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Easter is one of the best times to visit London, with the weather warming and spring flowers blooming. So, why not take a trip to the capital over the long weekend and make the most of everything the city has to offer, from museums and attractions to markets, parks and gardens, there is so much to enjoy, along with plenty of exciting Easter events in London to experience. Read on to discover the best affordable things to do in London for Easter 2026 including bank holiday activities the whole family can enjoy!
Discover London’s free museums and galleries
London is full of free museums and galleries, which are among the best things to do at Easter if you want a great value day out. These are some of our top picks:
Relax at London’s parks and gardens
Visiting London’s Royal Parks is one of the best affordable things to do at Easter, whether you’re looking for solo activities, a romantic date idea or family-friendly fun. Head to Richmond Park to find a beautiful picnic spot, take a stroll through Regent’s Park and visit London Zoo, or go boating on The Serpentine in Hyde Park.
Alternatively, head to Kew Gardens to explore the impressive array of plant life on display. SWR Rewards customers can get 2FOR1 tickets to Kew Gardens, saving you money on your visit.
Explore London’s bustling markets
London is home to some of the best markets in the world, and the Easter weekend is a great time to explore them! Whether you’re heading to the capital’s best street food markets to grab a bite to eat, rummaging for treasures at antique and flea markets, or picking up fresh produce to cook an Easter feast at London’s best farmers markets, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Family-friendly activities in London at Easter
Whether you’re looking for rainy-day activities in London or free things to do to keep little ones entertained during the Easter break, these are some of the best attractions and Easter events in London to visit.
1. Watch the Changing of the Guard
One of the best free things to do in London is to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. During the ceremony, which is a formal handing over of guarding responsibilities, the Old Guard (the soldiers on duty) are relieved by the New Guard - accompanied by a band.
When: 10:45am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Price: Free
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Green Park, then walk 11 minutes to the palace.
2. Hop on a boat along the River Thames
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a hop-on-hop-off service, which is an affordable way to see many of the city’s landmarks. With 24 piers along the river, between Putney and Barking Riverside, it’s a convenient way to get around London. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the water! Plus, SWR Rewards customers can get 25% off Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, saving you even more.
3. Visit London Museum Docklands
This free museum explores the history of London’s Docklands since its inception as a bustling port and how the former warehouses are being repurposed today. There are plenty of activities for families at London Museum Docklands, making it the ideal place to visit over Easter. Little ones will love finding treasures in the interactive exhibitions about mudlarking or exploring the winding streets of Sailortown.
Price: Free
Address: 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London E14 4AL
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Canary Wharf, then walk 11 minutes to the museum.
Outdoor Easter events in London
The weather in April can be unpredictable, but if the sun is shining over the Easter weekend, these are the best outdoor activities to enjoy. From family-friendly fun to plant fairs, there’s something for everyone among these Easter events in London.
1. Family Easter Cookery at the Garden Museum
Running during the Easter holidays, the Garden Museum’s Family Easter Cookery: Spice Explorer session invites young cooks with their adults to discover new spices and seasonal ingredients, then cook and eat together in the museum’s purpose built learning studio kitchen overlooking the courtyard garden. It’s part of the museum’s low cost school holiday food workshops led by their Food Learning team.
When: 1 Apr-8 Apr 2026, 11:00-13:00
Price: £5 per child
Address: 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB
How to get there: It’s a 16-minute walk from Vauxhall to the Garden Museum. Before you set off, check live departures from Vauxhall station for a smooth connection.
2. Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace’s Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt returns this year and is one of the best Easter activities in London for kids. Families race around the palace’s gardens in pursuit of the hidden Lindt Gold Bunny statues, following the clues provided. Plus, there’s a chocolate treat for every participant at the end!
When: 21 March – 12 April 2026
Price: There’s no extra charge to take part in the event – it’s included with entry to the palace. Tickets start from £29 for adults and £14.50 for children.
Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
How to get there: Hampton Court is the nearest station to Hampton Court Palace, a 5-minute walk away.
3. Horniman Spring Fair
The annual Horniman Spring Fair offers plenty to see and do throughout the day and is one of the most joyful things to do in London for Easter. Shop local produce and handmade goods at market stalls, then check out the entertainment on offer, including live music, crafts workshops and tours of the gardens.
When: Saturday 11 April 2026
Price: Tickets cost £6 for adults and children (ages 3-16), while under 2s go free.
Address: 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
How to get there: Hop on the Windrush line from Clapham Junction to Denmark Hill, then catch the 185 bus to Horniman Museum.
4. London Zoo's Zoonormous Egg Hunt
London Zoo’s Zoonormous Egg Hunt is one of the most playful things to do in London for Easter: families search for six giant eggs across the zoo to crack a secret code, then claim a chocolate treat on the Main Lawn, with arts-and-crafts activities included in general entry. Perfect for mixing animal encounters with seasonal fun.
When: 28 March – 12 April 2026
Price: Included in Zoo entry
Address: Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take a South Western Railway train one stop to Vauxhall, switch to the Victoria line to Euston/Warren Street, then take the Northern line to Camden Town. It’s about a 16minute walk to London Zoo from Camden Town station.
Things to do in London for Easter for less
SWR customers can take advantage of many discounted and free London attractions during Easter 2026, thanks to our exclusive SWR Rewards. Whether you’re looking for discounted London family events or 2FOR1 tickets to the city’s top attractions, explore the range of exclusive deals available to SWR customers. Some of our favourite attractions you can save on include:
Book your Easter train with South Western Railway
Travelling to London is easy on our network, and you can find plenty of cheap train tickets this Easter. We offer a range of ticket types to suit every journey, including Advance, Semi-Flex return and Sunday Out tickets. If you’re travelling with family or friends, take advantage of our GroupSave offers, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts for further savings.
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