Almost every shop that you go to whether you are in for your double A batteries you will most likely have noticed that they will have piled high Easter eggs at the till in a bid to put you into some sort of Chocolate coma.
Well there is more to the long Easter Bank Holiday than scoffing down chocolate. That of the loooong and welcomed few days from work! Some with that much time on your hands what do you do? Whether its just you, your friends or if you have mini-mes at home then I have some idea that will cover you from all angles.
Below is my top 10 list of things to do in London during the long weekend holidays. For those hoping to get out of London, not to worry I have some inspiration for you too below. If you are not in London then I am pretty sure these will still help in searching out similar events in your cities.
CONTENTS
- 1 1. Something For the Kids(and the young at heart)
- 2 2. Get A Tingly Feeling – A collection of Tinggly Experiences
- 3 3. Experience UK’s Cool and Unique Spots
- 4 4. Get A Break From London
- 5 5. Get Active on London Waters While Exploring Little Venice
- 6 6. Breakfast in the Walkie Talkie, Over! Roger That!
- 7 7. Explore London’s Beautiful Markets
- 8 8. Afternoon Tea on The Green
- 9 9. Eat Your Way Through London
- 10 10. Take To the Museums
1. Something For the Kids(and the young at heart)
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London usually puts on a show during the Bank Holidays, most of which are FREE! From live music shows on the Southbank and National Gallery on the Embankment to places like Spanish Garden at the Roof Gardens in Kensington.
If that’s out of reach then, if you are a lover of all things covered in chocolate goodness then you and the kiddies are in for a treat, as there are various venues hosting Easter Egg hunt. From Clapham Common, Bank of England Musuem to Butlers Wharf on the Thames.
Check out Timeout’s list for more Easter egg hunting traditionsaround London. See, its not just for the kids. There is fun to be had for chocolate loving adults too.
2. Get A Tingly Feeling – A collection of Tinggly Experiences
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Most bank holidays I usually escape to destinations that is chosen based on the travel deals available but this Bank Holiday I have found a deal that was worth the change of plans. That’s provided sunny weather comes as part of the deal.
I am heading on a little cruise on the Thames with a three-course meal and wine thrown in. Doesn’t that just make you tingle a little. You can follow along on my Instagram for live updates next Saturday.
If you are after a tinggly sensation of your own, then check out the other experiences Tours in London, both here in London and day trips outside of London.
3. Experience UK’s Cool and Unique Spots
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There is more to the UK than just exploring London’s tourist-filled landmarks. How about combining a little culture with a bewitching dining experience in Scotland’s Witchery restaurant. It’s right in the heart of Edinburgh, so after much exploration, you can chill out in this cool and unique place neighbouring Edinburgh Castle for a delicious feast that will have you cooing over.
While you are in Scotland then you can check out my Top 10 Things To Do In Edinburgh. If that’s too far north for you then how about dinning in the middle of The Solent? How does a sailing on the solent for the sole purpose of dinning on a man-made island sound? Sounds good?
Then Spitbank is the place to head to. Should you wish to wake up to sea views then you can stay overnight too. It’s a little on the pricey side for most budgets, but what the heck its the long weekend bank holiday! How many of those do we have in a year.
If you don’t want to blow the bank balance but still want to get away then a trip to the English countryside is in order. Yep you can bring the kids too! Its also perfect for a weekend with friends – Check out my post for a little inspiration on countryside escapes and hideaways.It also shouldn’t break the bank. Also see my post on 30 of the best weekend trips around the UK.
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4. Get A Break From London
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Whether you live in London, around the UK or coming to Britain for a visit make sure you take the opportunity to explore surrounding European countries as London offers the perfect base for epic weekends out of London.
Sometimes last minute deals are just as good as those booked way in advance so check out my recent post on top 10 Euro breaks from London’s capital.
5. Get Active on London Waters While Exploring Little Venice
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If you have not explored London’s Regents canal then you are in for a little treat! Lined with cafes along the water you can walk along the canals from Kings Cross right into Camden Town which also offers markets, bars, restaurants and more to fill the entire bank holiday.
One thing that is a must on the waterways, providing the London weather Gods have sipped their Earl Grey and are in a good mood, is taking to the waters by way of paddle boarding.
Exploring surrounding areas and getting a work out at the same time too! If it rains then escape to tour waters with the many boat tours available. There are some also offering afternoon teas on board too. Check out my post for more pictures and details on London’s Little Venice.
6. Breakfast in the Walkie Talkie, Over! Roger That!
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If you are after something a bit stylish with a bit more luxe feel to it plus views thrown in, then the Walkie Talkie building is the place to hang out on the town. Head over to the Sky Pod in the Sky Garden.
It comes with an exotic garden, views across the city all while you dine from one of the 2 restaurants and a cafe in the 35th floor. The beauty of this places is that it also won’t have you remortgaging your homes just to buy a slice of cake like some places in the square mile.
There are free tickets on offer for the exotic gardens but there is a long waiting list, so the trick to get up there is to book a table in one of the restaurants, like I said its not expensive so you can go for a coffee for two or bring the kids too for the views as it offers a kid friendly environment during the day.
If you are still up for more dinning that comes with a view to thrill, then there is the Shard, which is just across the river or Heron Towers which has a few eateries that comes with city views. Though, in my opinion not as good as the Sky Garden or Shard.
7. Explore London’s Beautiful Markets
I love markets whether exploring London or some far flung place. I love that whiff of freshly pressed juices or those caramelised sausages from market stalls serving up a mean full English.
Yep, I live for those, so what better way to see London than through its farm fresh markets around the city. There are plenty to choose from; Portobello Road, Colombia Market, Broadway Market, Dover Street Market, Brixton Village Market and Greenwich Market that also has other interesting sights near by like the Cutty Sark and observatory near by.
While we are talking about about markets how about starting with Breakfast In Borough Market.
8. Afternoon Tea on The Green
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There are many a beautiful park in London. From Battersea Park’s Peace Garden with the Pagoda, to the Italian Garden in Hyde Park or Regents park’s Secret Garden. There are plenty of places that now offer Afternoon Tea to go! Yep, you pick up the teacakes and drinks then head to the nearest green.
So grab some friends, some music or an instrument and chase the sun out of the shadows in the beautifully colourful parks in and around London. One of the largest green areas in the heart of good old London town is Regents Park.
It’s home to an Open Air Theatre, London Zoo, cafes and restaurants scattered around the green to quench your thirst should you need to refresh after taking on the 410 acres of lush greenery, gardens, lake with boating area and romance-themed fountain sculptures. So what better way to spend the bank holiday?
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9. Eat Your Way Through London
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East London boasts the largest number of artists and art organisation living and working in any capital city in the world. So check out where all the cool kids hang out.
You will find amazing streetart and vintage markets, new and upcoming designers at the Backyard Market. So how does Good food, creative arts and history tidbits sound?
Check out my post covering details on how you can tour and eat your way around London’s creative district.
10. Take To the Museums
London has many a museum offering some of the best places to spend the day. Tate Modern which is right in the city has many levels offering up art from different periods.
It also has cafes the offer up views of the city peering onto St Pauls Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and beyond. There is also the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square which also has free guided tours.
You have the British Museum that houses history from around the world in pieces of art. At the moment they have an additional exhibition of items from the Ming Dynasty which is a must see!
If you are looking for ultra modern art then I would suggest Saatchi Gallery across the other side of town in Solane Square and enter rooms filled with bugs or paintings made from embroidery.
Another interesting place that not a lot of people go to, is the Barbican in Moorgate. It puts on various events and curated art installations that will marvel both the little kids and big kids.
This is the same place that had adults and kids dancing in the rain two years ago with the Rain Room installation at the Barbican. So this bank holiday do not forget to check your local galleries or museums.
They are not so crowded so you can enjoy the creative space without being disturbed by a mad rush of people. On the plus side there are usually cafes so you can pace yourself.So what are your plans for the April Bank Holiday next weekend, where ever you are? Let me know in the comment box below.
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That's such a great post! I really wish I can go to London again and visit some of the places you've suggested! You can never be bored in London, right?!
Dash xx
Lifestyle according to Mode Lily
The doors are always open to London 😀
I love this post – it really highlights how beautiful the UK can be and how much we should be getting out of the house when we can.I love bank holidays.x
It really is a beautiful place. We only lack in whether but even then there is always something interesting to do. Shame not many explore their own backyard before rushing off somewhere.
Great post!
xx
Coco
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Thanks!
Great list! i wish I was in London to do some of these things!
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I am sure there are similar activities where you are as well. This post will hopefully serve as inspiration to check out similar activities in your city.
this post made me so nostalgic for london!!
Lovely post!
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