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With spring edging its way onto the horizon and with it warmer (and hopefully blue-r) skies, the long Easter Weekend offers the chance to get out and about and explore areas of London that winter can cruelly subdue. Don't get bogged down with all that chocolate, get outside and get moving this Easter...
Get Your Skates On...
  Easter Skate 2008 Hyde Park, East End of Serpentine Road, W2 2UH Good Friday, 21st March 2008 - Easter Monday, 24th March 2008 This four-day Easter skating-fest gets rolling with the Long Good Friday Night Skate (7pm-10pm) which leaves Wellington Arch at 7pm. This "gentle" (ha!) 16 to 18-mile whizz around the capital is really designed for intermediate to experienced skaters so those of a nervous or novice disposition should probably hang out for the Skate Skills drop-in workshops that take place on the Saturday (2pm-5pm). Skaters of all levels can brush up on everything from the basics to the down-right spectacular at these Saturday workshops then head to the Albert Memorial for a spot of street hockey before showing-off their skills on Sunday when The Easter Sunday Bunny Stroll hits town. Sunday's relaxed, 5 to 7-mile course kicks off at 2pm at the East End of Serpentine Road and takes the city's skaters, who are all encouraged to dress up in suitably seasonally-themed costumes, past the sights - avoiding nasty steep hills. All involved must be able to stop, turn and manage gentle inclines. The stroll ends with dance demonstrations courtesy of Roller Disco's elite group of quad skaters and then a wheel-free knees-up - complete with DJs - at the Victoria pub (10 Strathearn Place, W2 2NH) just north of Hyde Park (from 6.30pm). Monday is set aside for the kids, with a skate-fuelled treasure hunt in Hyde Park (registration starts at 1pm, treasure hunt starts at 2pm), an egg and spoon race, and more. Skate Patrol lessons take place on Saturday and Sunday (1pm-5pm) teaching novice skaters the most important aspect of the activity... how to stop. All events (apart from the party) start from or are held in Hyde Park. Schedule and timings as follows: Good Friday, 21st March 2008, 7pm-10pm Long Good Friday Night Skate Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 2pm-5pm Skate Skills Workshops, 1pm-5pm Skate Patrol, 6.30pm Party at Victoria pub Easter Sunday, 23rd March 2008 from 2pm Easter Sunday Bunny Stroll, 1pm-5pm Skate Patrol Easter Monday, 24th March 2008 from 2pm Treasure Hunt Venue: Hyde Park Address: East End of Serpentine Road, W2 2UH Phone: n/a Date: Good Friday, 21st March 2008 - Easter Monday, 24th March 2008 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Hyde Park Tube Easter Skate 2008 - Information  Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt Battersea Park, SW8 4ND Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 This sweet-themed skating event for young families takes place on Easter Saturday in Battersea Park. The format's as you'd expect - treasures are hidden around the park, ready to be picked up by eager, Easter egg-hungry children - the difference is it's all done on wheels. The course, which runs around the edge of the park, is designed to be simple and safe, with "no roads, no cars and no hills" so this is the perfect skating activity for young children. *NB Children must be accompanied by an adult. Venue: Battersea Park Address: Battersea, SW8 4ND Phone: n/a Date: Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 Timing: Starts at 10am Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Queenstown Road (Battersea) Rail Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt - Information  Alexandra Palace Park Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Open daily over Easter Weekend A north London treat, this 196-acre park is crammed full of stuff to do throughout Easter Weekend. An all-weather, indoor ice rink is one of its most popular features, while the boating lake, conservation area, animal enclosure and playground attract varying groups all year round. As well as this, there's now a free skateboarding park which is perfect for children wanting to glide their way into Easter. Originally designed as an environmental / leisure attraction way back in 1873, Alexandra Palace, ("Ally Pally" or the "People's Palace") and park continue to lure Londoners out of their houses and into the open air. Venue: Alexandra Palace Park Address: Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY Phone: 020 8365 2121 Timing: Open daily over Easter Weekend Pricing: Various. Most activities free. Nearest Station: Bounds Green Tube Alexandra Palace Park - Information  Horsing Around...
 Ridgway Stables 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4SU Tue to Sun 9.30am-5.30pm Slap-bang in between Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, Ridgway Stables offers one of the best locations in Greater London for exploring the green-side of the capital on horseback. Kids and adults, novices and experienced riders alike can head off on a hack along 17 miles of woodland track winding through Wimbledon Common or through almost 3000 acres of green expanse populating Richmond Park. One-on-one sessions are the best way to start, followed by instructional or simply scenic hacks. They also offer a 'Learn to Ride in a Day' package. Friendly, informal and refreshingly rural, it's also very popular so we recommend you book up well in advance. Venue: Ridgway Stables Address: 93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, SW19 4SU Phone: 020 8946 7400 Timing: Tue to Sun 9.30am-5.30pm Nearest Station: Wimbledon Tube / Rail Ridgway Stables - Information  Hyde Park Stables 63 Bathurst Mews, W2 2SB Mon to Fri 7.15am-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm Hop on a steed and trot your way through one of London's most central park, courtesy of those lovely equestrian types at Hyde Park Stables. The park's historic 'Rotten Row' bridleway dates back to the 17th century when William III demanded a route between his palace at St James' and his other residence in Kensington. During the 18th century the broad track attracted hoards of upper-class types eager to parade their finery and gawp at other carriages full of toffs. These days the bridleway attracts all sorts, from novice riders wanting to explore the 5-mile route through this city centre park to those seeking more formal riding tuition. Coincide your ride with a bright, sunny Easter day and you'll no doubt be hooked on horseriding in the city. Venue: Hyde Park Stables Address: 63 Bathurst Mews, W2 2SB Phone: 020 7723 2813 Timing: Mon to Fri 7.15am-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm Nearest Station: Paddington Tube / Rail Hyde Park Stables - Information  Kempton Park Easter Saturday Afternoon Racing Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5AQ Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 Jump on a train at Waterloo and within 40 minutes you can be standing trackside at one of Europe's best racecourses. Kempton Park is now floodlit so you can enjoy a race as the sun goes down. On Easter Saturday they're host a series of afternoon races with a creche and free activities for children - the first race is 14:15, the last race is 17:35 - perfect for an afternoon jaunt with the family or some filly-loving friends. Between March and April the fixture list is chock-a-block with over 50 races so there's no excuse for not indulging in a springtime flutter. Venue: Kempton Park Address: Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, TW16 5AQ Phone: 01932 782 292 Date: Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 Timing: First race 2.15pm, last race 5.35pm Pricing: £16 (Adults), Free (Children) Nearest Station: Kempton Park Rail Kempton Park - Information Down the Market...
 Pimlico Road Farmers' Market Orange Square, SW1W 8LP, 9:00-13:00 Every Sat 9am-1pm On an average Saturday you'll find a small gathering of around 25 stalls in this pedestrianised space. There's a intimate, friendly atmosphere at Pimlico Road Farmers' Market which is helped by the farmers and stall owners (largely from nearby Kent, Surrey and Sussex) offering free samples and snippets of advice. Typically you'll find shellfish, smoked fish and samphire in season from David Jennings, Chegworth Valley's award-winning juices - apple, pear etc. - soft fruits, apple cakes and preserves, plus edible plants, cottage flowers, unusual apple and potato varieties from Roz Corum. It's a great way to spend an Easter Saturday morning in the picturesque streets of Pimlico - and with Daylesford Organic across the road you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to some of the best free-range and preservative-free food. Venue: Pimlico Road Farmers' Market Address: Orange Square, SW1W 8LP Phone: 020 7833 0338 Timing: Sat 9am-1pm Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Pimlico Road Farmers' Market - Information  Portobello Road Market Portobello Road, W11 1LU Every Sat 8am-6.30pm The famous Portobello Road antiques and flea market in Notting Hill takes place every Saturday although there are also stalls from Monday to Friday. Running from from Chepstow Villas to just under the Westway, it is a colourful, dynamic stretch of London. On Saturday, it's huge, with over 2,000 stalls selling everything from books to bric-a-brac and lace to Limoges - even fashion and exotic cooking ingredients are on sale. Thousands of people mill around, browsing second-hand clothing stalls or choosing outlandish material. For those who have the patience to search, there are some fantastic bargains. This really is the place to shop-and-eat and then shop some more. It is best to go in the morning, by the afternoon you'll find yourself getting a little flustered winding your way through the crowds. It's boudn to be busy over Easter Weekend but don't worry.. there are plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants to escape into. Venue: Portobello Road Market Address: Portobello Road, W11 1LU Phone: 020 7229 8354 Timing: Sat 8am-6.30pm Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove Tube Portobello Road Market - Information  Greenwich Market Greenwich High Road, SE10 9HZ Every Sat and Sun 9am-5pm Greenwich boasts a number of colourful markets offering a variety of traditional, hand-crafted goods, antiques, clothing and food stalls. The craft market is held at College Approach and the antiques market is off Greenwich High Road. Finish your market tour off with a walk along the river, taking in the view of the Cutty Sark (currently closed for refurbishment), before stopping for a pint and some grub in the riverside Trafalgar Tavern. If the weather's good take the boat back into town. Venue: Greenwich Market Address: Greenwich High Road, SE10 9HZ Phone: n/a Timing: Every Sat and Sun 9am-5pm Nearest Station: Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich DLR Greenwich Market - Information In Your Stride...
 St James's Park 'Stretch Your Legs' Walk St James's Park, Horse Guards Approach, SW1A 2BJ Good Friday, 21st March 2008 Many of London’s Royal Parks run guided walks throughout spring. Most of them take place at lunchtimes so you can fit them into your day and they are all FREE. This year, however, St James's Park is offering a special 'Stretch Your Legs' tour on Good Friday. The walk encompasses three of the capital's main Royal Parks - St James's, Hyde Park and Green Park - although you can dip in a out as you see fit. It's free, but advance booking is essential. The meeting point is confirmed once booking has been made. Venue: St James's Park Address: Horse Guards Approach, SW1A 2BJ Phone: 020 7930 1793 Price: Free Date: Good Friday, 21st March 2008 Timing: 1pm-2.30pm Nearest Station: Westminster Tube St James's Park - Information  Highgate Cemetery Swain's Lane, N6 6PJ Tours hourly from 11am-4pm over Easter Weekend Perched at the top of the winding and woody Swain's Lane, close to Highgate village with its soaring views over the city, Highgate Cemetery offers a romantic, rambling, rustic retreat from everyday life - in more ways than one. Crammed full of gravestones, tombs, catacombs, monuments and mounds dating from Victorian times to the present day, the cemetery is more a woodland wilderness than a neatly laid out burial ground. Divided into two cemeteries - the East and the West - many of the graves are either covered in ivy and brambles or overrun with tree roots. As a result, spotting the graves of most importance is hard, which makes a guided tour an ideal option for those who really want to explore the cemetery's hidden treasures. The West Cemetery boasts some of the finest tombs and can only be entered as part of a guided tour, which is reason in itself to join one. There are known to be at least 850 notable people buried at Highgate. Among these are 18 Royal Academicians, 6 Lord Mayors of London, and 48 Fellows of the Royal Society. You are also likely to stumble across the familiar names of Faraday, Karl Marx, George Eliot, Radclyffe Hall, Carl Rosa and Sir Ralph Richardson. One of the nicest cemeteries in London, Highgate Cemetery has a peaceful air about it and a truly unique charm. Finish off your Easter Weekend jaunt by walking up to Highgate village through Waterlow Park, taking in the views over London. Finish off with a pint at the historic Flask pub (77 Highgate West Hill) in Highgate village. Venue: Highgate Cemetery Address: Swain's Lane, N6 6PJ Phone: 020 8340 1834 Timing: Easter Weekend tours hourly from 11am-4pm Pricing: Admission Only £2 | Tours £5 Nearest Station: Archway Tube Highgate Cemetery - Information  Chelsea Physic Garden 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 21st, 23rd and 24th March 2008 The largest fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world's northern-most outdoor grapefruit tree call this historic botanic and apothecary garden home. Hidden behind towering brick walls, protected from the city's sounds and harsh breezes, the most idyllic collection of plants flourish in a unique, carefully created microclimate. Established in 1773 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, Chelsea Physic Garden provides both an aesthetic and practical purpose. Gravel pathways, statues and ponds separate and decorate the different gardens with a stunning array of plants, whose practical purpose soon becomes apparent; The Pharmaceutical Garden and Garden of World Medicine support the garden's pledge to continue researching the medicinal properties and healing potential of herbs. Conservation and education also play a key role in the choice and development of plants here. The Chelsea Physic Garden are much-loved by locals, and this is a magical spot for a short spring walk in one of the most interesting gardens in the capital. Venue: Chelsea Physic Garden Address: 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS Phone: 020 7352 5646 Timing: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 21st, 23rd and 24th March 2008 midday-6pm Pricing: £7 (Adults) £4 (Concs) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Chelsea Physic Garden - Information Make a Splash...
 The Serpentine Solar Shuttle The Boat House, Serpentine Road, W2 2UH Daily every hour from midday-6pm Gliding noiselessly across the Serpentine in Hyde Park, the Solar Shuttle is an eco-friendly way to get from one end of the lake to the other. Its creator Christoph Behling originally designed a solar-powered shuttle boat in Hamburg to ferry passengers across the city's harbour, and in doing so sparked a buzz around the future of solar power across the globe. At 14.5 metres long the boat is thought to be the largest of its kind and is capable of carrying 42 passengers between the north and south banks of the lake. The craft cruises at a very leisurely pace of just 5mph and is powered by two electric engines. It is completely silent and most importantly totally pollution-free. The company behind the boat has pledged that, when the boat is not in use and docked, any surplus electricity generated by the boat's solar panels will be fed back into the National Grid. When in action the boat ferries park visitors between the boat house on the north side of the Serpentine up to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain on the south side, near Kensington Gardens. A chic and sleek water-y trip to slip into your Easter Weekend. Venue: Hyde Park Address: The Boat House and the South Serpentine Jetty, Serpentine Road, W2 2UH Phone: 020 7262 1330 Time: From the Boat House - every hour from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. From the South Serpentine Jetty - every hour from midday to 6pm Pricing: One-way - £2.50 (Adults), £1 (Children), £6 (Family). Return - £4.50 (Adults) | £1.50 (Children), £10 (Family) Nearest Station: Knightsbridge Tube Serpentine Solar Shuttle - Information  Jenny Wren Canal Boat Cruises Walker's Quay, 250 Camden High Street, NW1 8QS Easter Weekend: Daily 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm A canalboat hotspot, Camden and the surrounding north London locale tempt passers-by with visions of traditional, colourfully-painted barges. While many of these are privately-owned, a handful offer public trips up and down this stretch of the Regent's Canal. Jenny Wren, a pretty, traditional narrowboat, regularly runs 1.5-hour round trips from Walker's Quay in Camden up to London Zoo and Regent's Park, through the Maida Hill Tunnel and onto Little Venice and the so-called Robert Browing Island. A canopy keeps passengers dry on rainy days, an informed commentary provides an informative backdrop, while The Waterside restaurant at Walker's Quay provides picnics for hungry travellers. Venue: Walker's Quay Address: 250 Camden High Street, NW1 8QS Phone: 020 7485 4433 Time: Easter Weekend - Daily 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm Pricing: £8 (Adults), £6 (Concs), £4 (Children), Free (Under 3s), £20 (Family) Nearest Station: Camden Town Tube Jenny Wren Canal Boat Cruises - Information  City Cruises Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers Daily every 20-40 mins If you fancy a spot of riverside sightseeing an affordable and appealing option is the City Cruise trip that runs regularly between Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier. A River Red Rover ticket allows you to hop on and off en route at Waterloo Pier and Tower Hill Pier so you can pepper your river journey with some action on dry land. Alternatively, just sit tight and stay on for the whole 2.5 hour round trip which takes in the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, the Southbank Centre, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, St Paul's, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Times vary but they run a regular service (every 20-40 mins depending on the day). The service running between Westminster and Greenwich operates daily leaving Westminster at intervals from 10:00 with the last boat back leaving Greenwich at 18:10. Venue: Service stops at Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers. Phone: 020 7437 4370 Time: Times vary but from March 17th 2008 they run a regular service (every 20-40 mins depending on the day). Pricing: River Red Rover ticket - £7.50 (Adults), £3.75 (Children) Nearest Stations: Westminster Tube, Waterloo Tube / Rail, Tower Hill Tube or Cutty Sark DLR City Cruises - Information and to Book |
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