Easter Monday on the day after Easter Sunday is a statutory bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland generally remains open). It extends the Easter weekend with village egg-rolling contests, football fixtures and a welcome day of rest before life returns to routine.
Day of Rest & Community Rituals
After the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday, Easter Monday offers a gentler pace:
- Bank holiday closure: Schools, banks and most offices are closed in E, W & NI—ideal for family time.
- Egg-rolling contests: Villages across Lancashire, Derbyshire and beyond roll hard-boiled eggs down grassy hills to symbolize the stone rolling from Christ's tomb.
- Amateur football: Local clubs schedule charity matches and friendly derbies—often raising funds for community causes.
- Spring markets: Open-air craft fairs and farmers' markets showcase seasonal produce and handmade gifts.
Top 5 Easter Monday Activities
- Join an egg-rolling event in Avenel or Tideswell—kids and adults compete for the fastest rolling egg.
- Watch or play football at your local ground—many clubs host family-friendly fixtures.
- Picnic in the park—pack hot cross buns, sandwiches and a flask of tea for a leisurely spring outing.
- Visit a stately home—many open gardens for the bank holiday and run egg hunts for children.
- Take a countryside walk—National Trust sites and public footpaths invite fresh-air reflection before the working week.
Planning & Practical Tips
- Check local council websites for scheduled egg-rolling hills and market opening times.
- Book any guided tours or garden-hunt tickets in advance—they often sell out over the long weekend.
- Dress in layers and waterproofs—spring showers are common even on bank holidays.
- Use public transport for popular countryside destinations to avoid holiday traffic.
FAQs
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday everywhere in the UK?
It is statutory in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; in Scotland it is observed by many employers but not a formal bank holiday.
What is egg-rolling?
A folk contest where participants roll hard-boiled eggs down a slope—the winner's egg travels furthest without breaking.
Are shops open on Easter Monday?
Most major supermarkets and high-street shops open reduced hours; always check local listings.