London Docklands are situated to the east of the City, stretching from the Tower Bridge in the west all the way past the Isle of Dogs. The area they cover is vast - bigger than the whole of central London. This is due to London's industrial heritage and the fact that for many years London was one of the busiest and most important ports in the world. By the late 18th century, the British Empire covered over half the globe, and London Docklands were the cornerstone of the empire's trade and commerce. However, in the 20th century, as Britain's power was on the wane, the Docklands went into decline and many ports went into disuse. The area was regarded as a bit of a no-man's land.

But in the 1980's the developers moved in. The Docklands were seen as a golden opportunity to create a new, fashionable district aimed at the wealthy 'yuppie' class. The idea was to transform the quays and warehouses into residential areas whilst also providing sporting and leisure activities.

For most people the Isle of Dogs is London Docklands. And there is little doubt that the Isle of Dogs has been the heart of the Docklands redevelopment. Open to more debate however is the name. Although the South Dock effectively separates the Isle of Dogs from the rest of London, some people argue that it is not really an island. Whatever the origins of the unusual name, it is indispensible that the whole area has become a major tourist attraction in recent years. Canary Wharf, with its 800 ft tower is the centerpiece, but if you venture to the south you will also be able to see the Docklands Visitors Centre, Mudchute City Farm and the Island Gardens.

The best way to get around is the Docklands Light Railway with its speed, comfort and good value. You can catch this daily from Tower Gateway near Tower Hill tube station or from Bank station in The City from Mondays to Saturdays.

Views on the new Docklands in architectural terms may vary but it is beyond dispute that a most exciting new area for living and working in has been created. The list of shops reads right across the board with old-established names like Austin Reed, Marks & Spencer and Boots rubbing frontages with Gap Kids and Top Shop.

There is a great selection of over fifty bars, cafes and restaurants catering for the sophisticated to the more earthy. A recuperative intake of fine wine at Corney and Barrow's might help stave off the worst effects of a visit to your stockbroker, accountant or bookmaker even, never mind your Bank. All the services are there, fear not.

But all this would be of little value if it were not for the links provided by the Docklands Light Railway, with its system of driverless trains weaving ingeniously between ultra-modern architecture and smartly converted old warehouses, rather like a sedate roller coaster.

In the west, near Tower Bridge is St Katherine's Dock and HMS Belfast. Then you come to Tobacco Dock and Execution Dock in Wapping. Further eastward is the Isle of Dogs, perhaps the best-known part of the Docklands, with Canary Wharf and the Docklands Visitor Centre. The visitor centre is an excellent place to start if you are planning to visit the Docklands. It includes an exhibition on the history of the area, suggested walks around the area and details about bus tours. 

London has the gift for creating cities within a City, which is why it doesn't really need a Mayor. The new Docklands is a fine example of this ability.