Easter 2026 (April 3rd–6th) offers the perfect opportunity to experience the Isle of Mull at its most tranquil. With the island waking up for the season but the summer crowds not yet arrived, the holiday promises genuine relaxation, family traditions, and the raw beauty of the Hebrides in early spring. It is a time when the days are lengthening noticeably, often bringing crisp, bright mornings that are perfect for outdoor exploration before retreating to a warm fire in the evening.
A Quieter Pace of Life
Easter hits a rare sweet spot for visitors. You will find the island offers a much more tranquil experience than the peak summer months. The roads remain quieter, making driving far more pleasurable on the single-track routes, and the ferries from Oban are less frantic, though booking ahead is still wise. The pace of life slows down significantly, allowing you to connect with the locals and enjoy the island’s hospitality without the rush.
It is the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the coastline and villages while they are fresh and ready for the new season, without the usual hustle. You can walk the colourful Main Street of Tobermory without weaving through crowds, or find yourself entirely alone on the white sands of Calgary Bay. The light at this time of year is particularly spectacular for photographers, with the sun low enough in the sky to create dramatic contrasts across the hills and lochs throughout the day.
Hunting for Eggs at the Castle
For families visiting with children, the highlight of the holiday is undoubtedly the traditional Easter Egg Hunt at Duart Castle. The castle reopens its doors on April 1st specifically to welcome Easter visitors, marking the official start of its tourist season. On Easter Sunday itself, the ancient grounds transform into a massive treasure hunt where children can scour the cliffs and gardens for hidden wooden eggs.
The event is designed to get families exploring every corner of the castle’s stunning location. Once the hunt is complete, children can trade their finished maps for a chocolate reward at the tea room, while parents can enjoy a hot coffee and some of the best views on the island, looking out across the Sound of Mull towards the mainland mountains. It is a brilliant way to combine fresh air, history, and festive fun in one outing.
Easter Sunday Worship
For those wishing to attend a church service on Easter Sunday (April 5th), the island offers several welcoming congregations in stunning locations. The most iconic experience is the Iona Abbey Easter Day Communion service, typically held at 10:30 AM. Attending a service in this historic cradle of Christianity is deeply moving, but requires planning; you must allow ample time to catch the foot ferry from Fionnphort to Iona before the service begins.
On Mull itself, Tobermory Parish Church (Church of Scotland) holds a traditional morning service, usually at 11:00 AM, situated beautifully overlooking the bay. In the centre of the island, Salen Church often hosts a family-friendly service earlier in the morning, around 10:15 AM, popular with local residents.
Where to Eat: Roasts and Seafood
Food is central to any good holiday, and by Easter, most of Mull’s seasonal restaurants have reopened their doors, offering a wealth of choice for a celebratory meal.
For the traditional Sunday Roast:
The Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory is the go-to destination for a formal lunch. Their dining room offers spectacular views over the harbour, and their menu typically features high-quality Scottish beef and lamb with all the traditional trimmings. Booking is essential.
For a slightly different culinary experience, Croft 3 near Ulva Ferry serves a fantastic roast using local island meat. They confirmed they serve their roast throughout the year, making it a reliable stop even early in the season. The setting here is more rustic and intimate, with a menu driven by produce from their own land and other dedicated local suppliers. It is a chance to taste the island’s produce in a warm, welcoming setting that feels deeply connected to the landscape.
Centrally located by the airstrip in Salen, the Glenforsa Hotel often runs a popular Sunday carvery or set roast menu in their log-cabin style bar, which is great for families.
For Seafood and Casual Dining:
Located right on the pier in Tobermory, Café Fish usually aims to reopen just in time for Easter. It is essential for anyone wanting the freshest local shellfish landed just metres away.
If you are down south visiting Iona, The Keel Row in Fionnphort is a reliable, open-year-round stop for hearty meals, local mussels, and fish and chips in a relaxed atmosphere. Back in Tobermory, for a casual meal without the need for a formal reservation, Macgochans pub offers solid bistro food, local seafood, and a lively atmosphere right on the harbourfront.
Local Easter Egg Providers
No Easter is complete without chocolate, and the island boasts exceptional local artisan producers. Be sure to look out for the delicious range from Isle of Mull Chocolates, widely available across the island. If you are visiting Tobermory, a stop at the dedicated Tobermory Chocolate shop on the Main Street is essential for handmade truffles and seasonal treats crafted right on the premises.
The Perfect Easter Egg Set includes 20 white eggs, 10 holders, 20 hooks, 20 ribbons, and 8 coloring pens, so you have everything needed to create personalized, unique decorations. Made from high-quality, lightweight plastic, the eggs are durable and paired with colorful hanging ropes for festive fun. Their slightly rough surface makes them easy to paint, and the quick-drying pens ensure designs won’t smudge. Ideal for parent-child activities, parties, or Easter egg hunts, these DIY eggs offer endless creative possibilities and make thoughtful, fun gifts for family and friends.
Creative and Cultural Escapes
If you look to escape the chocolate madness entirely, Easter offers some unique cultural alternatives. The Western Isles Hotel hosts a special Mindful Art Weekend on April 4th & 5th, focusing on resin and outdoor painting. This event serves as a creative retreat for adults who want to capture the island’s scenery on canvas under expert guidance. It is an excellent way to slow down and really observe the changing colours of the spring landscape.
Meanwhile, down on the harbourfront, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Discovery Centre reopens on April 1st, 2026. This centre acts as a fantastic hub for learning about the marine giants that patrol our waters. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff make it an educational stop that adds real depth to your visit, helping you understand the rich marine ecosystem that surrounds the island just as the first migratory whales and dolphins begin to return for the summer.
Wildlife and Walking in April
April is a transitional month for wildlife, making it an exciting time for nature lovers. While the puffins are only just beginning to arrive on the Treshnish Isles, the island’s resident eagles are active and easier to spot before the trees are in full leaf. Keep an eye out for White-tailed Sea Eagles along the coast and Golden Eagles over the moorland. The glens are also starting to fill with the sound of returning migrant birds, adding a soundtrack to your walks.
Walking conditions in April can be mixed, so come prepared with waterproofs and sturdy boots. However, the lack of bracken and midges makes it one of the best times of year for hiking. Trails that become overgrown in summer, such as the path to the Tobermory Lighthouse, are clear and accessible. A walk out to Rubha nan Gall lighthouse offers stunning views and a good chance of spotting otters along the shoreline, providing a perfect, peaceful Easter activity.
