Dear Reader,

Sometimes I become song obsessed. Currently it's Harry Styles' Sign of the Times which is on repeat. This beautiful ballad is heartwrenching and speaks to these current times of horrific worldly turmoil. Letting anguish latch onto something universal, like music, feels like being attached to something rather than being rudderless in a cloud of anxiety, not knowing where to anchor. Singing is a way to raise one's voice above others (so different from shouting). I hope this Easter brings songs, chocolate and a slowing down in any order (though, I have to say, have you seen the price of chocolate?). Happy Easter.

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

Decorate the table for Easter

Having the family round for lunch on Sunday? Ensure your home looks the part. ‘The Easter table should feel relaxed – think layered linens, fresh seasonal flowers and ceramics in spring tones,’ says Alexandra Tobler, VP and creative director of Westwing Collection. ‘I love mixing elegant tableware with one or two whimsical touches to keep the setting sophisticated yet on-trend.’ And how best to navigate the fine line between whimsy and tacky? ‘Think rabbit-shaped plates, a themed salt and pepper shaker, or a small sculptural ornament,’ suggests Rebecca Proctor, creative director at MacKenzie-Childs. ‘These thoughtful details bring charm without overwhelming the table – and, more importantly, can easily be removed. This leaves a versatile tablescape that can be enjoyed throughout spring and summer, keeping your table both festive and timeless.’ For more Easter tablescaping inspiration, see our guide here.

Read Son of Nobody by Yann Martel

When feasting and TV bingeing no longer feels satisfying over the long weekend, feed your brain and pick up the latest novel by Life of Pi author and Booker Prize winner Yann Martel. We follow Harlow Donne, an academic who has devoted his life to the classical world – and who is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study an obscure collection of papyrus fragments at Oxford University. Harlow seizes the opportunity, despite it meaning he’ll have to leave his family behind in Canada, and while leafing through materials in the Bodleian Library he discovers a lost account of the Trojan War. He names the epic poem The Psoad – a nod to its protagonist, a Greek commoner identified as Psoas of Midea (known as ‘son of nobody’) who leaves his family to fight at Troy. As Harlow assembles and comments on the fragments in footnotes, he’s confronted with the parallels between the poem and his own life, and left to wade through questions of ambition, family and responsibility. Out now, bookshop.org

Going Out

Watch the Boat Race

It was in 1829 that a Cambridge student first challenged an Oxford student to a rowing race at Henley-on-Thames. Attracting over 20,000 spectators, the Oxford-Cambridge boat race is now an annual tradition between the rival universities. Whether you’ll be cheering on the dark blues (Oxford), light blues (Cambridge) or simply enjoying the match free from affiliation, race day promises plenty of opportunity for pints, Pimms and riverside views. The coverage is streamed on Channel 4, but it’s much more fun to cheer on the crews in person. Alongside the en-route bridges and embankments, the Fulham fan zone at Bishop’s Park and Hammersmith fan zone at Furnivall Gardens are favourites among supporters – or step it up a notch by enjoying the hospitality offerings at The Blues’ Club at Fulham Pier or The Presidents’ Club at Thames Rowing Club. Prefer to watch from the pub? The Duke’s Head, Sam’s Riverside terrace, and The Rutland Arms make for perfect viewing. Discover our full guide here.

Go to a tulip festival

Each spring, fields, palace gardens and castle grounds across the UK erupt into colour as tulips burst into bloom. For a few fleeting weeks the landscape looks more like the Netherlands than the English countryside thanks to these spring blooms: think rows of crimson, apricot, violet and butter-yellow petals stretching as far as the eye can see. If scale is what you’re after, Tulleys in Sussex delivers in abundance. Best known for its annual pumpkin patch, the farm’s spring festival involves planting roughly 1.5 million tulips across more than 100 varieties. Kicking off today, visitors can wander through the vibrant tapestry of fields striped with bold colours, with Dutch street food fuelling your tranquil strolls. Once the sun has set, a light-up tulip-themed trail fills the woods. Until 26 April 2026, tulipfarm.co.uk

Try a chocolate masterclass

Instead of (or as well as) scoffing Easter chocolate this spring, why not try your hand at making a luxury version? Head to Melt in Notting Hill for a 1.5-hour masterclass in creating the perfect, milky-smooth bar. Sessions are available for ages 14 and up, beginning with learning – and tasting – how chocolate has evolved through the centuries. Participants will then craft their own creations, all the way from sorting and roasting cacao beans to coaxing bars out of their molds. Find more family-friendly weekend ideas here.

Share This Newsletter With A Friend

Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

Just a stone’s throw from the historic Trevi Fountain in Rome, this 400-year-old palace was once home to Pope John Paul II who studied at the former college during his youth. With six floors, 40 bedrooms and many a frescoed ceiling, this is certainly one heavenly home. On the market for €30m, lionard.com

Competition Time

1. Win a two-night stay at The Manor House, Alsager, complete with Spa Garden access

2. Win a three-night bed and breakfast stay at the ALERÓ Seaside Skyros Resort in Greece

3. Win a Diamond Cut Crystal Set from Richard Brendon worth over £700

Psssst…

The Natural History Museum is hosting its first-ever Sofar Sounds evening on 10 July 2026. The line-up is still under wraps but these live music events are known for hosting some of the biggest stars in their early careers – previous artists have included Olivia Dean, James Bay and Tom Odell. nhm.ac.uk