If you're spending a day trip to London hitting some of the top attractions and selfie spots, there's more to do than follow the crowds when you're hanging out near one of London's hottest tourist destinations. Here's our no-stress guide of things to do in Trafalgar Square to help you plan your itinerary for the perfect day out.

Go Underground

Perhaps a less obvious choice, St-Martin-in-the-Fields Church is a must for anyone visiting the area around Nelson's Column. It is one of the most famous churches in London, and Corinthian columns surround this neoclassical church, making it one of the area's most aesthetic and historical features.

The Crypt Cafe at St-Martin-in-the-Fields has been transformed into a welcoming cafe, keeping the original 18th-century brick vaulted ceilings and historic tombstones. For leisure or architectural intrigue, it's well worth a visit. This basement destination is the perfect place to while away the early hours of the day so head there for a full English to prepare for your day ahead, or enjoy a lighter breakfast and build your own from a selection of fruits, grains and yoghurts – for £3.95!

Explore the Nation's Art Collection

With free entry to most exhibits, The National Gallery is a cheap yet sophisticated way to immerse yourself in some of London's incredible culture. Built in 1838, the gallery houses an array of paintings and sculptures dating from the 13th-century to the early 20th-century.

However, the gallery offers more than art: free creative sessions and photography talks are held on a weekly basis. Perhaps jump at the chance to create your own pieces, or join “Sketchbook Tour" around the gallery, learning the finer details of the displays as well as how to draw yourself.

Lunch with a View

After soaking up the wonders of The National Gallery, stroll past the famous fountains and the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square, guarded by its bronze lions and pigeons, to the nearby Portrait Gallery for lunch.

The views from the restaurant's windows allow you to watch over the hustle and bustle of London from afar. Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are amongst the iconic picture-book views best seen at lunchtime. Enjoy the menu - brilliant value at two courses for £26.50!

Get Clued Up about the Pomp

Just off Trafalgar Square, en route to Downing Street and Big Ben, is the Household Calvary Museum, a living museum where real troopers work daily. For any royal fans or those who enjoy the Changing of the Guard or Trooping the Colour, this is an interesting insight into the workings of the ceremonial fleet of horseback guards who protect Her Majesty The Queen.

Pre-Theatre Dining

For a delicious pre-theatre meal, head to the stunning Boyds Grill & Wine Bar on Northumberland Avenue just off Trafalgar Square. This hidden gem showcases the best of British produce. Guests can also enjoy rare fine wine by the glass, thanks to the revolutionary “By The Glass" machine.

Other than the exceptional food, Boyds Grill & Wine Bar's class lies in their dedication to British food. All ingredients used are meticulously sourced from within 100 miles of the restaurant. British meat, fish and poultry, including the incredible Wagyu beef from Trenchmore Farm in Sussex, are grilled to perfection using state of the art grills.

Time for a Show

Having hosted a huge amount of British talent, from the late Alan Rickman, to the stage debut of George Bernard Shaw's “Arms and the Man", The Playhouse Theatre still always something special being performed, such as the must-see production of George Orwell's 1984.

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