Gin on two wheels is a very London idea. I love the GinCycle setup for tasting gins from different eras, and I like how the stories lean into London scandals instead of just facts on a plaque. The only real drawback is that this is a 13 km ride at a moderate pace, and you have to be comfortable cycling solo.

One small detail that makes it feel like a proper experience: the guide is a big part of the fun. In a review, Edward stood out for making the gin talk land, and for keeping the pace smooth while you’re also spotting street art and gearing up for spray paint in a graffiti zone. If you want a strictly low-effort tour, this might feel more active than you expect.

Key highlights worth planning for

• GinCycle™ on wheels: tastings paired with London scandal stories
• Pashley bicycle ride through classic central sights and views
• Multiple gin tastings per person, including g&ts plus a cocktail
• Borough Market to Tate Modern stop rhythm for food-and-art balance
• Leake Street Arches graffiti moment with spray paint in a tunnel zone

Price and what you’re really paying for

At $114 per person for about 3.5 hours, this isn’t a cheap sightseeing add-on. But it’s not just “a bike tour with a drink.” You’re getting the bike included, an optional helmet, a live English guide, 3 alcoholic tasters (including 2 g&ts + 1 gin cocktail per person), plus spray paint activity for the street-art stop. You’re also covering roughly 13 km at a moderate pace, which can be harder to replicate on your own without a plan.

So I’d frame the value like this: you’re paying for guided route timing, gin education + tastings, and one hands-on creative stop. If you love gin culture and you’re the type who likes your history with a wink, the price starts to feel fair. If you’re not into alcohol tasting, you may not get full value.

The GinCycle on wheels: tastings, banter, and gin-by-era stories

The core of the tour is the GinCycle™—a rickety, Victorian-style gin parlour on wheels—paired with guided gin storytelling. The idea is simple: you pedal around London while you sip, and the guide ties what you’re drinking to the city’s social ups-and-downs. Think of it as “liquid history,” with jokes, lively commentary, and a clear focus on the connection between gin culture and the way London behaved during different periods.

What’s practical for you: tastings are built into the route, so you aren’t scrambling for a pub stop on your own schedule. You’ll get 3 tastings total: two g&ts and one gin cocktail per person. That’s a nice spread because it’s not only straight gin; you’ll taste how gin shifts depending on the build and the mix.

What’s worth considering: you’re riding in an all-weather city, and you’re also drinking. The tour is aimed at adults (18+ only), and you should plan to cycle confidently. Pace is described as moderate, but you’ll still be actively moving for most of the 3.5 hours.

Getting set up at Tally Ho Experiences and riding like a pro

The tour starts at Tally Ho Experiences, 189 Hercules Road, London, SE1 7LD. You’ll get the use of a bicycle as part of the experience, and you may choose a helmet (it’s optional). The bicycle type is a Pashley, which tends to feel steady and comfortable for city riding.

Before you roll out, make sure you can handle the requirement: all customers must be able to ride a bike solo. There’s no “learning on the tour” safety net. If you’re a little shaky on starts, turns, or balancing, it’s better to practice beforehand or consider another London format.

Also plan for the weather reality. The tour runs in all weathers, which means you’ll want layers, a rain-ready top, and something that helps you stay comfortable. The good news: the route includes frequent sightseeing moments, so even if the sky changes, you’re not just stuck watching the inside of a coach.

Southwark Bridge: kicking off the route with proper river energy

After meeting up at Tally Ho Experiences, the ride starts with Southwark Bridge on the itinerary. This is the part where the tour typically locks into a rhythm: you’re finding your line, getting comfortable with the bike, and then snapping into London views.

Why this stop works for the tour’s theme: South of the Thames is where London’s social history often feels close—markets, working life, and the kind of city change that gin culture fed into over time. Even if you aren’t hunting specific landmarks with a camera, the bridge-and-river setting helps the stories feel grounded.

Potential drawback: bridge areas can feel more exposed to wind. If you’re sensitive to that, dress for it early. Don’t wait until you’re already cold or damp.

Tower Bridge and Shad Thames: iconic sights, then grit and contrast

From there, the route takes in Tower Bridge, then heads toward Shad Thames. Together, these stops create a nice contrast: one moment you’re cycling past a globally recognized landmark; the next, you’re in an area that gives a more textured sense of London’s working past.

This matters because the gin stories aren’t meant to be polished museum history. The tour leans into the gritty side of social history and the city’s complicated relationship with gin. Stops like Tower Bridge help you see the big, dramatic London face; Shad Thames helps you feel the texture underneath it.

Small tip from a practical traveler mindset: if you’re going to take photos, do it on the safe stretches where the group can pause. Don’t hold your shot for a moment when the route is moving through tighter traffic zones.

Borough Market: where your senses can spike before the next sip

Next up is Borough Market. This is one of the best places to pair with this kind of tour because it’s food culture with a crowd and a constant flow of smells. The tour does not include snacks, so you won’t get a meal handed to you, but you’ll still feel the market energy around you.

Why it’s valuable even without food included: markets create the right context for the history theme. Gin culture historically connected to everyday life, not just special occasions. Borough Market helps you visualize that link.

What to watch: since snacks aren’t included, you’ll want to eat beforehand or plan a light snack before the tour so you don’t end up feeling “hangry” during the tastings.

Tate Modern: art stop with a theme tie-in to street creativity

The itinerary includes Tate Modern, which shifts the mood from market life to modern creativity and how London expresses itself. This is a good mid-tour anchor because it breaks up the cycling with a recognizable stop, and it also sets you up for the graffiti section later.

If you like the idea of London as a city of layers—formal institutions on one side, street creativity on the other—this stop supports that arc. Even if you don’t go inside (the tour format doesn’t spell that out), the area works as a visual breather before you head into the more hands-on street-art moment.

Possible consideration: this is still a bike tour with a set duration. Don’t plan on wandering off and spending long stretches here unless the guide’s timing gives you space.

Leake Street Arches: graffiti zone and the secret tunnel moment

One of the biggest highlights is Leake Street Arches and the chance to try graffiti in a secret tunnel-style setting. The tour includes spray paint, because the activity is not just watching. You’ll get access to supplies as part of the experience.

This is where the tour becomes more than sipping and sightseeing. It turns the stories into something physical—London’s voice in real time. If you’ve ever wished you could participate instead of just observe, this stop is the reason to book.

Practical note: spray paint can be messy, even when it’s controlled. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting marked, and keep your phone protected.

Pacing, distance, and comfort: making the ride enjoyable

The tour is 3.5 hours long and covers about 13 km at a moderate pace. That’s enough time to feel the route, see multiple major stops, and get your tastings without it turning into a full-day endurance ride.

But comfort depends on two things you can control:

• You must be able to ride solo.
• You’ll ride in all weathers, so clothing and footwear matter.

Also, alcohol is included. Even with guided pacing, take it slow and stay aware of your own coordination. The tour is designed for a fun adult group, but your comfort is still on you.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This Gin Safari is best for you if:

• You enjoy gin tastings and want the stories behind them, not just the taste.
• You’re comfortable riding a bike in city conditions for about 13 km.
• You like quirky London elements: bridges, markets, street art, and scandal-style storytelling.
• You want a guided route that strings together iconic sights and more local corners.

It may not fit as well if:

• You’re looking for a purely sightseeing-only day with no cycling demands.
• You’re not comfortable riding a bike solo.
• You don’t want alcohol as part of your activity (and remember: it’s 18+ only).

The guide makes it: Edward’s role in making the stories land

One review singled out Edward and praised his knowledge and how smoothly the experience came together. That matches what this format needs: you’re juggling riding, tastings, and multiple stops, so the guide has to keep the timing tight and make the gin-and-scandal theme feel coherent.

In other words, the tour isn’t only about drinking. It’s about how the guide turns gin into a thread linking the city’s past and present. If you’re booking for the storytelling, pick a tour date where you’ll be fully present and ready to listen.

Should you book Gin Safari?

I’d book it if you want a London tour that feels different from the usual “walk-and-wait” routine. The mix of cycling + tastings + street art participation is a rare combo, and the included drinks are specific enough to feel like real value: 2 g&ts + 1 gin cocktail plus another tasting component, all guided and timed.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to bike riding effort, if you don’t like alcohol tasting, or if you want a relaxed stroll. This is for people who like movement, banter, and a little London mischief.

FAQ

How long is the Gin Safari?

It lasts about 3.5 hours.

Where does the tour meet?

Tours meet at 189 Hercules Road, London, SE1 7LD (Tally Ho Experiences).

How far do you cycle?

The tour is 13 km at a moderate pace.

Is a helmet provided?

You get the use of a bicycle, and helmet (optional) is available.

Do you need to be able to ride a bike solo?

Yes. All customers must be able to ride a bike solo.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. All riders must be 18+.

Do you ride in bad weather?

Yes. We ride in all weathers.

What alcohol is included?

You get 3 tasters: 2 g&ts + 1 gin cocktail per person.

Is spray paint included for the graffiti stop?

Yes. Spray paint is included, and you visit a graffiti zone.

What’s included besides the tour and tastings?

Besides the ride and guidance, you also get use of the bicycle and spray paint. Snacks are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve now & pay later.