My family will be in London over our spring break, returning home the day before Easter. I am trying to plan activities for Good Friday and could use some guidance. I assume we don't want to visit churches that day (specifically St. Paul's or Westminster Abbey). Will the markets be up and running as normal? Any concerns if we decide to take a day trip (perhaps to York, maybe to Bath)?
Any info/opinions would be helpful as I try to nail down our itinerary. Thanks!
Many things will be closed on Good Friday, including most museums. Churches may only be giving access to people who want to go to services, not tourists (check!).
Most shops and markets will be closed.
Trains will run to a Sunday timetable, except Easter is one of the favourite times to do track repairs, so some routes may be running a special timetable, or have bus replacement. It is also a busy time on the trains, buy your tickets with reservations early.
I would also say York is too far, and has too much to see, to do as a day trip from London. Give it one night, or even better two.
Good Friday is a good day to see parts of London from the outside, i.e. walking tours.
Check London Walks for excellent, just-show-up 10-pound walking tours (discount for kids). I see 17 walks that day, 16 of them in English. They include Sherlock Holmes, the Beatles (those two at the same time) and Jack the Ripper (that one in the evening).
I see two tours going to major museums, so I bet a lot of the museums will be open. And Friday is a day when a few of the museums are open late--in case you prefer a museum to Jack the Ripper. Just go to the websites of the museums you're interested in and check.
hey hey rebecca
how fun for the family to enjoy london. big city, lots of people, busy, deal with and love it. we had so much fun there.
streetsensation.co.uk has a list and map of the markets, what they are known for and opening times.
discoverwalks.com check the dates and times
aladyinlondon.com scan down and on right side has list of popular posts. she writes this blog abount london things.
i would stay in london, no day trips.
hope this helps with some options for you. enjoy
aloha
Thanks all! I did look at some museums and they appear to be open. I'm thinking now we'll do a day trip (location TBD and might decide on the fly - or stay in town if we don't feel like leaving) on Thursday. Then on Friday do Tower of London, Tate Modern, and a food tour (at Borough Market).
Thanks for all the recs and thoughts!
Borough Market probably won't be open on Good Friday.
Free open air performance of The Passion of Jesus will be taking place in Trafalger Square. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/41421239-passion-of-jesus-at-trafalgar-square
I will second the suggestion of London Walks' excellent tours.
When you go to Borough Market, keep family members close. Hold hands, or link arm in arm. The crowd there can be crushing; elbow-to-elbow, shoulder-to-shoulder. You can easily get mashed and separated from one another by the huge crowds of people. Have a plan for a "meet-up" location in case you get separated.
Consider taking walks in the parks of London.
Regents Park has green open spaces and the London Zoo.
Enjoy London!
