8 things to do in South Bank this Easter weekend!

Looking for things to do in London during the Easter long weekend? There's plenty to keep you busy in South Bank this Easter!

Here's a look at some of the many highlights to get you started...

1. Enjoy a street food lunch

The Southbank Centre Food Market is open throughout the long weekend (Fri 12–9pm, Sat 11am–9pm, Sun and Mon 12-6pm) with more than 30 delicious stalls to choose from plus craft beer, wine and fresh juice pop-ups. Whether you favour decadent sweet crepes slathered in chocolate,  sizzling smash burgers or you have a taste for spicy curries from across Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, there’s an incredible variety of options to choose from.

Around the corner at the National Theatre this year's summer pop-up by KERB reopens for the season on the Easter weekend. Serving iconic views, craft beers and cocktails, there’s also even more street food options to choose from, including Duck Shed, Venezuelan fried chicken by El Pollote, and Moroccan street food by Harissa and Lemon. Alternatively and find a seat on the new Forza Taps terrace, which also debuts this Easter weekend.

2. Drinks & DJs at Between the Bridges

One of central London’s biggest beer gardens reopens this weekend with a packed lineup of events and plenty of exciting new food traders – plus, on their opening evening (Thursday 16 April) they’ll be giving away the first 500 drinks for free!

The Between the Bridges opening weekend entertainment lineup includes a Drag Brunch party on Saturday 19 April headlined by drag stars Tayce and Cara Melle, resident DJs on the decks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night plus a special guest Sunday Session DJ set by Brighton’s 23 Degrees.

3. Dear England at the National Theatre

James Graham’s award-winning show about Gareth Southgate is back at the National Theatre in a newly updated version. Relive the passion and magic of the England team’s road to revival, the goals, the penalties, the heartache and the triumph – in what critics have described as a ‘state-of-the-nation play that feels more vital than ever’.

Playing on the National Theatre’s grand Olivier Stage, available Easter weekend tickets for Dear England start from just £25!

4. Bowling, baseball & board games on Leake Street

If the weather takes a turn for the worse (and hey, this is London, so it’s definitely a possibility!) head down to Leake Street and while away the hours at the Philadelphia dive bar Passyunk Avenue’s sister venue Passyunk Play. This friendly venue is devoted entirely to classic bar sports with darts, pool, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, beer pong and shuffleboard all on offer, plus there's also baseball batting nets for the Phillies fans.

Also on Leake Street is Draughts, London’s original board games bar, where you can choose from a vast library that boasts more than a thousand games to suit every age and ability. And, just around the corner in The Sidings adjoining Waterloo Station is ‘Britain’s biggest bar’ BrewDog Waterloo, where you can book a lane for a round of duckpin bowling.

5. Family immersive adventures at County Hall

Looking for a special family day out? There’s something for all ages at County Hall next to the London Eye. Embark on an immersive journey into the fairytale world of Far Far Away at Shrek’s Adventure! London or join the Brown family as they prepare for the Marmalade Day festival and meet everyone’s favourite bear at The Paddington Bear Experience.

For older kids and teens, there’s also The London Dungeon, the city’s only immersive walk-through experience that also includes a rollercoaster ride! For kids and grown-ups of all ages, a visit to the London Aquarium or the London Eye is always a special day out.

6. Visit the latest exhibitions at Hayward Gallery

There are just two weeks left to see the Hayward’s latest critically-acclaimed exhibitions! 

Linder: Danger Came Smiling is a retrospective of the work of the pioneering feminist artist Linder Sterling, known for her witty and subversive collage and photography. Meanwhile, Mickalene Thomas’s All About Love showcases the American artist’s vividly coloured large-scale portraits. Entrance to both exhibitions is included in the gallery entrance ticket.

7. Gift shopping at Gabriel’s Wharf & OXO Tower

South Bank’s independent shopping enclaves, OXO Tower Wharf and Gabriel’s Wharf, showcase the creations of dozens of small local makers and designers. When it comes to Easter gifts, a chocolate egg or two is essential!

Check out Gabu at Gabriel’s Wharf, a beautiful little independent chocolatier that specialises in luxury handmade chocolates. Meanwhile, for a more high street flavour, the huge gift emporium Brand Academy at OXO Tower Wharf stocks every flavour of Tony’s Chocolonely that you can imagine.

After browsing the boutiques, grab a table to enjoy a spot of lunch al fresco in Gabriel’s Wharf. Options range from pizzas and burgers to the super authentic Caribbean restaurant Limin’. Adding to the atmosphere over the Easter weekend, there’s live music in the courtyard on Saturday and Easter Monday from 12pm–4pm.

8. Book a table for an Easter brunch or lunch

For a special occasion lunch or brunch with friends and family, take your pick from the many South Bank restaurants offering special Easter menus this weekend.

Popular South Bank brunch spots include The Black Penny cafe just behind the London Eye, the bright and breezy Spanish restaurant La Gamba at Southbank Centre, the chic Sea Containers Restaurant, the fancy Skylon restaurant in Royal Festival Hall and the colourful Lebanese spot Comptoir Libanais.

If a Sunday roast is more your thing, take your pick from one of the many local pubs such as The Mulberry Bush or the Fountain & Ink.