Get ready for a hoppin’ good time in London this Easter! From thrilling hunts to family-friendly performances, there’s something for everyone.
Plan Your Easter Getaway
The city will be buzzing with Easter cheer across Good Friday (29 March), Easter Sunday (31 March) and Easter Monday (1 April). Most attractions are open, but it’s always best to check with individual venues beforehand. Keep in mind that Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, so some places might have reduced hours or be closed on Easter Sunday.
Transportation might also be affected, with reduced London Underground services between Good Friday and Easter Monday. To avoid any travel headaches, plan your journey in advance using the TfL website, and consider cycling or walking when possible. Lime Bikes and Santander Cycles are readily available across the city.
Egg-Stravaganza Events
Easter in London is a spectacle! Trafalgar Square will host a free performance of The Passion of Jesus on Good Friday (29 March), featuring 100 performers. This theatrical production offers a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion, so parental guidance is advised.
If you’re looking for something more classical, Handel’s Messiah will be performed at the Royal Albert Hall on Good Friday (29 March). For a fun-filled race, join the London Easter 10k in Regent’s Park, where adults and children can dress up and compete for Easter treats!
Egg-citing Hunts and Trails
Get ready to follow the clues and discover hidden treasures!
Hampton Court Palace will host the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt (23 March-14 April), where you can search the 60 acres of palace gardens for golden bunnies and their captivating stories.
At Golden Square, near Piccadilly Circus, BucketRace Easter Hunt awaits with themed challenges for the whole family. And for a zoological adventure, London Zoo offers the Zoonormous Egg Hunt, where you can learn about egg-laying creatures and solve puzzles.
More Than Just Eggs
South London is brimming with Easter fun at the Horniman Museum & Gardens, hosting the Spring Fair (8 April). Live music, arts and crafts, tours, and a plethora of entertainment await amidst the museum’s captivating exhibits. Don’t miss the museum’s collections, aquarium, and butterfly house – they’re truly remarkable!
Cutty Sark, the fastest tea clipper of its time, invites you to join shanty singers and costumed actors, participate in workshops, and follow a family-friendly trail dotted with play boxes.
At the National Maritime Museum, delve into creative workshops promoting environmental awareness. Craft flowers from recycled materials while discussing biodiversity, create a large-scale ocean creature image with your family, and build your own rock pool mini ecosystem.
Greenwich Park is a must-visit, offering breathtaking views from the Royal Observatory, where you can stand astride Prime Meridian and gaze across the city. After your climb, head down to Greenwich Market to refuel and explore the stalls.
Family Fun at the Museums
The Natural History Museum is a favorite for visitors of all ages, making for a perfect family day out. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition (open until 30 June) showcases the beauty of our planet through stunning photography.
For a more hands-on experience, meet the modern-day relatives of dinosaurs at Jurassic Encounters, the animal handling show (10 April; £8 per person). And for early birds, Out-of-Hours Dino Tours (9am-10am; adult £25, child £17; suitable for ages 11+) offer exclusive access to the Dinosaurs gallery before the museum opens to the public.
Magical Mischief at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Step into the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where Magical Mischief returns for its third year. Explore the iconic sets, discover the secrets behind the magical effects, and try your hand at creating your own wizarding magic.
Start your journey in the Great Hall, dressed for the O.W.L examinations under the watchful eye of Professor Umbridge, as seen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Uncover the mysteries behind the Invisibility Cloak and Harry’s flying acceptance letters, and make your own origami howler like the one delivered to Ron in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Medieval Mayhem at the Tower of London
Explore the historic Tower of London and delve into its medieval past.
Easter Sunday Feasts
Traditionally, Easter Sunday is a time for a delicious roast. Book a table at a local pub, like The Devonshire in Soho, The Holly Bush in Hampstead, or the Camberwell Arms, or enjoy a fine dining experience at Blacklock or Hawksmoor, which have restaurants throughout the city.
For a scenic dining experience, head to the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, a local landmark favored by Charles Dickens, overlooking the River Thames. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in a traditional Sunday roast.
Green Spaces and Nature
London’s abundance of green spaces makes it a perfect destination for Easter weekend explorations. Explore the Royal Parks, including Regent’s Park, with its beautiful gardens, outdoor theatre, and ZSL London Zoo, or Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and St James’s Park, home to the resident pelicans.
For a unique experience, venture to Barnes to visit the WWT London Wetland Centre, where you can discover diverse habitats and wildlife and join Bing and his friends on the kids’ trail to learn about wetland nature.
Family-Friendly Trails and Activities
The National Gallery offers a free digital trail, The Keeper of Paintings and the Palette of Perception, designed to entertain and educate children aged 7-11 years. This immersive AR adventure encourages young visitors to analyze and question the masterpieces on display.
There are endless possibilities for an Easter weekend in London! From magical hunts and captivating performances to delicious feasts and scenic explorations, the city offers something for everyone. Get ready to create lasting memories with your loved ones!**
