London, a city celebrated for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, is best explored at a leisurely pace. While the Tube efficiently whisks you beneath the bustling streets, and buses offer a scenic overview, there’s a unique charm to discovering London on two wheels. For those seeking an unconventional and invigorating way to experience the city, a bike trip offers unparalleled freedom and a chance to uncover hidden gems often missed by conventional tours. If you’re a fragrance enthusiast, combine your love for cycling with an olfactory adventure, exploring London’s exquisite perfumeries on a delightful bike tour.
Inspired by a charmingly eccentric perfume aficionado, Vanessa Musson, and her “bonkers bike ride” through London’s perfume boutiques, we’ve crafted an enhanced guide to experiencing London through a unique lens – cycling between some of the city’s most alluring fragrance destinations. This isn’t just about perfumes; it’s about embracing the city’s rhythm, discovering its tucked-away corners, and enjoying a healthy, eco-friendly way to travel.
Why Choose a Bike Trip in London?
London, despite its bustling reputation, is surprisingly bike-friendly, especially in its central areas. Opting for a bike trip offers numerous advantages:
- Cost-Effective Exploration: Avoid expensive Tube fares and bus tickets. London’s Santander Cycles (formerly Boris Bikes) provide an affordable way to navigate the city. For a small daily charge, you gain access to a network of bikes, perfect for short hops between locations.
- See More, Experience More: Cycling allows you to veer off the main tourist paths and stumble upon hidden squares, charming side streets, and local life unfolding at its own pace. You’ll notice architectural details, vibrant street art, and the subtle shifts in neighborhood character as you pedal through different areas.
- Health and Wellbeing: Combine sightseeing with exercise! Cycling is a fantastic way to stay active while exploring. Feel the London air on your face and invigorate your senses as you move through the city.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: Reduce your carbon footprint and explore London in a sustainable way. Cycling is a green and guilt-free mode of transport.
- Flexibility and Freedom: Stop whenever you want, change your route on a whim, and explore at your own pace. Bike trips offer a sense of spontaneity and adventure that’s hard to match with other forms of transport.
Crafting Your Perfume Bike Trip in London
Our suggested route, inspired by Vanessa’s original adventure, focuses on Central London, an area rich in both fragrance boutiques and cycling infrastructure. While the original journey was a speedy “trolley dash,” we recommend savoring each stop, allowing ample time to explore each perfumery and the surrounding areas.
Getting Started: Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes)
London’s public bike hire scheme, Santander Cycles, is ideal for this adventure. Here’s what you need to know:
- Accessibility: Docking stations are遍布 throughout Central London and beyond, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes.
- Cost: Pay a small access fee for 24-hour bike access. The first 30 minutes of each ride are free. Perfect for hopping between locations on our route. For longer stretches or leisurely exploration, factor in the modest charges for rides exceeding 30 minutes.
- Ease of Use: Simply use a credit or debit card at the docking station to release a bike. Return it to any docking station when you’re done.
- Navigation: Download the Santander Cycles app or use the TfL (Transport for London) website to locate docking stations and plan your route. Google Maps cycling directions are also very helpful.
The Perfume Bike Trip Route: A Fragrant Journey
Starting Point: Euston Station
Euston is a major transport hub, making it an easily accessible starting point.
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Euston to Soho Square (Approx. 15-20 minutes cycling)
- Route: Euston – Endersleigh Square – Gordon Place – Bedford Square – Bailey Street – Percy St – Rathbone Place – Tottenham Court Road – Soho Square.
- This initial leg takes you through Bloomsbury and into the vibrant Soho district. Bedford Square, with its Georgian architecture, is a highlight. Soho Square offers a green oasis for a brief pause.
- Bike Change: Dock your bike at the Soho Square station.
Bike docking station in Soho Square, London, showcasing the Santander Cycles scheme, ideal for navigating the city on two wheels.
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Soho Square to Carnaby Street (Approx. 10 minutes cycling or short walk)
- Route: Soho Square – Old Compton St – Berwick Street – Broadwick Street – Carnaby Street.
- Cycle through the heart of Soho, known for its energetic atmosphere and diverse shops. Berwick Street Market (if open during your trip) is worth a glance.
- Explore Carnaby Street: Park your bike and wander through Carnaby Street, a pedestrianized shopping street famous for its fashion boutiques and historical significance in the 1960s.
- Kingly Court Pitstop: Just off Carnaby Street, find Kingly Court, a hidden courtyard with cafes and shops – perfect for a refreshment break.
Patriotic window display in a ribbons shop in Marylebone Lane, London, adorned with Union Jack colors, reflecting the city's celebratory spirit.
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Carnaby Street to Miller Harris, Mayfair (Approx. 15 minutes cycling)
- Route: Great Marlborough Street – Maddox Street – New Bond Street – Bruton Street.
- Cycle towards Mayfair, passing through Regent Street and entering the luxurious Bond Street area, famed for high-end boutiques.
- Miller Harris (21 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QD): Dock your bike near Bruton Street.
- Why Visit: Miller Harris offers a wide range of sophisticated perfumes, body care, candles, and teas. Their in-store tea room provides a unique and immersive fragrance experience.
- Savor the Scents: Take your time to explore their collections, known for their natural and botanical focus.
Exterior of the Miller Harris boutique in London, highlighting its refined storefront and inviting tea room, a destination for perfume and tea enthusiasts.
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Miller Harris to Ormonde Jayne, Old Bond Street (Approx. 10 minutes walking)
- Route: Bruton Street – Berkeley Square – Hay Hill – Dover Street – Stafford Street – Old Bond Street.
- Enjoy a short walk through Mayfair’s elegant streets. Berkeley Square is a notable landmark. Dover Street Market (optional stop for fashion lovers) is on route.
- Ormonde Jayne (12 The Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4SL): Located in the Royal Arcade, an architecturally beautiful Victorian arcade.
- Why Visit: Ormonde Jayne presents a curated collection of exquisite perfumes, bath oils, and candles, known for their quality and sophisticated compositions.
- Indulge in Luxury: Explore their range and perhaps enjoy a complimentary chocolate.
Exterior of the Ormonde Jayne boutique in London, showcasing its elegant facade and location within the Royal Arcade, a destination for niche perfumes.
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Ormonde Jayne to Penhaligon’s, Brook Street (Approx. 10 minutes walking)
- Route: Old Bond Street – New Bond Street – Brook Street.
- Continue along Bond Street, admiring the window displays of luxury brands.
- Penhaligon’s (20A Brook St, London W1K 5DE):
- Why Visit: Penhaligon’s is a classic British perfume house with a heritage dating back to the Victorian era. Discover their traditional yet contemporary fragrances and beautiful packaging.
- British Heritage: Immerse yourself in the brand’s history and explore iconic scents like Juniper Sling.
- Optional Jo Malone Stop: Directly opposite Penhaligon’s. Jo Malone, another popular British fragrance brand, is worth a quick visit. Note the Jimi Hendrix plaque on the building – a quirky London detail.
A collage of images from London: Penhaligon's boutique showcasing its traditional British charm, Jo Malone store with a Jimi Hendrix plaque, and a shop selling jams and condiments, capturing the diverse retail landscape of London.
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Penhaligon’s to Le Labo, Marylebone (Approx. 20-25 minutes cycling)
- Route: Brook Street – South Molton Street – Oxford Street – St Christopher’s Place – Marylebone Lane – George Street – Marylebone High Street – Devonshire Street.
- Cycle across Oxford Street (be mindful of traffic), and into the calmer St Christopher’s Place, another pedestrianized area with cafes and shops. Explore the charming streets of Marylebone, noting the eclectic mix of independent boutiques.
- Le Labo (28A Devonshire Street, London W1G 6PS): Dock your final bike near Devonshire Street.
- Why Visit: Le Labo offers a modern, apothecary-style fragrance experience with minimalist aesthetics. Their London City Exclusive, Poivre 23, is a must-try, available only in London.
- Exclusive Scents: Sample Poivre 23 and admire the sleek interior of the boutique.
Interior of the Le Labo boutique in London, featuring its minimalist design, metal fixtures, and apothecary-style presentation, highlighting the brand's modern and clinical aesthetic.
Ending Point: Euston Station (Return Cycling)
- Route: Devonshire St – Great Portland St – Clipstone Street – Marple Street – Tottenham Court Road – Euston Road – Euston Station.
- Cycle back to Euston Station to conclude your fragrant bike adventure.
Practical Tips for Your London Bike Trip
- Safety First: London traffic can be busy. Wear bright clothing, be aware of your surroundings, and use cycle lanes where available. Consider wearing a helmet for added safety.
- Navigation: Plan your route in advance using Google Maps or a cycling app. Familiarize yourself with the route before setting off.
- Pace Yourself: Don’t rush! Allow ample time to enjoy each perfumery and the journey itself. Factor in breaks for refreshments and browsing.
- Check Bike Availability: Especially during peak times, use the Santander Cycles app to check bike availability at docking stations before you arrive.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for cycling.
- Bring Water: Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
- Be Prepared for Weather: London weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and bring layers or rain gear if needed.
- Alternative Transport: Note the nearest Tube stations to each perfumery (mentioned in the original article) as a backup or for those who prefer a less strenuous option for parts of the journey.
Beyond the Route: Expanding Your Perfume Exploration
For those with more time or different preferences, consider incorporating these additional fragrance destinations:
- Liberty London: (Great Marlborough Street) – A department store with a renowned beauty hall featuring a wide selection of niche and designer fragrances.
- Selfridges: (Oxford Street) – Another iconic department store with an extensive perfume department, offering both mainstream and niche brands.
- Les Senteurs: (2 Seymour Place) – A dedicated niche perfumery, offering a curated selection of unique and hard-to-find fragrances.
Conclusion: Pedal and Perfume Your Way Through London
A bike trip through London’s perfumeries is more than just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that combines the joy of cycling with the delight of discovering exquisite fragrances. It’s a unique way to see the city, engage your senses, and create lasting memories. So, “get on your bike” and embark on your own London perfume adventure!
