A Very British Easter: Gifts, Decor & Traditions to Celebrate in Style

Ah, Easter. That glorious long weekend where the daffs are out, the Simnel cake’s being sliced, and we all pretend not to mind the clocks springing forward. It’s a time of fresh starts, soft pastel tones, and a frankly reckless amount of chocolate. And if you’re anything like me, it’s also a golden excuse to bring a little seasonal beauty into the home, spoil the people you love with thoughtful bits and bobs, and maybe coax the family out for a blustery walk followed by tea and cake. Because, well, that’s how we do things here.

Since moving here, I’ve found British Easter to be quietly wonderful, a mix of timeless tradition, mild eccentricity, and genuinely good taste in both bakes and bunting. There’s something refreshingly uncommercial about it, at least compared to the full-on frenzy of Christmas. It’s more tulips and teacakes than tinsel and tantrums, and thank goodness for that.

So whether you’re planning a roast with all the trimmings, hunting for the perfect Easter egg, or simply updating your kitchen with a hint of spring, here’s a lovingly curated guide to making Easter feel charmingly British, without going overboard on the bunting (unless you want to).

British Easter Traditions I’ve Grown to Love

Before we jump into gift ideas and seasonal homeware, let’s take a quiet moment to appreciate some of the enduring traditions that make British Easter so unmistakably… British.

Simnel Cake (1)

The Simnel cake is a light fruit cake that traditionally features a layer of marzipan baked through its centre and another gently toasted on top. It’s usually crowned with 11 little marzipan balls, representing the apostles (excluding Judas, for obvious reasons). The name is thought to come from the Latin simila, meaning fine flour, a nod to its slightly more luxurious roots. While it’s not nearly as commonly seen on the Easter table these days as hot cross buns, it still gets a respectful mention around Easter, particularly among those who lean into tradition. My first go at making one was, shall we say, a little ambitious, but with my love of almonds and marzipan, it was always going to win me over.

Hot Cross Buns (2)

Eaten religiously (or not) on Good Friday, and frankly all through March if the supermarkets have anything to do with it. These are far more common than Simnel cake these days, and they’ve become a bit of a spring staple. The spiced, sticky, fruit-filled ones are classics, but chocolate chip versions are having their moment. I remain loyal to the original — sliced, toasted, buttered to the hilt.

Egg Rolling (3)

Still celebrated in Preston, a city in Lancashire in the North West of England, where the tradition is kept alive through a popular annual event at Avenham and Miller Parks. On Easter Monday, families and communities gather on grassy hillsides to roll their hard-boiled, often beautifully hand-painted eggs downhill. Why? No one’s entirely sure, though some say it’s symbolic of the stone being rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. Whether you buy into the symbolism or not, it’s a good laugh, and there’s often a fiercely competitive edge, especially among the grown-ups. It’s messy, slightly chaotic, and completely delightful.

Easter Bonnet Competitions (4)

Glue, glitter, tissue paper flowers and feathers galore. A fever dream of primary school creativity. While not as widespread as they once were, they’re still alive and well in many schools and village halls across the country, especially in the South and Midlands. You’ll often find a proud parade of homemade masterpieces tottering their way to school assemblies or local fêtes. Bonus points if your child’s bonnet is still wearable by the time you arrive at the school gate.

Bank Holiday Garden Centres (5)

Not an official tradition, but let’s face it, the entire country descends on their local garden centre come Easter weekend. You haven’t lived until you’ve fought over the last clematis with someone’s nan — and lost.

The Great Easter Roast (6)

Lamb is traditional, though not compulsory. What is compulsory is roast potatoes, something green, and a pudding that involves at least one form of custard. If you’re really going for it, a floral centrepiece and mismatched china never go amiss — it’s Easter, after all, not a board meeting.

A Thoughtful Guide to British Easter Gifts & Seasonal Picks

Spring in Britain is a fickle thing, one minute you’re sipping tea in the garden, the next you’re sheltering under a brolly and wondering if you imagined the sunshine. But that’s half the fun. Whether you’re prepping for Easter Sunday lunch or putting together a thoughtful gift, these lovely bits from British brands should do the trick nicely.

Day Out Inspo: Egg Trails and Daffodil Walks

If the weather isn’t a total washout, head out for a local National Trust Easter egg hunt. Most properties run family-friendly trails with chocolate prizes at the end, plus cafés for tea and a slab of something spiced and sticky. A perfect excuse for fresh air, sheep-spotting, and a round of “is it too early for a pub lunch?”

Or just take yourself off on a daffodil walk — woodland, coastline, even the local park. Nothing beats seeing swathes of yellow nodding in the breeze while you sip from a thermos and nibble something hot and buttery.

If you’re as smitten with daffodils as I am, you might also enjoy my post Daffodils – The Golden Heralds of a British Spring. It’s a little ode to these cheerful blooms and the very particular joy they bring this time of year.

Don’t forget your picnic blanket, a warm jumper, and your waterproofs, because it’s not spring in Britain without all three.

In Summary: Bunnies, Bakes, and Beautiful Things

Easter here has a gentle loveliness to it. It’s not all about extravagant gifts or Pinterest-worthy centrepieces — it’s about signs of life returning, little traditions, and finding joy in the ordinary. Whether you’re setting the table with hand-decorated eggs, gifting someone a beautifully British mug, or simply taking the time to stop and enjoy a hot cross bun while the daffs wave at you from the windowsill, it’s a season that invites warmth and whimsy in equal measure.

If any of these treats, ideas, or bits of inspiration caught your eye, I’ve linked them thoughtfully, and with a bit of luck, they’ll bring you or someone you love a little seasonal joy.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the teapot full and the biscuit tin stocked. Ta very much.