London doesn’t just wake up on Easter Sunday-it comes alive. From the quiet echo of hymns in centuries-old cathedrals to the bright scramble of chocolate eggs in Hyde Park, the city blends deep-rooted faith with joyful, family-friendly fun. If you’re wondering what Easter really looks like in London, it’s not just one thing. It’s a mix of solemn rituals and silly, sticky-handed celebrations that have been shaping the city’s calendar for generations.
Church Services Across the Capital
On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, London’s churches fill up. Not just the big ones like Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral, but the small parish churches tucked into side streets in Camden, Brixton, and Walthamstow. People show up-not just for tradition, but because the music, the silence, the candlelight feel different this time of year.
Westminster Abbey holds its Easter Vigil on Saturday night, a service that begins in darkness and ends with the first full choir performance of the season. The bells ring out at midnight. Hundreds stand in the nave, holding candles lit from the Paschal flame. It’s not flashy. It’s not Instagram-ready. But for those who go, it’s the quiet center of Easter.
St. Mary’s Church in Islington runs a free community breakfast after Easter Sunday service. Mugs of tea, toast with jam, and a chance to sit with neighbors you’ve never spoken to before. That’s the real heart of it-faith lived out in shared meals, not just sermons.
Easter Egg Hunts That Aren’t Just for Kids
Let’s be honest: most people in London don’t go to church. But they still hunt for eggs.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew hosts one of the city’s biggest Easter egg hunts. Over 10,000 eggs are hidden across 326 acres. Families arrive before dawn, backpacks stuffed with snacks, strollers packed with excitement. The hunt isn’t just about finding candy-it’s about running through the Japanese Garden, spotting the giant bamboo, and pretending you’re in a fairy tale.
But here’s the twist: adults love it too. There’s a special “Golden Egg” challenge at Kew. Find it, and you win a hamper of artisan chocolates and a year’s pass. Last year, a 68-year-old retired teacher won it. She said she’d been coming since her kids were toddlers. Now she comes alone.
Other spots like Battersea Park, Regent’s Park, and even the London Zoo run their own hunts. The zoo’s version includes animal-themed eggs and a meet-and-greet with a real Easter bunny (a trained rescue rabbit, not a costume). Kids leave with stickers, a small toy, and the memory of feeding a goat.
Food, Festivals, and the Rise of the Chocolate Bar
London’s food scene turns Easter into a celebration of sweets. Independent chocolatiers like Rococo, Hotel Chocolat, and the tiny shop in Notting Hill called Choccywoccydoodah sell hand-painted eggs that cost more than a week’s groceries. People buy them as gifts-not because they’re practical, but because they’re beautiful. One egg, wrapped in gold foil and dusted with edible silver, costs £45. And people still line up.
At Borough Market, stalls sell hot cross buns fresh from the oven. Not the supermarket kind-the real ones, with currants, cinnamon, and a glaze that sticks to your fingers. The baker at the corner stall has been making them for 37 years. He doesn’t advertise. People just know to show up at 6 a.m. on Good Friday.
And then there’s the chocolate parade. Not a parade with floats, but a slow walk down Oxford Street, where every shop window is filled with giant chocolate rabbits, egg-shaped truffles, and chocolate bunnies wearing tiny hats. It’s ridiculous. It’s wonderful. And it’s all part of how London turns a religious holiday into a cultural moment.
Street Performances and Public Art
Every Easter weekend, the South Bank turns into an open-air stage. Buskers play hymns on accordions. A choir from Southwark Cathedral sings in front of the London Eye. Last year, a group of teenagers set up a giant chalk drawing of the resurrection on the pavement near Waterloo Bridge. It was gone by Monday-washed away by rain. But photos of it spread across Instagram. People left flowers and notes beside it.
At the Tate Modern, there’s an annual Easter art installation. This year, it was a room filled with hanging eggs made of stained glass, each one lit from within. Visitors could write a prayer or a wish on a slip of paper and tuck it inside one. Over 3,000 notes were collected. The gallery kept them. They’ll be archived as part of London’s cultural record.
Why This Mix Works
London doesn’t force people to choose between church and chocolate. It lets both exist side by side. You can spend the morning in a pew and the afternoon digging in the dirt for plastic eggs. There’s no guilt. No pressure. Just space for whatever you need that day.
That’s why Easter in London feels different from other cities. In smaller towns, the holiday might be mostly religious or mostly commercial. Here, it’s both. And that’s what makes it feel real. People aren’t pretending. They’re living it-quietly, loudly, messily, beautifully.
What to Bring and Where to Go
If you’re planning to join in:
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk miles between churches, parks, and markets.
- Bring cash. Many small vendors don’t take cards.
- Check the weather. April in London is unpredictable. Raincoats and umbrellas are non-negotiable.
- Book early. Popular events like Kew’s egg hunt sell out weeks ahead.
- Try the hot cross buns. Even if you think you don’t like them.
Top five spots to experience Easter in London:
- Westminster Abbey-Easter Vigil service
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew-egg hunt and spring blooms
- Borough Market-fresh buns and local treats
- St. Mary’s Church, Islington-community breakfast
- Tate Modern-Easter art installation
What’s New This Year
This Easter, the City of London Corporation is launching a new initiative: Easter Stories. Ten local residents-faith leaders, artists, schoolchildren, retirees-were asked to record a two-minute audio story about what Easter means to them. These will be played on speakers in public spaces: on the Tube, in libraries, outside churches.
One story comes from a Muslim grandmother who brings her grandchildren to the Kew egg hunt every year. "It’s not my holiday," she says. "But it’s their joy. And joy is universal."
Another is from a homeless man who volunteers at the church breakfast. "I used to be alone on Easter," he says. "Now I’m the one handing out the toast."
These aren’t ads. They’re just voices. And that’s the quiet magic of Easter in London.
Are church services open to the public during Easter in London?
Yes. Most churches in London welcome visitors during Easter, even if you’re not a regular attendee. Services like the Easter Vigil at Westminster Abbey and the sunrise service at St. Paul’s Cathedral are open to everyone. No tickets are needed, but arriving early is recommended-seating fills up quickly.
What’s the best Easter egg hunt in London for families?
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is widely considered the best. With over 10,000 hidden eggs, themed zones, and a giant Easter bunny photo spot, it’s designed for all ages. It’s also one of the few hunts that includes a free family picnic area. Book tickets online-it sells out fast.
Can I buy traditional Easter food outside of churches?
Absolutely. Borough Market, Maltby Street Market, and independent bakeries across London sell authentic hot cross buns, simnel cakes, and roasted lamb. Look for stalls with handwritten signs saying "Fresh Today"-those are the ones making them in-house.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in London?
Yes. Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. Public transport runs on a Sunday schedule, so plan ahead if you’re traveling. Parks and markets stay open, making it a great day for a final family outing.
Are there any free Easter events in London?
Yes. Many churches offer free Easter breakfasts and services. The South Bank hosts free live music and art displays. The Tower of London runs free family-friendly storytelling sessions in the White Tower. And every year, the National Gallery holds a free Easter craft day for kids-no ticket needed.
What’s the weather like in London during Easter?
April in London is chilly and unpredictable. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F). Rain is common-about 10 rainy days in the month. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. Don’t count on sunny skies, but be ready if they show up.
What Comes Next
After Easter, London doesn’t slow down. The spring festivals roll in-Notting Hill Carnival preparations begin in May, the London Marathon is in April, and the Chelsea Flower Show follows right after. But Easter? It’s the quiet turning point. The moment the city stops holding its breath and starts celebrating again.