A glorious spring setting in the St. Mary Abbots Church gardens in Kensington
While winter has been hanging on a bit longer than usual this year, spring really is just around the corner. The spring flowers are popping up and soon the parks and gardens in London will be filled with the vibrant announcement of the arrival of the new season. With warmer temperatures, holiday events for Easter and the aforementioned bursts of colourful flowers, spring is one of the most enjoyable times of the year in London. This year Easter Sunday falls on March 31st, and all around the Easter holiday there will be eggs to hunt, chocolate to be eaten and lots of fun to be had! Here’s a look at some of the fun springtime things to do during the Easter holidays in London.
Enjoy the Blooms in Kensington Gardens
Spring blossoming in Kensington Garden
The springtime is one of the most charming times of the year to stroll through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. On a sunny day everyone is out and about riding bikes, roller blading, jogging, letting the dogs run and play or simply relaxing in the sunshine. Find a pretty spot to rest your feet while enjoying these beautiful gardens right in the heart of London.
Easter at Kew Gardens
Discover the history of chocolate at Kew Gardens this Easter
Attention chocolate lovers, head to Kew Gardens this spring to experience Chocolate Quest dedicated to over 4,000 years of chocolate history. Now that’s a lot of chocolate! This family friendly event takes place from Friday, March 29th through Sunday, April 14th, 2013 and is included in admission to Kew Gardens. Spring is a marvelous time to visit Kew Gardens, with glorious spring flowers bringing the gardens to life. You can even visit the spring bulb map to see where all the spring flowers are located … the daffodils are just about to burst into bloom!
Easter Chocolates & Sweets
Spring at Peggy Porschen’s cupcake cafe in Belgravia
It wouldn’t be Easter without something sweet! The history of chocolate does rather make one hungry for the real thing, and there are plenty of places to find fabulous chocolate in London. Why not stop by Prestat, one of London’s oldest chocolate shops, which is located in the lovely Princes Arcade just off Piccadilly. This Royal Warranted chocolatier was founded in 1902 by Frenchman Antoine Dufour who was Napoleon III’s personal chocolatier. The brightly colored packages (and, of course, the divine chocolates inside!) make Prestat a great spot to shop for gifts.
We’re particularly keen on the chocolates, truffles and sweets from Melt on Notting Hill’s Ledbury Road. It’s a sweet little boutique chocolate shop along one of our favorite shopping streets in Notting Hill. If you’re looking for a special cake or delicious cupcakes to celebrate Easter in London, do stop in the Peggy Porschen specialty cake shop and cupcake cafe in Belgravia. The displays are so tempting … you’ll want one of everything!
The Big Egg Hunt
An artistic Easter Egg from last year’s Big Egg Hunt
Join in the Easter fun in London at the Big Egg Hunt with 101 giant eggs located all over the UK! This annual fundraising event includes fun things to do, a guessing game hunt to find all the eggs and an auction to raise money for Action for Children. This year the Big Egg Hunt grande finale will take place in Covent Garden from March 22nd to April 1st, 2013. If you’ll be travelling in London this Easter with your family, here’s a great list of Easter egg hunts and kid friendly spring activities in London!
Picnic in the Park
A host of golden daffodils in St. James’s Park
Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a picnic or break in one of the parks in central London surrounded by the colors of spring. St. James’s Park between Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square is a great spot to soak up the sun. It’s also lovely place to let the kids run and play while watching city life go by.
Easter Sunday Services in London
Celebrate Easter Sunday at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Simply visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is an awe inspiring experience. During Holy Week and Easter you can join in services and concerts at St. Paul’s culminating in the Easter Sunday at the cathedral. Check their Easter Services & Events page to find out what will be taking place during your visit. Do keep in mind that due to religious services the regular visitation hours at St. Paul’s may vary from the regular schedule during Easter.
St. Martin in the Field’s Church often hosts choral and concert events during Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday services. Stop in for a beautiful concert and moment of reflection while sightseeing in London.
Planning to visit Westminster Abbey during Holy Week or for Easter Sunday services? This is an exceptional time to visit the beautiful abbey to attend services or enjoy a concert. Check their Easter Services page for all the details on visiting during the holiday.
Boat Race
This year the London Boat Race takes place on Easter Sunday
This year London’s popular Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race falls on Easter Sunday. Over 250,000 people are expected for the annual event, which has been taking place since 1829 along the Thames from Putney Bridge to Mortlake. The race will take place on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2013 at 4:30pm. You’ll want to get there early to secure a good vantage spot for the race! Visit the Boat Race website for all the details on where to watch, how to arrive and the history of the race.
Spring Shopping in London
Cute spring window display at Cath Kidston on King’s Road in Chelsea
Shopping is always fun in London, but spring is a great time of year to add some colour and cheer to your wardrobe. With the nicer weather you can enjoy popping in and out of the boutiques along Sloane Square and King’s Road in Chelsea. For charming shopping areas, don’t miss Ledbury Road and Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, too! Spring is just such a pleasant time to be out and about in London, whether you’re shopping, sightseeing or simply exploring the charming neighborhoods around our London vacation rentals.
Easter Dinner at Your London Perfect Apartment!
Tulip tree blossoms in Chelsea
If you’ll be celebrating Easter Sunday in London this year, why not plan a special dinner at home in the comfort of your London Perfect vacation rental? Stop by the local supermarket or head to the gourmet food halls at Harrods or our personal favorite – the classic Fortnum & Mason. With their Easter Feast Hamper you’ll have everything ready for a lovely Easter dinner at home, including sweet treats like the traditional Simnel Cake and chocolate eggs. Check out all the fun Easter Hampers at Fortnum & Mason, or stop by their store on Piccadilly during your stay in London for a wonderful selection of gourmet foods and sweet treats!
For more things to do this spring in London, stay tuned to the London Perfect Blog or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Photo Credits: London Boat Race by Jonty Wareing, Big Egg Hunt 2012 by adam w
