WALK ON IN 2008

The George Coaching Inn in Southwark - the last one to be seen in London

It's nearly all over for 2007- and my LONDON CITY walks came to an end in Southwark. Now if you think this is not the most interesting or fascinating part of the capital - then think again! Southwark has mystery and murder, prisons and prostitutes, beer and bear-baiting. And if that isn't enough then just flick through the pages of Charles Dickens' Little Dorritt.

LONDON offers so much more than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St.Paul's Cathedral. Of course they are on the list of every visitor - but it's away from the main tourist attractions that you find London's true character and history.

SOUTHWARK is a good example; the Hop Exchange, the Red Cross Garden, the narrow coaching yards off Borough High Street - and, of course, Borough Market itself. For centuries, this area on the southern bank of the River Thames was naughty and saucy. Not any more. Now it's vibrant, mysterious and a wonderful place for restaurants. So why not go and explore the area in 2008.

What's coming up for LONDON CITY walkers? What about a roam around ROTHERHITHE or hanging around HOLBORN. There are visits to the Apothecaries' Hall, Fishmongers' Hall and the River Thames Polioce Museum in Wapping. There's no doubt that 2008 is going to be even better than 2007.