Easter in London 2026: Spring Vibes, Things to Do & Easy Day Trips

2nd April 2026

Easter is one of the best times to experience London. The city shakes off winter, the parks come alive, and there’s a relaxed, outdoorsy feel that’s perfect for exploring.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or passing through as part of a bigger trip, London over Easter offers a great mix of sightseeing, atmosphere, and simple things to do without overplanning.

🌸 London in Spring: What It Feels Like

Spring changes the pace of the city.
  • Hyde Park and St James’s Park are full of colour
  • People are back outside—walking, cycling, sitting in the sun
  • The South Bank feels busy but in a good way

It’s one of those times where London feels more open and easier to enjoy.

🚶 Simple Things to Do at Easter

Walk the Thames (One of the Best Free Experiences)

If you do one thing in London at Easter, make it a walk along the river.

Some of the nicest sections are around:

  • Putney Embankment
  • Hammersmith Bridge
  • Mortlake

You’ll find:

  • Riverside pubs
  • Open views of the water
  • Rowers training up and down the river

Around Easter, there’s usually a bit more going on here too, especially with the build-up to the The Boat Race.

Spend Time in London’s Parks

London’s parks are a big part of the experience in spring.
  • Greenwich Park – great views and open space
  • Regent’s Park – one of the most scenic
  • Primrose Hill – perfect at sunset

You don’t need a plan—just walk, sit, and take it in.

Red deer grazing in Bushy Park near Hampton Court in London, historic royal park landscape

Deer roaming freely in Bushy Park near Hampton Court — a historic royal hunting ground dating back to Tudor times, now one of London’s most peaceful and wildlife-rich green spaces.

Explore the South Bank

The stretch between:

…is always lively over Easter.

You’ll find:

  • Street performers
  • Food stalls and pop-ups
  • A constant buzz along the river

It’s a good place to just wander without an itinerary.

Easter Activities & Easy Sightseeing

If you want something a bit more structured, there are plenty of options:

🌿 Easy Day Trip Idea: Stonehenge

If you’ve got a bit more time, it’s easy to get out of London for the day.

One of the most popular trips is to Stonehenge.

At Easter, it works particularly well:

  • The weather is usually improving
  • It’s busy, but not peak summer busy
  • The landscape around it starts to look its best

There are also some more unique experiences available at certain times, including access closer to the stones themselves.

We’ll go into more detail on:

…in a separate Stonehenge guide.

🌍 Travelling Beyond London

London is often just the starting point.

From here, it’s easy to build a bigger trip—whether that’s:

If you’re travelling around Easter, you might also find yourself overlapping with events like the The Boat Race, or following the wider sports calendar into something like the Tour de France.

➡️ What to Do Next

If you’re already exploring the Thames this Easter, you’re in the right place at the right time.

👉 Next up:
Where to Watch the Boat Race in London – Best Spots & Local Tips

And then the Tour de France comes to Britain 

It’s one of those events that’s easy to stumble into—but even better if you know where to go.

Buckingham Palace and Victoria Memorial at sunset with flower gardens in London

Evening light over Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial with colourful flower beds in London

🚀 Plan Your Experience

This is one of the most complete travel experiences near London — combining history, nature, and easy access into one journey. The best way to experience this route is as part of a guided journey — combining key locations, river travel, and local insight without needing to organise each step yourself.

⭐ Popular London & Southern England Experiences

🏰 Royal Indulgence: Hampton Court Palace & Windsor Castle

Step into royal England with this immersive day tour combining the grandeur of Windsor Castle with the Tudor world of Hampton Court. Following the historic Thames corridor, this experience brings together royal history, iconic locations, and an easy, social way to explore beyond central London — perfect for discovering the landscapes featured in this blog.

👉 View Tour

📜 Stonehenge, Winchester & Magna Carta at Runnymede (Small Group)

This small-group adventure connects some of England’s most important historic sites in one seamless journey. From Stonehenge to Winchester and the historic fields of Runnymede, it brings together ancient mystery, medieval heritage, and the story of Magna Carta — all within a relaxed and engaging group experience.

👉 View Tour

🏙️ Highlights of London – Full Day Tour

Explore the very best of London in one complete experience, covering iconic landmarks, royal sites, and the energy of the capital. This tour places the Thames at the heart of your journey, helping you connect the wider story of London with the historic locations explored along the river.

👉 View Tour

👑 London Royal Highlights: Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace

Experience the ceremonial and royal side of London with visits to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. This tour builds on the themes of monarchy and tradition seen at Hampton Court, offering a deeper look at how royal history continues into modern London.

👉 View Tour

🚢 London Tour with Harrods Cream Tea & Private River Cruise

See London from a different perspective with a relaxed and social experience that combines sightseeing with a private Thames river cruise. Following the same waterway once used by Tudor royalty, this tour offers a unique way to connect with the river and the city’s iconic skyline.

👉 View Tour

🌊 Isle of Wight Day Tour from London

Step beyond the city and explore the southern coast of England on this scenic day trip. With dramatic coastal views, historic towns, and fresh sea air, it connects perfectly with the maritime and coastal themes developed in earlier blogs — offering a refreshing contrast to London.

👉 View Tour

🌿 Isle of Wight & Southern Coast 3-Day Tour

For a deeper experience, this multi-day journey explores the Isle of Wight and England’s southern coastline at a relaxed pace. Combining landscapes, history, and coastal culture, it’s ideal for travellers looking to extend their journey beyond London and into wider southern England.

👉 View Tour

🚀 Explore Europe with Backpacker Tours

From multi-country journeys and scenic landscapes to unforgettable festivals and social travel experiences, Europe offers something for every type of traveller.

At Backpacker Tours, we offer a range of experiences designed to help you explore Europe in a way that suits your style.

👉 Start planning your next European journey and discover where it can take you.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help with your travel plans and any questions you may have. With over 40 years’ experience, we’re always happy to guide you — whether you’re choosing the right tour, planning something specific, or simply looking for advice.

📞 Call us:
+44 (0)20 7170 5878

💬 WhatsApp:
+44 (0)74 1497 1573

📧 Email:
enquiries@backpackertours.co.uk

🌐 Live Chat:
Available on our website at www.backpackertours.co.uk

We’re here to help — so please feel free to get in touch.

This is just the beginning — we’ll continue to explore how travel can become more sustainable, one destination at a time.

Explore more with Backpacker Tours

From Stonehenge and the South West to journeys across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, we offer a wide range of tours designed to help you experience Britain in depth.

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