The sun is shining and the day is stretching before you. The city is your playground... so where can you go?
One idea is to head down to the South Bank, wending it's way beside the River Thames opposite Big Ben. The glorious collision of culture found on the South Bank is constantly in motion - featuring street artists that will really grab your attention, one of the best vintage book markets in the capital, as well as a host of tourist attractions.
Lets begin with the
London Eye. Many of you will have seen the arc of our huge ferris wheel, but have you ever set foot in one of the capsules? From the top of the wheel you can not only see nearby landmarks like the spires of Fleet Street, but those which are further away - the 360degree panorama is awesome. Especially when you look down and spy the fake crocodiles immediately below the wheel!
Right next to the Eye is
County Hall - not only home to the Mayor of London, but the
London Aquarium, with it's fantastic array of marine life. There is also an excellent amusement arcade lurking behind the McDonalds at the front of the building.
Moving further along you will find open green space perfect for a picnic, plus a selection of restaurants and cafes ideal for a quick bite to eat if you get peckish. And if you get a sudden urge for music, why not pop into the
Royal Festival Hall or the
Queen Elizabeth Hall, the latter of which is playing host to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra until July. And if you happen to be around on a Friday, check out the Friday TOnic at the QEH, which features the best in jazz and improvised musics, as well as emerging artists and other genres which may linked to events at the
South Bank Centre.
For film lovers, the
BFI Southbank is a must - as well as screenings and special events, you can visit the
Mediatheque to watch over 1,700 films for free!
Meanderers may also wish to visit the
Oxo Tower Wharf, which features a wonderful range of boutique shops, plus the top floor
gallery@oxo, which also comprises of
The Bargehouse, an exhibition space which can be used for anything from graduate fashion shows to private parties.
Any budding thespians may wish to enquire at the
National Theatre to see which wonderful shows they are currently host to. You can also join a backstage tour around the three theatres which make up the complex - see the website for details.
Lastly but not least - for anyone with a penchant for skateboards, you can find a very accomodating skate park underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Known as the under-croft, and constantly under threat from the local council, the skate park is vibrantly painted with graffiti and always home to a large number of skaters. Enjoy!
