Secular Easter Traditions in London: What People Actually Do

When people think of Easter, they often picture church services and religious symbols—but in London, secular Easter traditions are just as common, if not more so. For many families, it’s not about the resurrection—it’s about chocolate eggs, sunny parks, and long weekends with the kids. These secular Easter traditions, non-religious customs practiced during the Easter holiday that focus on community, food, and seasonal activities have grown into a quiet but widespread part of city life. They’re not loud or flashy, but you’ll see them in every corner: from mum’s homemade hot cross buns to kids hunting for eggs in Victoria Park.

What makes these traditions stick? They’re simple, sensory, and tied to spring. You don’t need to believe in anything to enjoy the smell of fresh grass after rain, or the thrill of finding a golden chocolate egg. In London, Easter in London, the collection of public and private activities during the Easter period that are culturally rooted but not religiously observant includes everything from free family events at the Tower of London to pop-up egg decorating stalls in Camden Market. You’ll find parents swapping tips on where the best free egg hunts are—Battersea Park, Kew Gardens, or even the little green space behind the local library. These aren’t tourist traps; they’re local rituals passed down through school newsletters and WhatsApp groups.

And it’s not just kids. Adults get in on it too. non-religious Easter, the practice of observing Easter through cultural, social, or seasonal activities without religious context means brunches with friends, thrifted Easter outfits, and even themed pub quizzes. Some people use the long weekend to finally fix that garden shed, or take a day trip to Richmond to see the ducks. Others just want to escape their screens for a few hours and sit outside with a coffee and a Cadbury Creme Egg. There’s no right way to do it—just what feels right for your life.

What’s interesting is how these traditions quietly adapt. A decade ago, most Easter events were run by churches. Now, community centres, local councils, and even independent cafés host them. You’ll find vegan hot cross buns, zero-waste egg dye kits, and sensory-friendly egg hunts for neurodivergent kids. These aren’t trends—they’re responses to real needs. Londoners aren’t rejecting Easter; they’re redefining it on their own terms.

If you’re new to the city or just curious how people celebrate without the religious layer, you’re not alone. The posts below show you exactly where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of Easter in London—whether you’re a parent, a solo explorer, or someone who just likes the idea of chocolate and sunshine on a Saturday afternoon. No doctrine required.