Next month I have been lucky enough to be invited to London Wonderground – the spiegeltent, on the Southbank of the River Thames, that comes to town each summer.
It may just be the other side of the River Thames, but the feel is markedly different to that of London’s Theatreland to the north of the river. A stroll along the Southbank will take you past Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, The Royal Festival Hall and a purple cow!
With performances as varied as the venues that attract us, there really is something for everyone.
In addition to the theatres; bars, book stalls, skateboard parks and streetfood vendors, fairground rides, street performers all huddle along the bank of the river creating an almost magical neighbourhood.
And, in a moment you can turn your back on all of this and be transported away by the River Thames that gently flows through London.
The river is nowhere near as busy as it used to be, in times gone by, but, slowly but surely, visitors to London are rediscovering its charms. It is certainly a more attractive way to travel than the tube and even the most popular bus routes will not take you past so many great attractions and historical buildings.
It used to be that the Thames was a barrier: now it is just the beginning and London is coming to life along the River Thames.
Next time you are in London, make time to walk down to its banks, or across one of its famous bridges. You don’t have to cross it: but I suggest you do!
