Easter is a time for family, friends and, of course, chocolate. A trip to London offers an ‘eggscellent’ opportunity to enjoy the annual spring celebration. From chocolate making workshops and themed afternoon teas to theatrical performances and Easter egg hunts in grand palaces, here are some of our favourite ways to experience Easter in London.
Chocolate-making masterclasses
At Easter, indulging in chocolate is a must. But why buy an Easter egg off the shelf when you can make your own chocolate? As the only British chocolatier to grow its own cocoa beans, Hotel Chocolat is an authority on chocolate making. Learn the tricks of the trade from the experts at a Bean to Bar masterclass. Taking place at Hotel Chocolat’s Cocoa Vaults in Covent garden, the hands-on workshops take guests through the entire chocolate process, from grinding the beans to moulding the bars – which chocoholics can then take home.
Afternoon tea with a twist
Swap the conventional high tea tradition of scones and clotted cream for candied alternatives at an Easter-themed afternoon tea. Tumble down the rabbit hole at the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London and indulge in a feast inspired by the Lewis Carroll novel, including a special Easter cake. If Roald Dahl gets your imagination whirring, opt for the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych and treat your sweet tooth to golden eggs, candy floss, and much more. For a more traditional take on Afternoon Tea, head to The Rubens at the Palace Hotel for a regal selection of sweet treats served overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.
Treasure hunt
If you’re travelling with the family (or are an adult with a young heart), take part in an Easter egg hunt. Between 1st and 17th April, Hampton Court Palace is hosting the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, which takes visitors on a journey through the history of the castle, once owned by Henry VII. As they explore the royal manor and its beautiful gardens, participants will be challenged to seek out the hidden bunnies. Find them all and be rewarded with a delicious chocolate gift from Lindt.
Easter story
Remember the true meaning of Easter by watching The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square. The annual performance, which attracts thousands of viewers of all faiths each year, tells the story of Jesus’ final days, leading up to his crucifixion and his subsequent resurrection. The colourful show features around 100 costume-clad actors, plus a number of animals, and is hosted for free on Good Friday (14th April 2017) at 12pm and 3.15pm.
West End shows
Top off an enjoyable day in London with a show in the famous West End theatre district. The spring season is a prime time for premieres, with several new productions launching just in time for Easter. For an all-singing-all-dancing affair, see An American in Paris, a musical telling the love story between an American soldier and a Parisian dancer. For a comedic sensation, book tickets for The Miser and enjoy British satirical humour and an acclaimed performance by lead actor Griff Rhys Jones.
While spending Easter in London, make time in your itinerary for sightseeing. Our full-day and half-day tours offer a great opportunity to pack in as many sights as possible, while leaving time to enjoy the Easter celebrations.
Image Credits: Bean to Bar chocolate masterclass © Hotel Chocolat. Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea © Sanderson London. Easter Eggs © iStock/fstop123. Trafalgar Square © iStock/lachris77. An American in Paris © Matthew Murphy.
