Easter 2026 Date in the UK: What You Need to Know
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April, making it a key date for families, workers, and holiday planners across the UK. This guide covers the Easter 2026 date, associated bank holidays, and the full 2026 UK bank holiday calendar. Whether you’re booking time off, planning a getaway, or just curious about public holidays, we’ve got the official details aligned with gov.uk references.
Easter dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar—the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. In 2026, this lands mid-April, creating a four-day weekend for many with Good Friday and Easter Monday off.
Easter 2026 Bank Holidays
The Easter period brings two bank holidays observed nationwide, though with regional nuances:
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Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 – A bank holiday across all UK nations (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). Schools close, most businesses shut, and it’s a day for reflection or travel.
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Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 – A bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland does not observe it as a statutory holiday, so many Scots return to work, though some schools may align.
This creates a long weekend from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April for most of England, Wales, and NI—perfect for egg hunts, seaside trips, or garden centre visits as spring blooms.
Full UK Bank Holidays 2026 Calendar
Here’s the complete list of 2026 bank holidays, categorised by nation. Note regional differences, especially for Scotland.
England and Wales
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute (for Boxing Day) |
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Scotland
Scotland has unique dates:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January (Scotland-only) |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer (Scotland) |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute (for Boxing Day) |
Total: 9 bank holidays. Easter Monday isn’t included.
Northern Ireland
Aligns closely with England and Wales, plus St Patrick’s Day if applicable (not in 2026):
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute (for Boxing Day) |
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Planning Around Easter 2026
School Holidays
Easter school holidays typically span two weeks around Easter Sunday. In England and Wales, expect closures from late March to mid-April (e.g., 30 March to 13 April, varying by council). Scotland often aligns Good Friday but skips Easter Monday, with holidays around 3-20 April. Northern Ireland mirrors England. Check your local authority for exact dates—gov.uk has links.
Travel and Getaways
The Easter 2026 long weekend will see busy roads, trains, and airports. Book early for:
- UK breaks: Cornwall beaches, Lake District walks, or Cotswolds cottages. National Trust sites like Easter egg trails fill up fast.
- Abroad: Popular spots like Spain or Portugal peak—flights from Heathrow or Gatwick surge.
Tips:
- Use National Rail for advance tickets.
- Monitor RAC or AA for traffic (M25 and M6 hotspots).
- Ferries to Ireland or Isles of Scilly book months ahead.
Fuel prices may rise; consider electric vehicle charging networks expanding by 2026.
Events and Traditions
- Egg rolling: Giant’s Causeway (NI) or Avenham Park (Preston).
- Parades: Hot cross bun festivals in London or York.
- Religious services: Westminster Abbey or local churches.
Weather-wise, April 2026 averages 10-15°C, with showers likely—pack layers.
Regional Differences and Employer Rules
Bank holidays aren’t automatic paid days off; check your contract. Many employers grant them, but retail and hospitality often work.
- Scotland: No Easter Monday means shorter breaks, but extra summer holiday compensates.
- Substitute days: Christmas (Fri 25 Dec) and Boxing Day (Sat 26 Dec) shift to Mon 28 Dec.
Self-employed? Plan around client closures.
Easter 2026 FAQs
When is Easter Sunday 2026?
5 April 2026.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday everywhere?
No—England, Wales, NI yes; Scotland no.
How many bank holidays in 2026?
8 in England/Wales/NI; 9 in Scotland.
Can I book Easter 2026 holidays now?
Yes—train tickets 12 weeks ahead, hotels sooner.
Impact on pay?
Overtime rates apply if working; statutory pay unaffected.
Making the Most of Your Easter Break
With climate change bringing milder springs, 2026 Easter could be ideal for outdoor pursuits. Try:
- Family days: Chocolate factories like Cadbury World.
- Staycations: Glamping in the Peak District.
- Volunteering: Beach cleans via Marine Conservation Society.
Budget tips: Use comparison sites like Trainline or Booking.com. Loyalty schemes (Tesco Clubcard) offer Easter deals.
For businesses, Easter boosts retail—stock eggs and lamb!
Beyond Easter: Other 2026 Highlights
Post-Easter:
- Early May (4 May): Garden tidy-up time.
- Spring bank holiday (25 May): Festival season starts (e.g., Hay Festival prep).
Pre-Easter: New Year long weekend if taking annual leave.
Stay updated via gov.uk/working-arrangements-bank-holidays or BBC News.
This guide ensures you’re Easter-ready for 2026. Share with mates planning shifts!
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