It feels like we are finally waving goodbye to a long and rather wet winter; longer days, blue skies, sunshine and cherry blossoms all signal the welcome arrival of spring.
The main event in April is, of course, Easter, which takes place in late march / early April. Easter Sunday falls on 31 March this year. In the UK both Good Friday (29 March) and Easter Monday (1 April) are public holidays.
There are lots of fun things to do for Easter in London from nature trails and Easter egg hunts to a fun spring fair. Spoiler: a lot of these events involve a lot of chocolate!
Outside of the Easter weekend, there are still lots of great things taking place. If you’re wondering what to do this month in the capital then here’s our list of the best things to do in April in London including events, exhibitions, performances and more.
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Things to do in April in London
Table of Contents
The longer and warmer days mean more time for sightseeing. Famous landmarks in including Big Ben, the famous Palace of Westminster clock tower and its bell, Madame Tussauds, the Natural History Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye are some of the most popular sights in central London and well worth bookmarking if you are in town. See them all on a guided tour.
Spring is also a good time to book afternoon tea. And, if your visit coincides with the inevitable April showers, then don’t worry as there are still lots of things to do on rainy days in London.
If you haven’t visited the Houses of Parliament before then this is a great time of year to visit (not least because an election is on the cards for autumn). Multimedia tours are available for family-friendly visits. If you’re visiting with teens then join one of the guided tours. It’s a great way to learn more about the inner workings of the British Government.
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard then your best bet is to arrive early and nab a spot near Buckingham Palace. Failing that you can also see the procession at St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks.
Other April dates for you diary include:
- The London Games Festival will be taking place across London from 9 – 25 April.
- The London Coffee Festival takes place from April 11 – 14 at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.
- On 13 April the Sikh and Punjabi cultural festival Vaiskhi takes place. London’s main celebration will be held in Trafalgar Square the previous week.
- Eid in the Square takes place in Trafalgar Square on 20 April, marking the end of Ramadan. Enjoy market stalls, live performances and family-friendly activities.
- On 21 April thousands of runners will pound the pavement around town for the London Marathon, cheer them on as they race to the finish line.
- Earth Day takes place on 22 April.
- St George’s Day is on 23 April and the free St George’s Day Festival will take place on Trafalgar Square on 21 April with live music, family activities, food stalls and more.
- Treasure Hunters should bookmark 27-28 April when the Classic Car Boot Sale returns to Kings Cross. Enjoy a weekend of eating, dancing and bargain hunting.
For more ideas on things to do, join our London with kids Facebook group. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter sharing fun things to do in the city.
April 2024 events in London
Now Play This at Somerset House
London’s leading festival of experimental games is back at Somerset House this year and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The festival, which showcases the latest in independent and experimental game design from around the world, is a great thing to do in London with teens. The theme for this year’s festival is Liminal: Playing between Worlds.
Now Play This runs from 6 – 14 April
Rubbish Shakespeare at the Leicester Square Theatre
According to the Primary Times, this rip-rollicking re-telling of some of the Bard’s most famous plays is “like Horrible Histories but funnier”. Featuring slapstick comedy, mischievous storytelling and even sausage rolls, this is a wonderful way to introduce kids to both Shakespeare and the magic of theatre itself.
Rubbish Shakespeare takes place at the Leicester Square Theatre on Saturday 6 April. Tickets from £10.
CUTE at Somerset House
You only have a couple of weeks left to enjoy the CUTE exhibition at Somerset House.
From emojis and plushie toys to video games and even food, cuteness is all around us and this exhibition explores just how the world’s fascination with cute culture has become so all pervading.
The exhibition also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty and features a games arcade for all ages. See you have the stamina to queue for the Hello Kitty themed cafe next door.
CUTE runs until 14 April
The Velveteen Rabbit at Sadler’s Wells
The wonderful, heartwarming story of The Velveteen Rabbit, about a stuffed rabbit’s desire to become real through the love of its owner, is being brought to the stage this month. Taking place at Sadler’s Wells 5 – 6 April, the production also celebrates balletLORENT’s 30th anniversary.
The production runs for 45 minutes and is recommended for children aged 4 – 10.
The Art of the Brick
You’ll be amazed by the mind-boggling LEGO® creations on display at The Art of the Brick exhibition. Held in the Boiler House, the exhibition features over 150 incredible sculptures made from LEGO® including recreations of some of the world’s most famous artworks including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
For kids there’s also a play and build area where you can create your own LEGO sculptures.
The Art of the Brick runs until 12 May. Tickets cost adult / child £17.90 / £13.90.
When Forms Come Alive at the Hayward Gallery
You still have a month left to enjoy this excellent exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. Housed within the Brutalist walls of the Hayward Gallery on London’s South Bank, this exhibition covers 60 years of contemporary sculpture with a focus on “restless” sculptures.
Even if you don’t quite understand the ideas behind the creations, they are a joy to behold with sculptures made from foam, neon lights, inflated bouncy balls and even a pair of tights. Guaranteed to entertain even the most museum-wary of kids.
When Forms Cove Alive is on until May 6. Tickets cost adult / child £18 / £7. Under 12s free.
Wallace and Gromit at the Cartoon Museum
The Cartoon Museum’s exhibition celebrating 30 years of Wallace & Gromit film The Wrong Trousers closes on 16 April. Don’t miss the chance to see never-before-seen original sketches by Nick Park and behind the scene shots of how the film was make.
Wallace & Gromit closes on 16 April.
Fashion City at the Museum of London Docklands
This exhibition, charting how Jewish tailors and designers of London’s East End shaped fashion around the world, closes on 14 April. Get a glimpse of coats worn by Princess Diana as well as fashion from high street stalwarts including M&S.
Fashion City closes on 14 April. Tickets cost:
Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace
April is the perfect time to visit Hampton Court Palace. The annual Tulip Festival returns bringing a kaleidoscope of colour to Henry VIII’s famous gardens.
This is one of the largest displays of planted tulips in the UK; enjoy floating tulip vases, see rare, historic varieties inspired by Mary II’s famous 17th century collection, see blooming displays in the Tudor wine fountain and more. Experts recommend mid-April as the best time to visit for peak blooms.
Don’t miss the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace either. This Easter activity runs until 14 April.
The Tulip Festival runs 8 – 29 April. Tickets cost: Adult / child £27.20 / £ 13.60. Under 5 go free
Family workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe
The Globe Theatre always runs fun family events and this month is no exception. To tie in with their current performance of Romeo and Juliet, the theatre is running a handful of workshops themed around the star crossed lovers aimed at children aged 9-12 years and 12+ years.
A family storytelling of Macbeth aimed at children aged 5 – 12 and their families is also being held as well as a storytelling session based on The Tempest.
Check the website for dates and details.
Much Ado About Nothing at Shakepeare’s Globe
Launching at the end of this month at Shakespeare’s Globe is Much Ado About Nothing, one of the Bard’s best known comedy plays.
Much Ado About Nothing opens on 25 April and runs until 24 August.
Bear Grylls at Wembley
Join explorer, adventurers and survival expert Bear Grylls in Wembley Arena this month for his Never Give Up! live tour. During this family-friendly show he will share stories from some of this expeditions alongside photos and behind-the-scenes footage.
Never Give Up! takes place on 28 April at 6.30pm.
Bluey and Blossoms at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a great place to be this spring season. Not only is the loveable Blue Heeler puppy Bluey coming to Kew Gardens this month but the botanical gardens are also hosting a family-friendly Sounds of Blossom concerts to celebrate the gardens in bloom.
Enjoy an array of outdoor activities and games inspired by the Bluey TV show while you learn all about Kew’s plants and animals as well as those found in Bluey’s native Australia. There will also be the opportunity to meet Bluey along the way.
Created in collaboration with the Royal College of Music, Sounds of Blossoms, will take place in blossom hotspots around the gardens and features music composed by students from the college.
Bluey and Sounds of Blossoms both run until 14 April and are included in the admission price.
London Games Festival Trafalgar Square Takeover
Taking place on 13 April is the Trafalgar Square Takeover, part of the London Games Festival that’s being held throughout most of April in venues across the capital.
The Ensemble exhibition on the square will showcase the best of UK games creatives from Black, Asian and underrepresented ethnicities. There will be a dedicated gaming lounge for gamers to try out games from the festival’s Official Selection.
SmileyWorld® Art Trail at Battersea Power Station
Follow a self-guided trail around in and around Battersea Power Station and discover sculptures by renowned artists including Drew Millward, Kelly Ma and LeiMai LeMaow.
The Art Trail is part of the power station’s SmileyWorld® season that includes arts and crafts sessions, fun rides, outdoor games, face painting, street food stalls and more.
Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery at the Science Museum
Explore this new free gallery that has just opened at the Science Museum exploring the past, present and future of energy systems.
The free gallery is divided into three sections, each exploring this century’s defining challenges.
Future Planet explores the climate change that we are currently experience. Future Energy focuses on the technologies that are reimagining how energy is supplied and used today and Our Future looks at how the world will meet its energy needs in the future.
Energy Revolution is located in the West Hall, Level 2.
Lost and Found at the London Transport Museum
This Easter the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is inviting guests young and old to discover the weird and wonderful world of London Transport’s Lost Property Office. First opened in 1933, the Lost Property Office has looked after more than 15 million objects from hats, bags and umbrellas to some more unusual items including a skeleton and even a grandfather clock.
Between April 2 – 18, visitor scan follow a trail around the museum and discover fun facts about objects from today and yesteryear.
On selected dates children’s authors Emily Rand and Kate Wilkinson will read from their books inspired by these lost items.
Emily Rand, author of The Lost Property Office will be reading on Monday April 4, Tuesday April 5 and Wednesday April 6 at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Aimed at children aged 4-7.
Kate Wilkinson, author of Edie and the Box of Flits, will be reading on Saturday April 9, Sunday April 10, Monday April 11 and Tuesday April 12 at the same times as those listed above for Emily Rand. Aimed at children aged 7-12.
Spring Surprises Discovery Days at Hyde Park
Now is the perfect time to visit the Royal Parks, in particularly Hyde Park where their popular, free Discovery Days celebrate the arrival of spring.
Drop in between 11am and 3pm and enjoy a range of activities including pond dipping, a spring nature trail, making a seedball to plant at home, interactive games, storytelling sessions and more.
Spring Surprises drop in sessions take place from April 2-4 between 11am-3pm.
Also taking place over the Easter school holidays is Marvellous Mammals, a series of fun activities inspired by the different mammals that live in the Royal Parks. Marvellous Mammals takes place April 9-11 from 11am-3pm.
All sessions are free but it’s worth registering your interest in advance via the website.
Medieval Mayhem at the Tower of London
Easter is the perfect time to head to the Tower of London where fairytales and frolics are taking over the South Lawn.
Step back in time and watch medieval Londoners as they tell their stories and get ready to serve the Queen. Expect a mini pageant about the ravens and even a magical giant.
Medieval Mayhem runs until June 23. Included in admission tickets.
Hat’s off to Easter at Tower Bridge
Welcome in Spring and celebrate Easter by designing your very own Tower Bridge inspired Easter bonnet, whether that’s a Bridge Driver’s hat or nautical cap. Don’t miss the views of the River Thames from the glass floors while you’re here.
These drop-in April activities take place on April 2, 9 and 13.
Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure
The location for this year’s Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure has yet to be revealed but if it’s anything like last year’s (that took place in Covent Garden) then it’s bound to delight young children.
Organisers have promised a London garden location with activities and entertainment. Last year children were invited to search for maps, notes and clues among a reimagined Covent Garden market, and meet Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggy Winkle and cousin Benjamin Bunny.
The line-up also included live performances and puppetry plus additional crafting fun. You can join the waitlist for details here.
Family Activities at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is currently hosting a touring immersive and interactive exhibition about the 850 year history of French gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame de Paris (our Lady of Paris).
To celebrate the exhibition, the Abbey is this month hosting a series of family-friendly workshops.
Shield Shenanigans celebrates the numerous shields on display in the Abbey and invites children to design their own. Grotesque Gargoyles explores the fascinating world of the strange stone faces, dragons and monsters that decorate the outside of the Abbey. Can you make your own?
Both workshops are being held at the beginning of the month, check the website for exact dates and details.
Spies, Lies and Deception at the Imperial War Museum
Closing on 14 April is Spies, Lies and Deception at the Imperial War Museum. This free exhibition looks at the tricks and dangers of espionage from the First World War to the present day.
From double agents writing secret messages and audacious clandestine operations to secret spy rings, surveillance tricks and much more.
Spies, Lies and Deception closes on 14 April.
Skateboard at the Design Museum
Ongoing at the Design Museum is the first major UK exhibition to chart the design evolution of the skateboard, from the 1950s to today.
The exhibition has been curated and designed by author, designer and skater Jonathan Olivares and includes 90 rare and unique boards as well as over 100 other objects from wheels and tucks to magazines and VHS tapes.
Skateboard runs until 19 May.
The Cult of Beauty
The Wellcome Collection’s Cult of Beauty exhibition closes at the end of April so make sure you book tickets. This major exhibition explores notions of beauty across time and cultures and features over 200 items including beauty products and tools throughout the ages as well as artworks exploring our relationships with the beauty ideals.
Cult of Beauty closes on 28 April.
Jason and the Adventure of 254
Also at the Welcome Collection is this new exhibition by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills that is “a joyful exploration of the body” that draws on the artist’s experience of becoming disabled as a child.
The spaces are filled with huge sculptures, colourful illustrations and interactive dioramas that explore how society views disability, medicine and the human body.
It’s colourful, engaging and thought-provoking and well worth a visit.
Jason and the Adventure of 254 runs until January 2025
Untold Lives at Kensington Palace
Little is known of the many servants, courtiers, cooks, seamstresses, and pages who ran the royal palaces for centuries but a new exhibition at Kensington Palace aims to change that.
Untold Lives opened last month and explores the many people and roles who diligently behind the scenes to maintain, protect and promote the monarch and the royal palaces. Afterwards, take a wander around Kensington Gardens.
Untold Lives runs until the end of October.
The Balloon Museum
The Balloon Museum has been a huge hit but you only have a couple of weeks left to enjoy this immersive space. Located in Old Billingsgate, the Balloon Museum is filled with installations by 20 artists including enormous beach balls, massive inflatable rabbits and, of course, bubbles.
At the heart of the exhibition is an oversized ball pit shaped like a swimming pool and complete with ladders perfect for jumping in….and Instagram. Kids – and particularly teens – will love it.
The Balloon Museum is open until 14 April.
Legion: Life in the Roman Army at The British Museum
Ongoing at The British Museum is their major new exhibition, Legion: life in the Roman army. From family life in the fort to the realities of the battlefield, discover if you have what it takes to make it in the Roman army.
Legion: Life in the Roman Army runs until 23 June.
