This is the place where ghost pirates roam in times forgotten. Where great poems were once written. Everything has happened here. A few abandoned boats and much stillness. And an island in the middle. Most curious. Not much choice but to explore as far as your nerves will take you. Watch out for Zorro the dog.

THE place for birthday presents and bookcases (mine was 50p).

The walk along the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge will take you past a plethora or interesting sights and cultural hotspots. There's always something interesting going on too.

Everyone who works at Daunt Books seems to have the answer to any question you might have, watching my large dog carefully navigate their narrow aisles is always fun too.

Behind Markfield Beam Engine is the River Lee which travels from the Chiltern Hills all the way to the Thames via Tottenham Hale. There is a special light along this stretch of the river possibly due to there being about 10 massive reservoirs behind the levee on the other side of the river, offering an amazing sense of space. A great place to walk, cycle and feed the ducks, swans, geese and coots.