London Easter Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

Photo Credit: Artisan du Chocolat.

Chocolate indulgence

If you’re looking for a bit of indulgence this Easter, you’re in luck: London is full of top-notch chocolatiers. Forget saccharine slabs of chocolate or bog-standard eggs; one of our favourite Easter activities is browsing the extra-special sweets available at Paul A Young or Artisan du Chocolat.

The award-winning chocolates at Paul A Young are famous for two main reasons: first, they’re made by hand on a daily basis (Paul A Young is one of the only chocolatiers in London to do this); second, the flavour combinations are both intriguing and delicious! From dark chocolate with Marmite to chocolates filled with passion-fruit curd, you’re never quite sure what you’ll find.

Artisan du Chocolat have a famous flavour legacy, too: it’s rumoured that Gerard Coleman (the Belgium-trained chocolatier behind the brand) was the first person _ever _to create a salted caramel dessert (at Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant back in 2002). As you might expect, the flavour pairings at Artisan du Chocolat are particularly special – even if you’re not a salted caramel fan! In addition to the wonderful sweets on offer, Artisan du Chocolat also run a small café with snacks, drinks, and special chocolate tastings.

Got a serious chocolate craving? Check out our recommended ‘Boutique Chocolate Shops’ for more inspiration.

Photo Credit: Wintershall Players.

Head to the theatre

Pantomime might seem like a Christmas-only affair, but the Dugdale Centre in Enfield have created a new tradition with their Easter pantomime, which runs over the Easter holidays every year. This year, classic fairy-tale _Rapunzel _will be given their famous all-singing, all-dancing comic treatment. The show runs from 6 to 22 April.

If you prefer your Easter activities to be a little more educational, don’t miss the Wintershall Players’ epic re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s last days in Trafalgar Square. When we say epic, we mean epic: the show involves over 100 people, horses, donkeys, and even doves! This popular annual performance – which takes place on Good Friday – always attracts a large crowd, but the big screens that are dotted around the square ensure that everyone has a good view of the action.

Photo Credit: Horniman Museum and Gardens.

Go to an Easter fair

Horniman Museum and Gardens, which is situated in South London (Forest Hill, to be exact), is worth a visit at any time of year. Opened in 1890 by Victorian philanthropist and tea trader John Horniman as a place to exhibit the artefacts he amassed during his travels, the museum quickly grew, and now encompasses various exhibitions, galleries, nature trails and wildlife enclosures (such as the beautiful Butterfly House).

On 20 and 21 April, the Horniman team are putting on a range of Easter activities for adults and children alike with their Easter Fair. In addition to the special Easter trail, which visitors are welcome to explore, there are themed workshops and a storytelling performance inspired by The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs.

If you happen to visit Horniman between now and 27 October, check out their special Lego exhibition, ‘Brick Wonders’, too! Several Wonders of the World (such as the Egyptian pyramids) and local attractions (like London Bridge) have been recreated using a staggering 50,000 Lego bricks. Once you’ve taken in the amazing Lego attractions, your kids can have a go at creating their own towering structure in one of the dedicated play areas.

Photo Credit: Eltham Palace.

Hunt for eggs

Culture and chocolate combine at National Trust properties this year: they’ll be hosting over 260 Easter Egg hunts in partnership with Cadbury, the famous British confectionery company. There are a wide range of National Trust properties to choose from in London; all you need to do is pick your desired location and join in the game. As you explore the trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the special sights and sounds of your chosen National Trust location, learning facts about nature, wildlife, and local history, before finishing with a wonderful chocolatey treat!

Or, if you’re close to Greenwich, pop into Eltham Palace – an English Heritage property and one of London’s hidden gems – and go on a search for dragon eggs. Enjoy a ramble through the grounds and crack the clues as you go: if you find an egg, you’ll get a certificate, sticker, and (of course) a chocolate prize.