Ah, Easter in the UK! It’s that delightful time of year when the weather might still be a bit iffy, but the chocolate eggs are abundant, and the daffodils are doing their best to make an appearance. If you’re planning a trip here during this cheeky little holiday, let me share a few festive traditions, tips, and downright silly experiences I’ve had along the way. Grab a cuppa and settle in!
First up, let’s chat about the main event: Easter eggs. Everyone goes bonkers over them, and not just in the sugary sense. The custom of egg rolling is a riot, especially in places like Greenwich Park. Picture this: you gather with your friends, armed with your brilliantly painted eggs (or a selection of Cadbury’s finest if you’re feeling lazy), and you let them roll down a hill. Sounds straightforward, right? Wrong! If you find a slope that’s got more grass than mud, you’re practically a wizard. Just watch out for random kids trying to intercept your prize egg!
Then there’s the iconic Maundy Thursday, where the Queen (who I reckon has seen it all after 70 years of Easter) hands out Maundy money to the oldies. This year, the event was at Westminster Abbey, and after watching the clips, it’s clear that the atmosphere was as regal as a tea party at Buckingham Palace, minus the poshness. Even if you’re not royal, it’s worth sticking around to see it; you never know who might pop up in their Sunday best!
While you’re at it, why not hop into some classic activities? Here are a few suggestions you just can’t miss:
Church Services: From early morning egg hunts to majestic services, churches everywhere look stunning this time of year. I once stumbled into St. Paul’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday. I may have fallen in love with its architecture and the sheer power of the choir. If you’re up for it, go!
Easter Cake: Yes, it’s a thing! The mighty Simnel cake, complete with 11 marzipan balls representing the Apostles (minus Judas—harsh, but fair). You can find them at most bakeries; I suggest getting yours in York. Just be prepared for the rich sweetness to throw your tastebuds a curveball.
The Great British Egg Hunt: A magical experience, usually hosted by National Trust sites. Last year, I tried to “assist” some children with their hunt—don’t ask how that turned out. Let’s just say, some parents were less than amused when I “borrowed” an egg to make my own collection!
Now, let’s move on to some of those delightful mishaps that make traveling a memorable experience. Picture this: it was a rainy Good Friday, and I made a brilliant choice to visit Birmingham’s Bullring Market. Huge mistake! Everyone had the same idea, and there I was, drenched and genuinely regretting the decision to abandon my umbrella.
In addition to the dodgy weather, I had the absolute pleasure of trying some questionable tea. I mean, how hard can it be to make a decent cuppa? This one tasted like it was brewed in a rusty kettle. I honestly thought I might need to toss it out the window for the seagulls. So, when in doubt about your drink choice, always opt for a hot chocolate instead—it’s nearly impossible to mess that up.
And heading back to the sunny side—there’s something magical about walking through Kew Gardens during Easter. Flowers spring to life, and there’s often an Easter trail for families. I may or may not have tried to sneak in and join a child’s treasure hunt once. Spoiler alert: I didn’t blend in as well as I’d hoped.
Ah, chocolate! The absolute crown jewel of Easter. When you hit the shops, you’ll see a mind-boggling array of eggs. Seriously, you might need a map. My first visit to a UK supermarket during Easter was like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory. I ended up buying two giant chocolate eggs—both of which somehow melted into one another when I left them in my bag. Just imagine getting home to find a bag of chocolate soup. Lesson learned, huh?
If you’re lucky, you might catch some local Easter fairs and parades. For instance, Southbank Centre’s Easter Festival usually has a wonderful mix of food, music, and activities. And let me tell you, those artisan chocolate stalls are where dreams come true. I may or may not have tried a chocolate pretzel… or three. Small steps towards my chocoholic recovery, right?
Also, if you’re visiting Edinburgh, swing by for the Easter Egg Hunt at Easter Road Park. They have a proper exciting treasure hunt, and the sights from Calton Hill are simply stunning. Just remember, if the locals recommend that you try haggis, do it AFTER the Easter chocolates. Trust me; your stomach will sincerely thank you later.
As you can see, Easter in the UK is an absolute cornucopia of traditions, laughter, and the occasional chocolate disaster. You’ll make memories, however ridiculous; be it determining which local has the best Simnel cake or inadvertently becoming a part of a child’s Easter hunt. Embrace the warmth of the celebrations, the quirkiness of the customs, and good old-fashioned British humour.
So, my friend, what are you most excited to experience this Easter? Or have you had an Easter mishap you’d like to share? Let’s keep the convo going in the comments!
