BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Easter weekend is a bank holiday weekend — the best kind of bank holiday weekend in fact, spanning four days. Browse our recommendations for things to do in London on a bank holiday, from guided walks to little-known parks to sporting pursuits.
EASTER HOLIDAYS: Kids off school and in need of entertainment? Take a look at our guide to Easter holiday events in London, covering exhibitions, shows and more for all ages. We know the pennies don't stretch as far as they used to, so we've included some free, family-friendly things to do too.
DAY TRIPS AND WEEKEND BREAKS: If you want to escape London for a day (or longer), we can help. Have a scroll through our Beyond London section for day trip ideas in the counties surrounding London, to weekends away in the rest of the UK and beyond. From quaint villages to seaside resorts, and castles to model villages, it's all there.
CHURCH SERVICES: Celebrate Easter the traditional way, by attending a service at one of London's churches. There are literally hundreds to choose from — although you might consider a biggie like St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey or Southwark Cathedral.
CHOCOLATE SHOPS: For last minute shopping, hit up London's best chocolate shops — and if you end up buying an Easter treat for yourself, we won't tell anyone.
PUBS: If you want nothing more than to kick back, pint in hand, and watch the world go by, take a look at our guide to the 100 best pubs in London. From gin palaces to micropubs to Irish boozers to craft havens, you can't go wrong if you find yourself at one of these this Easter.
SUNDAY LUNCH: A special weekend deserves a special meal, right? So tuck into one of London's best Sunday roasts, with all the trimmings. Fluffy spuds, crispy Yorkshires and oodles of gravy is the way we like it. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for too — check out these options.
LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT: Hampton Court Palace hosts an Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Follow the clues to find the bunny statues, and match each one with the name of an important person from the palace's history. Aimed at ages 3-12 and their families. 21 March-12 April 2026
HIDDEN GARDEN: Spend time with family and friends in a beautiful walled garden this Easter. Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanic garden, is a hidden oasis alongside the Thames, offering a relaxing day out in the fresh air, surrounded by plants and horticultural heritage. Follow trails through flowers, trees and greenhouses, suitable for all ages. Open Sunday-Friday (plus Easter Saturday), 11am-4pm (sponsor)
MESSIAH ON GOOD FRIDAY: For the 150th time, the Royal Choral Society performs Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall on Good Friday — a tradition that's only ever been interrupted by the Blitz and Covid. 150 singers are conducted by the choir's Music Director Richard Cooke, and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a quartet of soloists. 3 April 2026
PASSION OF JESUS: Every Good Friday, Trafalgar Square is packed out with thousands of people gathering to watch The Passion of Jesus, a free retelling of the Easter story, with 100 actors taking part. Everyone's welcome, but it involves — spoiler — a crucifixion scene, so may not be suitable for younger kiddies. There are two performances. FREE, 3 April 2026
EGG DAY: The Cock Tavern in Hackney holds a pickled egg speed eating and tasting day on Good Friday. Competitors race to see who can eat a pickled egg in the fastest time, with the top 25 names placed upon the much-
coveted leaderboard. It's open to all. 3 April 2026
RISE UP!: London International Gospel Choir, Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and Gospel Rising create a Holy Triumvirate of act of powerful harmonies and soaring solos, for Rise Up! A Easter Gospel Experience, at Smith Square Hall. Numbers include Quincy Jones' And He Shall Purify, and Kirk Franklin's Don't Cry. 4 April 2026
CAMDEN EASTER WEEKENDER: There are all sorts of free and family-friendly Easter activities at Camden Market this weekend, including a family rave, an Easter trail, face painting stations, and bulb planting and Easter bonnet workshops. FREE, 4-5 April 2026
EASTER FAMILY DISCO: Kids buzzing from too much chocolate? Take them along to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow for the Easter family disco. Dance to family-friendly tunes as you enjoy games and singalongs, and then take part in the egg hunt. 5 April 2026
PETTING ZOO: Hilton London Bankside hotel hosts the expert animal handlers from Living Things UK for a petting zoo experience on Easter Sunday, where you can meet and greet bunnies and chicks. On-site restaurant OXBO Bankside serves at Easter brunch on Saturday and Sunday, with the Easter bunny hopping between tables to deliver chocolate eggs. Petting zoo open 10am-1pm on 5 April 2026
BIBLICAL PUB CRAWL: Running on Easter Sunday for more than 20 years, the Christathon is a biblical-themed pub crawl, visiting six boozers between Borough High Street and Trafalgar Square. It claims to be London's best-behaved pub crawl, and aims to "astound not offend", described as the "biblical alternative to the typical toga party" with participants dressed in biblical costumes with a fold-out musical Crucifix on wheels in tow. 5 April 2026
EASTER JAZZ: Live jazz is played on Marina's Floating Pontoon at St Katharine Docks on Easter Saturday — you'll be greeted with a free glass of bubbles and blankets, before you soak up the sounds of Olivia Swann & Jazz King Jamie Safir, plus guests, while admiring the twinkling yacht lights. 5 April 2026
EASTER TRAIL: Count chickens, solve riddles and hunt out the giant bunny at an Easter trail in Highgate's Waterlow Park, organised by the neighbouring Lauderdale House. You're provided with a treasure map and a series of clues, and the first 100 people to finish receive a small chocolate prize. FREE, 5 April 2026
CHAIR LIFT: The Blackheath Morris Men are doing the rounds in Greenwich once again — dancing outside various landmarks (many of them pubs) and performing the ancient ritual of chair-lifting. FREE, 6 April 2026
