Like a lot of us parents, we have great memories of Easter with family, or maybe you’re just making new ones now or even looking forward to your first with new arrivals. Whichever it is, there is something very special about Easter. It is the beginning of a new season, and hopefully looking forward to a great year. Oh yeah, there’s shed loads of chocolate as well.
It’s great doing things at home, and we’ll give you some ideas for that shortly. Let’s begin with what the Easter season in the UK is all about. It includes the 40 days of lent and Holy week culminating in Easter Sunday – also known as Resurrection Sunday. Good Friday is observed across the UK, while Easter Monday is celebrated everywhere except Scotland.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3rd | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 2026 | 6th April | Easter Monday | National except Scotland |
The Easter weekend is the first public holiday period of the year to enjoy spring-like weather, so many outdoor events are generally part of Easter celebrations. This includes domestic travel – not only to visit family but to hit key hotspot destinations. Therefore be sure to make your plans well in advance in order to secure your travel and accommodation at the best rates.
EASTER HISTORY
THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER
It’s actually one of the oldest Christian traditions and is the celebration of the last week of Jesus’ life, his death, and his resurrection. For Christians, Easter symbolises the dawn of a new life and the high point of the Christian calendar.
While it is officially defined as a Christian holiday, Easter has many of its roots in the traditions and rituals of the pagan people who inhabited the United Kingdom before its wide spread conversion to the Christian faith. Scholars believe that Easter was named for “Eostre”, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the spring.
WHY THE DIFFERENT DATES EACH YEAR
Easter is very different to say Christmas, as it’s not a set date. Always on a Sunday however, Easter can vary in date by country depending on whether the Gregorian or Julian calendar is being used. Here, we follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the first full moon that occurs after the first day of spring. Using this timeline, Easter can vary in date from as early as the 22nd of March to as far into spring as the 25th of April.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Easter here begins with the Thursday before. Maundy Thursday is celebrated as the last day of Jesus’ life and the day of the Last Supper. It’d said that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in the “Eucharist” ceremony. The day is named after the French word “mande”, which roughly translates to the terms command or mandate. It is said that this name came about from Jesus’ last command given to his followers, “love one another as I have loved you.”
Dating back to the time of King Edward the First, it’s tradition for the Monarch to take part in the Maundy Thursday celebrations. It is customary for the sovereign to distribute what is called the “Maundy Money” to deserving senior citizens. One man and one woman are chosen to represent each year of the Monarch’s age. These are people that have done great service in the community and are chosen to receive a red and white purse containing one coin for every year of rule by the Monarch.
Apparently there was a time when the Royals used to wash the feet of selected poor people to show devotion and humility to their constituents. However, the last Royal to have participated in the original form of this holiday was King James the Second.
GOOD FRIDAY
Thought once to be named “God’s Friday” or “Holy Friday”, our celebration of Good Friday is a commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is treated as a day of mourning in the UK. To this day churches remain unlit and bare, with no decorations or flowers; some churches cover statues and paintings.
Many of them hold a ceremony at 3 o’clock, which is said to be the time that Jesus died on the cross. Many services include passion plays or dramatic readings.Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten by Christians in the UK on Good Friday. The bread serves as a reminder of Jesus dying for our sins due to the shape of the cross that appears across the top of the bun.
They are generally consumed as a breakfast food and come straight from the oven. Once sold by street vendors in the cities, a well known nursery rhyme was founded based on the pitch sung by the local vendors: “Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns, One a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns. If you do not like them, give them to your sons, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns.” There are several superstitions around the hot cross bun.
Some say that when baked on Good Friday, they would never go mouldy. Others say that if hardened, they would protect a house from fire. Sailors were known to take them to sea, to protect them from shipwrecks. Fish is the food of choice for Good Friday suppers, while some devout Christians fast instead.
HOLY SATURDAY
The Saturday prior to Easter is called “Holy Saturday.” Historically considered to be the day that Jesus lay in the tomb and is used to reflect on his sacrifice and prepare for the Easter festivities. Most churches hold services on the eve of Easter.
EASTER SUNDAY
This is one of the most important holidays in the church. It symbolises remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, implying that death is not the end of our journey. The churches celebrate Easter Sunday with bell ringing, flowers (generally white lilies), and a white and gold colour pallet inside of the church hall.
An Easter vigil is held in which a fire is lighted outside of the church first thing on Sunday morning. A candle called the Paschal Candle is lit from the fire and then carried into the church. A Paschal Candle is covered in small studs that symbolise Christ’s wounds and is used to light the candles of the congregation members. This service is considered to be joyous after a time of mourning.
FOOD
Easter Sunday is really rich in food. Breakfast was, and for many still is, boiled eggs and the exchanging of Easter gifts and cards. Roast lamb with mint sauce is served as the main meal. Easter biscuits and custard tarts are the traditional pudding. Tea tends to be a Simnel cake, which is a fruitcake covered with an almond marzipan.
Traditionally, eleven balls of marzipan were baked on top of the cake denoting the eleven original disciples. This, of course, excludes Judas as one of the disciples. Easter biscuits contain spices, currants, and occasionally grated lemon rinds. These are sometimes referred to as Easter cakes.
We have so many recipes on our site that will inspire you to cook or bake something new this Easter. Our team have made them really easy to follow and do. RECIPES.
TRADITIONS
The biggest largest tradition during an Easter here, is the giving of Easter eggs. Chocolate eggs are given to children on Easter Sunday. These can either be hollow or have a filling, and tend to be wrapped in silver or gold paper. Early Easter gifts were originally birds’ eggs, painted in bright colours and patterns. Some still celebrate Easter with egg painting as a children’s activity.
There is a reason for the eggs. They are a symbol of new life created during the spring and is said to have come from the original pagan traditions surrounding the holiday. Another egg related tradition involves rolling real eggs down a hill in a race. The winner was the owner of the last un-cracked egg. While this tradition seems to have faded in popularity, it can still be seen in Preston in Lancashire. Some of us go for hiding eggs in the garden for the kids to find. Little tip, from personal experience. Don’t do this on a warm Easter day…….
Morris dancing can still be seen around the United Kingdom. A form of historical folk dancing dating roughly back to the Middle Ages, Morris dancing is comprised of people (traditionally men) costumed in white with ribbons and bells on their ankles who dance through the streets of the villages.
This is done to symbolise the arrival of spring. Another, slightly less common tradition is the Maypole dancing. This dates back to before Christianity came to the shores of the UK and is a pagan-based tradition.
EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
Annual Easter egg hunts are held all across the country. There are egg-and-spoon races, bunny hop races, face painting, and lots of other things we can do. Go to the bottom of the page for some ideas.
A South Wales Easter has traditions based not only on Christianity principles but also containing deep rooted pagan customs. Whether you are celebrating Easter as the resurrection of Jesus Christ or a large Easter bunny leaving behind chocolate and painted eggs, there are plenty of unique celebrations across the country to enjoy over the Easter weekend.
THINGS TO DO AT HOME
1: HOLD AN EASTER EGG HUNT
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, a treasure egg hunt or hunting by names will surely bring out the laughter in your house and give you a glimpse of the competitive side of your kids! This is the ultimate in classic Easter activities for kids, no matter what age.
2: MAKE CHOCOLATE NESTS
Very easy and incredibly yummy. You will have so much fun making these, and even more eating them. We’ve even given you the recipe below, so no excuse. Get in that kitchen now – all of you
To make our chocolate nests:
- Add 100g of butter, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 50g milk chocolate buttons and 75g of golden syrup in a bowl.
- Microwave on high for 1.5mins and mix together.
- Crumble 4 Shredded Wheat over the bowl and mix with rest of ingredients.
- Place a generous spoonful in each of 12 bun case (the nests).
- Press the centre of each nest down slightly to form a dip and place 3 chocolate mini eggs in each dip.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
3: READ SOME EASTER CLASSICS
Ok, these may not be Easter books in the true sense, nut if the weather’s bad and you’ve pigged out on our chocolate nests, sitting down with the kids and having a read is a great thing to do. Here’s a few of our suggestions.
- The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
- The Tale of Mr. Tod
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit
- The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
These are really lovely stories to read with your kids. Borrow them from your local library or buy these classics for your own library at home – they are sure to become family favourites! Little tip – keep off Watership Down over Easter, (rabbit death and all that)
4: WATCH A FAMILY MOVIE
Don’t want to read, then grab a classic movie off your download shelf, snuggle up on the sofa with your bunny onesie, and enjoy some classic movies. So may to choose from but here’s a few from our archive.
HOP – E.B., the Easter Bunny’s teenage son, is a rabbit who does not want to succeed his father, Mr. Bunny, in the role of the Easter Bunny.
EASTER PARADE – You can’t go wrong with this classic musical from 1948, starring the lovely Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. Easter Parade tells the story of a Broadway star, Don Hewes (Astaire), who, when his dance partner leaves him, decides to team up with the next dancer he meets, Hannah Brown (Garland).
RISEN – This 2016 film takes on the historical side of Easter, starring Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, and Cliff Curtis. Risen tells the story of a Roman soldier, tasked with finding Jesus’s body after rumours of his resurrection surface. This is an intense movie that will have you on the edge of your seat at every turn.
PETER RABBIT – With the release of number two shortly it’s always nice to look back at the first. Peter, sounding remarkably like James Corden, is a mischievous rabbit with a penchant for causing trouble, and a particular appetite for stealing vegetables from Mr. McGregor’s garden.
ZOOTOPIA – It isn’t strictly an Easter movie, but definitely a gem to watch on Easter Sunday. In this 2016 Disney animation, rabbit Judy Hopps finally fulfils her dreams of becoming a police officer in the big city, she soon finds it’s not all that she imagined.
ANYTHING WITH BUGS BUNNY – Simple, but hundreds to choose from.
5: HOLD A TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
Dad’s particularly love these – seriously, they do. Hopefully the weather will permit you to have this picnic outside, but failing that, have an indoor picnic instead. Pack up some bite-size treats and a colourful blanket to set the scene.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
NATIONAL TRUST
We have some incredible National Trust properties around South Wales.
They have a long, and really useful Q&A page, packed with information on what we can and can’t do, and which properties will be offering Easter Egg Trails. You can see that HERE.
Here’s a few suggestions of places you may want to visit, restrictions allowing of course.
TREDEGAR HOUSE – 17th century mansion of the Morgan family, with stables and parkland in Newport.
ABERDULAIS TIN WORKS AND WATERFALL – Industrial activity began in 1584 with copper production. In the 19th century it produced tin plate for the world, powered by water. The big wheel and a turbine still utilise water power next to the waterfall in Neath, Port Talbot.
SKENFRITH CASTLE – Ruins of a 13th-century castle, which has origins in the Norman conquest of South Wales in Monmouthshire.
DYFFRYN GARDENS – Edwardian designed by Thomas Mawson in 1906 for John Cory, over 55 acres. Within the gardens is Dyffryn House, a Victorian mansion, acquired unfurnished in 2013 and under restoration. By 2016 some rooms were open and furnished with ‘hands-on’ items that can be played with. In the Vale Of Glamorgan.
RHOSSILI AND SOUTH GOWER COAST – In Swansea, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with visitor centre and headlands and bays from Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head south around the peninsular.
ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
St Fagans are re-opening on the 1st April and are now taking applications for tickets. It is an incredible place which has been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction for many years. It holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales. This is because St Fagans is a people’s museum, where we explore history together through people’s everyday lives.
The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948.
Since 1948 over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland, among them houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen’s Institute.
If you’d like to see what’s going on at the museum, or pay them a visit, you can get more details here – ST FAGANS
EASTER AT MERMAID QUAY
Families are invited to make the most of the Easter holidays at Mermaid Quay, as the waterfront destination unveils a packed programme of free, family-friendly activities – led by a magical Easter Egg Trail running from 30 March to 12 April.
Spring has officially sprung in Cardiff Bay, and visitors can follow a colourful trail of “eggceptional” Easter eggs hidden throughout the Quay. Young explorers can pick up a trail sheet from the table outside the Glee Club before setting off to hunt for eggs displayed in shop and restaurant windows, collecting letters and unscrambling the secret Easter word to complete the challenge.
Adding to the excitement, the trail is hosted by the Marvellous Mouse Twins, who are bringing plenty of “eggciting” surprises along the way. But there’s a twist – one of their beautifully decorated eggs has been left blank after a blustery winter mishap, and they’re calling on visitors to help bring it back to life.
On Friday 3 April (12pm–5pm), families can head to Tacoma Square for a special Easter Fun Day, where children can meet the Marvellous Mouse Twins, take part in Easter games and help decorate the giant egg, creating a unique community artwork.
Alongside the trail, the much-loved Great British Fudge Bus returns to Mermaid Quay from 28 March to 19 April. The iconic red double-decker bus will once again be serving up over 35 handcrafted fudge flavours – from nostalgic classics like vanilla and clotted cream to more adventurous options including Vimto and Skittles – offering a sweet treat for visitors of all ages.
Mark Lemon, Centre Manager at Mermaid Quay, said:
“Easter is a fantastic time to visit Mermaid Quay, and this year we’ve created a fun, interactive experience for families to enjoy together. From the Easter Egg Trail and creative activities to the return of the Great British Fudge Bus, there’s something for everyone to enjoy by the Bay.”
Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay is home to a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops and attractions, making it the perfect destination for a spring day out.
For more information, visit HERE
CELTIC MANOR RESORT
The way we take holidays is changing. Shorter, more spontaneous, and closer to home – the ‘microcation‘ is fast becoming the UK’s travel trend of the moment, with Brits increasingly swapping the long-haul for meaningful breaks of under five days*.
For those looking to make the most of the Easter holidays, Celtic Manor Resort offers an ideal base. Set among the rolling hills of the Usk Valley in South Wales, the five-star resort’s Welcome to Feel Good initiative has been designed around exactly this need: rest, connection and the freedom to slow down, without having to go far to find it.
To find out more take a look at our feature HERE.
EASTER ACTIVITIES AT MORGAN QUARTER
A free Easter Egg Trail will take families on a tour of Cardiff’s historic Morgan Arcade and Royal Arcade this Easter holiday.
Begin your trail by collecting a map from Pen & Paper (13th-17th Royal Arcade) and then explore the Morgan Quarter in search of 10 Easter eggs printed in various windows around the arcades.
Once all 10 are collected – finish the trail at Maple & Bean (28 Morgan Arcade) where children can collect a chocolate prize for finding all the eggs.
The trail will take place between Wednesday, April 16th and Saturday, April 19th.
The Morgan Quarter Easter Eggstravaganza.
On Saturday, April 19th the Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance handing out delicious chocolates and offering a free lucky dip of prizes from various Morgan Quarter favourites.
Prizes include £20 vouchers at Dino Fossils, free Jelly Cat toys at Welcome Things, free donuts from WhoCult, 10% discount at Bird & Blend, among many more.
The Easter Bunny will be located outside the entrance to the Morgan Arcade, on The Hayes from 11am onwards.
EASTER BUNNY WALKABOUT
The Easter Bunny will be making appearances at Mumbles Pier throughout the school holidays! Catch him walking around the site for a photo opportunity!
No ticket required, show up any time between 11am-12pm or 3pm-4pm.
The walkabout runs from Monday 30th March to Sunday 5th April. More details HERE.
There’s plenty of other Easter goodie going on at the Pier, full details HERE.
DYFFRYN GARDENS EASTER ADVENTURES
From 28 March to 12 April, gather the whole family and head into the beautifully restored gardens for the much-loved Easter adventure trail, where laughter and fun wait around every corner.
Follow the trail through sweeping lawns and garden rooms, tackling 10 hands-on, egg-citing activities along the way – from marble egg runs, chicken croquet and dress-up fun to exciting new games for 2026.
Pick up your trail map and bunny ears on arrival, explore at your own pace and finish your adventure with a chocolate Easter egg, with a dairy-free option available (suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies).
Trails cost £3.50 per person (plus normal admission costs) and no booking is needed – just come along, enjoy the fresh air, let off some energy and make Easter memories together in one of Wales’ most beautiful gardens.
More details HERE.
GLASS SLIPPER EVENTS AT PLANTASIA
Enjoy an unforgettable themed family day at Plantasia Tropical Zoo as their friends from Glass Slipper Events bring much-loved characters into the tropical jungle.
Each special event day features live character entertainment or immersive roaming experiences, with plenty of opportunities for meet and greets and memorable photos. From magical singing performances on the treehouse balcony to action-packed character encounters around the zoo, every event offers something a little different while keeping the same fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Children can take part in themed competitions for the chance to win prizes including cuddly toys and family tickets to the zoo, and enjoy creative colouring-in activities throughout the day.
Your ticket always includes full access to the zoo, with over 40 amazing species to discover. Explore the jungle at your own pace, visit our immersive Vital Venoms & Practical Poisons room, bring prehistoric creatures to life in Giants of the Past using AR, and collect your free magical photo at the Magic Memories kiosk.ounts can be used for this event.
For more details go HERE.
SUPER MARIO COMES TO RED DRAGON CENTRE
Gamers and movie fans, get ready! This Easter Monday, 6th April, The Red Dragon Centre is welcoming a Super Mario tribute character for a day full of fun and Easter cheer.
The pixel-powered superstar will be hopping around the Centre on the hour from 12-4pm, posing for photos and dishing out high-fives!
And while you’re there, they’ve got everything you need for a super family day out, with plenty of places to eat, drink and play all under one roof.
More details HERE.
BUNKERS & NINJA WARRIORS EASTER EVENTS
Following positive guest feedback of BUNKERS Swansea’s No Phone Zone trial over the February half term, the venue is set to continue the initiative over the upcoming Easter holidays to encourage real-time memory making and family fun.
BUNKERS Swansea is a part of Adventure Leisure, the operators behind 15 Mulligans and BUNKERS Crazy Golf and Games venues, 4 Ninja Warrior UK venues and 1 Total Ninja site. In February, the group became the first leisure operator to encourage families to swap screen time for game time, introducing the No Phone Zone.
Looking to provide the perfect setting for together time, BUNKERS Swansea will encourage guests to put their phones on airplane mode or keep them in their bags or pockets, removing any potential distractions.
While BUNKERS Swansea would like families to immerse themselves in the spirit of togetherness and the No Phone Zone, the team understands that there are always exceptions to every rule, including caring responsibilities and life demands.
While enjoying uninterrupted quality time, families can play two 12-hole pop-culture themed crazy golf courses, electro-darts, pool, and ping pong.
A well-loved part of family time is sharing a meal, and this Easter, kids eat free at BUNKERS Swansea, making family dinners more accessible.
With the purchase of a full-priced adult meal, such as a large pizza, dirty fries or nachos plate, kids can enjoy a small pizza or a kids chicken or Quorn nuggets meal for free.
Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Adventure Leisure told us….
“We’re so pleased to bring the No Phone Zone back to BUNKERS Swansea and our other venues for the Easter break. School holidays offer families the chance to spend real quality time together, so we would love to encourage our guests to ditch the devices and make some memories this Easter. We hope to see you soon!”
To make a booking or find out more, go HERE.
And it’s the same idea at NINJA WARRIORS UK in Swansea.
With dozens of obstacles and giant inflatables, as well as a mouthwatering selection of bites and refreshing drinks on the menu, Ninja Warrior UK is the easy solution for quality time and entertainment that the whole family will love.
To make a booking or find out more, go HERE.
ACTIVE PLAY
FREE Half-Term Active Play Sessions with MonLife!
Looking for exciting ways to keep your little ones active and entertained this half-term? Look no further! MonLife is offering FREE Active Play sessions for children aged 5–11 across Monmouthshire.
Each fun-filled session lasts 1 hour and 55 minutes (or slightly shorter at select venues), where children will enjoy a wide choice of activities ranging from energetic physical play to creative arts & crafts.
Session Dates & Locations
Monmouth Leisure Centre – Tuesday 31st March, 10:00am – 11:55am
Chepstow Leisure Centre – Tuesday 31st March, 9:30am – 11:25am
Gilwern Outdoor Education Centre – Tuesday 31st March, 1:00pm – 2:55pm
Thornwell Primary School – Wednesday 1st April, 1:00pm – 2:55pm
Caldicot Leisure Centre – Thursday 2nd April, 10:00am – 11:55am
🏊♀️ Bonus! Optional swimming activities are available at the leisure centre venues – just bring a towel and swimwear!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Simply book via the link below. Please be advised that the ‘From £1 per session’ fee displayed on the booking site is a default system setting and does not apply to this activity. You will not be charged. This is a FREE Activity.
EASTERLAND AT FONMON CASTLE
EasterLand – Wales Biggest Easter Adventure Awaits at Fonmon Castle Tickets start at just £10.
Head along for an unforgettable Easterland adventure, packed with magic, stories, and fun for the whole family! Easterland Activities Include: Meet Lily Rabbit and The Easter Bunny : Say hello to the much-loved Easter characters as you explore the park. Live Shows:
Enjoy three live fairy shows each day, full of storytelling, laughter, and interactive fun. Easter Egg Stamp Trail: Explore the grounds, collect your stamps, and claim your Easter prize. Alice Wonder Themed Area: Step into a curious and whimsical world inspired by this classic tale. Golden Egg Hunt: Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Golden Egg hidden somewhere in Easterland. Easter Colouring Activity: Get creative with Easter-themed colouring in our Craft Centre. Explore: The castle interiors, including Sir Hugo’s Room and the Grand Library.
The Dinosaur Trail and beautiful castle gardens. Lawn and sports games to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Food & Refreshments: Treat yourself to delicious food and drinks from our on-site vendors and soak up the festive Easter atmosphere. For Extra Excitement: Face painting available at the front of the castle. (additional charges apply). Archery and axe throwing in the medieval village (additional charges apply). Book your Easter adventure now and create magical memories to last a lifetime at Fonmon Castle!
EASTERLAND runs form the 28th March through to 6th April. Tickets HERE.
Here’s our Top Ten favourites to visit over Easter
- CELTIC MANOR RESORT
- MARGAM PARK
- NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES
- CARDIFF CASTLE
- BIG PIT NATIONAL COAL MUSEUM
- COSMESTON LAKES COUNTRY PARK
- CWMCARN FOREST
- DINEFWR PARK AND CASTLE
- CILGERRAN CASTLE
- DYFFRYN GARDENS
THE GAVIN AND STACEY TRAIL
Here at SOUTH WALES LIFE we put together a guide to all that is Gavin, Stacey and the town of Barry, starting with the most famous house of all.
The nice things is, you can visit Barry Island, go for a little drive around to some of the Gavin and Stacey sites. I defy anyone not to go to Stacey’s house and not smile. A little word of warning, the hill where the house is, is incredibly steep. Be prepared for a few stops on the way. When you get there however, it is so worth it.
Take a look at our feature HERE.
We have other pages packed with ideas for things to do at Easter, and beyond, we’ve listed them below.
