Easter is one of the best times to visit London, with the weather warming and spring flowers blooming. So, why not take a trip to the capital and experience the Easter magic for yourself?
In 2024, Easter takes place on 31st March, with Good Friday on 29thMarch and Easter Monday on 1st April. If you’re planning to visit London for the weekend or wondering what to do on Easter Sunday, we’ve got you covered. From Easter weekend services to egg hunting at Hampton Court Palace, there’s something for everyone.
Read on for the best Easter bank holiday activities in London, plus some of our favourite spots to eat.
Join an Easter weekend service at one of London’s churches or cathedrals
Easter is a time of worship for many, and there are plenty of churches and cathedrals in London you can visit during Easter weekend.
Westminster Abbey
A world-famous royal church with remarkable Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbeyhosts some of the most significant royal ceremonies – and it has a busy event schedule every Easter.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Towering over London’s skyline, St Paul’s Cathedral is a must-visit any time of the year, but Easter is special. Its Easter Day Sung Eucharist features choral music, hymns and sermons.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
St Martin-in-the-Fields is known for its fantastic programme of classical music, having welcomed world-famous composers like Mozart and Handel. Celebrate this Easter with world-class orchestral and choral performances.
St Helen's, Bishopsgate
This church has a local feel, offering a welcoming and relaxed place to worship. Join a Good Friday morning meeting. Or, on Easter Sunday, attend a service for Mandarin speakers.
Southwark Cathedral
Next to London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral boasts over nine centuries of rich heritage. Celebrate Easter Sunday in this historical setting with a choral eucharist and gospel readings.
The Passion of Jesus is a free live show in Trafalgar Square on 29th March 2024. The open-air production tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, one of the top free things to do in London around Easter. Performances are at midday and 15:15. With plenty of large screens dotted around the square, you’ll get a great view from wherever you’re stood.
How to get there: Take the Northern or Bakerloo line northbound from London Waterloo and get off at Charing Cross. Trafalgar Square is opposite the tube station.
Easter is a time for indulging. But why not add a morning of exercise to your weekend plans, burning off a few chocolate eggs with a 10-kilometre run around the city? On Easter Monday in the beautiful Regent’s Park, the London Easter 10k is open to all abilities. As well as enjoying glorious spring scenery and a glimpse of the animals at London Zoo, you’ll receive an Easter-themed finisher’s medal, chip-timed results and refreshments. The entry fee is £30.
How to get there: It takes around 20 minutes to get from London Waterloo to the race’s starting point in Regent’s Park. Catch the Jubilee Line westbound, or the Bakerloo Line northbound to Baker Street, then walk for around 10 minutes to Regent’s Park.
Join the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace’s Lindt Golden Bunny Hunt has a reputation as one of the best Easter activities in London for kids. Families race around 60 acres of Henry VIII's gardens in pursuit of the hidden Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues. Use the clues provided to uncover a fascinating story. Plus, visitors receive a Lindt GOLD BUNNY treat after the day’s exploring. The event takes place between 23rd March and 14th April 2024.
Kew Gardens in springtime is simply glorious, with flowers in every colour of the rainbow, from magnificent magnolias to beautiful blossoms. The gardens annually host a range of fun Easter activities for children, and 2024 is no different. A brand-new tree-lined trail launches in March, featuring music by the Royal College of Music. The Sounds of Blossomtrail runs from 23rd March to 14th April 2024.
How to get there: Kew Bridge Stationisjust a stone’s throw from the Elizabeth Gate entrance of Kew Gardens.
Visit the Horniman Spring Fair at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Spring showers are definitely a thing – but if the weather turns, there are still plenty of rainy-day activities to enjoy in London this Easter. The annual Horniman Spring Fair is a hive of activity, with plenty to see and do throughout the day. Shop local produce and handmade goods at market stalls, then check out the entertainment on offer, including live music, crafts workshops, tours and more.
This year, the fair takes place on Saturday 30th March from 11:00 to 16:00.
How to get there: Clapham Junction is the nearest SWR station to the Horniman Museum. From there, catch the Overground to Peckham Rye, then get on the 197 bus towards Croydon and ride for 18 minutes.
Picnicking is one of the top things to do in London for free, and Richmond Park is a beautiful picnic spot. Just 20 minutes from Central London, the park covers over 2,500 acres, so finding privacy is easy. So long as you don’t mind sharing your space with the hundreds of wild deer that live and roam in the park!
How to get there:Richmond station is around a 10 to 15-minute walk from the Ladderstile Gate entrance of Richmond Park.
Where to eat in London this Easter
If you’ve still got some room after all that chocolate, head to one of these purse-friendly London restaurants for a tasty lunch or delicious dinner.
With trains to London running frequently, why not travel with South Western Railway this Easter? Discover cheap train tickets to your chosen Easter activity by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more. If you’re travelling in a group, consider GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard. Heading to London for Easter Sunday? Enjoy flexible travel with our Sunday Out tickets.
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