Planning your family’s schedule for the Easter Holidays 2026 in the UK starts here. The Easter Holidays 2026 bring a two-week break for most schools, plus key UK Bank Holidays like Good Friday and Easter Monday.
This guide confirms the Easter 2026 dates for your kids’ Easter holidays and inspires family holiday activities for your family trip, places, and festive break.
What date is Easter break 2026?
For the vast majority of state school Easter holidays, the Easter Holidays 2026 are expected to run from Monday, 30th March 2026, to Friday, 10th April 2026. This covers the April Easter holiday period. Always verify with your local authority for the absolute final dates, as some variations exist.
Easter Holidays 2026 UK Schools: Confirmed Dates
Here are the typical school Easter holidays 2026 dates:
| Nation/Region | Expected Start Date | Expected Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| England (most areas) | Monday, 30 March 2026 | Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Wales (most areas) | Monday, 30 March 2026 | Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Scotland (Spring break) | Early April 2026 | Mid-April 2026 |
| Northern Ireland | Monday, 30 March 2026 | Friday, 10 April 2026 |
UK Easter Bank Holidays & Public Holidays 2026
The fixed Easter bank holidays in 2026 are separate from the school term. These UK public holidays are:
- Good Friday: Friday, 3rd April 2026 (nationwide).
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6th April 2026 (a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not universally in Scotland).
Find UK School Holidays by Council
Looking for official school holiday dates across the UK? Browse our complete guide to UK school holidays organised by council so you can quickly find accurate term dates and plan family activities with confidence.
School Easter Holidays UK: What Parents Need to Know
This two-week break is the perfect time to recharge. Remember, childcare and holiday clubs get booked quickly, so early planning is wise. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to plan family holidays around UK school terms before the peak summer prices hit.
UK Primary School Easter Holidays 2026: Key Info
For primary school Easter holidays, the dates are the same as the broader Easter school holidays in 2026. Many local libraries, museums, and councils run fantastic holiday activity schemes targeted at younger children during this time.
April Easter Holidays 2026 in the UK
With the break spanning late March and early April, you can enjoy the shift to spring. Weather can be mixed, so packing for all possibilities is key for any family trip, place, or festive break.
Easter School Holidays 2026 UK England & Wales
England and Wales have a high degree of alignment in their systems. The Easter school holidays in England and the Easter holidays in Wales will be almost identical for most families, running from late March to mid-April.
Family Holiday Activities for the Easter Break 2026
Are you looking for ideas for family holiday activities? Here are some brilliant ideas:
- Outdoor Adventures: National Trust Easter trails are a classic. Explore the coasts of Norfolk or the landscapes of Wales.
- City Breaks: Consider London, Birmingham, or Cardiff for museums and indoor attractions.
- Festive Fun: Many farms and zoos host Easter-themed events, perfect for younger children.
Have a Question About School Holiday Dates?
If you’ve spotted an issue, need clarification, or have a question about UK school holidays or term dates, feel free to get in touch with us.
Important Planning Advice for the Easter Holidays 2026
Planning ahead for the Easter holidays 2026 is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable break. Here are our top practical tips for parents and caregivers.
- Confirm Exact Dates Locally: Check your school’s website or local council portal by February 2026 for finalised term dates, as inset days can cause variations.
- Book Travel & Accommodation Early: Secure flights, hotels, and UK breaks in January 2026 to avoid peak pricing and limited availability during this busy period.
- Register for Holiday Clubs in Advance: Popular childcare clubs, sports camps, and activity schemes fill quickly. Register interest and book 4–6 weeks before the break.
- Utilise the Easter Monday Long Weekend: The bank holiday on Monday, 6th April 2026 is ideal for a mini-family trip or a special outing during the second week.
- Prepare for All Weather: Pack layers and have indoor backup plans (museums, soft play, cinemas), as UK April weather is unpredictable.
- Budget for Extra Costs: Account for holiday clubs, attractions, events, and festive treats in your planning. Seek free local community events.
Official Information and Resources
For 100% confirmed dates, always refer to the official source. The Government UK website is the authority for all UK school holidays.
Discover more detailed regional calendars and activity ideas on our site to make the most of every UK school holiday. Remember, for the final word, always double-check with your local council via the official GOV.UK link.
FAQs
How long is the Easter holiday in 2026?
Typically two weeks for most UK schools, from late March to mid-April.
What are the Easter dates in 2026?
Good Friday is 3rd April, Easter Sunday is 5th April, and Easter Monday is 6th April 2026.
What are UK school holidays in 2026?
They include Autumn, Christmas, Spring (Easter), Summer half-term, and the main Summer holiday. Check our full 2026 calendar.
When exactly is Easter in 2026?
Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, 5th April 2026.
Where to go on holiday in Easter 2026?
Great UK options include coastal retreats in Cornwall, city breaks in Edinburgh, or activity centres in the Lake District.
Why do UK schools have 6 weeks off?
The long summer holiday has historical roots in the agricultural calendar, allowing children to help with harvests.
Why is Easter so early in 2026?
Easter’s date is based on a lunar calendar (the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox), causing it to shift each year.
Where should I travel in April 2026?
Consider the Netherlands for tulip season, or southern Europe for milder weather, though it’s still shoulder season.
