Easter is on its way bringing with it more school holidays and…chocolate! Yes, this is possibly my favourite family holiday for guzzling more chocolate eggs and hot cross buns than are possibly good for me.
If you plan celebrate Easter in London then you will be pleased to learn that there are lots of Easter treats in store. This is a really fun time to be in the city; the weather is usually a little warmer, the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom and everyone’s generally feeling happy that the days are getting longer and that there are some bank holidays on the horizon.
Family events taking place over the long weekend include Easter egg hunts in London, Easter trails, Easter weekend services and maybe even the chance to catch a glimpse of the Easter bunny himself!
And don’t forget, there are also lots of free things to do in London this Easter.
As for Easter dates this year, Good Friday is on April 7 this year, Easter Sunday on April 9 and Easter Monday falls on April 10, making for an enjoyable and long Easter bank holiday weekend.
Here’s our round-up of the best things to enjoy during the Easter in London for 2023, enjoy!
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The best places to celebrate Easter in London 2023
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace
This Easter, Hampton Court Palace invites children aged 3 – 12 years old to discover the stories of the fascinating people who visited, lived and worked at the palace AND be in the chance of winning some chocolate!
Follow the trail map to find the Lindt Gold Bunny statues hiding around the palace gardens. Match up the name of the palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue and tick if off your list to – fingers crossed – win a chocolate reward at the end (non chocolate prizes are also available).
When: April 1 – 16, 2022
Price: Included in admission price. Pre-booking is highly recommended!
Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace aren’t hosting their Easter egg hunt this year but they do have a fantastic exhibition opening in time for the Easter holidays.
The Crown to Couture exhibition opens on 5 April and will be the largest ever staged at the Palace. On display will be some 200 objets including Lady Gaga’s luminous green MTV Awards dress, the Thom Browne dress worn by Lizzo at the 2022 Met Gala and the world-famous Silver Tissue Gown worn at the court of Charles II.
It promises to be the perfect place to take fashion-forward older children and teens!
Don’t forget to enjoy Kensington Gardens while you’re there.
Where: Kensington Palace
When: Opens 5 April
Easter events at the Arts Depot
The Arts Depot in North London have a whole host of Easter events taking place this year. Shows include a production of Jack v Giant, Hey Diddle Diddle, The Wish Gatherer, the Bubble Show and much more. A circus workshop is also taking place. Check the website for details.
Dates: Check the website for individual dates
Price: Check the website for prices
Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure
Meet Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggy Winkle and cousin Benjamin Bunny in Covent Garden this Easter. The Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure takes place from 21 March to 16 April and includes storytelling, live performances, fantastic puppetry and, of course, everyone’s favourite blue-jacketed bunny, Peter Rabbit.
When: 21 March – 16 April
Where: Covent Garden, buy tickets in advance
Horniman Spring Fair
One of our top picks for Easter activities this year is taking place at the Horniman Museum. The annual Spring Fair schedule is packed with live music and performances, crafty activities, amazing bubbles, a Spring Bonnet parade, Lindy Hopping dance workshops, and much more. This promise to be a fantastic way to celebrate the easter season.
Don’t forget that Brick Dinosaurs is also taking place at the Horniman Museum with creatures from the Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods recreated in the tiny plastic bricks by artist Warren Elsmore.
Dates: April 8, 10.30am – 4.30pm
Price: Adults £5, children go free but must have a ticket to meet capacity requirements. Book online.
Easter family fun at the Southbank Centre
There are some fun activities planned for the whole family this Easter at the Southbank Centre including a Marty and the Party (7 April), Bossy (7 April), Groove Sensation for you and your baby (8 April) and a Pedal Power Disco (8 April). Taking place from 12 April – 15 April is Humans 2.0 by Circa, an incredible acrobatics display synchronised with sound and light.
Dates: Various, check the website
Price: Check the website for prices and to book tickets.
Easter Activities at the Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands has a jam-packed calendar of Easter events this year. Take part in the Tail Trail and help Riley Ratcliffe track down her family tree, create a Wanted! poster in a fun art workshop, join the Smuggle Squad or learn about historic London in a hands-on session with real artefacts from the Docklands’ past.
Enjoy these activities and more on various dates over the Easter holidays.
Where: The Museum of London Docklands
When: Various dates, see website for details
Easter Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Run by Brigit’s Bakery this Easter themed afternoon tea takes place on board a London Routemaster bus. See London’s landmarks, discover some of the city’s history and enjoy tasty sandwiches, delicious cakes and pastries, and plenty of other sweet treats. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Easter in London!
When: April 9-17 2023
Where: The Afternoon Tea bus tour departs from Victoria coach station or Trafalgar Square. Adults are from £45 and child tickets are from £35.
Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur
Okay, so dinosaurs aren’t traditionally associated with Easter but if you’re in London for the Easter break then you must see the newest exhibition from the Natural History Museum.
Visitors are invited to step into the world of the magnificent titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. Learn how he found food, kept cool and stayed safe on this journey from tiny egg to towering creature.
Where: The Natural History Museum
When: Opens 31 March
Easter Trail at the Chelsea Physic Garden
Discover more about the wonderful world of plants at the Chelsea Physic Garden with their self-led trail and get a chocolate treat at the end! The trail takes place on Easter Monday.
When: 10 April at 10am to 4pm (last admission is 3pm)
Price: Trail costs £5 per person plus standard admission. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Zoonormous Egg Hunt at London Zoo
For the most eggcellent day out this Easter, join the Zoonormous Egg Hunt – a fun family trail starting in the heart of the Zoo. Solve riddles to guide your path, collect all the clues and (if you can unscramble them…), you’ll make it to the secret golden egg while learning about some incredible animals along the way.
When: 1 – 16 April 2023
Price: Included in the zoo ticket; tickets must be booked in advance.
Superworm at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens always have fun activities for kids at this time of year. This Easter, head to the botanic gardens and enjoy set off on an adventure with the characters from best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Follow an enchanting trail through the gardens and discover Superworm and his friends while also learning about the vital role they play in the gardens and the importance of soil. You may be lucky and catch some of the city’s best cherry blossoms while you are there too!
When: April 1 – 16, 2023
Price: Included with entry to the Gardens
Momentous Moments at the London Transport Museum
This easter discover the significant moments in history that have created London’s transport system as we know it today. Meet different characters from different eras of the city’s history, including VE Day and the 2012 Olympics, and then build your very own futuristic time-travelling vehicle.
When: April 1 – 16, 2023. Activities take place every day between 10.30am and 4pm
Price: Included with Museum admission – kids go free
Alice in Wonderland Easter egg Hunt
Enjoy a free Alice in Wonderland themed Easter egg hunt in Merchant Square, Paddington. The Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and Alice will be there to help you solve a puzzle and find the Easter eggs!
There will also be flamingo croquet, Easter-themed games, a colouring competition and a Best Photo contest too.
The event is free but they are raising money for the COSMIC Charity supporting the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at St Mary’s Hospital and donations are much appreciated.
Entry to the Easter egg hunt will be on a first-come-first-serve basis.
When: Wednesday 5 April, 11am – 4pm. A meet and greet with the characters will take place from 12.30pm – 2pm.
Where: Merchant Square, Paddington
Ai Wei Wei’s Lego Sculpture at the Design Museum
Chinese artist Ai WeiWei will be exhibiting a major new show at London’s Design Museum, opening on 7 April. As part of the exhibition, entitled Ai WeiWei: Making Sense is an enormous piece made entirely from LEGO.
Titled Water Lilies #1, the piece is a homage to Impressionist painter Claude Monet and is a reconstruction of his famous water lilies piece, constructed entirely from 650,000 LEGO bricks in 22 colours.
When: Opens 7 April
Where: The Design Museum
Miffy Pop-Up in Chinatown
Miffy, the cute white cartoon rabbit, will be having her own pop-up shop in Chinatown in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. The shop will be on Shaftesbury Avenue and opens on 29 March, meaning it will be open over the Easter holidays!
The shop will sell plenty of Miffy merchandise as well as a selection of limited-edition products. The pop-up will also feature a number of activities and experiences including the chance to get to meet Miffy and a picture frame for Instagram snaps.
When: Opens 29 March – 3 July; 12pm – 10pm daily
Where: 78 Shaftesbury Avenue
Mischievous Mice at the Postal Museum
It’s mice not bunnies that are on the loose at the Postal Museum this Easter. Come and discover some of the very hungry creatures who live in unusual places and like to make a meal out of the museum collection.
Learn about the ways the museum protects the collection as well as the true story of Tibs, the Post Office cat responsible for chasing any mischievous mice. Sustainable games, grafts, making and storytelling take place over the course of the Easter holidays.
When: 1 – 13 April, 2023 between 11am – 4pm (activities might not take place every day so check the website for details).
Price: Included in museum ticket
Coronation Celebrations at Tower Bridge
Start the coronation celebrations early at Tower Bridge this Easter with their drop-in activity sessions. Kids are invited to create their own bunting, which will be displayed inside Tower Bridge over the Coronation weekend. Visit in May and you’ll be able to make your own crown!
When: Beautiful Bunting takes place on April 4, 11 and 15, 2023.
Price: included in admission
Easter Quest at Chiswick House
An eggscellent adventure is coming to Chiswick House in time for the Easter in London. The Easter Quest takes place on April 8, starting at the Conservatory and finishing at the Marquee. Explore the gardens and see what Easter treats you might find!
When: Saturday April 8, 2023
Price: £2 per person available on the day, on a first come first served basis
Discovery Days at Hyde Park
Taking place at the LookOut in Hyde Park this Easter holiday are a handful of free Discovery Days with crafts, activities and storytelling sessions.
Spring Surprises takes place April 4 – 6 and includes pond dipping, exploring the wildlife garden, springtime story sessions and nature based arts and crafts.
Marvellous Mammals takes place from April 11 – 13 where children can learn about mammals and their habitats through nature-based activities and storytelling sessions.
When: April 4 – 6 and 11 – 13. Events take place between 11am and 3pm and are welcome to visitors on a first-come-first-served basis.
Price: Free; it’s worth registering your interest in advance via the website.
Family Workshops at Shakespeare Globe
A series of family workshops are taking place at Shakespeare Globe this Easter. Bringing to life the strange and wonderful world of Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a workshop designed for children aged 9 – 12 and their families and another workshops explores spooky Macbeth.
For younger children there is also a fun and practical workshop exploring Macbeth as well as a dedicated storytelling session.
When: Various dates, check website for details.
Price: Workshop tickets cost £10. Storytelling session tickets cost £15
Frozen Music and Movement Workshop at the V&A
This event takes place just after the Easter in London but tickets go on sale soon (March 13) for this dance workshop based on the world of Frozen the musical. Children can learn the lyrics and dance moves from the number Fixer Upper under the watchful eye of Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists.
The 40 minute workshops are free but capacity will be limited so do book in advance. Tickets are available to book from 1pm on Monday 13 March.
When: Saturday April 22 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Price: Free but register in advance. Maximum two adult tickets for groups.
Easter Adventure Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Eltham Palace and Gardens are hosting and egg-cellent adventure quest this Easter in London. Explore the grounds for clues and challenges, take part in traditional Easter games such as egg rolling, keep and eye out for Easter eggs and receive an Easter treat at the end!
When: April 1 – 16 2023, 10am – 5pm (the quest takes place every day of the school holidays).
Price: £2 for the quest in addition to the normal ticket price. Book online and save
Easter Egg Adventure at Ham House
Nature trails are always fun, especially if there’s chocolate at the end of them! This Easter holiday National Trust property Ham House is hosting a trail where children can discover the pretty gardens and be rewarded with an Easter treat at the end.
When:April 1 – 16, 2023, 10am – 4.30pm
Price: £3 in addition to normal ticket price. Booking not needed.
Create your own Easter puppet at the Little Angel Theatre
The Little Angel Theatre in Islington often puts on fun special events over the school holidays and this Easter is no exception. Create your own Easter animal puppet at their studios on Sebbon Street and surprise the Easter bunny when you bring your puppet to life! The workshops are aimed at children aged 4 – 8.
When: 1 – 3 April, 2023
Where: The Little Angel Theatre studios on Sebbon Street (not in the theatre itself); £8.50 per person (adults and children each need a ticket).
Duck Detectives at the London Wetland Centre
Forget the traditional Easter egg hunt this holiday and head to the London Wetland Centre and become a Duck Detective. Follow the Easter trail, crack the clues and get closer than ever to nature. Pick up a trail card at admissions and see if you can “quack the case”.
When: 1 – 16 April, 2023
Price: £1 for trail card; normal entry ticket prices apply
Easter Egg Hunt at Osterley Park and House
Follow the trail and find poetry-themed, nature-inspired activities for the whole family this Easter at Osterley Park and House. The trail takes place between April 1 – 16 and promises some fun in the Great Outdoors AND chocolate at the end!
When: April 1 – 16 2023; from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Price: £3 per child, booking not needed.
Easter Egg Hunt at Morden Hall Park
An egg-citing Easter trail awaits families at Morden Hall Park in South London. Follow the trail, enjoy nature-inspire activities and be rewarded with a chocolate egg at the end.
When: April 5 – 10, 2023; 10am – 4pm
Price: £3 per child, booking not needed
Messiah on Good Friday at the Royal Albert Hall
Join the Royal Choral Society in its 150th anniversary season as they perform Handel’s Messiah on Good Friday. The event is not recommended for children under 5.
When: 7 April, 2023; 2.30pm performance
Where: The Royal Albert Hall
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Head to the excellent Unicorn Theatre this Easter in London for a child-friendly performance of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Aimed at children aged 3 – 6, this is the perfect first musical for families.
When: 12 March – 23 April
Where: Unicorn Theatre
The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square
The annual performance of The Passion of Jesus is taking place again this year in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. The biblical story is brought to life by the Wintershall Players and involves more than 100 actors and volunteers who come together to recreate the day Jesus is believed to have been arrested, tried and crucified. It’s a pretty realistic interpretation of events to parental guidance is advised.
There are two 90-minute live performances at 12pm and 3.15pm. These are projected on big screens so everyone can see.
When: Friday April 7, 2023
Price: Free, no tickets required
Holy week and Easter services
Easter Services will be held at Westminster Abbey, Southwark Cathedral, or St. Paul’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday.
