The best Easter events and activities in London

The bucolic gardens Hampton Court Palace will once again be the setting for this Easter adventure. As you hunt for the Lindt Gold Bunnies that are dotted throughout the historic grounds, you can learn all about the legendary figures who have made their mark throughout the decades of this London landmark. The trail takes around 90 minutes and is self-led. Once you've found all the Lindt Gold Bunny statues, you'll be rewarded with your very own edible gold bunny (or non-chocolate treat). Suitable for kids aged between 3 and 12.

Sunday lunch. There’s nothing quite like it. An elemental meal that Londoners take incredibly seriously, debates about what constitutes the ‘perfect’ Sunday roast have been known to last for hours. There is no shortage of top roasts in London. We’ve rounded up the city’s best Sunday meals from a host of homely pubs and restaurants all around town. From snug neighbourhood staples to more bijou gastropubs. A lot of these places get quite busy, by the way. So you’re always advised to book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Richmond’s 17th-century Ham House and Garden is hosting an Easter egg hunt in the run up to – and across – Easter weekend, with a special trail taking you around the grounds. The trail was inspired by the English Civil Wars and features activities along the way for the whole family to take part in. Make your way around 10 game stations and find out by the end if you’ve managed to save Ham House. Even if you fail, you’ll still get a yummy Easter egg to enjoy, with dairy, vegan and Free From options available.

London’s botany HQ should be booming with blooms in April, making it the perfect spot for an Easter weekend walk. From its Cherry Walk lined with pink-blossomed Japanese cherry trees to its primrose and crocus-filled woodland garden, there’s plenty of pretty petals to spot here. 

Head to the Chelsea Physic Garden this Easter weekend and let the little ones unleash their creativity on the venue’s self-led art trail. As they make their way around, they’ll be able to fill out their trail booklet and learn about the plants and animals that call the garden their home. Reach the end of the trail and each kid will be given a small chocolate treat and invited to take part in a crafty workshop, where they can flex their artistic skills.

Yes, it's the weekend after Easter. But the Horniman Museum and Gardens’ Spring Fair is maybe the most efficient way to cram as much spring fun into a single day as possible. The gardens will be taken over by kid-friendly fun galore: in previous years, that's meant Easter bonnet parades, animal walks, craft tables, bubbles, and plenty of street food from stalls on the terrace. This is an outdoor event that'll take place whatever the weather, so bring a brolly if it looks like rain. 

There's nothing wrong with a Cadbury's egg, or a whimsical Waitrose offering (this year's almond croissant number is set to be a smash). But why not support the independents this Easter and find an egg that's totally unique? You'll find flower-decked fantasias, deliciously dark offerings drizzled with abstract splashes, and quaint animals at this city's chocolate shops, but get cracking - they're likely to sell out before the big day. 

Albert’s Schloss will jump on any excuse to throw a big Bavarian bash. And the four day Easter weekend is an ultimate excuse. The Soho beer hall will pop off with a bumper lineup of performances and surprise acts throughout the long weekend, and will host a special Sunday service with help from its resident haus bands and DJs. There’s also Schloss’s Easter-themed cabaret bottomless brünchen (from £55 per person) featuring an Easter special burger, and a Sunday luncheon featuring paprika roasted chicken, schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) or roast sirloin of beef. Special spring drinks lined up for the occasion include botanical cocktails and flowing pilsner. 

Few interiors scream spring quite like Sketch’s luxe butter yellow salon, the Gallery, famed for its cluster of egg-shaped loos serenaded by birdsong. The Gallery also happens to be home to one of the capital’s most stylish afternoon teas, and over the long weekend it’s serving a bespoke Easter edition. Expect the same delicate assortment of oblong sandwiches alongside a golden egg to crack into, an apple bird’s nest, an orange and carrot battenberg and a yuzu macaron.