The many book stores dotted along this strip can provide hours of inspiration. Aside from those selling new books, several specialise in second-hand and antiquarian books.

The V and A houses a public collection of prints and drawings of every kind imagineable from old master drawings to photographs, playing cards, fashion plates and wallpapers. You have to select what you want to see from the collection http://collections.vam.ac.uk/and book in advance. The behind-the-scenes route up to the study room of v and a is a treat alone (pictured)

A green oasis for everyone to enjoy in the heart of busy Dalston

Incredible building centred in the heart of London. Great for exhibitions, David Hockney is currently showing here.

Think this may be the oldest music venue in London? If it isn't, it certainly feels like it. I love the fact that you can feel the musical history as soon as you walk into 100 Club. Given it's central positioning I'm sure a lot of people of holding their breaths that it continues to stick around