With 200 museums, more than 100 theatres, 300 markets famed for their funky fashion and exotic produce, and 28 wildlife attractions, London is a great place for a day trip.

That’s especially true now, when there are some great train offers available and the streets aren’t yet thronging with foreign tourists.

One of the main strengths of London is the shear variety that it has to offer. From Madame Tussauds waxworks to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where you can still see performances, there is something for everyone.

If you plan it like a military campaign, don’t mind getting up early and own a stout pair of walking shoes, it is possible to see quite a bit in one day.

London is roughly divided into areas – the West End, Kensington and Chelsea, the South Bank, the City, the East End and West London.

Do your research thoroughly, before you go, or you could end up wandering with no purpose. You’ll see more if you stick to an area and check out what is available there.

Museum-lovers should head for South Kensington, where in a small area there are a plethora, including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert. An added bonus is that Harvey Nichols is just across the road, and if you want a peaceful place to enjoy your sandwiches, then you’re just a short stroll away from Hyde Park.

If, on the other hand, you want to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, then head for Tower Hill, which is in the opposite direction.

Whatever is on your list of must-see attractions, catch a train from Bradford or Leeds at around 7am and you can be in the capital in just over two hours, leaving you with a whole day to spend there before returning around 7pm.

London’s central shopping area is Oxford Street – so long that it has four different tube stations on it. From King’s Cross, take the Victoria Line tube to Oxford Circus and you can walk all the way up to Marble Arch. Or head down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, then on to Trafalgar Square, where you can take in the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Nelson’s Column. From there it’s just a short walk to the Embankment and the Thames.

If history and tradition are your thing, you’ll want to see where the Queen lives and the seat of Government. From Victoria tube station it is a short walk along Victoria Street to Westminster Abbey, then down to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge.

Across the river from there, on the south bank, is the London Eye, London Aquarium and Imperial War Museum. Cross back over the bridge and then go along Whitehall, left into The Mall and a pleasant walk through St James’s Park, to Buckingham Palace. You’ll have to content yourself with looking through the railings, though, because the palace is only open from July to September.

A circular journey brings you back to Victoria, but if you are flagging you can take the tube or a bus to your next destination from a number of points along the route.

Number one museum attraction should be the Science Museum, where the focus is hi-tech, hands-on, interactive and up-to-date. The basement area is focussed on different age groups and there are often workshops for children too. There is a genuine danger you will have a problem prising your family away. The rest of the museum, for grown-ups, is world-class too – you might even need a full day to do it justice.

Not far from Tower Bridge is the Tower of London (nearest tube station Tower Hill), home to the Crown Jewels and more than 900 years of royal history. I’d like to say this is not to be missed, but it’s a bit pricey. However, it will leave a long-term impression on children, who will have a fun day out, while you’ll feel the visit has educational worth and exposure to history. The Crown Jewels, gallows, ghosts and beheadings, and the environment of a real castle, will certainly keep youngsters entertained.

Madame Tussauds waxworks is always crowded and can be tedious, so head instead for the nearby London Dungeon. It’s shorter and targeted to the more gruesome aspects of history – better-suited to bloodthirsty youngsters.

Whatever you decide, you certainly won’t be bored. Most of the museums and art galleries are free, so you can save some money there.

Try booking attractions online as this often means a discount. Some things, like the London Eye, should be booked in advance.

If you don’t feel like organising a trip, you can see a whole lot from the upper deck of an open top tour bus that takes in all the major attractions. The original London sightseeing tour allows you to hop on and off at more than 80 stops on all five of the tour routes.

However you choose to spend your day, there is plenty of fun to be had before you head for your train home.

FACT FILE

* London Eye – (online prices) adults, £16.09; children four to 15, £8.55; pensioners, £12.87.

* Tower of London - adults, £17; children under 16, £9.50, family ticket for two adults and three children, £47.

* Original London Sightseeing Tour – £24 if you book online at theoriginaltour. com.

* There’s a direct rail service from Bradford Interchange – Bradford to King’s Cross at 7.33am; returns from King’s Cross at 6.30pm. There are other trains, but you would have to change at Leeds. For full details go to nationalrail.co.uk or call National Rail Enquiry Service (24hr) on 08457 484950.