Easter 2026 Bank Holidays in the UK: Key Dates
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday 5 April, making it a highlight on the UK’s bank holiday calendar. For many, this long weekend signals the start of spring, perfect for family gatherings, countryside walks, or seaside escapes. In the UK, Easter bank holidays comprise Good Friday and Easter Monday, both recognised across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though Scotland treats them differently.
Good Friday is on Friday 3 April 2026, a bank holiday throughout the UK. Easter Monday follows on Monday 6 April 2026, but it’s a statutory bank holiday only in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—not in Scotland, where it’s a normal working day for most. This four-day weekend (from Good Friday to Easter Monday) offers ample opportunity for rest and recreation, with schools typically breaking up around this time.
Planning ahead? Book trains, hotels, or attractions early, as popular spots like the Lake District or Cornwall fill up fast. Weather in early April can be unpredictable—pack layers and check forecasts.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays in 2026
While Easter steals the spotlight in April, here’s the complete roster of 2026 bank holidays across the UK nations. Dates are set by the St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007 and government announcements, usually confirmed a year in advance via gov.uk.
England and Wales
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April
- Early May: Monday 4 May
- Spring: Monday 25 May
- Summer: Monday 31 August
- Christmas: Friday 25 December (substitute Monday 28 December)
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday 28 December
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Scotland
Scotland has its own variations:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
- 2 January: Friday 2 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April (local observance, not statutory)
- Early May: Monday 4 May
- Spring: Monday 25 May
- Summer: Monday 3 August
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November
- Christmas: Friday 25 December (substitute Monday 28 December)
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday 28 December
Total: 9 bank holidays. Note Easter Monday isn’t statutory here.
Northern Ireland
Mirrors England and Wales with an extra:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April
- Early May: Monday 4 May
- Spring: Monday 25 May
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day): Monday 13 July
- Summer: Monday 31 August
- Christmas: Friday 25 December (substitute Tuesday 28 December, adjusted for weekend)
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December (substitute Tuesday 28 December)
Total: 10 bank holidays.
Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Friday, but 2026’s 25 December is also Friday, with Boxing Day Saturday—hence the Monday 28 December substitute across regions where applicable.
Regional Differences and What They Mean
The UK’s devolved governments set bank holidays independently, leading to nuances:
- England and Wales: Standard Easter double, ideal for UK-wide travel.
- Scotland: Prioritises New Year with two days off, and summer holiday earlier (3 August vs 31 August). Easter Monday? Many businesses close, but it’s not paid time off by law.
- Northern Ireland: Adds Battle of the Boyne, reflecting cultural history.
If you’re crossing borders—say, driving from England to Scotland post-Easter—check local closures. Supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s often shut on Good Friday, varying by location.
Why Easter Dates Shift Every Year
Easter isn’t fixed like Christmas; it’s the first Sunday after the first full moon post-vernal equinox (ecclesiastical reckoning). In 2026, Paschal full moon is 3 April, so Easter Sunday 5 April. This Western Christian calculation aligns with most UK observances. Orthodox Easter might differ, but UK holidays follow the former.
Historically, bank holidays stem from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, evolving to include Easter for workers’ respite. Today, they’re unpaid unless your contract specifies, but most get time off.
Planning Your Easter 2026 Break
Travel Tips
Expect crowds on major routes: M25, M6, or trains to Edinburgh. National Express coaches offer deals; book via their app. For flights, Eastertide sees cheaper domestic hops from easyJet or Ryanair—Belfast to London from £30 return.
Rail strikes? Unlikely by 2026, but monitor National Rail Enquiries. Avanti West Coast or LNER for scenic Easter jaunts.
Staycations and Days Out
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National Parks: Peak District blooms early April; book glamping.
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Beaches: Brighton or Blackpool for seaside fun, weather permitting.
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Events: Chocolate festivals in York, egg hunts at Hampton Court. RHS Chelsea Flower Show is May, but prep in April.
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London: Easter markets at Borough, Thames boat trips.
Budget: Four-day break averages £300-£500 per person, per ABTA stats.
Family and Pets
Schools off 3-20 April typically. Pet-friendly? Many Airbnbs accommodate. Vegan hot cross buns rising in popularity—check Holland & Barrett.
Work and Business Impacts
Most offices close Good Friday and Easter Monday (England/Wales/NI). Factories, retail vary—Argos opens limited hours. Self-employed? No holiday pay, but use for tax year-end (5 April deadline).
Gig economy: Deliveroo riders work through, but demand surges for fish suppers on Good Friday.
Weather and What to Expect
April 2026 averages 10-13°C, 50mm rain UK-wide, per Met Office historicals. South drier; Scotland wetter. Easter parades possible if mild.
FAQs on Easter 2026 Bank Holidays
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?
No, not statutory, though widely observed.
Do I get paid for bank holidays?
Depends on employment terms—check contract.
Can bank holidays move?
Rarely; 2026 fixed barring royal events.
Supermarkets open on Good Friday?
Many yes, reduced hours—Asda typically 8am-10pm.
International visitors?
UK holidays boost tourism; visa-free for many.
This guide arms you for Easter 2026. Verify gov.uk for updates. Enjoy the long weekend!
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