In this article, you'll learn the following:
Bask in the longer and brighter days as the season of new beginnings - spring - is officially underway.
The Easter bank holiday, London Marathon and The Boat Race 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.
London Games Festival
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2-13 April
Travel into London by train to London Games Festival, the UK’s biggest gaming event.
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.
There are heaps of events taking place in the city, including exhibitions, B2B events, screenplays and a Trafalgar Square takeover which showcases talented UK games creatives from Black, Asian and underrepresented ethnicities on show.
Each event is ticketed – you'll need to buy tickets for the events you’d like to go to. Find out more.
Easter holiday activities
7 –21 April
Make the most of the last day of the Easter holidays without breaking the bank. Check out these budget-friendly things to do with the whole family, including free museums and galleries, relaxing in London’s gorgeous parks and gardens, easter egg hunts and more.
There’s lots more to do – head to Legoland in Windsor with the kids to enjoy its iconic rides and attractions, build a Lego easter egg, and doo an Easter egg hunt. Other top spots to visit with the family include London Zoo for its annual Easter egg hunt, and Marwell Zoo for its dedicated Easter outdoor activities.
British Swimming Championships
15-20 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.
There’ll be 6 days of swimming competitions – last year saw sell-out crowds so don’t miss out on your chance to secure tickets. Find out more.
London Marathon
27 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.
The Boat Race 2025
Credit: Row360
13 April
Head to one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events, The Boat Race. In this one, Oxford and Cambridge university men’s and women’s boat clubs battle it out to on a course that stretched 4.25 miles of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake.
Start your day in Putney, and get there with SWR.
Outdoor activities
April
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
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, or just love being outdoors, adventure activities are a great shout for a fun-filled and serotonin-boosting day out with family and friends.
We’ve put together a guide to the best adventure activities in London and the South West, which includes all you need to know about Go Ape in London (get 22% off with SWR Rewards), RockReef in Bournemouth and more - take a look.
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.
Kew Gardens is also worth a visit in spring – see cherry blossom, and see its new gallery exhibition celebrating the power of trees. Get 2for1 tickets with SWR Rewards.
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.
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.
