The best from the best: featuring many must-sees in one subTOUR. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the British capital before cycling across River Thames.
Scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Cross lush green parks to reach iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café.
Immerse into the districts of Belgravia and Chelsea. Discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is next on your list. Telling music tales from the 60s until today.
For a deeper look into the history of the Punk movement in London, watch London's burning, a German documentary with Die Toten Hosen lead singer Campino.
Always a great choice for a guided tour to learn about the local music history is joining the guys from
London Rock Tours or Swinging 60s. They will take you to the most important spots beyond the obvious ones and tell you legendary stories from the past.
London Eye (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
What better place to start a long London subTOUR than at London Eye, large observation wheel on the bank of the River Thames and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
When in 135 metres height, enjoy the spectacular views upon the British capital.
Afterwards, take your bike into the western direction by crossing the Thames first. Some of the major sightseeing spots are condensed around here.
Sights tips: whether it's iconic Big Ben with Houses of Parliament, or marvellous Westminster Abbey, or important 10 Downing Street - take your time to discover these spots that are key to British heritage and culture.
Buckingham Palace (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Some pedalling further, and another major spot on top of the bucket list: since its erection back in 1837, world-famous and iconic landmark Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the British sovereigns. Still today, it is the administrative headquarters of the current Monarch.
Cross the adjacent Green Park on bike to reach nearby Hard Rock Hotel at the entrance to Hyde Park. A true haven for music lovers paying tribute to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Buddy Holly with an incredible memorabilia collection and original artwork in every bedroom. A true London hot spot.
Also offering two lively bars and famous Hard Rock Café.
Where Brian Epstein died (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Further south lies noble Belgravia district. 24 Chapel Street is the place where Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, died at the age of just 32.
He reportedly had taken an accidental overdose of sleeping pills.
Many memorable parties were held in this elegant Belgravia home, including the release party for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on 19 May, 1967.
Eaton Square (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Eaton Square is an truly upper-class residential garden square in posh Belgravia.
This is also where Pete Townshend from The Who or Barry Gibb from Bee Gees lived. Just to name a few.
Chelsea Drugstore, London (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Follow the road southwestbound, passing elegant Sloane Square, until you reach King's Road in Chelsea.
Number 49 is the location of the Chelsea drugstore you may know from the lyrics of The Rolling Stones’ song You Can’t Always Get What You Want. The drugstore opened in 1968 with more than just a typical drugstore, as this three storey one also had a bar as well as several newsstands.
The location is now used in a different manner.
Pheasantry (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Continue pedalling until number 152.
The Pheasantry was home to a number of important figures in the 60s such as Eric Clapton.
In the 70s, it was a small music venue and night club where numerous bands played their first gigs before becoming famous. Among them, Queen, Lou Reed, or Thin Lizzy.
The original buildings from the 18th century have mostly been demolished. The location got its name from a business man who developed new breeds of oriental pheasants.
Cheyne Walk (Google Streetview)
In the very heart of Chelsea, at the bank of the River Thames lies Cheyne Walk. This is probably one of the most iconic residential streets in the world.
Numerous famous names lived here during the past centuries, from writers to musicians and various other artists.
Both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as well as Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones purchased properties here and partly also lived in here.
World's End, London (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
This legendary place is synonymous with London's Punk Rock movement. In the early 70s, this store was called Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die and specialised in clothing. In 1974, it was rebranded with the name Sex and was run by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood. Since the late 80s, the shop re-opened under today's name World's End with a large clock on the outside which spins backwards.
Many people related with the Punk scene worked at the shop in one way or another. Notable employees were Chrissie Hynde and Sid Vicious with the shop also having been a meeting place for the Sex Pistols.
Edith Grove (Google Streetview)
We end the subTOUR at 102, Edith Grove. This was The Rolling Stones' first London home. Reportedly, it was a pretty stinky, disgusting place with empty bottles and dirty clothing all over the place. But Edith Grove was very formative and important in the band members' relationships, listening to music and sharing experiences and just living generally.
Mick Jagger lived there with Keith Richards and early member Brian Jones between 1962 and 1963. Bill Wyman & Charlie Watts often stayed over.
Enjoy the neighbourhood before heading back on bike.
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
