This district of south-east London lies on the south bank of the River Thames, just north of Southwark. The district has a long association with religion. As early as the 11th century there was an abbey in the area, and since then there have been various abbeys, churches and orders associated with the area.

For many years the district was renowned for being an attractive spot on the banks of the river, but by the 18th century this was no longer the case for the district had already become very developed.

The first industries to make their mark on the district were breweries and the leather industry. These are reflected in some of the street names in the district, for example Leathermarket Street where, as the name suggests, a leather market was held for many years. Being on the banks of the River Thames, Bermondsey was also influenced by the trade and industry that the river supported. The legacy of this can still be seen in the warehouses that survive in the district.

With the industry and trade came housing for the workers, and by the 18th century the area had become a notorious slum area. The slums were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist for it was in the slums of Bermonsey that Bill Sikes met his untimely end. Today, of course, the slums are gone, but the district still retains a very industrialised feel to it, with little evidence of the pleasure gardens of the past. Nevertheless there is a great deal for tourists to see, including Bermondsey Market and Terence Conran's Design Museum.

Bermondsey Market is well known for its antique stalls, which sell all manner of antiques and objects d'art. It is held every Friday morning but if you can't make it then there are also lots of antique shops in the area. You have to get there early for the market as it starts at 5am and finishes around lunchtime, but if you are an antiques lover it will be worth it.

Borough Market is one of London's oldest wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, established in 1756 and administered by 21 trustees who have to live in the local community. It covers an area of 4.5 acres. Operating in the early hours of the morning, the streets used to be quiet and empty during the day. But not any more. It is now reborn as a retail centre of excellence in addition to the trade activities. 

British Airways London Eye, which dominates the London skyline at 450ft, is the world's highest observation wheel and is London's fourth tallest structure, providing a birds-eye view usually accessible only by helicopter or aircraft. This gigantic observation wheel is opposite the Houses of Parliament, on the South Bank, and offers magnificent views of the city. It is an amazing feat of engineering, built to celebrate the Millennium year, and has proved enormously popular. Its 32 enclosed capsules each hold 25 people and offer total visibility in all directions. The capsules take 30 minutes to turn through the circle and from the top, on a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles (40 km).

The Britain at War Museum can also be found here. This museum's full name is the Winston Churchill's Britain at War Museum and it chronicles the experiences of Londoners during the Blitz of World War II.

The Globe Theatre on Bankside is best known for being the newly built open-air replica of Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre, which burned down in 1613. As such it attracts both tourists and fans of Shakespeare in droves. But to simply view this theatre as a tourist attraction overlooks the fact that it is also a quality theatre in its own right. Both the quality and variety of performances is excellent.

The Hayward Gallery at South Bank Arts Centre is one of London's major venues for modern art exhibitions. It regularly receives excellent reviews and is considered by many to be one of the best art galleries in London. The Museum of the Moving Image, The Festival Hall and the Royal National Theatre are also part of the South Bank Arts Centre.

Tower Bridge spans the River Thames between the Tower of London on the north bank and the Tower Bridge Experience on the south bank. It was built as recently as 1894 and yet it has become one of the most famous of London's landmarks, and lays claim to being the world's most photographed and painted bridge.

The Tower of London is one of London's most famous landmarks, located on the north bank of the River Thames. It is here that you will be able to learn about London's history, see the Crown Jewels, have your photo taken next to a Beefeater and admire the famous ravens. The Tower is a designated World Heritage Site and it is one of the most historical buildings in London - in its time it has been a castle, a palace, a prison, an armoury and even a menagerie. Today it is one of the city's most popular tourist sites, attracting over two million visitors each year.