The Thames is fast becoming a kind of property developer's Glitter Gulch, with new - largely ugly - apartment complexes rising from Hammersmith in the West to Greenwich and beyond in the East.

Many of these are, no doubt, adequate places to live, but for those of us who have to look at them or, worse still, have our river view disappeared, they're an eyesore.

A good way to find the more architecturally interesting developments is by boat, and there's none better than the new speedboat service run by London RIB Voyages. Ten-seater Rigid Inflatable Boats (big fast dinghies to you and me) whizz along, taking flight off the wakes of those boring granny cruisers (RAD!), taking you and your posse anywhere you want - whilst giving you a mini history tour - in an hour's trip.

They're also a damn good way to scare the hell out of clients - they'll sign anything after a trip like this, trust me.