Central London is home to some of the world's most famous attractions, which draw visitors from all over the world. But it's home to a wealth of hidden attractions, often bypassed by visitors.

Cross River Partnership (CRP) has produced Gems, an award-winning vibrant guide to culturally diverse attractions south of the river. The free colourful 26 pages guide shows what's on offer for those wanting to explore off the beaten track.

With nuggets of information about 50 attractions, it has something for every age and interest. It includes unusual places to shop or have a bite to eat, as well as hidden green places and spaces to enjoy peace and quiet in the centre of London.

The easy-to-follow guide, which includes a map and brims with pictures, explores:

• Arts, architecture and heritage
• Festivals
• Food and drink
• Markets and shopping
• Museums
• Opens Spaces
• Theatre and dance

Gems can be ordered at crossriver@lambeth.gov.uk or by calling Anita Gardiner on 020 7926 0081. Its also available at the attractions featured in the guide as well as Tourist Information Centres and some major attractions.

An audio version of the guide is available on CD. To request a copy please e-mail crossriver@lambeth.gov.uk

Gems can be downloaded here in A4 format which will automatically print in a larger font size. To help you plan your visit, you can download the full guide (3.95mb) from the bottom of the page or smaller individual chapters. The map is also available separately. Alternatively you can look at the chapters by clicking on the right hand links and print them off.

Art, Architecture and Heritage
As you wander the streets, take a look up at some of the beautiful architecture. Listed are some of the most historical buildings and places of great architectural interest. In contrast there are also many modern art galleries and studios which feature the work of new and up-and-coming artists.
Art, Architecture and Heritage chapter (219kb)

Festivals
Whatever time of year you are visiting, you are bound to find something going on. This area is home to many festivals, each one celebrating different cultures and interests, reflecting the diverse nature of these neighbourhoods. Listed in calendar order are some of the best festivals that take place.
Festivals chapter (56kb)

Food & Drink
Here you will discover a great variety of restaurants, cafés and bars, which serve a wide range of cultural dishes. Highlighted are some of the best areas to find somewhere to eat and where you can find clusters of similar types of cuisine.
Food and Drink chapter (94kb)

Markets & Shopping
Markets are a great way to pick up a designer bargain, hunt for a unique antique or just stock up on fresh tasty food - these markets are brimming with activity and are some of the oldest in London.
Markets and Shopping chapter (58kb)

Museums
The museums in this area cover a diverse range of interests and cultures, some of the lesser-known ones really are gems.
Museums chapter (109kb)

Open Spaces
Amid the hustle and bustle of London's streets, beautiful parks and open spaces can be found to relax and enjoy a quiet moment. The map highlights parks in the area, but here are some of the open spaces with plenty of things to enjoy, from horse-riding to beautiful flower gardens.
Open Spaces chapter (304 kb)

Theatre & Dance
This area is home to a great mix of some of the country's leading theatres, along with youth, amateur and fringe theatres. They offer a great choice and variety of performances that are suitable for all tastes.
Theatre and Dance chapter (148kb)

Please click here to download the map (344 kb)

Key to access symbols in the chapters:
w     Wheelchair access
t      Accessible toilet
i      Induction loop

Gems united CRP's tourism and community involvement programmes.  Other partners involved in developing Gems include Visit London, Lambeth Council, Southwark Council and North Lambeth Town Centre Management. Gems was the winner of Visit London's 2005 Bronze award in the Best Borough category.