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The weather for once is hot, and the kids summer holidays are stretching on for what seems like an eternity. London is a place that people either love or hate, but there is no denying that with its countless historical and modern attractions, from the London Eye to the National Gallery, the British Museum, Harrods, Madame Tussauds, Buckingham Palace, Kew Gardens, the Tower of London, and of course Hamleys toy shop, it is home to some of the worlds best entertainment. With free admission to many of the top attractions, there's no better place to shop or soak up some culture.

Along with the more famous attractions there are also many hidden gems such as the Dali Universe display at County Hall on the South Bank, which has over 500 works by the master surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Exhibits include the famed Lobster Telephone, Mae West Lips Sofa, as well as sculptures, drawings and original canvases. Currently there is also a buy one get one free offer for visitors to the Dali Universe website (http://www.daliuniverse.com/ ).

The BFI London IMAX Cinema in Waterloo is another attraction worth visiting. Featuring the UK's biggest cinema screen which is nearly the height of five double-decker buses and over 26 metres wide, this is the most sophisticated motion-picture projection system in the world, and can immerse viewers in larger-than-life 2D and 3D images making them feel part of the picture.

For an interactive experience the updated Madame Tussauds is a good place to go. New displays such as the 'Blush' interactive party provide some of the feel of what it is like to be famous and get snapped by the paparazzi, or interviewed, while the Chamber Live exhibit covers 200 years of gruesome history with figures that come alive.

No holiday in London can be complete without a visit to one of the many fantastic West End shows. Whether you want comedy, music, dancing, child friendly shows, or just a great theatre experience, then the current line up of hit shows will not disappoint.

Three of the hottest shows presently running in the West End are the Lion King and Mary Poppins which are great for young families, while We Will Rock You is ideal for older children and will have the whole family stomping along to the music. If a more classic styled West End musical experience is preferred, there is always The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserable, Mamma Mia, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Evita, the list of hit shows goes on.

Checking online is a great way to get special offers at the hotels and theatres, and there are several companies like Superbreak (http://www.superbreak.com/theatre-breaks.htm ) which offer discounts and where it is possible to purchase hotel accommodation and tickets in advance to save on potential hassles. Several ticket offices in the capital also offer cut price returned or late booking tickets for many of the shows, it is important to note however, that with this method you have to take what you can get.

As with any city, you have to see what entertainment is available and make your visit what you want it to be. The advantage with London is that there is so much to see, with fantastic historic sites and museums, and there are always new shows and exhibits to suite any age range or taste.