Excel London

The Thames riverside at Canary Wharf is dominated by this vast convention and entertainment complex, all glass and steel with a design that screams early-2000s ambition. Excel London sits on the old Royal Docks, a regenerated slice of East London that's worth exploring whether or not you've got an event on. The building hosts everything from boat shows to gaming expos, comic book conventions to massive trade fairs - the kind of place where you can spend half a day wandering around without planning to. Entry depends entirely on what's on. Some events charge proper money, others are free or require pre-registration online. Check their calendar before you go because turning up hoping for a walk around is a waste of a trip.

If you're staying at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping just a few miles south, this is accessible by the DLR or a quick drive, which beats trudging into central London on the tube. Families with teenagers might enjoy catching a comic convention or film event here, though the experience is totally dependent on what's running at the time. History types won't find much, but if you're chasing a specific show or expo, you'll get good value.

The riverside location is genuinely nice once you step outside - there's decent walking along the water, and you can grab a coffee or lunch at the quays. Allow whatever time the event requires, but don't expect the building itself to be an attraction. It's functional, modern, and occasionally excellent. Just depends what's on.