Easter in London is a great time to explore the city. Easter dates change each year. In 2027, Good Friday is 26 March, Easter Sunday is 28 March and Easter Monday is 29 March.
- Good Friday: 26 March 2027
- Easter Sunday: 28 March 2027
- Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
Most of the biggest events related to the Easter holidays in the UK take place in London the week before the Easter Weekend and the week after, as most schools in the UK break up for two weeks for Easter.
Easter is a good time to explore London, as the days are lighter and longer during this time of the year. This means that you can enjoy many activities. In the UK, Easter is celebrated in style, with many Easter egg hunts and children’s activities across London.
What is open during the Easter Holidays in London
Many central London museums, markets and attractions usually open for at least part of the Easter weekend, but hours and access can change for Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Check each venue’s official calendar before travelling rather than assuming normal hours.
Easter Sunday is the main shopping exception. Under Sunday trading law, large shops in England and Wales must close; smaller shops may choose to open. This normally affects department stores and large supermarkets.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are bank holidays, so public transport may run a reduced service and engineering works are common. Check the TfL major works and events page shortly before your journey.
Popular places such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and the Tower of London often operate during Easter, but booking slots and hours vary. Churches including Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral hold Easter services, so sightseeing access can be restricted around worship.
Weather in London during Easter
Easter falls in late March in 2027. During March and April, we get longer daylight hours, although you will still need a jacket and should be ready for changeable weather.
British Easter traditions
Although there will be plenty of religious festivals available, in the UK, Chocolate Easter Eggs, Egg Hunts and chicks and Easter bunnies take centre stage.
Pop into any supermarket, and you’ll find shelves piled high with chocolate eggs, which range considerably in size and price. You’ll also find that brits go crazy for a hot cross bun – and you’ll find these traditional buns in stores and coffee shops all over the UK during the Easter Holidays.
There are many activities available for kids during the Easter break. Especially in the parks and gardens in London where there are always plenty of events and activities organised for little ones. You’ll find games like egg and spoon races, workshops to paint Easter eggs, and the famous Easter egg hunts, where kids have to search for hidden chocolate eggs.
These events are normally free, and children can take home prizes or at least a lot of chocolate. Families and friends in London often host their own egg hunts in the gardens of their homes or around parks in London.
Special events during Easter in London
If you are going to spend Easter in London, you should definitely go in search of the best Easter eggs: To see some of the most spectacular Easter eggs, we recommend that you make your way to the famous department stores of Harrods or Fortnum and Mason.
Passion in the Square
Wintershall’s free open-air Passion of Jesus has been performed in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday for many years. The exact 2027 performance times and access arrangements had not been published when this guide was reviewed, so check the organiser’s website before making plans.
Find out more: Passion in the Square
Easter at Fortnum & Mason
The impressive Fortnum & Mason store is located on Piccadilly Street, where the famous Ritz hotel is also located in London. Throughout Easter, there will be demonstrations of the best-decorated Easter eggs of all sizes. Check out some of the Fortnum and Mason Easter eggs on their website: Fortnum and Mason.
Easter Afternoon Tea
Those looking for something more special this Easter can enjoy an Easter Afternoon Tea. Many luxury hotels in central London offer a themed Easter Afternoon Tea. You can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, cupcakes, sweet treats, and a wide variety of teas. We would advise booking in advance as spaces can fill up quickly!
Find out more: Afternoon Tea
Easter in London with kids
During Easter, England is filled with events designed for kids, so if you are going to spend Easter in London with children, we suggest looking at the following special events.
One of the most popular things to do during the Easter Holidays is to take the children to one of the best Easter Egg Hunts in London where they must search for hidden chocolate Easter eggs.
Egg Hunts are usually held in London’s largest parks, so all you need to do is make your way to a park and join one of them. Also, in most stores and supermarkets in England, you will find Easter egg hunt kits, which include an Easter bucket and eggs (chocolate or plastic!) to create your very own Easter egg hunt.
You will also find that many museums, zoos and attractions have special events for children during these dates. Here are a few of the best ones:
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens often runs a family trail or seasonal activities during the Easter school holidays. The 2027 programme and any booking requirements had not been confirmed when this guide was reviewed, so check Kew’s official what’s-on calendar before visiting.
More information: Kew Gardens events
London Zoo
London Zoo regularly adds family activities during school holidays, but the theme, dates and ticket inclusions change from year to year. Check the official events calendar for the confirmed 2027 Easter programme.
More information: London Zoo events
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
The small urban zoo in Battersea Park has previously organised Easter trails, keeper talks and children’s activities. Do not rely on the old 2026 schedule: confirm the 2027 dates and any extra activity charges with the zoo.
More information: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo events
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is, in our opinion, one of the best places to consider for a family day out at Easter. It has hosted the Lindt GOLD BUNNY hunt in previous years, but the 2027 event, dates and ticket conditions had not been announced when this guide was reviewed. Check the palace’s official what’s-on page before booking.
More information: Hampton Court Palace events
Tickets: Hampton Court Palace
More Egg Hunts for children at Easter in London
There will be different events held for children related to Easter in London in many other places, we recommend checking out the official websites for more information:
- Fenton House in Hampstead
- London Wetland Center
- Osterley House and Gardens
- Morden Hall Park
- Ham House and Garden in Richmond
Plan a trip to London this Easter
If you’re planning a trip to spend Easter in London, take a look at our guide to plan the perfect trip. You will find itineraries to make the most of your trip to London as well as walking routes with maps that we have designed.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.