News | August 14, 2025

When is Easter 2026? Dates, School Holidays, and Planning a Group Getaway

Ed Maughan

Easter is one of the most popular times of year for families, friends, and groups to get together. With two long bank holiday weekends and school breaks across the UK, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan a spring escape. If you’re thinking ahead to 2026, here’s everything you need to know about Easter dates, school holidays, and how to make the most of your time off.

If you’re looking to plan even further ahead, take a look at our guide to Easter 2027.

Easter Dates in 2026

In 2026, Easter falls slightly earlier than in some years. Easter Sunday in 2026 is on Sunday, 5th of April.

The full breakdown of key Easter dates:

Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April 2026
Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026

That means a four-day weekend for many, with schools and workplaces closing for the bank holidays.

School Holidays at Easter 2026

Most schools in the UK arrange their Easter holidays around these dates, usually giving two weeks off that include the bank holiday weekend. The exact timing varies by region, but you can expect the break to fall between:

Monday 30 March – Friday 10 April 2026 (England and Wales, typical dates)
Late March to mid-April 2026 (Scotland and Northern Ireland, regional variation applies)

If you’re planning a group trip with children, it’s worth checking your local authority’s school calendar to confirm.

Planning a Group Getaway for Easter

Spring is a brilliant time for a group holiday. The days are getting longer, gardens are coming into bloom, and many destinations are less crowded than the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a countryside farmhouse, a coastal retreat, or a large city pad, Easter offers the ideal mix of relaxation and adventure.

Here are some ideas for Easter 2026 group trips:

Countryside escapes: Celebrate Easter surrounded by nature in the Lake District, Cotswolds, or Peak District.
Coastal breaks: Enjoy fresh sea air with a stay in Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire, or Northumberland.
City stays: Explore historic sites, family attractions, and cultural events in cities like Bath, Edinburgh, or York.

Large holiday houses give you space to cook together, host an Easter egg hunt in the garden, and relax by the fire after a spring walk.

Group Accommodation for Easter 2026

Browse all Easter Stays

Queensbury Barns - external view of converted farm buildings

Browse all Easter Stays

How to Make the Most of Your Time Off

With the Easter weekend falling from 3–6 April, you can maximise your annual leave by adding a few extra days:

Take Monday 30 March – Thursday 2 April off, and you’ll enjoy a 10-day break from Saturday 28 March to Monday 6 April.
Add the following week, and you can extend your holiday to a full 16 days off using just 8 days of annual leave.

This makes Easter one of the most rewarding times of year for booking a longer group getaway.

Easter 2026 FAQs

When is Easter Sunday in 2026?

Easter Sunday is on 5 April 2026.

Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in 2026?

Yes, Easter Monday (6 April 2026) is a bank holiday across the UK, except in Scotland.

Will attractions and shops be open over Easter?

Most attractions remain open, though some may close on Easter Sunday. Shops may have reduced opening hours, so check in advance.

When should I book my Easter holiday accommodation?

Large houses and popular destinations book up quickly for the Easter break. It’s best to secure your property as early as possible to avoid missing out.