The best things to do for Easter weekend in London

The Falconbrook in Battersea is hosting a lively Easter bank holiday weekend featuring a themed quiz night on Tuesday and high-energy music from DJ Marlon on Saturday night. On Sunday and Monday, there's a traditional roast with a lamb special that benefits mental health charity The Burnt Chef. Families can also participate in the "Eggs & Kegs" hunt on Monday afternoon, which offers hidden treats for children and brewery-sponsored vouchers for adults.

Sophisticated Mayfair destination Novikov is split across two distinct spaces, with one devoted to Italian cuisine and the other to Asian flavours. To celebrate Easter, the restaurant is offering a limited-edition dessert on 4 and 5 April. The Rocher's Treat is a milk chocolate mousse egg with toasted hazelnut crunch, encased in an almond chocolate shell. Rich and beautifully presented, it's a sweet designed to charm.

Go to St Paul's Cathedral to join an Easter church service in one of London's most iconic landmarks. A variety of services are taking place during Easter, which are free to attend. The cathedral is also open to visitors if you're not interested in worshipping but want to explore the building instead.

Lively Walthamstow beer hall Big Penny Social has lots of events taking place over the Easter weekend. Visit on Good Friday for a free party with DJs, a barbecue, and games and entertainment. Then on Sunday there's an Easter Family Disco for all ages to enjoy, as well as the Big Easter Quiz.

Known for its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, this maximalist townhouse combines classic glamour with contemporary style, complete with daffodil displays this spring. This Easter, following starters such as caviar brioche bites, oysters and salmon tartare, they invite you to indulge with their signature Sunday roast where seasonal ingredients take centre stage.

Battersea's iconic brick landmark is hosting a bunch of different Easter-themed events, including a special makers' market, arts and crafts workshops inspired by the charitable Elephant Trail, free face-painting stations, and more. Many of the Station's retailers are getting in on the action with special offers and one-off events as well.

Easter celebrations at Old Spitalfields Market begin on 28 March with a free, all-ages bonnet parade featuring creative headwear and prizes. Across the Easter weekend, visitors can also enjoy complimentary daily craft sessions with artist LuluJoelle or join a competitive egg hunt for adults on Good Friday. Furthermore, until 26 April, children aged 10 and under can eat for free at selected food stalls.

On 4 April, Theo Randall Cucina Italiana is hosting an Easter pasta masterclass for children for a hands-on introduction to the art of Italian cooking. During the workshop, Randall and his team will guide children through the process of making fresh pasta from scratch. After preparing their own pasta to take home, the whole family is welcome to enjoy lunch at the restaurant together.

The Coal Shed London offers a refined Easter dining experience centred on wood-grilled steaks, roasted meats, and premium seafood. Each dish is prepared with precision and paired with indulgent seasonal vegetables and rich sauces to create a celebratory atmosphere for enjoying an elegant, fire-led take on traditional Easter dining.

German pleasure palace Albert's Schloss celebrates the Easter Bank Holiday in style with five days of lively festivities, featuring indulgent food and late-night parties. Highlights include Easter Showtime entertainment, bottomless brunch, and more. With a packed line-up of cabaret, DJs, and Alpine delights, it's set to be a wünderbar long weekend of frolics and fun.

Between 9 March and 6 April, the Din Tai Fung restaurants, renowned for their dumpling mastery, are offering a limited Easter collection that focuses on a creative blend of craft and indulgence. The centrepiece is the return of the chocolate & mochi xiao long bao, featuring a molten 66% Valrhona chocolate core encased in delicate mochi and the signature 18-fold pastry. Served with a sea salt cream dip, these dessert dumplings provide a warm, silky alternative to the classic Easter egg.

Head to Trafalgar Square on Good Friday for a live retelling of the Easter story with a cast of 100 actors. This annual performance attracts crowds of thousands and is free to attend. It tells the story of the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, with screens around the square so you get a great view. Two performances take place on the day.

There's Easter fun at ZSL London Zoo this year. As well as meeting all of the zoo's animal residents, you can join a fun Easter egg trail for the whole family and participate in Easter-themed craft activities. Whilst you're here, you can also see a veritable Noah's Ark of creatures, ranging from ferocious big cats to otters and penguins.

Join an Easter service at world-famous Westminster Abbey, the site of royal funerals, weddings, and coronations. Services are running throughout the weekend at this gothic church and everyone is welcome. Alternatively, on 29 April you can join an uplifting Easter concert at lunchtime, with the St Margaret's Consort playing choral music from across the centuries.

If you need to burn off all that chocolate, head to Regent's Park on Easter Monday. The park is home to the annual Easter 10k race, which also includes a two-mile fun run and a race for kids. You'll pass by some of the park's most famous sights, including London Zoo, and get Easter-themed goodies and a bespoke medal at the end.

Battersea Park Children's Zoo is hosting a variety of family-oriented activities this Easter, featuring the reopening of the Little Cheeps Nursery where visitors can meet rare breed chicks. Guests can participate in interactive animal encounters, including feeding pigs and rabbits, as well as an Easter egg hunt and seasonal crafts for a rounded day out in South London.

Cabaret bar and LGBTQIA+ venue Halfway to Heaven has been open for more than 30 years. This bustling spot lays on loads of entertainment including cabaret shows, live music, and drag performances. There's a packed programme of events over the Easter weekend with shows, music, and a full day of cabaret on Saturday.

Celebrate Easter with a refined afternoon tea at luxury hotel The Montague on the Gardens, enjoyed in the bar or overlooking the peaceful gardens. A special Easter tea is available, with a variety of sweet and savoury seasonal treats and a themed cocktail included in the offer.

Unique cocktail bar The Chocolate Cocktail Club focuses on distinctive chocolatey cocktails. As you'd expect, it's a great place for a drink at Easter. There's a special menu of Easter-themed cocktails to try, including cocktails served inside edible chocolate bunnies. Sweet and savoury snacks are also available at this quirky and comfy venue.

Best-known as the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is still owned by the monarchy and you're welcome to visit the building and grounds. From 21 March to 12 April, there's a Lindt Gold Bunny hunt where you'll uncover fascinating stories about the palace. Finish the trail and get a chocolatey reward at the end.

The Sea Containers London hotel is hosting a family-friendly Easter Mini Disco on 4 April at the 12th Knot bar, featuring panoramic views of the River Thames and the City of London. Hosted by event experts Sharky & George, the afternoon includes high-energy games, limbo challenges, and dance-offs, with optional Easter fancy dress encouraged for little ones.

The Shrek's Adventure! theme park is celebrating Easter with a special Spring Break appearance by Gingy at his very own gingerbread house on the South Bank. Visitors can embark on an interactive journey to Far Far Away to meet Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, all while enjoying a festive Easter atmosphere. The experience concludes with a themed meet-and-greet opportunity where guests can explore Gingy's decorated home and take commemorative photos.

This Easter, visitors to the London Dungeon can explore the dark history of the notorious London Burkers through an immersive experience centred on the city's infamous grave-robbing trade. The journey leads through London's most haunted graveyards, retracing the steps of those who sold stolen remains to major hospitals like St Bartholomew's and King's College. Amidst flickering lanterns and shifting shadows, guests will navigate a world of hidden secrets and desperate figures in a trade best left buried.

On Good Friday, families can enjoy the Spring Sprites Easter Egg Trail at the Garden. Children can follow a self-guided creative trail, learning about local plants and wildlife while filling in an activity booklet. After the trail, little ones will receive a chocolate treat, join a craft workshop, try pond dipping, and refuel at the Physic Garden Café.

Families are invited to join the Easter fun at "The Paddington Bear Experience". Young adventurers can take part in an Easter Egg Hunt through Windsor Gardens, using their own treasure map to search for hidden eggs. Those who complete the trail will be rewarded with a special sticker to mark their achievement.

This Easter, make unforgettable memories with friends and family at the Oxygen trampoline parks, where everyone can jump into something new. From open play sessions and toddler-friendly bounces to trying out tricks together, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season of fresh starts. Their Easter Holiday Pass, valid throughout the Easter break, helps make the experience more accessible too.

Top Cuvée, a modern neighbourhood wine shop and bar, hosts an annual Easter egg hunt at its Highbury branch, with locals queuing up for a chance to hunt down one of the 1,000 Tony Chocolonely full-size Easter eggs up for grabs on Easter Sunday. The fun is accompanied by fine wines and street food, as well as heaps of positive community vibes.

From 28 March to 12 April, the Brunel Museum is hosting a fun-filled family spring trail. Watering can activity sheet in hand, young visitors can explore history, nature, and green spaces as they listen for trains, spot unusual trees, and learn how we care for the planet.

This Easter weekend, gather your loved ones for a seasonal feast at Town House, located within the five-star Kensington Hotel. Enjoy tucking into a British menu of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including a traditional roast lamb with bottomless roast potatoes, a Yorkshire pudding, and seasonal vegetables. To round things off, Executive Chef Isabela Vaz has created an indulgent seasonal dessert: a gold Easter chocolate egg with a gooey caramel and dulce de leche centre.

Celebrated London bakery Cutter & Squidge marks Easter with a bold new collection featuring the Chocolate Squidge Easter Egg with a dreamy caramel chocolate shell studded with crunchy honeycomb and biscuit crumble, the returning Billionaire Easter Egg, the new Tiramisu Easter Egg and more, with Easter hampers available as well. Known for their award-winning and innovative creations, the brand continues to set trends in Easter treats with unique textures, indulgent flavours, and sustainable ingredients.

The Cutty Sark is hosting an interactive Easter egg trail where families can search for hidden eggs tucked away across the historic ship. Participants must collect letters found on each egg to unscramble a secret nautical code, learning fascinating facts about the vessel's epic voyages along the way. Successful young explorers can then head to the café beneath the hull to claim a chocolate reward provided by Mars.

On Saturday 4 April, guests at Brasserie Constance can experience the electric atmosphere of the Boat Race from a premier riverside vantage point in Fulham. The venue offers two distinct ways to enjoy the event: a formal four-course meal in the restaurant proper, or a more relaxed afternoon of cocktails and snacks in the Flo Bar. Both options include exclusive access to a covered terrace, providing a front-row seat to one of Britain's most iconic sporting traditions.

On 4 and 5 April, Camden Market will transform into a seasonal wonderland featuring a diverse programme of free family-oriented entertainment, including a high-energy "family rave" and various interactive arts and crafts. Visitors can enjoy live spectacles such as aerial circus displays and walkabout puppets, or participate in a market-wide 3D Easter trail and spring bulb planting.

High-end Mediterranean restaurant Claro is celebrating the Easter long weekend with a refined, seasonal approach. The festivities peak on Easter Sunday with a special menu featuring a signature roasted lamb shoulder with pine nuts, goat curd, and spring salad. To conclude the bank holiday, the restaurant will host a relaxed Easter Monday brunch alongside its popular à la carte favourites.

La Maritxu has introduced a decadent Basque chocolate cheesecake for the Easter season, elevating their signature caramelised crust and creamy texture with rich, velvety chocolate. The limited-edition seasonal treat is available at all their London branches from 23 March.

Xi Home Dumplings Bay is celebrating Easter by merging British tradition with Northeastern Chinese flavours through their limited-edition, handmade bunny bao buns. These playful, rabbit-shaped steamed buns feature a seasonal filling of succulent pork and finely chopped fresh bamboo shoots, offering a crisp texture that heralds the arrival of spring.

The Mayfair Chippy in Knightsbridge is celebrating the Easter holidays with a "kids eat free" offer from 28 March to 12 April, valid with the purchase of any adult main. In a special seasonal partnership with the Paradox Museum, families can also access a 20% discount on entry for visits after 3pm between 3 and 6 April. The ticket further unlocks a 20% discount on food at the restaurant.

Pizza Pilgrims is hosting the Little Slice Pizza Class for children aged 6 to 12 at select locations during the Easter holidays. These hands-on masterclasses allow young chefs to stretch dough and customise their own margheritas under the guidance of expert pizzaiolos, with a decorated chef hat, soft drink, and ice cream included.

Pivot in Covent Garden is offering a its award-winning sharing roast platter featuring roast chicken, beef strip-loin, and lamb shank from 4 to 6 April. The bank holiday special includes unlimited servings of traditional accompaniments such as Yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, and glazed carrots, all while overlooking the famous piazza.

Stuffed cookie purveyor Floozie is launching an exclusive Easter cookie box containing six decadent cookies, featuring flavours such as raspberry hot cross bun, creme egg, and a New York-style speckled egg. While the full assortment is available solely for online orders, the individual speckled egg cookie can be purchased at the flagship Covent Garden café until 6 April.

Having recently secured its status as one of the finest bakeries in the country, Don't Tell Dad is a go-to destination for those seeking a superior seasonal treat. Their limited-edition hot cross buns are a masterclass in tradition, elevated by Head Baker Keren Sternberg with a precise blend of warming spices, plump currants, and zesty candied peel. Arrive early to make sure you don't miss out.

108 Brasserie at The Marylebone hotel is hosting two fun events over the Easter weekend for both hotel guests and restaurant diners. On Good Friday, head bartender Austeja Kuraite will lead a complimentary mocktail-making workshop in The Cocktail Bar, while children joining their families for Easter Sunday roast can participate in free Easter egg painting sessions held in the Parlour.

Astrid Bakery is pulling out all the stops this Easter with a sophisticated array of seasonal bakes, headlined by a spectacular lemon & pistachio Easter cake. Crafted by their new pastry chef, Monika, this showstopper features a zesty lemon-soaked pistachio sponge encased in a nutty chocolate shell and adorned with delicate tuiles and mini eggs. Astrid Bakery's signature sourdough Le Hot Cross Bun, which is packed with tea-soaked sultanas and candied Calabrian orange, is also making a return.

Farzi, a contemporary Indian restaurant on Haymarket, is putting a decadent spin on tradition this Easter with the launch of its chocolate Peshwari naan. Available from 5 to 12 April, the indulgent creation offers a unique alternative for those looking to satisfy their seasonal cocoa cravings with a playful twist. The dessert starts with a classic, tandoor-baked naan, filled with desiccated coconut and dried fruits, then lavishly topped with melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and delicate meringue.

Cafe Mama & Sons, the innovative Filipino bakery known for its pan-Asian flair, has unveiled a standout collection of artisanal bakes for the Easter bank holiday. The centrepiece of the seasonal range is the dove nest danish, a golden pastry layered with rich caramel and candied pecans, finished with a nest of crispy kadaifi and cream. The bakery is also serving two distinct takes on the hot cross bun: a deep, roasted Hōjicha chocolate version with candied citrus, and a vibrant Pandan bun filled with a zesty mango and calamansi custard and studded with candied cranberries.

This Easter, Bam Karaoke Box is bringing the bank holiday vibes with a Bam Bingo Brunch on Sunday. The experience blends classic bingo with a playful twist – think lip sync battles, singalong anthems, interactive games and fabulous prizes, all soundtracked by live DJs and standout hosts. Guests can also enjoy brunch dishes, bottomless potato tots, and 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks. As well as the brunch, bookings of 4+ people can get 40% off karaoke with the code SWEETCAROLINE across the Easter week.

Langan's is hosting a family-oriented Easter celebration on 5 April, featuring its popular Sunday roast alongside seasonal specials like grilled English asparagus with a soft-boiled hen's egg. The menu's highlight is a 12-hour braised shoulder of lamb for two, served with minted barley and runner beans. Beyond the dining room, children can enjoy interactive terrace activities, including chocolate egg decorating and encounters with various Easter animals.

Amazonico's Easter Asado weekend menu offers a vibrant Latin American alternative to the conventional Easter lunch, featuring live bands and music that continues late into the evening. The feast centres on slow-roasted meats carved at the table, with an exclusive tonka mousse with white coffee ice cream for afters. Every table also receives a complimentary box of traditional Brazilian Brigadeiros to take home.