Things To Do for Easter and Good Friday in the UK

Looking for things to do this Easter? I’m here to help you find sweet attractions in the United Kingdom. Get ready to enjoy some spring sunshine, city nightlife, traditional celebrations, and educational sightseeing in and around London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Be sure to stay with me to the end for something special.

Without further ado, here are things that will keep you busy all weekend long:

What’s on in London?

• Bank of England Museum
• Natural History Museum
• London Transport Museum
• Science Museum
• V&A Museum of Childhood

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Idea #2: A traditional undertaking

Visit one of London’s churches or cathedrals for a delightful Easter service or a sightseeing tour. Here’s a list of places to enjoy a peaceful time with your family:

• Marvel at the breathtaking St Paul’s Cathedral.
• Be wowed by the world-famous Westminster Abbey.
• Discover the majestic Southwark Cathedral.
• Enjoy the tranquillity of St Dunstan in the East.
• Wander over to the picturesque Westminster Cathedral.
• Enjoy a moment of tranquillity with a traditional late-afternoon choir service at the All Saints Margaret Street church.

Idea #3: A fun-filled treasure hunt

Designed for children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old and their families, the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt will take you back in time in the gardens of Queen Victoria and William III and Mary II. A fun outing, following clues and trailing to find golden bunny statues hidden around the palace. You stand a chance to win a Lindt Gold Bunny chocolate by solving the exciting challenges.

Idea #4: For the concert partisan

If you’re looking for a traditional Easter, this annual concert is the ideal way to spend your Good Friday afternoon. Handel’s Messiah has been performed by the Royal Choral Society every year since 1876, and this year they will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside a quartet of superb soloists. A performance not to be missed, my friend.

Idea #5: An adventurous view

Be a daredevil and experience London from a different viewpoint. Make your way to Sky Garden for a memorable dining experience at one of the renowned restaurants. As an added leisure, book your free visit and wander the capital’s highest public garden, 35 floors up.

What’s on in Birmingham?

Idea #6: A traditional celebration Celebrate the Good Friday tradition with a dignified retelling of the Passiontide story by the Ex Cathedra’s Choir and Baroque Orchestra. You can expect a heartfelt human drama and musical exploration of timeless hopes and sorrows.

Idea #7: The perfect family getaway

Aimed for the child within you, Woodland Wonders Easter Trail is a self-guided nature trail perfect for a fun family getaway in the woods this Easter holiday. It’s a great opportunity to learn about bird species and their nesting habits while participating in entertaining games. Idea #8: An inspirational sunrise Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in one of the most beloved of Christian church services this Easter Sunday. Take your pick at the list below for an inspiring service:

• Taylor Memorial United Methodist offers a sunrise service.
• Briarwood Presbyterian Church has a love of the Easter season.
• Birmingham Cathedral commemorates the story of Easter, which includes music, readings, and prayer.

Idea #9: For the entertainment seeker A perfect event for those looking for something different on Good Friday. Join Digbeth Dining Club, one of Birmingham’s best warehouse bars, for an entertaining night of live music, street food antics, and DJ sessions.

Remember to pack your Swannies to minimize exposure to harmful blue light.

What’s on in Manchester?

Idea #10: Opt-in for some fine dining If you’re craving the best homemade treats, cakes, and lashings of clotted cream, look no further. The two AA Rosette-awarded hotel restaurant, Honey, is introducing an afternoon tea for Easter. Head’s up, there’s limited availability and I’d suggest you get booking away.

Idea #11: Release the Quackin If you are from or going to Machester this Good Friday, head on over to the banks of the Irwell, where the Manchester Duck Race will kick off at 2 pm. Be sure to gather around at 12 pm, as both sides of the river will come alive with attractions. It only costs £1 to buy a duck with all proceeds going to local children’s charity, Brainwave. There will even be a surprise celebrity guest to announce the winner.

Idea #12: A Sequence of music and readings If you prefer a more traditional celebration of this holy day, take a trip to the Manchester Cathedral for an hour of meditative music performed by the Cathedral Choir, which also includes poetry, prose, and a prayer.

Stargazing near Birmingham, London, and Manchester

The night sky can be a wonderful delight, regularly showing off special events with a celestial charm that can be admired for free by looking up. Something fun to marvel at over Easter. As a former photography tutor and astronomy enthusiast, I was regularly summoned by nearby schools to take kids on field trips, and talk about our place and role in the universe. Needless to say, I was bombarded with questions. Stargazing can help kids develop that all-important perspective. Best of all, you don’t have to be an expert to teach your kids about stars.

Idea #13: Admire the night sky

• Sutton Coldfield, Europe’s seventh largest urban park - about 8 miles from Birmingham.
• Old Winchester Hill, a beauty spot and Iron Age site - an hour from London.
• Surprise View, a car park located on the outskirts of Hathersage - about an hour’s drive from Manchester.

• A good and clear view of the night sky depends greatly on the weather. Ensure there is no cloud cover or fog obscuring the view.
• Try to find open space or hills that aren’t obscured by tall buildings or trees.
• Try to escape from the ‘light pollution’ of urban areas. Go somewhere dark.
• Always remember to take enough snacks, drinks and warm clothes.