London MUST see attractions on south side of Thames

The Imperial War Museum is a biggie on that side of London.

Thanks, will look into it!

The stellar Museum of London Docklands is fairly close to your accommodation but across the river in the revived Canary Wharf neighborhood. South side haunts include Borough Market http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk, the SouthWark Cathedral http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk might try an evensong there). Of course first timers MUST try the pub experience. The Venerable Mayflower, couple of blocks from the Rotherhithe Tube stop would be a good option. http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/39/3980/Mayflower/Rotherhithe

If you are thinking about visiting the Imperial War Museum you might check ahead to see what is open. The museum is undergoing a major renovation and their web site says the WWI and WWII areas are closed and the museum will be closed from Jan to July 2013.

The building it replaced was hardly an architectural masterpiece. Most of the new tall buildings in London (such as the Cheese-grater and Walkie-talkie) are replacing nondescript 70s towers.

If you want a pub but don't want to go as far as the Mayflower then the George Inn, which is only 5 minutes from Borough Market, is worth a visit. http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=92 Have you been up Tower Bridge? The exhibition about the building is interesting and you get good views along the river. Similarly the Oxo Tower, almost next to the Tate, has a free viewing platform with good views and, just on the other side of the river, One New Change (ugh, what a name!) has a roof terrace http://www.onenewchange.com/11the-roof-terrace.aspx Definitely not free is the viewing platform at the Shard, now (it claims) the world's tallest building. Tickets are £25 but the view is meant to be spectacular as long as it isn't cloudy. Alan Alan

Definitely not free is the viewing platform at the Shard Absolutely not free, despite one of the conditions for planning permission and agreed, that a public park be provided at the top of the building. Unexpected by neighbors who had to live through all the construction and now the congestion was that they would have to pay through the nose to use such "park".

Family and I did a backstage tour of the National Theatre and loved every minute.

Everything I've heard about the Shard is that it's Europe's tallest building. AFAIK they are only claiming its the world's ugliest building .....and I concur;)

Sorry. My mistake. The Shard claims to be the tallest building in Europe, not the world. It still gives me a stiff neck though! Alan

From the Globe, you can easily walk across the pedestrian bridge to St. Pauls Cathedral. Lots of good people watching around there....No need to confine yourself to the south bank when it's so easy to cross the Thames.

the George Inn mentioned by Alan claims to be the "last galleried inn" in England. A must see

The Shard is the UKs tallest inhabited building. It is about 20m shorter than the concrete tower of the Emley Moor TV transmitter.

Isn't the Old Operating Theatre Museum on that side of the Thames, near London Bridge station?

The George Inn is my favoite pub in London. Going over again next month and am thrilled to report I found lodging only one tube stop away. Not only is it worth going to for the historical value, it's fun. Both patrons and staff are super friendly.

Jean If you fancy a change from the George Inn you might try the Royal Oak which is about 5 minutes walk away. It's not historic but it is traditional and has great beer. http://www.harveys.org.uk/pubs-tenancies/find-our-beer/the-royal-oak-2 You might also enjoy this article, which puts the Royal Oak in its top 5. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/9520257/What-makes-a-perfect-pub.html Cheers Alan