Easter Weekend in Central London 2026: Things to do, events and family fun
Every Easter holiday, Central London offers a wide range of events and fun festive activities for people of all ages. Plan your 2026 Easter weekend to blend in cultural and recreational activities of your choice. With the sections below, we have rounded up the many ways you can celebrate your Easter day in central London.
When is Easter Day in Central London?
In 2026, The Easter calendar runs from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
- ● Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- ● Easter Saturday: Saturday, 4 April 2026
- ● Easter Sunday: Sunday, 5 April 2026
- ● Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
Easter is not fixed like Christmas. It is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. For this 2026 Easter weekend, it truly spans during the days off, so people can get to travel, shop, and adventure at various spots within Central London more freely.
Note that although Good Friday & Easter Monday are official bank holidays, many shops might have reduced hours and some large stores might be closed on Easter Sunday itself (yet tourist areas like Soho, Covent Garden, or Fitzrovia are still busy). However, small shops, convenience stores, and pharmacies still remain open.
For family fun activities on Easter Day in Central London
Easter activities come in many forms and shops. Explore the options below and choose any activity that works for you and your loved ones.
1. Join a family-friendly Easter-themed workshop
For a more relaxed and creative Easter activity, consider joining a flower arranging workshop led by a professional florist, hosted by John Lewis London.
What to expect:
- ★ A 1-hour guided workshop with a professional florist
- ★ All materials provided
- ★ A complimentary glass of fizz on arrival (non-alcoholic options available)
- ★ Your own handcrafted bouquet to take home
Details:
- ★ Price: £30 per person
- ★ Suitable for ages 16+
- ★ Hosted at John Lewis (Member’s Lounge, Floor 5)
- ★ Exclusive to My John Lewis members (free to join)
2. Hop on an Easter egg hunt in London
Easter egg hunts are one of the most popular and family-friendly activities in Central London during the Easter season. Here are some famous spots to hop into the adventure:
London Zoo – “Zoonormous Egg Hunt”:
- Timeline: running from 28 March to 12 April.
- What to do: Visitors can explore the zoo while searching for six giant Easter eggs, each revealing a hidden letter. Families work together to uncover a final code, turning the visit into an interactive adventure.
- Entry: Included with standard zoo tickets, free entry for under-3-year-olds.
Easter Fun Day (Free Community Event)
- Location: Goals Chingford
- Date & time: 29 March, 12 PM – 6 PM.
- What to expect: Easter egg hunt & surprises; Bouncy castle; Face painting
- Free entry!
The Big Egg Hunt (City-wide experience)
London also hosts large-scale public art trails like The Big Egg Hunt, where decorated egg sculptures are placed across iconic locations such as:
- Buckingham Palace
- Covent Garden
- The British Museum
- Battersea Power Station
Visitors can explore the city while “collecting” eggs via an app, turning sightseeing into a playful experience.
3. Visit a London city farm
If you are looking for a fun place to spend your Easter, away from the noise and chaos, it got to be one of these city farms:
Oasis Farm Waterloo: 18 Carlisle Ln, London SE1 7LG, United Kingdom
This farm focuses on family, farming, and therapy programs intertwined with academic life and aimed at disadvantaged young people.
Spitalfields City Farm: Buxton St, London E1 5AR, United Kingdom
This 1.3-acre farm offers a slice of the countryside in an urban landscape. Visit this farm for workshops, guided tours, and animal encounters this Easter weekend.
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4. Get creative with a Shaun The Sheep model-making workshop
Looking for a fun and hands-on Easter activity? Join one of Aardman Animations’ talented animators and create your very own Shaun the Sheep out of clay—perfect for welcoming in the spring season.
What to expect:
★ A 1-hour guided workshop led by a professional Aardman animator
★ Step-by-step instructions to create your own Shaun the Sheep
★ All materials provided
★ Take home your handmade clay character
Location: The Cartoon Museum (63 Wells St, London)
Session times:
★ 2:00pm – 3:00pm
★ 4:00pm – 5:00pm
★ 6:30pm – 7:30pm (adult-focused session – same content)
Details:
★ Price: £18.86 (including £0.86 booking fee)
★ Suitable for ages 6+ (adults welcome too!)
★ Limited spaces available per session
Important information:
★ Adults who wish to participate must purchase a ticket
★ Carers assisting children with additional needs can attend free of charge
★ Due to limited space, non-participating adults are encouraged to explore the museum during the session
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5. Drop a visit at Easter-themed market
Looking for things to do for families this Easter in London? Head to Camden Market Hawley Wharf, where a lively Easter-themed market brings together interactive trails, playful performances, and hands-on spring activities – all in a vibrant, festive setting with free entry.
- ★ Location: Camden Market Hawley Wharf, 1 Dockray Place, London
- ★ Date & time: Sunday, 5 April 2026 (From 1 PM)
- ★ Free entry
What to expect:
- A 3D Easter trail to explore
- Live performances, including Blossom the Lion and Sita the circus acrobat
- Bulb planting activities to celebrate spring
- A high-energy family rave by Cheeky Meeky
6. Take your kids to child-friendly shows
Visiting some of London’s top theatres is a great way to treat your kids on Easter Day to magical, story-driven performances that combine music, visuals, and imagination:
“My Neighbour Totoro” at Gillian Lynne Theatre: This show features innovative puppetry that portrays Totoro & the Catbus with lifelike movements. It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes and is recommended for children from the age of 6 and above.
“Wicked The Musical” at Apollo Victoria Theatre: This performance features re-imagined tales from “The Wizard of OZ” classic story. It is celebrated for its costumes and powerful musical numbers, unique stage and smoke effects. Expect themes of friendship and societal perception which are generally suitable for children from age 7 and above.
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7. Purchase some Easter-themed chocolates
For a more indulgent Easter experience, stop by XO Chocolate London in Fitzrovia — a boutique chocolatier known for its beautifully crafted, hand-painted creations. This Easter 2026, the shop is offering a limited collection of luxury artisan eggs, made in small batches using high-quality ingredients. One of the highlights is a rich 70% dark chocolate egg, filled with sea salt caramel and hazelnut praline.
What makes it special:
- Hand-painted designs, each egg uniquely finished
- Generous size (around 15cm, 750g)
- Crafted in small batches for a more exclusive feel
🎁 Highlights from the 2026 collection:
- Luxury Praline Easter Egg (Dark Chocolate) – £48
- Large Dubai Chocolate Egg – £60
- Artisan Children’s Easter Egg – £25
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8. Attend a traditional Easter church service
Experiencing an Easter church service is one of the most meaningful and atmospheric ways to spend Easter Day in Central London. The city is home to centuries-old churches and cathedrals, many of which host special services with live choral music and traditional liturgy.
Two of the most Iconic venues in Central London are St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Both are open to the public and welcome visitors of all backgrounds, regardless of faith. Easter services are typically free to attend (no tickets required), though arriving early is recommended due to high demand.
Below are different types churches in Central London that you can visit:
Catholic & Anglo-Catholic churches: Westminster Cathedral; St James’s, Spanish Place (known for its beautiful Latin Mass); Brompton Oratory.
Hidden gems worth exploring:
- ★ All Saints, Margaret Street: Gothic architecture, Anglo-Catholic tradition
- ★ St George’s, Hanover Square: classical 18th-century style
- ★ Temple Church: dating back to the 12th century, known for its choir
- ★ St Bartholomew the Great (Farringdon): one of London’s oldest churches, with exceptional choral music
Visiting these sacred places in London is a chance to experience the city’s history, architecture in a truly unique setting.
Where to eat and drink on the long weekend in Central London?
Restaurants that open on Easter Day in Central London
1. Wahaca Oxford Circus
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 pm to 9 pm.
This Easter, head to central London for something a little different. Just a short walk from some of the best restaurants for lunch in Fitzrovia, Wahaca Oxford Circus may be bringing a sweet surprise with a potential Tony’s Chocolonely takeover — blending bold Mexican flavours with a touch of ethical chocolate indulgence.
2. 1947 London
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12 pm–3 pm (Lunch), 5 pm–9 pm (Dinner).
This restaurant offers upscale Indian dining with a mix of traditional & contemporary dishes.
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3. Faros Oxford Circus
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 pm–11 pm.
Known as one of the most famous Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia, Faros features Mediterranean & Italian cuisines with dishes like focaccia and tagliatelle burrata.
4. Burger & Lobster
Opening Hours: Daily 12 pm to 10 pm.
Specialises in premium burgers and wild-caught lobster, ideal for that Easter treat for the entire family.
5. Yalla Yalla
Opening Hours: Daily 12 am to 10/11 pm.
Offers authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern street food in a welcoming atmosphere.
6. Poke House – Fitzrovia
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 am to 9 pm.
This restaurant serves fresh Hawaiian poké bowls with a twist. It emphasises sustainability and customisable options.
7. Caravan Fitzrovia Restaurant
Opening Hours: Daily (open on Good Friday) 12 noon to 10:15 pm. Easter Sunday hours are not detailed.
Easter Menu: Offers a weekend brunch from 9:00 am–4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
This restaurant is known for its all-day dining menu with influences from around the world, set in a spacious, contemporary environment.
Bars & pubs that open on Easter Day in Central London
1. The Social
One of the must-visit friendly bars in Central London, The Social is a vibrant basement venue that offers a diverse selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. Expect to make new friends as you enjoy a mix of social gatherings and live music.
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2. The Cocktail Club – Oxford Circus
This is an open-plan basement bar inspired by Downtown LA. Known as one of the best bar on Great Portland St, it hooks visitors for its energetic party vibe & graffiti-covered walls. The bar offers an extensive list of creative cocktails and themed drinks.
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3. The George
Located in an 18th-century Grade II building on Great Portland Street, this bar features a cosy ambience that pays homage to its rich history while offering up-to-date menus. It offers a signature Sunday Roast on Easter Monday and a special Easter menu for the Long weekend.
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4. Mr Fogg’s Botanical Tavern
This is a Victorian-style tavern that is famously known among Fitzrovia bars, decorated with exotic flora. It offers a secluded Treehouse hideaway upstairs & specialises in botanical-infused cocktails.
What's free on the Easter long weekend in Central London
1. Book shopping at Daunt Books
Join locals and book lovers to explore this original Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and graceful skylights. Daunt Books is renowned for its travel literature collection.
2. Visit the British Museum
Stop by one of the museums in Central London – such as British Museum, to explore its vast collection of iconic artefacts and sculptures, which will take you through time and cultures.
3. Go to the Horniman Spring Fair
Location: Horniman Museum & Gardens, London
Date: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tickets: £6 (adult) / £6 (child)
The Horniman Spring Fair offers a fun-packed day of music, games, and hands-on activities, making it one of the most enjoyable outdoor things to do for families in London this spring.
What to expect:
- ● Live music & entertainment: Minijam (11:30am–12:30pm) and Fun-omenal Parties (1pm–3:30pm)
- ● Classic fete games like welly tossing, coconut shy, and hook-a-duck, plus the quirky Smallympics (11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm)
- ● Multiple-skill activities:
- ○ Circus skills: Learn to juggle, spin, and perform with Project Hoop.
- ○ Crafts & creative fun: Design your own Easter bonnet.
- ○ Nature activities: Meet the Bee Buddies (1pm–3pm) and discover pollinators in the garden.
4. Take long strolls at Regent’s Park.
Take your friends and family for a leisurely walk at Regent’s Park this Easter weekend to enjoy serene landscapes, spot local wildlife and unwind in the beautiful green spaces.
Another way to celebrate this Easter weekend is to attend one of the many pantomime performances. Top events include Pinacchio Easter Panto and the Wizard of Oz at Broadway Theatre.
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What's more to explore in the Fitzrovia Quarter
After a day of Easter activities, take some time to explore Fitzrovia – a neighbourhood that offers a calmer, more local feel in the heart of Central London. With its mix of independent shops, cosy cafés, and great places to eat, it’s an easy place to slow down, wander, and enjoy a relaxed break away from the crowds.