Top Things To Do in London Over Easter

By Katie Sagal

Spending Easter in London this year? There’s loads to keep you busy. Check out our list of top things to do in London over the Easter holidays. And many popular attractions take advantage of the long weekend by offering special events for everyone to enjoy. A few of our favorite activities and attractions include...

  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Easter Egg Hunts in Spring Gardens
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
  • Thames River Cruise
  • Easter Chocolate Hunts

1) St. Paul’s Cathedral

While a visit to this historic cathedral is special any time of year, it’s particularly meaningful to visit during the Easter season. As one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the entire city, St. Paul’s Cathedral is also an ideal place to visit for people who love art, architecture, and history. Wander around with the help of multimedia tablets, or join in a guided tour. There are many facets of this cathedral to explore, from tombs to galleries and beyond. If you’d like, you can also attend services during the week.

2) Kensington Palace Chocolate Bunny Hunt

Roam the rooms and gardens of the historic Kensington Palace during the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. You’ll follow clues on a map as you wind throughout the home and grounds in search of gold bunny statues that have been strategically hidden throughout. Along the way, visitors will learn about historic figures from Kensington’s past and enjoy the opportunity to tour this inspiring attraction. You can enjoy this event throughout April culminating on Easter Monday.

3) Thames River Cruise

Enjoy some lovely British spring weather (such as it is) with a leisurely cruise along the Thames. Your ticket is good for 24 hours, and you can hop on and off at your pleasure. You can choose from four stops, with cruises operating roughly every 40 minutes. Some of the highlights of your Thames River Cruise include Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, the Coca-Cola London Eye, the Tower Bridge, and Greenwich. Enjoy expert narration while on board, and explore to your heart’s content when you disembark.

4) Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Relax and kick back as this informative hop-on hop-off bus tour escorts you throughout the city, past all the hotspots and top landmarks. It’s great for photo opportunities without any stress. You also have the option to disembark at places that interest you, so it’s the maximum in customizable explorations. Plus, you can choose from two different tour operators to completely personalize your trip. All in all -- a great introduction to London. Even if you’re from the city, it can be fun to spend some time getting to know your home a little bit better!

5) Explore Springtime Blooms

This is right about the time of year when everything starts to blossom, covering gardens and green spaces with an explosion of vibrant color. While you may think that urban London doesn’t have much in the way of spring blooms, however, you’re totally wrong. Visit one of the city’s many gardens to see these magnificent blooms this Easter weekend. From the humble, indigenous flowers to exotic flora, there’s much to see at venues like Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens, and the Chelsea Physic Garden. Insider Tip: Kew Gardens hosts a chocolate hunt on Easter Sunday for the kids!

6) WWT London Wetland Centre: Easter Duck Hunt

Kids will relish the opportunity to participate in some good old-fashioned Easter fun away from home. Pay a visit to the delightful London Wetland Centre for a chance to see the blooms of springtime, meet baby animals everywhere, and get acquainted with nature. From April, guests have the opportunity to help the Centre find some missing ducklings. Follow the Easter GIANT Duck Trail around the nature reserve to discover the missing duckies. Then, enjoy an arts & crafts session to make your own springtime creations.

Don't forget to pick up a London Pass to save on the most popular family attractions in London.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

View of the Tower of London from across the Thames
Blog

The Best Time to Visit the Tower of London

Halt! Who comes there? Another intrepid explorer?
Karleen Stevens
Kew
Blog

3 Days in London – The Perfect Itinerary

Spending three days in London is an exciting prospect for anyone lucky enough to visit. But choosing what to see and do is a challenge when you consider just how many amazing attractions London town has to offer. On the one hand, there’s a dizzying range of essential sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. On the other, there’s endless fun to be had in the city streets, stuffed with delicious restaurants, must-see museums and world-class theatres. There’s also many a hidden wonder to dig out and explore, from peaceful parks and stately homes. It could easily take you a lifetime to take it all in. But for those of you with only three days at your disposal, don’t fear. We’ve got you covered with our super-sweet capsule guide to the perfect three-day itinerary. 3 days in London - our must-see sights: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Buckingham Palace River Thames Cruise The Greenwich Observatory & Cutty Sark Curzon Soho Kew Gardens Hampton Court Palace Day 1 – historic London landmarks Houses of Parliament Your first-stop sight should be the imposing Palace of Westminster, an instantly recognisable building that will take your breath away. Big Ben, its grand Gothic clocktower is perhaps its most famous feature, best viewed in the subtle morning light from the scenic viewpoint of Westminster Bridge. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see it on a cloudless sunny day where you can take postcard-perfect pictures of the building as the sun turns it a mellow shade of yellow-gold. Perfect for that Insta-worthy snap! Buckingham Palace and Banqueting House From Westminster Bridge, head along Birdcage Walk with St James’s Park on your right and you’ll be rewarded with views of Buckingham Palace - a magnificent façade complete with grand neoclassical columns. The opulent State Rooms are also open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer, so check these out if you can. Nearby, in London’s Whitehall, don’t miss Banqueting House, another extravagant architectural gem featuring a spectacular oil-painted ceiling of Royal figures being carried to heaven. Day 2 – on the river Thames River Cruise After this action-packed day, you’ll need a well-deserved break and the River Thames offers the perfect sanctuary. A hop-on, hop-off Thames River Cruise is a great way to take in the river’s landmark sights while travelling at a more leisurely pace. If you hop on at the Westminster pier, you can drift down the river past world-renowned landmarks like Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece and the famous Tower of London fortress. Exit at Tower Pier to explore these attractions or continue to Greenwich Pier for a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of inner-city London. Greenwich Observatory When you land at Greenwich, you’ll be instantly seduced by a comparatively tranquil vibe. Explore the manicured green spaces at the peaceful Greenwich park, or grab a coffee in one of the cute independent cafes at the quaint but bustling Greenwich market. Next, head over to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of Greenwich Mean Time, where astronomy and science come to life through permanent exhibitions at this historic venue. Learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was created and how science and astronomy have changed across the ages. While in the area, you should also stop by the Cutty Sark, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century tea clipper that was built to carry tea all the way from China to England. Board the boat and tour the sailor’s quarters while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames – the perfect way to round-off a laid-back day by the river. Day 3 – offbeat attractions Use your final day as a chance to take in some of London’s less explored attractions that aren’t always on the standard tourist trail. Broaden your horizons by looking to locations on the outskirts of the city, like Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, both free to enter with the Go London pass. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This unusual UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West London is an absolute joy to explore. Discover an exotic wonderland of plants from around the world across 121 hectares of landscaped gardens. The Palm House greenhouse, built in 1884, is a real highlight. Containing a diverse abundance of tropical plant species including orchids, cocoa palms and rubber trees, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the depths of the Amazon. You might need a cool-down after, so head to the Pavilion Bar and Grill for some much-needed refreshments with a fine view – located in the heart of Kew’s Arboretum, you can sit outside among the trees while enjoying a glimpse of the garden’s fantastic Great Pagoda in the background. Hampton Court Palace If grandiose stately homes are more your thing, then the Hampton Court Palace should suffice. Also located in South West London, this magnificent Tudor mansion will transport you to the medieval times of King Henry VIII. This palace was his favorite royal hangout and you can see why when you tour the breathtaking interiors replete with priceless paintings, fine tapestries and gold just about everywhere. You can also see the exquisitely designed gardens while getting lost in the palace’s world-famous hedge maze. Curzon Soho All this adventure could leave you a little exhausted. But the Curzon Soho cinema in London’s West End is a perfect place to wind down your day in style. This edgy avant-garde cinema has a quirky and informal vibe that’s just perfect for a peaceful end to a long day of sightseeing. Catch an independent film at one of its three cinema screens, or lounge at its breezy underground bar, or cool café, where you can gorge on artisan pastries or yummy small plates. It really is the ideal haven to complete your busy three-day London tour. Save on London attractions year-round Whenever you’re making your trip to London, be sure to bring a Go London pass with you. Save on admission to the city’s best attractions. With something that’s perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your holiday photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration.
Lee Dales
Blog

2 Days in London - A Weekend in London Itinerary You'll Love

One of the world's most vibrant and thriving capital cities, London is a first-rate global town, offering up an intoxicating mix of history and modernity for tourists. London leads the world in areas of the arts, education, entertainment, commerce, fashion, media, transportation, and tourism. For centuries London has been home to some of the planet's most well-known faces and leaders, not to mention a popular monarchy recognized and adored the world over. When combined with hundreds of interesting sites and attractions, iconic landmarks, distinctive neighborhoods, a large airport and travel network, and a variety of hotels to explore, London is a top choice for any traveler. It is one of the most diverse cities in the world both culturally and physically. More than 300 languages are spoken in London by its melting pot of citizens. While the city possesses a rich past, with multiple World Heritage Sites and other renowned monuments to delight visitors. The city is especially exciting for first-time travelers, from the awe-inspiring the silhouette of Big Ben standing tall amidst the Houses of Parliament, to the swans gracefully swimming by in Hyde Park's ponds, to the majesty of Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's royal residence. We've highlighted some of London's must-see attractions and activities that any first-time visitor can incorporate into an easy to follow 2 days in London weekend itinerary. This weekend itinerary includes: Enjoy a full English breakfast Big Bus London Sightseeing Tour St. Paul's Cathedral The Royal Oak Pub Coca-Cola London Eye James Bond Walking Tour We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day London itinerary, - for an amazing and relaxing vacation. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a London Explorer Pass® and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this amazing city. The London Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from tons of top attractions and create a weekend trip tailored to your interests. Day 1Full English Breakfast By Jrv73 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsGet an early start on day one with a hearty English breakfast. Filling up on this British specialty of eggs, bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding, hash browns, toast and tea of coffee is a right of passage for any proper tourist to the United Kingdom. This belt-busting meal will fill you up for a long day of sightseeing and exploring. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Tour The best way to get to know London and to help you navigate around the city for the next few days is to see it from the streets. Use your London Explorer Pass for a one-day Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Riding the bus gives you a prime spot to see and learn about the city's history, culture, and way of life. You can choose when and where to hop on or off your bus tour at any point, taking in the delights of the capital at your own pace. An informative and entertaining tour guide will explain your journey throughout as you sit back and enjoy the bird's eye view from the comfort of an open top bus. With more than 50 stops included on the journey and buses running every five to 15 minutes, you can really explore as much or as little as you like. Check-off London's most famous sites from your must see list as your bus glides past Piccadilly Circus, otherwise known as London's Times Square, or ride across London Bridge that stands over the winding Thames River, or zip over to the gates of Buckingham Palace to see if the Queen is around. Your bus tour will also take you past Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. You won't want to forget your camera this day. Your Big Bus London Bus Tour also includes a free cruise ticket along the River Thames and a free guided walking tour. Your free river cruise, provides a narrated tour along the water from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London. While your walking tour follows the history of Royal London, from St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace, to a path highlighting some of the most famous locations from the Harry Potter books and movies. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus London tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. St. Paul's Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral offers a golden opportunity to hop-off the bus for a glimpse at one of the London skyline's most recognized features. You can view the intricacies of the Cathedral floor and then observe the crypts and tombs that house some of England's most famous people, from the Duke of Wellington to Lord Admiral Nelson, along with memorials to Florence Nightingale, Lawrence of Arabia, and William Blake. You'll also be able to visit the three galleries: Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery, which are housed in St. Paul's dome with panoramic views over the city. If you prefer, scheduling a guided tour will also allow you to visit the Geometric Staircase, the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George and the Quire, which are usually closed to much of the public. Getting In: St. Paul's Cathedral tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. The Royal Oak Pub Finish your first successful day in London with a meal at a traditional British neighborhood pub. The Royal Oak, located in the heart of the city, near to Westminster, was built in the 1800s and retains its historical influence on the area. Indulge in their English comfort food, such as a fish and chips, and wash it all down with a classically British pint of Young's beer. You can use your pass to redeem for a meal at the pub, before you get some rest for day two in London. Getting In: meal at The Royal Oak Pub is available on the London Explorer Pass. Day 2Coca-Cola London Eye Day two begins with sweeping views over the city of London from the top of the Coca-Cola London Eye observation wheel. Enter your glass-walled compartment and enjoy the stunning 360-degree vista, from 135-meters above. You'll be able to spot Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Rover Thames, among so many other landmarks. Onboard touch screens provide up to the minute information on what iconic sights you're passing and what to look out for. Once you're back on solid ground you can enjoy the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience which provides a multi-sensory trip through the city. Getting In: Coca-Cola London Eye tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Sea Life London Aquarium It is a hop, skip and a jump from the London Eye to the Sea Life Aquarium at London Southbank. Here, you can travel to the depths of the oceans as you explore an underwater world of fish and other marine life, from sharks to penguins. You can even come face-to-face with a polar bear at the Frozen Planet exhibit. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. James Bond Walking Tour Cap off your two days in London itinerary with a tour set from the point of view of one of the city's most famous fictional characters: James Bond. Walk in the footsteps of 007 on this two-hour tour. You'll finally get to experience Westminster and the Houses of Parliament from the ground, as you pass by memorable scenes from the Bond films. Relive the excitement of For Your Eyes Only, Skyfall, Spectre, or Die Another Day as you visit the National Gallery, Whitehall, Mi5 and Mi6, and other shooting locations. Getting In: James Bond Walking Tour tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Let’s Recap So there’s a sample for a perfectly fun weekend in London – tours, museums, and much more. This itinerary for 2 days in London will introduce you to the best of city and give you a taste of what it’s like to experience this world-class tourist destination. Purchase a London Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission prices when you hop aboard an interactive GoCar Tour, use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, explore the California Academy of Sciences, and visit the amazing SFMOMA.
Lindsay Eagan

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon