth sketching - no matter how badly - and it will serve as a great memento of your day!
6:00PM: Dinner at Spitalfields Market
Once you've spent a few hours taking in the many museums of London - the majority of which are located within Zones 1 and 2 - you'll have probably worked up an appetite.
While Kensington is home to some of London’s best in high-end dining, a day trip in the capital wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the East End's many incredible markets.
Make use of the CS3 cycle superhighway to head back past the Royal Parks and along the river to East London. Take a stroll through Spitalfields Market, where you’ll find food from all corners of the globe. And in the highly unlikely event nothing there takes your fancy, you can walk five minutes down the street to Brick Lane, which is renowned for its South Asian cuisine.
8:00PM: Take a cable car over the Thames
After dinner, the next stop on your London day trip is one of the most spectacular spots to view the sunset over the city, make sure you've got plenty of charge left on your phone for pictures.
The Emirates Air Line is located between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks. The only urban cable car in the UK will carry you 90 metres into the air over the River Thames and provides breath-taking views right across London.
A single journey on the Cable Car costs just £4 for adults and £2 for children, and I can guarantee the spectacular views of O2 Arena, Olympic Park, Greenwich and Canary Wharf will have you smiling.
You can even take your Santander Cycle on the cable car with you at no additional charge!
9:20PM: Watch the sunset in Greenwich Park
A spectacular day needs a spectacular ending.
Once you've travelled on the cable car, there's only one place to celebrate the end of the longest day of the year - Greenwich Park.
It takes around 27 minutes to cycle from Emirates Airline to Greenwich Park, which boasts amazing views of the entire city. You’re guaranteed to be treated to a sunset to remember after you've conquered the best of what London has to offer.
London is a city that should be celebrated, especially in the sunshine, and when it comes to efficiency, convenience and fun, Santander Cycles does it all!
You can find out more about Santander Cycles here.