The biggest festival of cycling in the world, Prudential RideLondon , returns this weekend from Friday (July 28) to Sunday (July 30).

More than 26,000 cyclists are expected to descend on the capital and Surrey's countryside.

There are a number of events taking place over the three days, and all are free for the public to watch and enjoy.

The routes of the long races, including the classic, 46, and the 100, follow similar routes through west London and Surrey.

The RideLondon-Surrey 100 - the festival's longest race - takes place through Westminster , many parts of west London, including Hammersmith , Chiswick and Putney , and through Kingston Upon Thames into Surrey, and then back again.

If you're looking to relax with a pint while watching the race, here are the best pubs and beer gardens along the routes.

The City Barge

Where: 27 Strand-On-The-Green, Chiswick, London, W4 3PH

With history dating back to the 1300s, this riverside pub is the perfect place to visit for a pint, good food, and to watch the cycling.

Brilliant, traditional food and a beautiful view.

The RideLondon-Surrey races will be going past Chiswick Bridge on Sunday (July 30), so look out for the riders.

The Half Moon

Where: 93 Lower Richmond Road, London, SW15 1EU

Situated near the banks of the Thames at Putney Bridge, where the race will be passing on Sunday (July 30), the pub has been entertaining punters with live music for decades.

If you're looking for a 'real' pub to enjoy a pint of quality beer on race day, then it's the place to go.

The Ram

Where: 34 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL

This lovely riverside pub serves classic, hearty food in a wide, open garden with great views of the River Thames and Kingston Bridge.

Head here for a view of the cycling and a full belly.

The Gazebo

Where: 3-5 Thames Street, Kingston, KT1 1QN

This pub also has brilliant riverside views where you can see cyclists going over Kingston Bridge.

It serves beers from one of the world's top 100 breweries, so head here to soak up all the action while enjoying a relaxing pint on the terrace or beer garden.

The Foresters

Where: 45 High Street, Hampton Wick, Kingston, KT1 4DG

This family-friendly pub is situated in the heart of Hampton Wick, a suburb near Kingston.

The RideLondon-Surrey races will be flying past Hampton Wick, and you can catch a glimpse of from the beer garden of this pub.

Serving traditional pub grub and great drinks, it's a great place to watch if the weather holds up.

The Lord Moon Of The Mall

Where: 16-18 Whitehall, Westminster, London, SW1A 2DY

The Lord Moon Of The Mall is a J. D. Wetherspoon pub, right in the heart of the action in The Strand.

The RideLondon cyclists will be whipping past this pub over the weekend for all of the separate events.

Relax with a pint and some slap-up food, and watch the action unfold right before your very eyes!

Cheyne Walk Brasserie

Where: 50 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London, SW3 5LR

This French-style brasserie does not just offer exquisite French food and a stylish setting, but the top-floor also provides a great view of the riverside at Chelsea Embankment, where the RideLondon-Surrey 100 and Classic will be riding past.

Enjoy amazing food such as snails or steak with a view of all the action on Sunday (July 30).

The Admiralty Pub

Where: 66 Trafalgar Square, St. James's, London, WC2N 5DS

Set over three floors with impressive views of Trafalgar Square, each RideLondon and RideLondon-Surrey event will ride past.

Enjoy one of the signature shortcrust pastry pies and a drink, whilst soaking up the action.

Hailed "one of the best stocked bars in central London", you can't go wrong!