How to keep both body and mind fit

Keep warm as well as cultured by riding a Santander cycle to capital events this autumn. Says Rhodri Jones.

17 June 2016

The summer may be fading fast – you may be wondering if it even began – but that doesn’t mean the cycling season has to finish. With more than 11,000 Santander Cycles on the streets of London 365 days a year, saddle up to sample the delights the capital has to offer in the run-up to Christmas. From festivals and exhibitions to stunning sights and festive lights, there are a host of exciting events that are easily accessible on two wheels.

Get a taste of the rich heritage of London in Merge Bankside, a month-long festival celebrating art, music and performance through a series of engaging shows and exhibitions from both established and emerging talent. Use the docking station on New Globe Walk, behind Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, for easy access to the free events at the culture-filled extravaganza, which runs until 18 October.

If you love food, the London Restaurant Festival incorporates foodie events and special tastings at restaurants throughout the capital during October. From one-off experiences with the world’s top chefs to gourmet tours and special menus at neighbourhood bistros, there are activities and ingredients for every palette. Dock your bike at the Frith Street terminal in Soho for the Chinatown restaurant tour, or use the points on Golden Square to sample the morsels on Carnaby Street.

Inspired by the Rugby World Cup but can’t get tickets? Then make your way to the Copper Box Arena for the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge. Dock your Santander Cycle at Cadogan Close, Victoria Park, and walk to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to cheer on the European champions Great Britain, along with the world’s best teams in the affectionately nicknamed, but brutal, game of “murderball”, from 12-16 October.

You can’t fail to take note of the EFG London Jazz festival, at venues around the capital from 13-22 November. With highlights including James Farm at Cadogan Hall and acoustic bass-master Dave Holland at Wigmore Hall, the proximity of docking stations at Sedding Street and Chapel Place respectively will be music to your ears.

Before heading out on your Christmas shopping, marvel at the festive lights along Oxford Street and Regent Street before docking at Little Argyll Street, Oxford Circus, at the heart of the West End. And no Christmas would be complete without a trip to the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (use the docking station at Hyde Park Corner). And on the actual day, when public transport is limited, Santander Cycles are reliably available – just take care bicycling if we’re lucky enough to have a white Christmas.

Hiring a Santander Cycle has never been easier. To skip past the terminal and go straight to the docking point, download the official app to find a bike and get your unique release code. Don’t have a smart phone? Then you can use your bank card directly at any of the 700 docking stations across the capital. With as many 30-minute rides as you want for just £2 a day, there’s no better way to sample everything the festive season has to offer.

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How to keep both body and mind fit

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