Just when you thought you could write off the Southbank, in servitude to encroaching developers, it comes up trumps. Until 4 February you can catch the breathlessly beautiful Landscape Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Theatre – my pick of the best are featured here.

Photography by Paul Wheeler – Winter Walk, Burnham-on-Sea, East Sussex (above)

Photography by Ian Taylor – Must be an Angel, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear (above)

Photography by David Lyon –  Ferry leaving Newhaven harbour in storm, East Sussex (above)

Photography by David Breen – Rannoch Moor, Scotland (above)

Saunter along the promenade, past the booksellers under Waterloo bridge, up towards the Oxo Tower and you may stumble across a circus performer, practising his handstands and somersaults, falling from a great height down on to the beach of The Thames.

You may also have the good fortune to stumble across the most loquacious busker there is.  A man, so proud of his conquests and fine blues-y voice – he lies on a sun lounger in a silver sparkly sequin jacket, in the middle of Winter, on the banks of the Thames, serenading us all. Worth the giggle for sure. Check it out…