London to Brighton Bike Ride 2026

The iconic London to Brighton Bike Ride 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, June 21st, coinciding with Father's Day weekend. This massive cycling event is primarily organized by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), serving as a crucial fundraiser for research into heart and circulatory diseases. The classic route is the famous 54-mile journey, starting in Clapham Common, South London, and concluding right here on the Brighton Seafront at Madeira Drive. It holds the distinction of being one of Europe's oldest charity rides, and the atmosphere when thousands of cyclists roll into the city is always fantastic.

If the full 54 miles, which includes the challenging ascent of Ditchling Beacon, sounds like too much, the BHF has introduced a new, shorter option this year: a 20.5-mile ride. This route starts halfway at Ardingly Showground and is specifically designed for beginners, families, or younger participants. Regarding entry, costs vary based on your fundraising commitment. A Standard Entry for the 54-mile route is £65, and while there is no minimum target, you are encouraged to raise what you can. Alternatively, the Charity Entry is cheaper (£35–£40) but requires a commitment to raise at least £350 for the BHF or one of its partner charities, such as Mind or Children with Cancer UK. The shorter 20.5-mile ride costs £30. Note that the minimum age for the full 54 miles is 17, or 14–18 if accompanied by an adult.

Logistically, the event is highly organized. Riders on the 54-mile route have staggered starts every 30 minutes between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., while the shorter route starts between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Along the way, there are five rest stops (two for the short route) providing food, mechanics, medical assistance, and support from 'Ride Rangers'. A critical piece of information for planning your day is the transport situation: Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express trains prohibit carrying bikes on the day of the event for safety reasons. If you need to get back to London or Ardingly, you must book the BHF’s bus and bike trailer service, which incurs an additional cost (around £45–£70). They also offer a baggage transfer service for £8 if you are doing the full 54 miles, ensuring your gear is waiting for you at the finish line. Remember that wearing a helmet is mandatory for all participants.