London's best family-friendly Easter egg hunts (2025)

Eggs and Easter go back centuries. In medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden during Lent, which meant they were a special treat come Easter Sunday. The history of hunting for them is no younger and is thought to have started 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. Egg hunts in their sweeping grounds and gardens were a highlight.

Somewhere along the way, real eggs were (mostly) replaced by their chocolate counterparts, but hunts endure. But where? Here, we find some of the best in the city, from London Zoo to Hampton Court Palace. Hop in.

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? Until April 21

How much? Free with zoo entry, which starts at £31.50.

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? Until April 21

How much? Free with regular admission: £28 for adults, £14 for kids

Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, KT8 9AU,hrp.org.uk

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? Easter Sunday

How much? Tickets from £5

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? Easter Monday, 9am and 10am

How much? Free

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? Until April 21

How much? £3.50 per hunt, per child, plus regular admission

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? Until April 21

How much? £3.50 per hunt, per child, plus regular admission

For those in deepest South London, St Francis Church in Selsdon is hosting a big Easter egg hunt throughout its grounds, as well as games and crafts for youngsters. Entry is just £2 per child and includes a bag of chocolate eggs to take home. There’s parkland nearby, too, with a countryside feel, so families might combine the egg hunt with a walk.

When? Saturday April 19

How much? £2 per child