Eggs and Easter go back centuries; in medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during Lent, making them a special treat come Easter Sunday. The history of hunting for them is no younger, and thought to begin with pagan spring festivals, where eggs symbolised fertility and rebirth. The hunts as we know them today gained popularity during the Victorian era, when wealthy families would host lavish Easter parties for their children, featuring egg hunts in their grounds and gardens as a highlight.
Somewhere along the way, real eggs were (mostly) replaced by their chocolate counterparts, but a highlight of Easter these hunts remain. But where? Here, we find some of the best Easter egg hunts in the city, from London Zoo to Hampton Court Palace. Hop in!
London Zoo
It would be enjoyable to search for chocolate eggs in the company of animals that lay their own. You can do that at London Zoo, which has a free trail — a normal entry ticket must be purchased to take part — including eggs of all sizes and colours. Learning along the way, kids will be able to find clues that reveal a golden egg in a secret location. Prizes await.
When? March 29 to April 14
How much? Free with zoo entry, which starts at £27
Outer Circle, NW1 4RY, londonzoo.org
Hampton Court Palace
At Hampton Court Palace, first built by Henry VIII for Cardinal Wolsey, there are scores of Lindt bunnies to be found, all hidden across 60 acres of gardens. Participants will be able to learn about history along the way, and though Swiss chocolate is hardly accurate when considering Tudor Britain, biting a bunny’s head off isn’t so far from what went on.
When? Now until April 14
How much? Free with regular admission: £26.50 for adults, £13.50 for kids
Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, KT8 9AU, hrp.org.uk
Chelsea Physic Garden
At Chelsea Physic Garden, self-led trails over the Easter weekend allow families to take part in a “Planet Heroes” event by answering questions about the Earth. Built by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries 350 years ago to grow plants for medicine, the idea is to discuss how to preserve our world for another 350 years. Everyone who gets involved will earn a special — and sustainable — chocolate gift.
When? March 31, 11am until 4pm
How much? £5, plus admission: adults £14.50; children £5
66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS, chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
The Table
Those who don’t trust the weather might visit The Table, a Battersea brunch spot hosting an indoor hunt. Taking place on Easter Monday from 9am, the free event will include various activities alongside an Easter egg trail. Children under 12 will be given a bag upon entry and will be free to search high and low for treats.
When? April 1 from 9am
How much? Free
35-37 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG thetablecafe.com
Ham House
The delightfully named Ham House is a 17th century Jacobean mansion set in formal gardens on the banks of the Thames. Guests are invited to follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, and take part in games around the laws, kitchen garden, courtyard and terrace. Eager competitors will be awarded a chocolate egg at the end.
When? Now until April 14
How much? Free with admission (adults £14, children £7, free for National Trust members)
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, TW10 7RS, nationaltrust.org.uk
Peckham Levels
Those who need or want to stay in town should head to Peckham Levels, which will be transformed into an Easter-themed paradise over the holiday weekend. A two-hour hunt will be put on for those aged 12 and under, alongside arts, crafts, and games. Proceeds will go towards the Hope-Gordon Foundation, a charity set up to support social cohesion.
When? March 30, 2-4pm
How much? £11 per person
95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST, peckhamlevels.org
Morden Hall
South London? Morden Hall is the place, a beautiful 18th century home and watermill set around 51 acres of parkland. There, an Easter trail promises a host of games and activities, as well as a map to help youngsters locate a haul of chocolate eggs. Part of the National Trust, there's an award-winning rose garden to enjoy too.
When? March 29 until April 4
How much? £3
Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD, nationaltrust.org.uk
Kenwood House
In North London, Kenwood House, home to works by the likes of Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable. Outside, 112 acres of landscaped grounds, with bushes, hedges and flora concealing dozens of chocolate eggs. Alongside the hunt are games such as egg rolling and egg and spoon races, and those who survive the day are rewarded with an “Adventurer’s Certificate”.
When? Now until April 14
How much? £2 per child for the trail, entry free
