Easter Sunday, the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, falls on a movable date each spring (the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon). Across the UK, families and faith communities unite for sunrise services, festive meals and joyous egg hunts—celebrating renewal, resurrection and the promise of new life.
Why Easter Sunday Moves & What It Means
Easter's date is determined by the Astronomical Full Moon following the vernal equinox. This ancient system—set by the Council of Nicaea in AD 325—links the holiday to both solar and lunar calendars, symbolizing light triumphing over darkness.
- Paschal Full Moon: First full moon on or after March 21.
- Easter Sunday: The following Sunday—ranging between March 22 and April 25.
- Significance: Marks Jesus's resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian faith and the end of Lenten fasting.
Religious Observances & Community Rituals
- Sunrise services: Held outdoors at hilltops, beaches and churchyards—congregations greet the risen light together.
- Choir anthems: “Christ is risen” hymns echo in cathedrals from St Paul's in London to St Giles in Edinburgh.
- Royal Maundy: The monarch distributes symbolic coins to pensioners at a different cathedral each year—a tradition over 1,000 years old.
- Egg-rolling: Villagers roll hard-boiled eggs down greens to symbolize the stone rolled from Christ's tomb.
Family Fun: Eggs, Lamb & Gardens
Beyond worship, Easter Sunday is a springtime carnival of colour, taste and play:
- Easter egg hunts: Stately homes—Blair Castle, Chatsworth House—host elaborate hunts drawing thousands of children.
- Chocolate tradition: British chocolatiers produce over 80 million eggs each year, from luxury hand-painted shells to humble hollow favourites.
- Roast lamb: A symbol of sacrifice, lamb dinners with mint sauce and spring vegetables grace countless family tables.
- Hot-cross buns: Though tied to Good Friday, leftover buns often reappear toasted at Easter breakfast.
- Garden gatherings: National Trust gardens open free or reduced admission for picnics amid daffodils and bluebells.
Top 5 Easter Sunday Experiences in the UK
- Sunrise on Glastonbury Tor: Spiritual vistas and open-air communion at dawn.
- Egg hunt at Hampton Court: Historic palace grounds transformed into children's quest zones.
- Maundy service at York Minster: Witness the monarch's ancient coin-giving ritual.
- Family picnic in the Cotswolds: Thatched-cottage backdrop with artisan scotch eggs and cream teas.
- Choral evensong in Salisbury Cathedral: Candlelit music to close the holy day.
Planning & Practical Tips
- Check local church bulletins for sunrise service times—often before 6 am.
- Book stately-home egg hunts early; tickets sell out weeks in advance.
- Reserve restaurant or pub roasts by Palm Sunday to guarantee a seat.
- Pack layers—spring mornings can be chilly, even when the sun shines.
FAQs
Is Easter Sunday a bank holiday in the UK?
No—only Good Friday and Easter Monday are statutory holidays, but many workplaces give time off for Sunday worship and family gatherings.
Why do we eat eggs at Easter?
Eggs symbolize new life and resurrection; decorating them dates to medieval Christian art and pre-Christian spring rites.
What is Royal Maundy?
A centuries-old ceremony where the monarch gives special coins (“Maundy money”) to elderly recipients in recognition of service.