Lewisham

Horniman Museum and Gardens. Pic: Peter Trimming

Easter at Horniman Museum and Gardens

Location: 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10AM-5.30PM

Contact: 020 8699 1872

Cost: Free admission, however, some activities may be charged

Forest Hill’s popular Horniman Museum and Gardens will be holding a series of exciting events over the Easter holidays. From April 20 to 21, an annual Easter Fair is held, offering workshops, storytelling, face painting and plenty of other activities for people of all ages.

For more information, visit their website.

Arlo & Moe

Location: 340 Brockley Road, SE4 2BT and 60 Springbank Road, SE13 6SN

Opening hours:

Monday-Friday: 8AM-4.30PM

Saturday: 9AM-4PM

Sunday: 10AM-4PM

Contact: 020 3609 3151 for Brockley and 020 3581 7887 for Hither Green

Craving French toast with berries, or smashed avocado with smoked salmon on sourdough toast? We've got you, pal! Arlo & Moe has become somewhat of a go-to place among Lewisham residents. Reviewing its Brockley branch, Time Out Magazine said: "We love the ‘sexy toast’ – crunchy sourdough with toppings ranging from cream cheese and honey or avocado and feta to no-nonsense Heinz baked beans".

For more information, visit their Twitter page.

Perhaps some picnic weather for Easter. Pic: Kylie Lugo

Picnic in Manor House Gardens

Location: Taunton Road, SE13 5SU

Opening hours:

Monday-Sunday: 7AM-6PM

Nearest station: Hither Green Railway station

Sun's out, legs out! We are all hoping to see some sunny weather over Easter, and if so, why not enjoy a picnic in the park on Good Friday? Situated between Hither Green and Lee, Manor House Gardens is the ideal location. A lovely café, lake, flower garden and several sport facilities, what else can you ask for? Grab your blanket, fruity snacks and Kopparberg cider, spring is coming to south-east London.

ELL's top tips for picnic-packing:

• Bring your largest blanket. You will thank us later.
• Wet wipes - you will definitely spill that glass of Pinot Grigio!
• Ice, ice, baby! Who prefers their drinks lukewarm?
• Rubbish bags - clean up after yourself, please.
• Cutlery - easy to forget!
• Water, water, water. Stay hydrated, kids!

For more information on facilities, visit Lewisham Council's website.

Hackney

Victoria Park will host an Easter Marathon next month. Pic: Amanda Wahlqvist

Victoria Park Easter Run

Location: 1 St Marks Gate, E9 5HT

When: April 19 at 9.30AM

Cost: £18 - £26

Grade II listed Victoria Park is organising a marathon on Good Friday, in partnership with London-based running community Run Through. The event will offer 5km, 10km and Half Marathon routes and entry will include official race photos, chip timed results, medals, water and snacks! If marathons aren’t your thing, the park also has two cafés, playgrounds, a skate park and a boating lake.

To book, visit LetsDoThis's website.

Hackney Central Library

Location: Hackney Technology and Learning Centre, 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ

Opening hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9AM-8PM

Friday: 9AM-6PM

Saturday: 9AM-5PM

Sunday: Closed

Contact: 020 8356 4358

Hackney Central Library will hold plenty of Easter events throughout April. Workshops, Easter egg hunts and handicraft sessions – whatever tickles your fancy! If you are 16 or over and into creative writing, the library is also hosting a poetry event entitled “Why Easter?” on April 16 – described as “A poetic exploration of what Easter is and what it means. Eggs and bunnies and life and death”.

For more information, visit Hackney Council's website.

Elbows Café

Location: 103 Lauriston Road, E9 7HJ

Opening hours:

Monday-Sunday: 7AM-6PM

Contact: 020 8986 2466

Charming Elbows Café in residential Victoria Park Village is a real gem! Think conservatory, dark wood tables and cushioned wicker chairs. The food: quiche, jacket potatoes and toasted ciabattas. Our favourite lunch combo, the prawn and avocado salad and herbal tea. On sunny days, we would definitely recommend the outdoor seating area along leafy Lauriston Road!

Psst! Another cheeky recommendation; Frothy cappuccino (£2.40), poached eggs and smoked salmon on toast (£4.40) and a fresh fruit salad (£3.90).

Regent's Canal with Victoria Park to the right. Pic: Amanda Wahlqvist

Regent's Canal

Location: From Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin.

Opening hours: At all times.

Walking along Regent's Canal is one of our favourite things to do. Completed in 1820, the almost 14-kilometre long waterway links the Paddington Basin and Limehouse Basin. Dogs of all breeds, cyclists in bright helmets and of course, traditional narrowboats! For a short walk, we would recommend starting off at Old Ford Lock, next to Victoria Park, and walking towards Mile End. For the complete canal experience, head westbound. The canal runs through many of the capital's most popular areas, such as Hackney, Islington and Camden.

For more information, visit Canal River Trust's website.

Tower Hamlets

Easter Holidays at Camp Canary

When: March 25 to April 18

Location: 197 East Ferry Road, E14 3BA

Cost: £18.50 to £36 per day

Children's holiday club Camp Canary is returning with four weeks of Easter fun! For children aged 4-11 in Tower Hamlets, a range of activities have been organised throughout the Easter month. Each week will have a different theme, offering anything from woodland walks and Easter Egg hunts to drama workshops and building bonanzas - the ultimate dream.

For more information and to book, visit Camp Canary's website.

A Sunday at Columbia Road Flower Market. Pic: Amanda Wahlqvist

Columbia Road Flower Market

Location: Columbia Road, E2 7RG

Opening hours:

Sunday: 8AM-3PM, although some shops stay open throughout the week.

Every Sunday morning, E2’s Columbia Road turns into a floral paradise. It is very trendy but genuine. Most traders have been there for a long time, and many of their children have been brought up selling herbs and potted plants. As it gets rather busy around noon, you should get there early or around closing when you can get the best bargains. And remember to look beyond the bloom, Columbia Road has an abundance of lovely independent cafés, bookshops and antique shops worth exploring.

For more information, visit their website.

Brunch at Café 338. Pic: Itsaramel

Café 338

Location: 338 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AG

Opening hours:

Monday-Saturday: 6.30AM-5PM

Sunday: 7AM-5PM

Contact: 074 6223 84 69

If you find yourself wandering around the streets of Bethnal Green this Easter, Café 338 is the ideal breakfast spot. Whether you are craving a traditional Full English, an omelette or pancakes with a side of hash browns, this East End gem has everything. And it is cheap as well!

What we would recommend; Black Americano (£1.40) and the "Pancake Menu 5" with fried eggs, halloumi and hash browns (£6.20). And as a lovely little surprise, plenty of the breakfasts are served with fresh fruit!

To access the full menu, visit their website.

Croydon

Amps & Decks Easter Special at Boxpark Croydon

Location: Boxpark Croydon

When: April 21 8PM to April 22 1AM

Cost: Free admission, however, it is recommended to book tickets in advance

If you are into your UK Garage, House or Drum and Bass, London-based DJ collective Amps & Decks will be hosting an Easter special at Boxpark Croydon on April 21. Put your dancing shoes on!

"These fellas know how to throw a party and they always bring a quality selection of DJ's and performers with them - you won't want to miss out!" - Boxpark Croydon on their website.

For more information and to register for free tickets, visit Boxpark’s website.

Boxpark is one of Croydon's most popular spots. Pic: Maarten Deckers

Boxpark Croydon

Location: 99 George Street, CR0 1LD

Opening hours:

Monday-Saturday: 9AM-11PM

Sunday: 9AM-10PM

Contact: 020 7186 8800

Boxpark has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Croydon. Built from repurposed shipping containers, the pop-up mall offers a great selection of brunch-y food options – such as trendy The Breakfast Club – and street foods. Our favourite, What The Pitta! Their "Vegan Döner" has become somewhat of a food phenomenon and rightfully so, it is delicious!

For more information, visit What The Pitta's website.

Surrey Street Market

Location: Surrey Street, CR0 1RG

Opening hours:

Monday-Saturday: 8AM-6PM

Sunday: 10.30AM-5PM

Established in 1200s, Surrey Street Market is one of the oldest street markets in Britain. Offering a great selection of fresh fruits,  vegetables, international street food and household goods, Surrey Street is well worth a visit! Also, it is open seven days a week, lovely jubbly!

For more information, visit Croydon Council's website.