River's new hot spot

There has never been a better time to enjoy the revitalised South Bank, with a string of special offers to some of its best exhibitions and galleries available as part of the Totally London campaign.

And now there is a new way to travel between them. A catamaran decorated by Damien Hirst with 2,500 of his trademark dots will be on the river from next week, ferrying modern-art lovers between the two Tate galleries in only 18 minutes, with a stop-off at the British Airways London Eye. During Totally London month visitors can enjoy cheap trips on the Eye and two- for- one ticket deals for the nearby Dali Universe and the Vinopolis wine exhibition.

There is also cutprice travel into central London from Saturday, when adults and children can buy a one-day weekend bus pass for £1. From June, children will travel free on the Tube when their parents buy a weekend travelcard.

The catamaran, called the Tate to Tate, cost £2million and has a top speed of 27 knots, making it the fastest boat on the river. It is sponsored by St James Homes and is run by Thames Clippers.

Passengers can enjoy a fully licensed bar and panoramic views of the Thames, while two plasma screens will show programmes about the galleries.

It launches its maiden voyage on Thursday from the Millbank Millennium Pier in front of Tate Britain. Hirst, London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Sir Nicholas Serota, the Tate director, will attend. It opens to the public the next day. Hirst said he was sure his design would make the Tate to Tate the bestlooking craft on the Thames, adding: "It will knock the spots off other designs."

The hull and roof of the Tate to Tate are covered with spots painted in 35 colours and varying in size from three inches to 10 inches in diameter. The 220 headrests inside also feature coloured spots, while passengers will get souvenir spotted tickets. The interior boasts deep blue seat fabrics and carpets that contrast with the metallic silver of the hard surfaces.

Kate Woods, the company's design and development director, said: "We hope it makes everyone in London look at the river as an exciting form of travel."

The pier was designed by the awardwinning architects behind the BA London Eye, Julia Barfield and David Marks. A 98ft welded steel sculpture includes a light installation by Turner Prize candidate Angela Bulloch, which features 60 twinkling lights and colours that change with the rise and fall of the tide.

The trip between the Tate galleries will cost £4.50 for adults. Children travel half price and there are further discounts for travel card holders.

For more information visit the website www.visitlondon.com/totallylondon