The Easter holidays are very nearly here bringing with them chocolate eggs, hot cross buns and two weeks of trying to keep the kids busy.
If you are planning to 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 warmer, the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the city feels that little more carefree now that the days are getting longer. Plus, the first of a handful of bank holidays take place.
If you are going to be in the city for the school holidays then here’s our pick of the best things to do in London at Easter that the whole family will enjoy.
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The best things to do in London at Easter
Easter dates this year are as follows: Good Friday falls on April 3, Easter Sunday is on April 5 and Easter Monday is on April 6 (the long weekend is a bank holiday weekend in the UK). The Easter holidays for most schools in England run from Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April.
In London, family events are taking place throughout the Easter holidays but there are some special events taking place over the long Easter weekend including Easter egg hunts in London, Easter trails, Easter weekend services and maybe even the chance to catch a glimpse of the Easter bunny himself.
Here’s our round-up of the best things to do in London at Easter for 2026, enjoy!
The best places to celebrate Easter in London 2026
Get ready for a fun-filled Easter holiday in London.
Easter Activities in London
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace
Keep your eyes peeled for elusive Lindt Gold Bunny statues when you visit Hampton Court Palace this Easter. Follow the trail, match the names of influential characters who visited, lived and worked in the palace and match up the name of the palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue. If you find the mall then you can win a chocolate reward at the end (non chocolate prizes are also available).
This year the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt takes place 21 March to 12 April and is included in admission price. Pre-booking is highly recommended.
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, circus skills and hooping, a spring disco, the Spring Bonnet parade, mega bubbles, and much more. This is always a fantastic way to celebrate the easter season.
This year the Horniman Spring Fair takes place on Saturday 11 April 2026, 11am – 4pm. Adults £6, children under 16 £6, infants (under 2) are free. Make sure to book online 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 ZSL London Zoo. Solve riddles to guide your path, collect all the clues and, if you can unscramble them, you will make it to the secret golden egg while learning about some incredible animals along the way.
There are also craft activities throughout the holidays.
The Zoonormous Egg Hunt family event takes place 28 March to 12 April and is included in the admission price; tickets must be booked in advance.
Easter Egg Trail at the Cutty Sark
Take part in an Easter Egg Trail on board the historic Cutty Sark ship this Easter in London. Discover fascinating facts about this mighty ship, once the fastest tea clipper in the world, as you explore the decks looking for hidden eggs.
Each egg has a letter on it – collect them all, unscramble the secret nautical code and receive a chocolatey treat! Aimed at children aged 5+, this is a fun way to explore the Cutty Sark.
The Easter egg trail runs from April 3 to April 6 from 10am – 4pm, and is included in the admission price.
Spring Family Fun at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre always delivers an exciting programme for kids and young people and this spring is no exception. Put on your dancing shoes and dance to Simmer Down; watch a performance of The Koala Who Could; stitch a giant collective artwork at drop-in quilting workshops;, play in a recycled playground and much more.
Spring Family Fun events take place at the South Bank from 1 April to 31 May, 2026.
Easter Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
B’s Bakery run excellent afternoon tea bus tours across London on board cherry-red original Routemaster buses. For the school holidays they have a special Easter themed afternoon tea, where you can see London’s landmarks, discover some of the city’s history and enjoy tasty sandwiches, delicious cakes and pastries, and possibly an Easter chocolate or two.
The 90-minute Easter Afternoon Tea Bus Tour takes place 28 March to 5 April with tours running between 12pm and 5.30pm, departing from Victoria coach station. Make sure to book in advance. Adults are from £50 and child tickets are from £42.
Easter Egg Trail at the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden is running a series of Easter-themed events and activities over the school holidays including their Spring Sprites trail. Children are encouraged to follow the trail, search for the eggs and discover the places where the Sprites live.
Along the way, they are invited to complete small tasks and challenges to make a special potion to help awaken the Sprites so the spring can bloom once more. At the end of the trail, each child will receive a small chocolate treat.
The Spring Sprites Easter Egg Trail takes place on Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April and costs £5, plus normal admission. It’s best to book in advance.
Easter Egg Hunt at Vauxhall City Farm
Vauxhall City Farm is the perfect place otherwise celebrate Easter with a handful of fun family activities. Take part in the farm’s annual Easter Egg Hunt (April3 ), make your very own Easter Bonnet (April 1), cuddle cute animals and more.
The farm is open Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am – 4pm.
An EGG-citing Easter Trail in Paddington
Head to Merchant Square on April 2 for a free Easter Egg Hunt. Taking place between 11am and 3.30pm, children are invited to help Burrow HQ find the missing Easter Egg Deliver Code so that they can release the Easter eggs from the vault.
See if you can piece together clues to solve the mystery, take part in playful games and help save Easter! Save the day and you’ll be rewarded with a chocolatey treat at the end.
Easter Family Trail at Chiswick House
An eggscellent adventure is coming to Chiswick House in time for Easter in London. The Easter Family Trail will be available from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April between 10am to 3pm. Head to the gazebo on the lawn next to the cafe when you enter. The trail costs £3.50 per child.
Easter Egg Hunt at Osterley Park and House
Follow the Easter egg trail and find art- and nature-inspired activities for the whole family this Easter at Osterley Park and House. The trail takes place between March 28 and April 12 and promises some fun in the Great Outdoors and chocolate at the end!
The Easter trail costs £3.50 plus the cost of admission. National Trust members and under 5s go free.
National Trust Easter Egg Hunt at Ham House
Easter egg hunts are always fun but particularly when you have to solve clues as you go. This Easter, visitors to Ham House are being transported back to the Civil War and asked to collect clues at 10 outdoor games stations and help save Ham House!
The egg hunt takes place daily from March 28 to April 6 between 10am and 5pm, and costs £3.50 per child.
Easter Egg Hunt at Morden Hall Park
An egg-citing Easter trail awaits families at Morden Hall Park in South London. Follow the 10-point Easter trail, enjoy playful challenges as you go and receive a chocolate egg at the end. The Easter trail runs from April 1 to April 6, from 10am – 4pm and costs £3.50.
Easter Adventure Quest at Eltham Palace and Gardens
Eltham Palace and Gardens are hosting an egg-cellent adventure quest this Easter break in London. Explore the grounds for clues and challenges, keep an eye out for Easter eggs and receive an Easter treat at the end.
This year the Easter Adventure Quest takes place on from March 28 to April 19, from 10am to 5pm. It costs £2 in addition to the normal ticket price. Book online and save 15%.
Easter Egg Hunt at the London Museum of Water & Steam
The Easter bunny has visited the museum and left eggs – but no-one knows where they are! See if you can help find the Easter eggs hidden among the Museum’s historic engines. Find them all and you’ll receive a special Easter prize at the end.
The easter egg hunt is include in the museum admission and takes place daily from March 28 to April 12.
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, 3 April at 12pm and 3.15pm, both of which are projected onto big screens.
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.
The performance is free to attend and last 90 minutes each. You are advised to arrive about 40 minutes before as it gets very busy. If you can’t make it in person then they will livestream the performances on the Wintershall Players’ Facebook page.
Holy week and Easter services
Church services will be held at Westminster Abbey, Southwark Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday.
Messiah on Good Friday at the Royal Albert Hall
Amazingly, the Royal Choral Society has performed Handel’s Messiah on Good Friday afternoon at the Royal Albert Hall every year since 1876. The only exceptions were during the Blitz 1940-41 and during the Covid pandemic 2020-21. This year is the 150th celebration and takes place on Friday 3 April at 2.30pm. The event is not recommended for children under 5.
Museum Exhibition & Experiences
I Can’t Sleep: storytelling and craft at the Horniman Museum
Join Author-illustrator Emma Farrarons on at the Horniman Museum this Easter in London as she reads from her new book.
Starring brothers Magnus and Kasper, I Can’t Sleep, explores why we sleep in our beds. The storytelling session will be followed by a craft activity making your own matchbox beds out of found objects. The book will be published on May 7 and signed copies will be available to purchase at the event.
Sessions take place at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3pm. Tickets cost £8.50 (each ticket is valid for one child and an adult).
Duke and Disorderly The Tower of London
The year is 1826 and the Duke of Wellington has just been made Constable of the Tower and it’s a mess! But he has big plans to bring order to the Tower, including shutting down the Royal Menagerie and the many taverns operating onsite.
Join the Duke as he attempts to brings some order to the Tower of London this Easter – don’t forget to see the crown jewels while you are here.
Duke and Disorderly runs between 11am and 4pm daily and takes place until 30 May. It is included in palace admission.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum
Ongoing at the Natural History Museum is the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing some of the world’s best wildlife photographers as they capture “the natural world in all its fragility and diversity”. The 100 photographs on display are always amazing.
Although the NHM itself enjoys free entry, you do need to purchase tickets for the exhibition. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs until 12 July 2026.
Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures at the Horniman Museum
Inspired by Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, the Horniman Museum invites families to board the legendary Nautilus submarine and dive into an extraordinary underwater adventure. Meet incredible sea creatures, explore uncharted waters and discover hidden wonders of life beneath the waves.
Voyage to the Deep runs until 1 November 2026.
Easter at the London Museum Docklands
Arrive hungry at the London Museum Docklands this Easter where a host of free family activities are taking place, all inspire by food.
Taking place between March 28 and April 12, the activities focus on the flavours, memories and journeys behind what we eat, from tropical ingredients carried across oceans to recipes passed down in your own kitchen.
Future London at the London Transport Museum
This Easter, the London Transport Museum is inviting children to dream big and imagine how London might look in 100 years time. Build your own futuristic vehicle using recycled materials; design the skyline of tomorrow; meet time-travelling artists Montague Black (who designed a poster in 1926 showing London as a world of soaring airships); and more.
The drop-in activities are included with Museum admission and run from March 28 to April 12.
The Jolly Postman at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is always fun for the whole family and this Easter is no exception with activities available to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the book, The Jolly Postman. Learn how letters can carry stories during drop-in sessions where children can design and decorate their own envelopes, and to draw or build a miniature story to tuck inside.
Arts and crafts activities take place from March 30 to April 10 between 10am and 6pm, and are included in museum admission. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Book tickets here.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends
Shaun the Sheep fans should make a beeline for the Young V&A this half term in London and their new exhibition that explores behind the scenes of Aardman Animation. Held to celebrate the animation studio’s 50th anniversary year, this family-friendly exhibit peeks behind the scenes of everyone’s favourite stop-motion animations to find out how the clever folk at Aardman bring clay to life.
The exhibition runs until 15 November.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
A great one for teens is the newest exhibition from the V&A and the UK’s first exhibition on the fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli. Spanning over 100 years, from the 1920s to today, the exhibition celebrates the influence the designer had – and continues to have – on the fashion world.
The Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition promises to be very popular so book your tickets in advance.
The Museum of Edible Earth
One of the more unusual exhibitions opened in March at Somerset House. The Museum of Edible Earth invites visitors to explore geophagy: the practice of eating earth for health, ritual and culinary benefit. The touring museum brings edible samples of clay, chalk and mineral-rich earths from around the world.
The Museum of Edible Earth runs until 26 April. Make sure to book tickets in advance – and bring your appetite!
Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum
Fans of Wes Anderson films won’t want to miss this retrospective exhibition devoted to the filmmakers distinctive cinematic output. Produced in collaboration with la Cinémathèque française, the Design Museum has been granted unprecedented access to Wes Anderson’s personal archives from the last three decades.
The exhibition runs until 26 July 2026.
Hawai’i at The British Museum
One for older kids is this recently opened exhibition celebrating the history and art of the island of Hawai’i. Expect feathered cloaks worn by chiefs, weapons made with shark’s teeth and works by Native Hawaiian artists.
The British Museum exhibition marks more than 200 years since King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu travelled across vast oceans on a journey that would mark a turning point in the history of their kingdom, Hawaiʻi. Sadly, they contracted a fatal illness during a visit to the Royal Military Asylum in Chelsea.
Our Story with David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum
If you haven’t experienced Our Story yet then hot foot it over to the Natural History Museum for this wonderful 360-degree immersive experience narrated by the one and only David Attenborough.
The walls and floors have been taken over by 24 projectors and 50 speakers, telling 4 billion years of history compressed into 50 minutes. From constellations and supernovas to microbes and lichens, hummingbirds, lions, lobsters and humans, it’s a spectacular experience.
Our Story runs until mid-August
Family Workshops at Shakespeare Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe always has interesting events for families and this Easter is no exception. Taking place during the school holidays (and beyond) are a handful of family workshops. These include Romeo and Juliet, aimed at children aged 9-11; Twelfth Night, aimed at children aged 5-8; and The Tempest, also aimed at children aged 5-8.
See the website for dates and details, advance booking is highly recommended.
Moving Pictures at Tower Bridge
Head to Tower Bridge over the holidays for some fun family-friendly activities learning about phenakistoscopes, the original animations that came before cartoons. These popular Victorian toys were one of the first devices to show how our eyes see quick sequences of images as motion, like a flick book. This Easter, children can create their own phenakistoscope about Tower Bridge.
Moving Pictures takes place on Tuesday 31 March,Tuesday 7 April and Saturday 11 April between 10am and 4pm These are drop in sessions and are included in the price of an entrance ticket.
Days Out & Events
The Elephant Trail at Battersea Power Station
Forget the Easter bunny, it’s elephants you want to keep an eye out for this Easter in London. Taking place at Battersea Power Station, alongside a host of family-friendly activities, are 21 artist-designed elephant sculptures displayed across the riverside neighbourhood. The trail is in support to wildlife charity, Elephant Family.
If you want to see an artist in action then head to Battersea Power Station on March 28 to watch painter Sophie Tea paint one of the elephant sculptures live.
The trail will take place from March 26 to April 26.
Vikings: The Immersive Experience
Travel back to the time of the Vikings in this immersive adventure that includes 360° projections, Virtual Reality, and hands-on experiences. Discover the legend of Queen Kráka and King Ragnar, explore the life-size Forest of Time, try to wield a ceremonial Viking sword and more.
Ramses & The Gold of The Pharaohs
Step into the world of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs at the Battersea Power Station. It’s an ambitious new exhibition that combines 180 ancient artefacts (think gold treasure, statues and royal relics) with immersive storytelling galleries and multimedia elements
The exhibition takes place at NEON at Battersea Power Station.
Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure
London’s newest rooftop adventure – and the highest rooftop walk in the UK – Summit opened earlier this year. Walk along the rooftop of the iconic Alexandra Palace and learn all about this historic building and its 150 years of history while enjoying views across the city. Minimum age is 8.
Mundo Pixar Experience
Dive into life-size sets from Disney Pixar films this Easter at the travelling immersive show, Mundo Pixar Experience. Journey through 14 immersive rooms, each one dedicated to a different Pixar film including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Cars and Inside Out 2. Book your tickets here.
Magical Mischief at the Harry Potter Warner Bros studio
Discover the filmmaking trickery required to pull off the magical mishaps in the Harry Potter films this month at the Warner Bros studio. Learn the secrets behind the making of the levitating cake, try your hand at making an origami holder and discover how filmmakers created pandemonium when the Weasley twins disrupted the quiet exams – and more.
Magical Mischief runs until 27 April.
Octonauts: Above & Beyond at Kew Gardens
Join Kwazii, Peso, Shellington, Captain Barnacles and other members of the Octonauts team this Easter in London at Kew Gardens. Children are invited to join the Octobnauts and follow an interactive outdoor trail and take part in a series of activity stations that bring learning about nature to life. The trail is aimed at children aged 3 to 6 years.
Octonauts Above and Beyond will be at Kew Gardens from March 28 to 12 April.
Gozzle at the London Wetland Centre
Join Gozzle the gosling’s wetland adventure this Easter at the London Wetland Centre. Inspired by book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, children are invited to follow an interactive trail to discover what it takes to become a grown-up goose. Strike funny animal poses, hop along stepping tones to practice your balance, test your sense of smell, and look out for the 15 mini Gozzles hiding along the route – and more!
Gozzle will be at the London Wetland Centre from March 20 until May 31.
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 March 31 to April 2.
The Royal Mews
The historic Royal Mews is open again to visitors. This is where all the road travel arrangements for The King and members of the Royal Family are organised – from horse-and-carriage to car. See what happens behind the scenes of a real working stables in the heart of central London, take a peek at the gold state coach, try out a royal carriage and more.
This Easter, the Royal Mews is hosting a handful of Easter events including an Easter Egg Expedition and a paint-your-own-Easter-egg activity.
Easter Family Party at Swingers, West End
Put your putting skills to the test on April 6, Bank Holiday Monday at Swingers West End who are hosting a special Easter Family Party. Enjoy crazy golf, disco Easter bunnies, an egg hunt, arts and crafts and more, right in the heart of London.
The Easter Family Party takes place from 12pm to 3pm at Swingers West End. Tickets cost £20 per child, accompany adult ticket is £12 and includes a round of crazy golf.
Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School
Swing through the air with the greatest of ease after a lesson at Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School in Regent’s Park, which opens again for the season on April 3.
The two-hour classes take start with a warm up before moving on to practice a simple trick on the low bar. By the end of the class you’ll be attempting the trick on the Flying Trapeze and finally getting caught by an instructor on a separate swinging bar.
Theatre Shows & Plays
The Everywhere Bear
Perfect for children aged 3 to 8 is this delightful tale of The Everywhere Bear who one day falls unnoticed from a backpack and embarks on a big adventure. The Everywhere Bear is showing at the Little Angel Theatre from March 20 to April 19.
Easter Holidays at the Arts Depot
There are lots of egg-scellent performances taking place the North London’s Arts Depot this Easter including stage adaptations of Holmes and Watson and The Curious Case of the Masked Magician, and The Gruffalo’s Child. There are also a handful of Easter camps that cover dance, Minecraft coding, and yoga and art.
Check the Arts Depot website for details.
Midnight in the Toyshop
What happens in a toy store when everyone has left for the day? The toys come to life of course! This mini musical is an imaginative family day out, packed with catchy songs, dazzling dances and heart-warming storytelling. Midnight in the Toyshop runs from April 7 to April 12 and is suitable for children aged 3+ (the show lasts for one hour).
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