The top five things in Britain during Easter
Chocolate eggs. Quirky annual traditions. Springtime gardens. Top cities. That’s Easter in Britain.
Easter holidays in the UK don’t just signal gargantuan chocolate feasts and fluffy bunnies. It’s a time to delve into the cultural spirit of this religious holiday and enjoy the milder spring temperatures in Britain. The scent of blossom swirls through the streets and swathes of buds unfurl in gardens.
Why you should head to the UK during Easter
We love the Easter holidays. Find out why…
Who doesn’t love the UK in springtime? Go in March or April when the country’s warming up and the Easter holidays land. This 2,000-year-old Christian holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and culminates in Holy Week. Offices close and Brits emerge blinking into the sunshine, eating, drinking and dancing with their favorite people. As for the kids, they head out on treasure hunts, lured by the promise of hidden chocolate eggs left by the fabled Easter bunny.
Our 5 favorite things to discover in Britain during Easter
Blooming public gardens, Easter parades, buttered hot cross buns and rosy-cheeked walks along some of the UK’s finest walking trails. The UK in spring is a sight to behold, especially when you arrive for Easter. Here we reveal how to have a spring fling in the UK and the best places to visit in the UK during the Easter holidays.
1. Easter traditions
Get into the Easter spirit
United Kingdom
As soon as Good Friday hits, much of the UK revels in the party spirit with the upcoming holiday weekend feel in the air. Locals gather in pubs and parks if the sun’s shining, stretching out on picnic blankets and heading out for walks in the creeping warmth. But to truly understand the significance of this religious holiday, step inside one of the UK’s churches or cathedrals over the Easter weekend. Westminster Abbey is an astoundingly atmospheric space to pull up a pew, as is the distinctive dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, even if you’re a non-believer.
Look out for:
- Egg-rolling competitions.
- Easter egg hunts for children.
- The Easter tradition of bonnet making.
2. Easter walks UK
Stretch your legs in springtime
United Kingdom
You’ll know when spring’s in the air in the UK. The trees are blooming, the days are warmer and locals let out a collective cheer as they bid farewell to the long, dark nights of winter. A perfect time then to explore idyllic pockets of countryside along incredible walking trails. Discover the moody skies and terns of the Lake District, where lambs tot through fields of daffodils and walkers clamber up its highest peak, Scafell Pike. For something less challenging, pick a section of the bucolic Cotswolds Way, winding from Chipping Camden to pretty-as-a-picture Bath. Or wander through the green and serene county of Sussex, stopping to gaze over wild beaches on the South Downs Way.
Look out for:
- Paddle-boarding on Windermere, Lake District.
- The thatched cottages of Stanton.
- The windy views from Beachy Head.
Dress appropriately. The weather can turn quickly in the UK.
Never drop litter and leave no trace.
Planning on wild camping in England? You need the landowner’s permission first.
3. Spring gardens UK
Tranquil, diverse and beautiful
United Kingdom
There are some incredible gardens to seek out across Britain, many of which are particularly beautiful during spring. Some are smothered in enchanting wildflowers, others are meditative with a tangle of Japanese-style blooms. Down in Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a truly atmospheric place to gaze over towering palm trees and vast swathes of rhododendrons. On the fringes of London, 500-acre Kew Gardens is a calming and tranquil spot with an incredibly diverse botanical collection. Up north in Northumberland, you’ll find the contemporary Alnwick Garden where you can lose yourself in the Bamboo Labyrinth.
Look out for:
- The neo-classical gardens at Stourhead Garden.
- The oldest topiary garden in the world at Levens Hall.
- Leafy woodland walks at Heythrop Park.
4. Easter food
Indulge in Easter treats
United Kingdom
The Brits go mad for chocolate eggs during Easter and every worthy chocolate-maker is wildly busy during this period. If you’ve never tried a Cadbury’s Crème Egg, well, you’re truly missing out. But for the really good (and pricey) stuff, head into Paul A Young’s Soho branch in London, Charbonnel et Walker on Bond Street’s Royal Arcade, or Le Jeune Chocolatiers in Covent Garden. Another traditional Easter food in the UK is a hot cross bun, toasted and smothered in butter, and served in cafes across the country. Wash it all down with a steaming mug of tea.
Look out for:
- Cadbury’s Crème Eggs.
- A dish of roast lamb on Easter Sunday.
- A slice of simnel cake, topped with marzipan.
5. UK Easter city breaks
Find your vibe
United Kingdom
Spring has sprung and it’s an ideal time for a UK city break. Head north to Edinburgh and walk through the green spaces of Princes Street, warming up afterwards with a wee nip in one of its cosy pubs. Elsewhere, discover the blooming RHS Garden Bridgewater in Manchester, and the city’s thriving food and music scene. Or in Bath, mooch around its Georgian streets filled with drooping cherry blossom trees and wallow in one of its natural hot springs. And then there’s London. For golden-evening strolls along the Thames, searching for spring blooms at the iconic Columbia Flower Market, and steaming mugs of coffee and cakes in its artisan cafes.
Look out for:
- London’s buzzing Broadway Market in the sun.
- People watching in Manchester’s Cutting Room Square.
- A walk up Edinburgh’s rocky summit, Arthur’s Seat.
Insider tip:
Brits don’t like queue jumpers at all, so it’s best to wait your turn when queuing for public transport or for an attraction. And even if you speak good English, prepare for some interesting regional differences in pronunciation across the UK’s cities.
The UK in spring is alive and kicking, especially if you arrive during Easter when you can embrace the spirit of the religious holiday. And if you like chocolate, well, you can’t really go wrong. Even if the drizzle breaks out, we promise you the Brits have a knack for wowing visitors.
Thinking of travelling to Britain? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental deals for your next trip.
