Easter Monday

Easter Monday in the United Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide

Easter Monday is a significant date in the British calendar, representing the culmination of the Easter long weekend. While the religious solemnity of Good Friday and the joyful celebrations of Easter Sunday set the tone for the period, Easter Monday serves as a cherished transition point—a day of leisure, community spirit, and the burgeoning hope of spring. Across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is a day where the pace of life slows down, allowing families and friends to gather before the return to the working week.

What makes Easter Monday particularly special in the UK is its dual identity. On one hand, it is the "Second Day of Bright Week" in the Christian tradition, extending the celebration of the Resurrection. On the other hand, it has evolved into a quintessential British secular holiday, characterised by village fairs, quirky local traditions, and the simple pleasure of a day outdoors. Whether it is the smell of a roasting Sunday leftover lunch or the sight of children hunting for the last of the chocolate eggs in the garden, Easter Monday captures a unique sense of British seasonal transition.

When is Easter Monday in 2026?

The date of Easter is "moveable," meaning it changes every year based on the lunar calendar. It is determined as the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. Consequently, Easter Monday follows suit.

In 2026, the holiday will be observed on:

• Date: April 6, 2026
• Day of the week: Monday
• Countdown: There are 93 days remaining until the holiday.

Because Easter can fall anywhere between late March and late April, the character of Easter Monday often depends on the British weather. An early Easter might see families wrapped in coats against a lingering winter chill, while a late April Easter often provides the first true taste of warm spring sunshine, prompting "day trippers" to head to the coast or the countryside in record numbers.

Historical and Religious Origins

The roots of Easter Monday are deeply embedded in the Christian history of the British Isles. Historically, the entire week following Easter Sunday—known as Easter Week—was a time of religious celebration and restricted secular work. Over the centuries, this week-long observance was condensed, but the Monday remained a vital public holiday.

From a theological perspective, Easter Monday is part of the Octave of Easter. In medieval England, this was a time for "Easter Ales"—communal feasts where ale was brewed and sold to raise funds for the parish church. It was also a time for "Lifting" or "Heaving," a strange medieval custom where men would lift women in decorated chairs on Easter Monday, and women would return the favour for men on Easter Tuesday, usually in exchange for a small kiss or a silver coin. While these more eccentric medieval traditions have largely faded into history, the spirit of communal gathering remains a cornerstone of the day.

Regional Variations: A Divided Kingdom

One of the most important things to understand about Easter Monday in the United Kingdom is that it is not a bank holiday in Scotland. While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland all enjoy a statutory day off, Scotland follows a different holiday tradition.

In Scotland, the main spring holiday is typically the first Monday in May, and many Scottish businesses operate as normal on Easter Monday. This distinction dates back to the different legal and religious histories of the nations within the UK. In Northern Ireland, however, Easter Monday is often the start of a two-day break, with Easter Tuesday also being a bank holiday for many public sector workers and schools, making it the longest holiday weekend of the year for many residents there.

How the British Celebrate: Traditions and Customs

Easter Monday is synonymous with "getting out and about." After the more formal family gatherings of Easter Sunday, Monday is the day for public events.

1. Egg Rolling (Pace Egging)

One of the most enduring and charming traditions is egg rolling. In many parts of the UK, particularly in Northern England (such as Preston’s Avenham Park), hundreds of people gather to roll hard-boiled eggs down steep hills. The eggs are often dyed in bright colours using onion skins or food colouring. The person whose egg rolls the furthest without breaking is declared the winner. This tradition is said to symbolise the rolling away of the stone from Jesus’ tomb.

2. Morris Dancing

In many English villages, Easter Monday is the traditional day for Morris Dancing troupes to perform. Dressed in white with bells on their shins and waving handkerchiefs or sticks, these dancers perform ancient rhythmic dances to the sound of accordions and fiddles. It is a quintessentially English sight that draws crowds to village greens and pub gardens.

3. Local Fairs and Carnivals

From the famous Hallaton Bottle Kicking in Leicestershire—a chaotic and ancient game played between two villages—to local flower shows and steam rallies, Easter Monday is a peak time for community events. These fairs often feature "bouncy castles," artisanal craft stalls, and local produce, providing a focal point for families during the school holidays.

4. The "Spring Clean" and Gardening

For many Britons, the Easter Monday bank holiday is the unofficial start of the gardening season. Garden centres across the country experience their busiest weekend of the year as people purchase bedding plants, compost, and lawn seed. It is the day when the mower is pulled out of the shed for its first cut of the year, and the "Great British Spring Clean" moves from the house into the garden.

Food and Drink

While Easter Sunday is the day for the big roast lamb dinner, Easter Monday is more relaxed. The menu often consists of:

• Leftovers: Cold roast lamb served with pickles, jacket potatoes, or in sandwiches.
• Hot Cross Buns: Though traditionally eaten on Good Friday, many people continue to enjoy these spiced, fruit-filled buns toasted with butter throughout the Monday.
• Simnel Cake: A light fruit cake covered in marzipan, with eleven marzipan balls on top representing the faithful apostles.
• Chocolate: By Monday, the "chocolate mountain" accumulated from Easter eggs is usually being whittled down, often leading to a final festive sugar rush for children before they return to school.

Practical Information: What to Expect

As a bank holiday, Easter Monday brings several practical changes to daily life in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

1. Business and Retail: Most major supermarkets remain open, though they may operate on reduced "Sunday hours" (typically 10 am to 4 pm or 11 am to 5 pm). Smaller convenience stores often remain open as usual. However, most banks, post offices, and professional offices will be closed. High street shops in major cities usually stay open to take advantage of the holiday footfall.

2. Transport: The British rail network often uses the long Easter weekend to carry out major engineering works and track maintenance. Consequently, travellers should expect "replacement bus services" or diverted routes. Public transport (buses and trains) will generally run on a "Sunday or Bank Holiday Service" schedule, which is less frequent than a standard weekday.

3. Schools: Easter Monday always falls within the two-week Easter school holiday period. This means that schools are closed, and many parents take the surrounding week off work to go on holiday, leading to increased traffic on motorways heading towards the Lake District, Cornwall, and the Welsh coast.

Is it a Public Holiday?

Yes, Easter Monday is a statutory bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, it is a day where banks are closed and the majority of the population is granted a day off. It is important to note, however, that in the United Kingdom, there is no automatic legal right to paid leave on bank holidays. Whether an individual gets the day off depends entirely on their employment contract. For those working in retail, hospitality, or essential services (like the NHS and police), Easter Monday is often a busy working day, sometimes compensated with "time off in lieu" or "premium pay."

In summary, Easter Monday in 2026 will be a day of transition. It marks the end of the sacred Easter festivities and the beginning of the brighter, longer days of spring. Whether spent rolling eggs down a grassy bank in Lancashire, browsing a garden centre in Cardiff, or enjoying a quiet walk through the glens of Antrim, it remains one of the most beloved and relaxed days in the British calendar.