Oxford Cambridge Boat Race
Oxford Cambridge Boat Race

If you’re looking for a spiritual Easter, attend services at one of the famous cathedrals in the city. London’s most famous church, Westminster Abbey, has a host of services during Holy Week, including a procession down Victoria Street on Good Friday, a Vigil on Holy Saturday and two services on Easter Sunday. If you’d prefer to be on the South Bank, seek out Southwark Cathedral, London’s oldest cathedral. Southwark will be hosting a Good Friday concert, featuring Faure’s Requiem and has four services to choose from on Easter Sunday. When you’re in the area over the weekend, be sure to experience Borough Market, London’s ultimate foodie destination open Thursday-Saturday right across from London Bridge station.

Rather hunt for Easter Eggs? London’s many attractions can accommodate you. In Mayfair, the Handel House Museum will host a Hallelujah for Easter event with live Baroque music and an Easter egg trail from noon to 6pm on Easter Sunday. Thorntons chocolate makers organizes an Easter Egg Trail in Covent Garden, West End. Children must seek out clues throughout the Piazza and once they’ve completed the trail will receive a free chocolate egg. Or you can travel up to Kenwood House near Hampstead Heath for bucolic Easter trail in an English Heritage house.

Easter weekend also hosts the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race. This storied rivalry has been going on since 1829 and now draws millions of fans from all over the world to witness the two crews battle down the Thames. Head out to West London to catch the start of the race at Putney Bridge, between Fulham and Putney, the middle of the race at Hammersmith or the finish at Chiswick. The Thames becomes an outdoor festival as spectators line both sides of the river for the entire course. The Boat Race is as much about socializing as it is about the racing and there are plenty of pubs along the way to keep you sated before and after the boats pass. Check out the Blue Anchor on the Lower Mall near Hammersmith or Ye White Hart in Barnes, near the final push towards Chiswick. Be sure to get there early though, otherwise you won’t be able to get a drink or see the race.

Whether you’re in town for Easter or sport, New York Habitat has the perfect rental apartment for Easter weekend in London.

If you’re traveling with a large group to watch the Boat Race, book this London vacation rental accommodation in Hammersmith (LN-574). A triplex with a private paved garden, it’s the perfect place for a group of friends who want to stay near the Thames.

Anyone wishing to spend their Easter weekend near Southwark Cathedral should book this modern one bedroom rental accommodation in Bermondsey- London (LN-1152).

Does anyone who’s spent Easter in London have any suggestions? Who do you hope wins the Boat Race?