I travel in central London a lot at weekends, buying games, clothes and various other things. I have always generally enjoyed London, for all its opportunities and tucked-away secrets. But I then found a place which doesn’t have clothes or games. There was a children’s show on there (and this was many years ago) and we decided to sit down and watch. The show itself wasn’t really that good, and I soon tottered off. I wandered around, looking for anything interesting, but just found dull concrete buildings. But in the midst of this wall of grey I found a most peculiar sculpture. It was very hard to describe, as it seemed to be a partly squashed bug. A large sphere of metal with wiggly antennae, with two large flat metal discs behind it and I found it very amusing to hop from one disc to another, as they weren’t very high, and made a loud clang, much to the annoyance of my parents. As I got older I would always visit that metal sculpture. There were several large buildings nearby the metal toy. We ventured inside one once, and found it very family friendly. It often had exhibitions, and had a constant feed of entertainment, such as live music and dance, as well as a cafe, and a well-stocked book shop. This was of course, the Royal Festival Hall, which is now under refurbishment.

As I grew older still we would move around London more, and me and my little sister would beg our parents to let us go to the South Bank instead of boring clothes shops. We soon discovered the far-off ends of the South Bank, which seemed to never have an end to the various forms of entertainment. There were several good restaurants, along the bank, including a Wagamamas we still often visit, a Strada (best Italian food in the world) and a pizza place at the end. In the summer, we regularly visit the South Bank, as it provides a way to take up a day, and make it a fun one. We often meet friends there, or go and watch a show, as well as having dinner.

The great thing about the South Bank is that there is always a place you haven’t been, some unturned leaf, which is always ready and waiting, and bursting full of energy and imagination. And these leaves are always falling, so regular visiting is always needed. Still things remain undiscovered to my family, so we shall keep on visiting, and so should you.

Angus Hegarty, Age 13, East Barnet

Embankment or Waterloo Tube Station

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Sited on that increasingly buzzing area, the South Bank, this reproduction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a refreshing change from the theatre district of the West End. It's an opportunity to see great plays performed by superb actors in the setting in which they are meant to be seen; oh, and the only way to see it is as a 'groundling' standing in the open area in front of the stage - where else can you get a good night's entertainment for a fiver?!!

Watch out for other events as well, as the Globe has been used in the past for musical events and the London venue for a certain Mr Billy Connolly on his 'World Tour'.

www.shakespeares-globe.org/

Shakespeare's Globe
21 New Globe Walk
Bankside
London
SE1 9DT

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Now this attraction has been around for a while, the queues aren't as bad - if you have a few extra quid in your pocket, it's great for a first date before grabbing a bite, etc. Go early evening, especially this time of year, as the sun is going down. You'll nearly have a whole pod to yourself!

Right on the river behind Waterloo station. It stands in front of the Saatchi Museum & The London aquarium. (also worth visiting at all ages, great sharks)

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Who said bingo is for oldies? This Sunday night event attracts all types and is a melting pot of gay London life. It’s hosted by drag queen Jonny Woo (like Tranny Lip Synching) and is the best way I can think of to forget your Sunday night blues (even if it means getting a Monday morning hangover).

Gay Bingo at the T Bar, in the Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St;
tel: 0871 223 5487
Undergound: Old Street, Liverpool Street

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