We’ve done plenty of Easter egg hunts before but this year’s was very different. It saw us go to the top of London landmark, The Shard, to spot eggs from the tallest building in Europe. If you’ve never been to the Shard before, this is a great way to experience the 360 degree views as a family, spotting ‘Easter eggs’ way down below.
Arrival
We got to the Shard for our allotted time (11am), and were given a tick sheet of the eggs we had to hunt and a coloured pencil. We passed through security fairly quickly. Buggys/prams aren’t permitted at the top so we were given a cloakroom ticket to collect at the end. At nearly three years old, Cheeky was happy to walk. You have to take two lifts to get to the 68th floor of the Shard. There are further staircases to walk up to the 72nd floor to reach The View from The Shard.
View From The Shard
It was busy when we reached the top. There were plenty of people already sipping champagne and hovering around the bar at the top. For kids (and adults), there was a popcorn maker and an ice cream seller.
The London Easter Egg Hunt
For us, it was down to business. We had four eggs to find and two bonus golden eggs. The Easter egg hunt at the Shard is not a conventional hunt. You’re not running around trying to find chocolate eggs. Oh, no, this a bit more sophisticated – and one that would appeal to older children too old for the Easter bunny.
For this Easter egg hunt, you have to find the giant eggs located on – or near – buildings below. There are clues on the tick sheet from organisations which have partnered with the Shard and displayed the eggs.
From up high they look like huge stickers. It took me a while to work out exactly what we were looking for. Once we found the first one, the Easter egg hunt clicked into place. We found the four numbered eggs but there were two golden bonus eggs – which moved. Despite keeping our eyes on the river for a Thames Clipper displaying an egg and scouring the road for an Original Tour bus, we left without glimpsing the golden eggs.
Just as we were about to go, we saw the Easter bunny! I think I was more delighted than the girls while my husband made a beeline for the basket of eggs (“they are for the girls,’ he claimed). My girls flat out refused to pose with him – or even go near!
We spent around an hour enjoying the views from The Shard, taking photos and embarking on a London Easter egg hunt with a difference – from the highest building in the city.
When we got to the bottom, we posted our tick sheets into a post box to enter a competition for another trip to the Shard’s viewing platform. It was then time for the girls to collect a chocolate egg.
Verdict
The View from the Shard’s egg hunt is surely one of London’s more unique Easter egg hunts. It offers a great family day out, combining spectacular views with a puzzle solving activity. Hunting for the eggs made us notice of some of the lesser known sights of London. It was busy at the top when we arrived so I would recommend taking advantage of the Earlybird offer. You can’t take a buggy to the top so it is not hugely suitable for young children who can’t go in a baby carrier. I recommend it for children aged five and upwards. I very much enjoyed it too so a winner for the whole family.
View from a six-year-old
Don’t take my word for it though. This is what Mrs T, my eldest daughter (6), thought of the London Easter egg hunt from the Shard.
I was so happy to go up the tallest building in London, even though I am quite scared of heights. I once got scared going to the top of the pole on the climbing frame at school but I was brave and then I slid down it
It was a little cold because some of it is outside so I am glad I had my coat. There was a really good view and I didn’t feel that scared. We could see all of London. The first thing I saw was the London eye. I also saw an ice cream seller and popcorn. My mum pointed out Monument, which we climbed up recently as I’ve been learning about the Great Fire of London. I also saw Tower Bridge and the Tower of London which I’ve been to before.
I enjoyed spotting the Easter eggs but we didn’t find the golden ones. They were a bit difficult. I ticked off the four we found on the piece of paper.
I enjoyed spotting the Easter eggs but we didn’t find the golden ones. They were a bit difficult. I ticked off the four we found on the piece of paper.
I really liked going in the lift because when we looked up we could see London changing from day to night.
At the end we got to choose some chocolate. I have given chocolate up for lent so I will have mine on Easter. I really liked going in the lift because when we looked up we could see London changing from day to night. At end we got to choose some chocolate. I have given chocolate up for lent so I will have mine on Easter Day.
Need to know
London Bridge is the nearest tube station to The Shard. Buy your tickets online for the best value and to book a slot. A family ticket starts from £50.
*We were given complimentary tickets to do The View From The Shard Easter egg hunt in return for an honest review.
