As the days get longer, it’s time to plan for the vibrant Easter Holidays 2026 in the UK. If you’re in England, Scotland, Wales, or NI, this guide from Coming Holidays in the UK has you covered. We’ll provide the important dates for Good Friday and Easter Monday, outline the bank holidays, and inspire your family breaks and weekend breaks with brilliant holiday activities.
Key Easter 2026 Dates at a Glance
Mark your calendars! Here are the essential dates for the Easter Holidays 2026 UK:
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | 3rd April 2026 | Friday |
| Easter Sunday | 5th April 2026 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | 6th April 2026 | Monday |
The Future Easter Holidays: 2027, 2028, and More
| Year | Good Friday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 26 March 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 29 March 2027 |
| 2028 | 14 April 2028 | 16 April 2028 | 17 April 2028 |
| 2029 | 30 March 2029 | 1 April 2029 | 2 April 2029 |
| 2030 | 19 April 2030 | 21 April 2030 | 22 April 2030 |
| 2031 | 11 April 2031 | 13 April 2031 | 14 April 2031 |
| 2032 | 26 March 2032 | 28 March 2032 | 29 March 2032 |
| 2033 | 15 April 2033 | 17 April 2033 | 18 April 2033 |
| 2034 | 7 April 2034 | 9 April 2034 | 10 April 2034 |
| 2035 | 23 March 2035 | 25 March 2035 | 26 March 2035 |
| 2036 | 11 April 2036 | 13 April 2036 | 14 April 2036 |
The 2026 Easter Bank Holidays Explained
In the United Kingdom, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays (commonly known as bank holidays). This means most people have a fabulous four-day weekend, with schools and many businesses closed. It’s the perfect opportunity for a short getaway or to enjoy local family activities.
Easter School Holidays 2026: A Regional Breakdown
The school Easter holidays in 2026 in the UK are typically longer than just the long weekend. Most schools across the UK break up for a two-to-three-week spring holiday. However, exact dates vary by nation and local authority.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in England
For most UK schools in England, the break is expected to run from around Monday, 30th March 2026, to Friday, 17th April 2026. Always check with your local council for the confirmed primary school Easter holidays 2026 UK dates.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in Scotland
Scottish schools often have a slightly different term structure. The Easter school holidays in 2026 in Scotland are anticipated to begin around Friday, 27th March 2026, and end around Monday, 13th April 2026.
Need Help with UK Bank Holidays?
Have questions about upcoming UK bank holidays or planning time off? Get expert guidance from Coming Holidays and plan your year with clarity and confidence.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in Wales
Similar to England, the Easter school holidays in Wales in 2026 will likely be from late March to mid-April 2026. Specific dates are set by local Welsh authorities.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in Northern Ireland
Schools in NI can expect their April Easter holidays in 2026 in the UK to fall within a similar timeframe, typically from late March to mid-April.
Local Authority Easter Holiday Dates 2026
While the exact Easter holidays 2026 UK dates for each council will be confirmed closer to the time, here are the projected periods for some key areas. These are estimates based on typical patterns.
Easter Holidays 2026 in London
The Easter school holidays in London, UK, 2026, are expected to run from late March to mid-April 2026.
Easter Holidays 2026 in Birmingham
For the Easter holidays 2026, UK Birmingham anticipates the break to be around 30th March – 17th April 2026.
Easter Holidays 2026 in Hampshire
Hampshire schools will likely follow the standard English holiday period.
Easter Holidays 2026 in Staffordshire
Staffordshire break is projected for the end of March through mid-April.
Easter Holidays 2026 in Cornwall
Cornwall should see schools finish in late March and return in mid-April.
Easter Holidays 2026 in Devon
Devon, expect a holiday period from late March to mid-April 2026.
Fantastic Family Activities for the Easter Holidays 2026
The kids’ Easter holidays in 2026 in the UK are a fantastic time for fun. Here are some holiday activities to light up their break:
- Classic Easter Egg Hunts: Join organised hunts at National Trust properties or local parks.
- Spring Crafts: Get creative with DIY Easter bonnets, egg decorating, and bunny-themed art.
- Museum & Gallery Days: Perfect for rainy days, many UK institutions run special family workshops.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore local woodlands, fly a kite on a hill, or take a bracing beach walk.
Planning Your Easter Getaway: Family Breaks & Weekend Trips
The long Easter Monday weekend is ideal for a weekend break. Consider these family breaks:
- City Escapes: Explore the history of York, the culture of Edinburgh, or the excitement of London.
- Coastal Retreats: Discover the stunning beaches of Cornwall or the dramatic cliffs of Devon.
- Countryside Bliss: Reconnect with nature in the Lake District or the Peak District.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Explore the complete list of countries’ bank holidays and stay ahead with accurate dates, smart planning, and stress-free travel and work schedules.
More UK Public Holidays in 2026
Now you’ve mastered the Easter Holidays 2026, why not look ahead? Explore our complete calendar of bank holidays and public holidays for 2026 on Coming Holidays—your home for all information on upcoming holidays in the UK.
Explore Other Upcoming Holidays on Coming Holidays:
- England Bank Holidays
- Scotland Bank Holidays
- Wales Bank Holidays
- Northern Ireland Bank Holidays
- St. Patrick’s Day 2026
- Good Friday 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday 2026
From all of us at Coming Holidays, we wish you a joyful, relaxing, and fun-filled break with your loved ones. For the most official and confirmed dates, always check the GOV.UK website. Now, start planning your perfect spring adventure!
FAQs
What dates are Good Friday and Easter Monday in 2026?
Good Friday is on 3rd April 2026, and Easter Monday is on 6th April 2026.
How long is the Easter holiday in 2026?
The bank holiday weekend is 4 days (3rd-6th April). For schools, the holiday is typically 2-3 weeks, running from late March to mid-April.
Why is Easter so early in 2026?
Easter’s date is set by a lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. In 2026, this cycle results in an early April date.
Where does Easter fall in 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on the 5th of April.
What are the Monday holidays in 2026?
The Monday bank holidays in 2026 are Easter Monday (6th Apr), Early May Bank Holiday (4th May), Spring Bank Holiday (25th May), and Summer Bank Holiday (31st Aug, except Scotland, which has 3rd Aug).
