The Easter bank holidays in 2026 are Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026. These 2 bank holidays create a 4-day long weekend from Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026.
Good Friday is a bank holiday across all 4 UK nations. Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — but not in Scotland.
The 2 most asked questions around the Easter bank holiday 2026 are whether DWP benefit payments will arrive early and whether shops are open. Both are answered in full below.
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. The date is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (21 March). This produces an early-to-mid April date in 2026 — earlier than Easter 2025, which fell on Sunday, 20 April.
Table of Contents
When Is the Easter Bank Holiday 2026?
The Easter bank holiday 2026 consists of 2 public holidays: Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026. The 4-day Easter weekend runs from Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026 without requiring any annual leave.
| Date | Day | Event | Bank Holiday? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Yes — England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| Saturday, 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | No |
| Sunday, 5 April 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | No (large shops face trading restrictions) |
| Monday, 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Yes — England, Wales, Northern Ireland only |
Good Friday is confirmed on GOV.UK will have a bank holiday for all 4 UK nations in 2026. Easter Monday is confirmed for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but is not a statutory bank holiday across Scotland.
The Easter bank holiday dates for 2026 fall earlier in April than in 2025. In 2025, Easter Sunday fell on Sunday, 20 April — 15 days later than the 2026 date of Sunday, 5 April. This earlier timing affects weather expectations for travel and outdoor activities during the long weekend.
Good Friday 2026: What You Need to Know
Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, is a bank holiday across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is the only Easter bank holiday that applies uniformly to all 4 UK nations.
Good Friday is technically a common law holiday rather than a statutory bank holiday listed in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. However, it appears on all official GOV.UK bank holiday listings and is universally observed by employers, banks, businesses, and public services.
3 practical effects apply on Good Friday, 3 April 2026:
- Most high street banks close. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain operational.
- Royal Mail does not deliver post. Private couriers such as DPD and DHL may operate with reduced services.
- DWP benefit payments due on Friday, 3 April 2026, are paid early — on Thursday, 2 April 2026.
Good Friday is not subject to the same large-shop trading restrictions that apply on Easter Sunday. Major supermarkets, retail chains, and shopping centres can open on Good Friday, though some may operate with reduced hours.
Is Easter Monday a Bank Holiday in 2026?
Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026, is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland.
Most Scottish local authorities recognise Easter Monday in practice, but it is not listed as a national bank holiday on GOV.UK for Scotland. Scottish workers should check their employment contract and their local authority’s published calendar to confirm whether Easter Monday is included in their leave entitlement.
Scotland receives 2 bank holidays not observed in England and Wales: Friday, 2 January 2026, and Monday, 30 November 2026 (St Andrew’s Day). This means Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2026, compared to England and Wales with 8.
| Nation | Good Friday | Easter Monday | Total Bank Holidays 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Yes | Yes | 8 |
| Wales | Yes | Yes | 8 |
| Scotland | Yes | No (nationally) | 9 |
| Northern Ireland | Yes | Yes | 10 |
Is Easter Sunday a Bank Holiday in 2026?
Easter Sunday on Sunday, 5 April 2026, is not a bank holiday. However, it is subject to specific legal trading restrictions under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 that do not apply on other Sundays.
Large shops in England and Wales with a floor area exceeding 280 square metres are restricted to a maximum of 6 consecutive hours of trading on Easter Sunday. Most large supermarkets and retailers either open for a 6-hour window (typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) or close entirely.
Small shops with a floor area under 280 square metres face no trading restrictions on Easter Sunday and can open at any time. Restaurants, pubs, cafes, and hospitality venues are not affected by the Sunday trading law and can trade normally.
Scotland and Northern Ireland operate under different retail legislation. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland, so large shops in those nations can open on Easter Sunday without the 6-hour restriction.
Easter Bank Holiday 2026: DWP Benefit Payment Dates
Any DWP benefit payment due on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, or Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, will be paid early — on Thursday, 2 April 2026. The Department for Work and Pensions advances payments when scheduled payment dates fall on bank holidays, because banks are closed and cannot process transactions.
The early payment does not change the amount received. It only changes the date.
Which Benefits Are Affected at Easter 2026?
All DWP and HMRC benefit payments scheduled for Friday, 3 April or Monday, 6 April 2026 are affected. Benefits paid on those dates will arrive on Thursday, 2 April 2026 instead.
Benefits affected include:
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- State Pension
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Benefits not due on 3 April or 6 April 2026 are paid on their usual scheduled dates. Only claimants whose regular payment date falls on one of the 2 Easter bank holidays are affected.
How to Budget Around the Easter 2026 Early Payment
Receiving a benefit payment early on Thursday, 2 April 2026, means the following scheduled payment arrives on its normal date, which may be 2 weeks or 4 weeks later, depending on the payment cycle. The early payment must cover the period until the next payment date. Budget for any additional days created by the Easter advance.
Check your payment schedule through your Universal Credit online journal or by contacting the DWP. The DWP typically publishes confirmed early payment dates for each bank holiday period on GOV.UK closer to the date.
Are Banks Open on Good Friday and Easter Monday 2026?
High street banks in the UK are closed on both Good Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. This applies to all major UK banks, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Halifax, Santander, and TSB.
Online banking platforms, mobile apps, and ATMs remain fully operational throughout the Easter weekend.
Bank transfers and direct debits scheduled for Good Friday or Easter Monday may process differently depending on the payment type:
| Payment Type | Good Friday Processing | Easter Monday Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments | May process on the day | May process on the day |
| BACS transfers | Delayed to next working day (Tuesday, 7 April) | Delayed to next working day (Tuesday, 7 April) |
| CHAPS payments | Not processed on bank holidays | Not processed on bank holidays |
| Direct debits | Typically collected on the next working day | Typically collected on the next working day |
Confirm specific processing timelines with your bank before the Easter weekend if you have time-sensitive payments due on Friday, 3 April or Monday, 6 April 2026.
DWP and Jobcentre Closures at Easter 2026
Jobcentres and DWP offices are closed on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. Normal services resume on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
The GOV.UK online portal and the Universal Credit online journal remain accessible throughout the Easter bank holiday weekend. Claimants with pending queries or appointments should arrange them before Thursday, 2 April 2026, or wait until Tuesday, 7 April 2026, when offices reopen.
Shop and Supermarket Opening Hours: Easter Bank Holiday 2026
Good Friday Opening Hours
Most major supermarkets and retailers open on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, though some operate with reduced hours compared to a normal Friday. There are no legal trading restrictions specific to Good Friday for large shops in England and Wales.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Lidl, and Aldi typically open on Good Friday. Hours vary by store location. Check your local store’s website or app for confirmed hours before travelling.
Easter Sunday Opening Hours
Large supermarkets and retailers in England and Wales are legally restricted to 6 consecutive hours of trading on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, under the Sunday Trading Act 1994. Most large stores open between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, or close entirely.
Small convenience stores and independent shops with a floor area under 280 square metres are not subject to this restriction and can open at any time. Petrol stations operate normally.
Easter Monday Opening Hours
Supermarkets and major retailers open on Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, but typically with reduced hours compared to a normal Monday. Easter Monday is a standard bank holiday — no specific trading restrictions apply beyond normal bank holiday operating patterns.
Most major attractions, museums, and leisure centres also open on Easter Monday. Check specific venue websites for confirmed hours, as these vary.
Royal Mail and Postal Services at Easter 2026
Royal Mail does not deliver post on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, or Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. Collections are also suspended on both bank holidays. Factor an additional 2 non-delivery days into any expected delivery timelines around the Easter weekend.
Post offices are closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Normal services resume on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Private courier services operate different policies. DHL, DPD, Evri, and Parcelforce may offer reduced delivery services on bank holidays, but this is not guaranteed. Check directly with your courier if you have time-sensitive parcels expected over the Easter weekend.
Public Transport: Easter Bank Holiday Weekend 2026
Most UK rail and bus services run a reduced Sunday timetable on Good Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. This affects journey times and service frequency on both bank holiday days.
Key considerations for travel during the Easter bank holiday 2026:
- National Rail operates amended timetables on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. Check National Rail Enquiries for specific route timetables before travelling.
- Transport for London (TfL) runs a reduced schedule across the Tube, Overground, and bus networks on bank holidays. Plan extra journey time if travelling in London.
- Coach operators, including National Express and Megabus, typically run services over Easter, but with adjusted schedules. Book in advance as Easter weekend services fill quickly.
- Motorways and major A-roads experience significantly higher traffic volumes over the Easter bank holiday weekend. The RAC and AA consistently identify Good Friday as one of the busiest travel days of the year on UK roads.
Annual Leave Planner: Easter Bank Holiday 2026
Workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can extend the Easter bank holiday weekend significantly by booking annual leave on the working days surrounding Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Option 1: 10 Days Off for 4 Days of Annual Leave (Week Before Easter)
Book Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April 2026 (4 days of annual leave) for 10 consecutive days off from Saturday, 28 March to Monday, 6 April 2026. The Easter bank holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday) provide the anchor.
| Dates | Status |
|---|---|
| Saturday, 28 March 2026 | Weekend |
| Sunday, 29 March 2026 | Weekend |
| Monday, 30 March 2026 | Annual leave (Day 1) |
| Tuesday, 31 March 2026 | Annual leave (Day 2) |
| Wednesday, 1 April 2026 | Annual leave (Day 3) |
| Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Annual leave (Day 4) |
| Friday, 3 April 2026 | Good Friday bank holiday |
| Saturday, 4 April 2026 | Weekend |
| Sunday, 5 April 2026 | Easter Sunday |
| Monday, 6 April 2026 | Easter Monday bank holiday |
Option 2: 10 Days Off for 4 Days of Annual Leave (Week After Easter)
Book Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April 2026 (4 days of annual leave) for 10 consecutive days off from Friday, 3 April to Sunday, 12 April 2026.
This option is particularly suitable for families, as most schools in England and Wales break up from Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April 2026, with pupils returning on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Option 3: 16 Days Off for 8 Days of Annual Leave
Book Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April 2026 (4 days) and Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April 2026 (4 days) for 16 consecutive days off from Saturday, 28 March to Sunday, 12 April 2026.
This option uses 8 days of annual leave and produces the maximum possible break around Easter 2026. It aligns precisely with the school Easter holiday period for most of England and Wales (Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April 2026).
| Option | Annual Leave Used | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|
| Week before Easter | 4 days | 10 days |
| Week after Easter | 4 days | 10 days |
| Both weeks (full Easter break) | 8 days | 16 days |
The Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026, falls 4 weeks after Easter Monday. Workers who save annual leave after Easter can use a further 4 days (Tuesday, 5 May to Friday, 8 May 2026) for a second 9-day break in May.
Things to Do Over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend 2026
Easter Egg Hunts and Family Activities
National Trust properties run Easter egg trails across more than 300 sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland during the Easter bank holiday weekend. Trails typically operate from Good Friday through Easter Monday. Booking is required at most sites and opens several weeks before Easter — places at popular properties sell out before the bank holiday weekend.
English Heritage sites at castles and historic houses across England schedule hands-on Easter family activities. Farm parks across the UK offer lambing visits during April, as lambing season peaks between March and April. Specific farms that open to visitors during this period include Cannon Hall Farm in Yorkshire and Farmer Palmer’s in Dorset.
Easter Weekend Breaks in the UK
The 4-day Easter bank holiday weekend is sufficient for a short UK break, with coastal and countryside destinations most popular. Accommodation books up quickly for the Easter weekend — demand is higher than for the February or May half-term periods.
Popular UK destinations for Easter 2026 include:
- Cornwall and Devon — coastal walks, farm parks, and beach visits; sea temperatures average 9°C to 10°C in early April
- The Lake District — Wordsworth’s Grasmere, Windermere lake cruises, and accessible fell walks suitable for families
- Yorkshire — North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Whitby Abbey, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Northumberland — Bamburgh Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and wide, uncrowded beaches
- The Scottish Highlands — Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and Loch Ness accessible from both Edinburgh and Glasgow
Self-catering cottages and holiday parks at these destinations sell out for Easter. Book several months in advance for the best availability.
Easter Bank Holiday in London
Major London attractions open during the Easter bank holiday weekend include the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium. National museums charge no admission for their permanent collections. The Tower of London and Kew Gardens charge entry and run Easter-specific programming — book tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Transport for London runs reduced Tube and bus services on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. Journey times are longer than on a normal weekday. The South Bank, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park are free to visit and typically busy on fine Easter bank holiday days.
Why Does Easter Change Date Every Year?
Easter changes date each year because it is calculated using the lunar calendar rather than the fixed Gregorian calendar. The date of Easter is defined as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, which falls on or around 21 March.
This calculation was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and has governed the date of Easter for approximately 1,700 years. The result is that Easter Sunday can fall on any date between 22 March and 25 April in any given year.
| Year | Easter Sunday | Good Friday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sunday, 31 March 2024 | Friday, 29 March 2024 | Monday, 1 April 2024 |
| 2025 | Sunday, 20 April 2025 | Friday, 18 April 2025 | Monday, 21 April 2025 |
| 2026 | Sunday, 5 April 2026 | Friday, 3 April 2026 | Monday, 6 April 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 28 March 2027 | Friday, 26 March 2027 | Monday, 29 March 2027 |
Easter 2026 falls earlier than Easter 2025 by 15 days. Easter 2027 falls earlier still — on Sunday, 28 March 2027.
The Greek Orthodox church calculates Easter using the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Greek Orthodox Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 12 April 2026 — 7 days after Western Easter.
Easter Bank Holiday 2026: Full Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Day | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 17 February 2026 | Tuesday | Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) | 44 days before Easter Sunday |
| Wednesday, 18 February 2026 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | Start of Lent |
| Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Thursday | Early DWP payments | Benefits due on Good Friday or Easter Monday paid today |
| Friday, 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday — bank holiday | Banks, post offices, DWP offices closed |
| Saturday, 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Not a bank holiday |
| Sunday, 5 April 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Large shops subject to 6-hour trading limit |
| Monday, 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday — bank holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not Scotland |
| Tuesday, 7 April 2026 | Tuesday | Normal working day resumes | DWP offices, banks reopen |
| Sunday, 12 April 2026 | Sunday | Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday | Separate calculation using Julian calendar |
| Monday, 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday | Banks, post offices, and DWP offices closed |
Frequently Asked Questions: Easter Bank Holiday 2026
When is the Easter bank holiday 2026?
The Easter bank holidays in 2026 are Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026. Together they create a 4-day weekend from Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026.
Is Good Friday 2026 a bank holiday?
Yes. Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, is a bank holiday across all 4 UK nations: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Is Easter Monday 2026 a bank holiday?
Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026, is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland at the national level, though many Scottish employers observe it.
Is Easter Sunday a bank holiday in 2026?
No. Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, is not a bank holiday. However, large shops in England and Wales are restricted to a maximum of 6 hours of trading on Easter Sunday under the Sunday Trading Act 1994.
Will DWP benefits be paid early at Easter 2026?
Yes. Any DWP or HMRC benefit payment due on Friday, 3 April 2026 (Good Friday) or Monday, 6 April 2026 (Easter Monday) will be paid early on Thursday, 2 April 2026. The amount does not change — only the payment date moves.
Are banks open on Good Friday and Easter Monday 2026?
No. High street banks are closed on both Good Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain available throughout the Easter weekend.
Are supermarkets open on Easter Sunday 2026?
Large supermarkets in England and Wales can open on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, for a maximum of 6 consecutive hours, under the Sunday Trading Act 1994. Most open between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Small shops face no trading restrictions.
Does Scotland observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday in 2026?
Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland. Only Good Friday (Friday, 3 April 2026) is a confirmed bank holiday across all 4 UK nations. Scottish workers should check their employment contract for Easter Monday entitlement.
How can I get 10 days off at Easter 2026 with only 4 days of annual leave?
Book Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April 2026 (4 days) to achieve 10 consecutive days off from Saturday, 28 March to Monday, 6 April 2026. Alternatively, book Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April 2026 (4 days) for 10 consecutive days off from Good Friday to Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Do I get paid extra for working on the Easter bank holiday 2026?
There is no automatic legal right to enhanced pay for working on bank holidays. Whether you receive premium pay depends entirely on your employment contract. The statutory minimum under the Employment Rights Act 1996 does not require employers to pay more than standard rates for bank holiday working.
When is the next bank holiday after Easter 2026?
The next bank holiday after Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, is the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026. This applies to all 4 UK nations.
All Easter bank holiday dates are confirmed on GOV.UK. DWP early payment dates are typically confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions on GOV.UK is closer to each bank holiday. Shop trading restrictions on Easter Sunday are governed by the Sunday Trading Act 1994 (England and Wales). Employment rights regarding bank holiday pay are set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996.
