Easter in the UK: A Celebration of Tradition and Savings

Easter in the United Kingdom is a time of joy, renewal, and family gatherings. Rooted in both religious and seasonal traditions, it’s celebrated with church services, egg hunts, springtime meals, and plenty of chocolate. But Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs and daffodils—it’s also a period when retailers across the UK roll out some of the best seasonal discounts. From supermarket offers on hot cross buns to deals on toys, fashion, and travel, Easter presents an excellent opportunity for savvy shoppers to save.

In this article, we’ll explore the rich traditions of Easter in the UK and highlight how you can make the most of the discounts and sales available during this festive time.

The Meaning of Easter in the UK

Easter is the most significant Christian holiday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the UK, Good Friday and Easter Monday are both public holidays, making it a four-day weekend for many people—a perfect time for rest, celebration, and shopping.

Though Easter has deep religious roots, it is also widely celebrated in a secular way. Schools close for the Easter holidays, shops decorate their displays with bunnies and pastel colours, and communities organise egg hunts and craft fairs.

Traditional Easter Celebrations

Many families attend Easter Sunday services at church, followed by a special meal. Lamb roast is a common main course, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Hot cross buns, a spiced sweet bun marked with a cross on top, are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

Children look forward to Easter egg hunts and receiving chocolate eggs from relatives. In towns and villages across the UK, you’ll also find Easter fairs, spring-themed markets, and family-friendly events to mark the occasion.

Easter Retail Trends and Discounts

Retailers have increasingly embraced Easter as a major shopping event. While it’s not quite on the level of Black Friday or Boxing Day sales, Easter still brings a notable spike in consumer activity.

Here’s where you can typically find the best discounts:

1. Supermarkets

Big chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, and Morrisons all compete to offer the best deals during the Easter period. Look out for:

• Multi-buy deals on Easter eggs and confectionery

• Discounts on roast meats, seafood, and spring produce

• Seasonal bakery items like hot cross buns and Simnel cake

Tesco, for instance, often runs “Clubcard Prices” promotions that offer exclusive savings to loyalty members during Easter.

2. Fashion and Apparel

Brands and fashion retailers take advantage of the Easter holidays by launching spring sales. Whether you’re shopping for a new outfit for a family gathering or refreshing your spring wardrobe, this is the perfect time to find:

• 20–50% off on selected styles

• Clearance sales on winter stock

• Flash discounts for Easter weekend

High street favourites such as Marks & Spencer, River Island, and Next often have mid-season sales coinciding with Easter.

3. Home and Garden

Easter marks the start of spring, so it’s a great time to spruce up your living space. Retailers like B&Q, Homebase, and IKEA offer:

• Discounts on gardening tools and patio furniture

• Deals on home décor, storage, and kitchenware

• Seasonal bundles and starter kits for gardeners

4. Toys and Gifts

For families with young children, Easter is a chance to gift something fun beyond chocolate. Retailers like The Entertainer, Smyths Toys, and Argos often run Easter toy sales.

• 3-for-2 deals on selected toys

• Free gift wrapping or next-day delivery promotions

• Discounts on educational kits and craft supplies

5. Travel and Experiences

Many people take short breaks during Easter, and travel companies respond with enticing offers. Whether it's a countryside getaway or a city break, Easter promotions often include:

• Reduced rates on train and coach tickets

• Family-friendly packages from travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com

• Attraction discounts, especially for theme parks and zoos

National Trust and English Heritage sites also host Easter-themed events and may offer family ticket savings or free entry for children.

Online Shopping and Easter Codes

With more people opting to shop online, many websites feature Easter-exclusive discount codes. Sign up for newsletters or check social media for time-limited deals. Online retailers like Amazon UK, Boohoo, and ASOS frequently offer:

• Easter flash sales

• Free shipping over a certain spend

• Bundle deals or exclusive online-only discounts

Be sure to look out for “EASTER20” or similar codes during the Easter weekend.

Smart Tips for Easter Shopping

1. Start Early
   Some of the best deals begin in the week leading up to Easter. Avoid the last-minute rush by browsing offers ahead of time.

2. Use Loyalty Cards
   Make the most of supermarket and retailer loyalty schemes. Points can often be redeemed or multiplied during special Easter events.

3. Stack Discounts
   Combine promo codes with cashback sites or apps like TopCashback and Quidco for extra savings.

4. Plan Your Meals
   Supermarkets often promote Easter meal ideas online. Planning ahead can help you take advantage of combo deals and reduce waste.

5. Think Beyond Easter
   Many items on offer—especially in fashion and homeware—are useful year-round. Stock up on essentials if the price is right.

Conclusion

Easter in the UK is more than a celebration of spring or a long weekend—it’s a time when traditions meet modern retail therapy. From charming egg hunts and church bells to the thrill of finding the perfect deal, Easter offers something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for sweet treats, updating your wardrobe, planning a mini-break, or looking for thoughtful gifts, this season is ripe with savings.

So, grab your basket and get ready to hunt—not just for eggs, but for brilliant bargains too!