What's on in April in London and the South West

Bask in the longer and brighter days as the season of new beginnings - spring - is officially underway.

The Easter bank holiday, London Marathon and Eid al-Fitr are the month’s big highlights. We’re also shining a light on budget-friendly activities to enjoy in our beautiful region, from scenic bike rides and walks, to wildflower gardens, and more. 

Read on to learn what’s in store this April in London and the South West. Don’t forget to browse SWR rewards to find fantastic discounts on shopping trips, theatre tickets and more. Let’s dive in. 

Easter bank holiday activities

1 April

Make the most of the last day of the Easter bank holiday on 1 April without breaking the bank. 

Go to an Easter service at one of London’s infamous churches like Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Take the little ones to the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace, explore Kew Gardens, or have a picnic at Richmond Park. In Windsor, join the free Easter egg trail running through the town centre. There’s lots more to do - we’ve compiled a list of the best budget-friendly activities to try across our network - have a read and plan your journey with us.

Enjoy some outdoor activities

Go on a bike ride

Cycling around London is a great way to see the city’s sites. Lots of new routes have been added in recent years so there’s plenty for you to explore. Across the South West you can venture through woodlands, beaches, and more.

Whether you want to journey on 2 wheels through the hustle and bustle of the city, or opt for a more tranquil route in the countryside we’ve got you covered. Check out our top bike trail recommendations for London and the South West, including Big Ben to Richmond Park, Regent’s Park Outer Circle, and South Downs Way.

One for your radar: SWR passengers can get 25% off Beryl Bikes in various locations. And in case you’re travelling to Cranbrook or Honiton stations it’s worth mentioning SWR customers have access to on demand eco-friendly bikes for onward journeys. It’s one worth considering if you’re planning to ride around Exeter or East Devon! 

Take a stroll on a Thames path route

Dust off your walking boots and explore the riverside. Thames walks feature city and suburban areas, including Richmond, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court and Westminster. We’ve compiled a list of the best walks along the Thames with all the details to help you decide which ones to do. 

Do an adventure activity

Visit a wildflower garden

The UK’s home to a myriad of beautiful flower gardens that are super stellar during the spring season. We’ve analysed a range of online reviews and looked at admission prices to find the best value places for you to take a wildflower wander this season. See our top picks.

Go on a spring getaway 

The South West’s destinations are perfect for exploring in spring. 

Getaways don’t get much better than in our lively capital - London. Close to London Waterloo, you’ll find the vibrant South Bank, where you can hop on the London Eye, eat at its food pop-ups, and enjoy views of the Thames. See London’s best exhibitions, and catch a theatre show after dinner. 

Save money on your food bill, activities, hotels and more with SWR Rewards. There’s lots to choose from, including 2-for-1 tickets for London Transport Museum, 20% off Gordon Ramsey’s Street Pizza, and 25% off at The Bermondsey Bierkeller.

If you’d rather a quieter staycation, head to one of the South West’s coastal destinations like Bournemouth or Weymouth. The Isle of White could also be a shout for a peaceful retreat from the mainland, or plan for an adventure-filled weekend at England’s only natural World Heritage Site - the infamous Jurassic Coast.

Immerse yourself in nature at one of the UK’s national treasures - the New Forest - to explore its amazing trails, cycle paths, woodlands, do water sports and more. 

Secure your spot at the British Swimming Championships

2-7 April

Head to the iconic London Aquatics Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to watch the British Swimming Championships, an event that plays a key role in the selection for Team GB’s Paralympic and Olympic pool swimming teams heading to Paris next summer. 

This is the first time spectators are invited to watch the athletes compete since 2015! Find out more and get your tickets. 

Attend the annual London Games Festival

9-25 April

The world's biggest celebration of video games and interactive entertainment - the London Games Festival - returns for its 9th year this April. 

Games professionals from around the globe visit the capital for this one, where organisers pick dozens of games that highlight range and diversity in the gaming sector and showcase them with panels and in-person meet-ups.

Some events are ticketed, and some are free. The full schedule of events will be noted on the London Games Festival website once confirmed -  find out more. 

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

Est. 9-10 April

Eid is an official Islamic holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan – a time when many Muslims fast. Eid al-Fitr is expected to take place on April 9 – April 10, 2024.

However, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so the exact timing depends on the official moon sighting.

There’s lots going on in the capital during the weekend of Eid al-Fitr. Here are some of the best things to do in London including Eid in the Square, London Eid festival and lots of other things. Check out our Eid al-Fitr in London guide to learn more. 

Go to the London Coffee Festival

11-14 April

Explore more than 250 artisan coffee roasters at the London Coffee Festival.

Watch live latte art, experience hands-on coffee-making workshops led by renowned experts, drink unlimited coffee samples, enjoy tasty food and take to the dance floor with its headlining DJs. 

The festival takes place at The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London. To get there, hop on a South Western Railway train to London Waterloo, and then catch the tube to Shoreditch High Street. The event’s a 5-minute walk from there. 

Head to the London Marathon

21 April

Go to the capital to see the London Marathon! Winding through some of London’s most famous landmarks including Tower Bridge and the London Eye, the London Marathon - spanning 26.2 miles - transforms the streets of the capital into one giant party!

Our dedicated London Marathon guide details everything you need to know to plan your day, including how to get there, the best places to watch the action, and eateries nearby. 

Plan your travel with South Western Railway

Now you’ve filled your April calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.

We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in May.