Easter half term 2026 runs from Monday, 30 March 2026 to Friday, 10 April 2026 for most schools in England and Wales. Schools return on Monday, 13 April 2026. Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday falls on Monday, 6 April 2026 — both are UK bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
One important clarification: what many people call “Easter half term” is not technically a half term. It is the end-of-spring-term school holiday — a full two-week break. Half terms occur in February and May.
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. This is considered an early Easter, as the date can range from March 22 to April 25, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2025, Easter Sunday fell on Sunday, 20 April — 15 days later than in 2026. The earlier date in 2026 has practical implications for weather expectations and travel pricing.
Table of Contents
When Is Easter Half Term 2026?
Easter half term 2026 starts on Monday, 30 March 2026, and ends on Friday, 10 April 2026 for most schools in England and Wales. The break covers 12 days across 2 calendar weeks.
| Region | Easter Holiday Dates 2026 | Schools Return |
|---|---|---|
| England (most councils) | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 | Monday, 13 April 2026 |
| Wales | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 | Monday, 13 April 2026 |
| Scotland | Thursday, 2 April – Friday, 17 April 2026 (varies by council) | Monday, 20 April 2026 |
| Northern Ireland | Thursday, 2 April – Friday, 10 April 2026 | Monday, 13 April 2026 |
The break is anchored by 2 bank holidays: Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026. These apply to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a statutory bank holiday.
INSET days (In-Service Training days) scheduled immediately before or after the break can shift the first or last day of the pupil holiday by 1 day. Always confirm exact dates with your school directly.
Easter Half Term 2026 and the Bank Holidays
Easter half term 2026 contains 2 bank holidays: Good Friday on Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April 2026. These create a 4-day public holiday weekend at the centre of the school break.
| Bank Holiday | Date | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April 2026 | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April 2026 | England, Wales, Northern Ireland only |
For most working parents in England and Wales, the first week of the Easter break (Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April 2026) requires 4 days of childcare or annual leave. The 4-day bank holiday weekend (Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April) then provides a break from childcare, before the second week (Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April) requires a further 4 days of cover.
Scotland’s non-observance of Easter Monday as a bank holiday means Scottish workers do not automatically receive the Monday off. Scottish families should check their employment terms and their local authority school calendar separately.
Is Easter 2026 Early or Late?
Easter 2026 is early. Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026 — near the earlier end of the possible range of March 22 to April 25. For comparison, Easter Sunday fell on Sunday, 20 April 2025, and Sunday, 31 March 2024.
The date of Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March 21). In 2026, that calculation produces an early April date.
The practical effects of an early Easter include:
- Average maximum temperatures in England during early April are approximately 11°C to 13°C, according to the Met Office’s historical averages — cooler than a late-April Easter
- Sea temperatures around UK coasts average 9°C to 10°C in early April — too cold for swimming for most families
- European Mediterranean destinations are similarly cooler than in late April, with sea temperatures averaging 15°C to 17°C in early April
Easter Half Term 2026 Dates by UK Region
England: Easter School Holidays 2026
Easter school holidays 2026 run from Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April 2026 across the majority of English local authorities. Schools return on Monday, 13 April 2026. This two-week break is consistent across approximately 85% of state-maintained schools in England.
The table below shows confirmed dates from a selection of English local authorities for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Local Authority | Easter Holiday Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Southampton City Council | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Hertfordshire County Council | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Royal Borough of Greenwich | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Milton Keynes City Council | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Swansea Council | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Durham County Council | Thursday, 2 April – Monday, 20 April 2026 |
Durham County Council operates a longer break than most English authorities. Always verify dates with your local authority via GOV.UK before making travel or childcare arrangements. Academies and free schools operate independently of local authority term calendars and may set different dates.
INSET Days Around Easter 2026
Schools frequently schedule INSET days on the last teaching day before the Easter break (typically Thursday, 26 March or Friday, 27 March 2026) or the first teaching day of the summer term.
If your school adds an INSET day on Friday, 27 March 2026, the pupil holiday effectively begins 1 day earlier, on Friday, 27 March. Check directly with your school for confirmed INSET arrangements.
Wales: Easter School Holidays 2026
Easter school holidays in Wales run from Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April 2026, matching the standard England dates. Schools return on Monday, 13 April 2026. Confirmed authorities include Blaenau Gwent, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan, and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
The Welsh Government publishes approved school term dates annually. The 2025–2026 academic year schedule is publicly available on GOV.WALES.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in Scotland
Scottish schools observe a spring break in 2026 from Thursday, 2 April to Friday, 17 April 2026 in most areas, with pupils returning on Monday, 20 April 2026. Dates vary significantly between councils.
| Dates vary — check the Highland Council website | Easter / Spring Break 2026 |
|---|---|
| City of Edinburgh Council | Thursday, 2 April – Friday, 17 April 2026 |
| Glasgow City Council | Dates vary — check Glasgow City Council website |
| Highland Council | Dates vary — check Highland Council website |
Key differences between Scotland and England:
- Scotland’s break starts on Thursday, 2 April 2026, 3 days later than England and Wales
- Scotland’s break ends on Friday, 17 April 2026 — one week later than England and Wales
- Easter Monday (Monday, 6 April 2026) is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland
- The Scottish spring break is sometimes called “spring holidays” rather than Easter holidays
Why Scotland’s Dates Differ
Scotland operates under a separate education system governed by the Scottish Government, not the UK Department for Education. Local authorities in Scotland set their own term dates within national guidelines, which historically produce later spring breaks than in England and Wales.
Easter School Holidays 2026 in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Easter school holidays run from Thursday, 2 April to Friday, 10 April 2026, with schools returning on Monday, 13 April 2026. This is a shorter break than England and Wales — approximately 9 days compared to 12.
Good Friday (Friday, 3 April 2026) and Easter Monday (Monday, 6 April 2026) are both statutory bank holidays in Northern Ireland. The Department of Education Northern Ireland publishes the annual school holiday schedule.
How Long Is Easter Half Term 2026?
Easter half term 2026 is 12 school days long for most pupils in England and Wales, running from Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April 2026. This is longer than either the February half term (5 days) or the May half term (5 days).
| Holiday Period | 2026 Duration (England) |
|---|---|
| February Half Term | 5 school days |
| Easter Holidays | 12 school days |
| May Half Term | 5 school days |
| Summer Holidays | Approximately 6 weeks |
| October Half Term | 5 school days |
The Easter break is the longest holiday of the spring term and represents the final major break before the May half term. It falls at the end of the spring term — schools begin the summer term on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Easter Half Term 2026 Full UK School Holiday Calendar
The table below provides the complete 2026 school holiday calendar for England. Dates are based on the 2025–2026 academic year and may vary by local authority.
| School Holiday | 2026 Dates (England — Guide Only) |
|---|---|
| February Half Term | Monday, 16 February – Friday, 20 February 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| May Half Term | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Late July 2026 – late August 2026 |
| October Half Term | Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | From approximately Monday, 21 December 2026 |
Always verify these dates with your school or local authority before making arrangements.
Things to Do During Easter Half Term 2026
Easter Events and Attractions
National Trust Easter egg trails run across more than 300 properties during the school holiday, making them one of the most widely available Easter activities for families in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Trails typically run throughout the full 2-week break.
Booking is required at most National Trust sites; places fill quickly during the bank holiday weekend of Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April.
English Heritage sites run family activity events at castles, abbeys, and historic houses throughout the Easter break. Properties including Stonehenge, Dover Castle, and Kenilworth Castle schedule hands-on seasonal programming for children during school holidays.
Additional attraction options during Easter half term 2026 include:
- Zoos and safari parks: Chester Zoo, London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, and Howletts Wild Animal Park run Easter-themed events. Lambing sessions at farm parks are particularly popular during early April, as lambing season typically peaks in March and April across the UK.
- Theme parks: Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and LEGOLAND Windsor operate during the full Easter holiday period. Advance booking is strongly recommended — the bank holiday weekend of Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026 sees peak attendance.
- Farm visits: Working farms that open to visitors during lambing season include Cannon Hall Farm in Yorkshire and Farmer Palmer’s in Dorset. Early April falls within the peak lambing period across most of England and Wales.
Easter Half Term 2026 in London
London attractions operating during Easter half term 2026 include the Tower of London, London Zoo, Kew Gardens, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. National museums are free to enter. The Tower of London and Kew Gardens charge admission and run specific Easter programming — check each attraction’s website for confirmed event dates.
West End theatre matinees run throughout the 2-week Easter holiday. Family productions at venues including the Lyric Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre, and Palladium offer afternoon shows during the holiday period.
Free and Low-Cost Easter Activities
Free activities available to UK families during Easter half term 2026 include national museum visits, National Trust free-entry sites, public parks, forest trails, and local library holiday programmes.
The following national museums offer free permanent collection entry:
- Natural History Museum, London
- Science Museum, London
- British Museum, London
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Tate Modern, London
- National Railway Museum, York
- National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
- National Museum Wales, Cardiff
Libraries across England and Wales run structured reading and craft programmes during school holidays. The Reading Agency coordinates the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which provides free holiday club places to children from lower-income families during longer school breaks, including Easter.
Outdoor Activities During Easter Half Term 2026
Outdoor activities during Easter half term 2026 are weather-dependent, as early April temperatures in England average 11°C to 13°C according to the Met Office’s historical data for the period.
Suitable outdoor options include:
- Hiking: The Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, and Snowdonia are accessible in early April. Conditions can be wet and cold at higher elevations — appropriate footwear is essential.
- Cycling: The National Cycle Network, managed by Sustrans, covers more than 16,500 miles across the UK. Traffic-free routes suitable for families include the Camel Trail in Cornwall, the Great Central Railway path in Nottinghamshire, and routes across the Forest of Dean.
- Coastal visits: Early April sea temperatures around England average 9°C to 10°C. Beaches in Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset are quieter than in summer. Coastal walks and rockpooling are practical alternatives to swimming.
- Bluebell walks: Bluebell season in England typically begins in mid-April and peaks in late April. Some woodland sites may show early blooms during the latter days of the Easter break, depending on weather patterns.
Weather Contingency Planning for Easter 2026
Because Easter 2026 falls in early April, the Met Office historical data shows average rainfall days of 12 to 15 per month across most of England in April. Indoor alternatives are worth planning alongside any outdoor activity.
| Outdoor Activity | Indoor Alternative |
|---|---|
| National Trust garden trail | National Trust house tour and indoor exhibition |
| Farm visit (lambing) | Aquarium or indoor animal experience |
| Coastal walk | Maritime museum or local heritage centre |
| Cycling route | Indoor climbing centre |
| National park hiking | Underground mine tour (e.g., Blue John Cavern, Derbyshire) |
Easter Half Term Holidays 2026: Planning a Family Break
UK Staycations at Easter 2026
UK holiday parks, self-catering cottages, and lodges book out early for Easter, with the bank holiday weekend of Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026 commanding the highest demand.
Operators, including Haven, Center Parcs, Hoseasons, and Away Resorts, publish Easter packages. Availability for the full 2-week break reduces significantly once term dates are confirmed, typically from September or October of the preceding year.
Popular UK destinations for Easter half term include:
| Bamburgh Castle, wide beaches, and Kielder Water | Key Draws |
|---|---|
| Cornwall | Eden Project, National Maritime Museum Falmouth, coastal walks, farm parks |
| Devon | Dartmoor, family holiday parks, south coast beaches |
| Lake District | UNESCO World Heritage Site, Windermere, family hiking |
| Northumberland | Bamburgh Castle, wide beaches, Kielder Water |
| North Wales | Snowdonia, Conwy Castle, Portmeirion |
| Scottish Highlands | Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park |
| Cotswolds | Bamburgh Castle, wide beaches, and Kielder Water |
The Lake District, Peak District, and Dartmoor all fall within national park boundaries. National parks in England and Wales receive a combined 90 million visits per year, with school holidays representing peak periods at visitor centres and car parks. Arriving early in the day reduces queuing times at popular sites.
Holidays Abroad During Easter Half Term 2026
Easter half term 2026 is one of the most cost-effective windows for overseas family travel within the school holiday calendar. Prices at Mediterranean destinations are lower in early April than during May half term or summer. However, sea temperatures in popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece average 15°C to 17°C in early April — warmer than the UK but cool for swimming.
| Destination | Approximate Sea Temp (Early April) | Average Air Temp (Early April) |
|---|---|---|
| Costa del Sol, Spain | 16°C | 18°C |
| Algarve, Portugal | 16°C | 19°C |
| Crete, Greece | 17°C | 17°C |
| Canary Islands (Lanzarote) | 19°C | 21°C |
| Turkey (Antalya) | 18°C | 18°C |
| Cyprus | 19°C | 19°C |
Sea temperature data is sourced from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s historical sea surface temperature records. The Canary Islands and Cyprus offer the warmest early-April conditions among short-haul European destinations from the UK.
When to Book Easter Holidays 2026
Booking Easter 2026 holidays as early as possible — ideally by January 2026 — offers the widest choice of accommodation and the most competitive flight pricing. Easter is the second most expensive holiday period in the UK travel year after summer, according to travel industry pricing data.
| Booking Window | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| September – November 2025 | Maximum availability; base pricing for most operators |
| December 2025 – January 2026 | Good availability; prices beginning to rise |
| February – March 2026 | Reduced availability at popular destinations; elevated pricing |
| 4 weeks before (March 2026) | Limited choice; peak pricing; specialist late-deal availability |
Travel on Saturday, 28 March or Sunday, 29 March 2026 to avoid the first-day-of-holiday traffic peak on Monday, 30 March. The bank holiday weekend of Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026 represents peak travel days at airports and on UK motorways — plan journeys accordingly.
Easter 2026 vs. May Half Term 2026: Pricing Comparison
Early April presents a different pricing environment from the May half term (Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026). May half term coincides with the Spring Bank Holiday and the pre-summer travel surge, which typically pushes prices higher than Easter. Families with flexibility may find Easter 2026 more cost-effective for overseas travel than May 2026.
| Factor | Easter Half Term 2026 | May Half Term 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 school days | 5 school days |
| Bank Holidays Included | 2 (Good Friday, Easter Monday) | 1 (Spring Bank Holiday) |
| Average Med Sea Temp | 15°C – 17°C | 18°C – 20°C |
| Relative Travel Pricing | Lower than May | Higher than Easter |
| UK Weather Expectation | 11°C – 13°C average | 15°C – 18°C average |
Easter Half Term 2026 and Exam Season
Easter half term 2026 immediately precedes the GCSE and A-Level examination period for students in Years 10, 11, 12, and 13. Summer examinations administered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC typically begin in early May and run through June.
For students in examination years, the Easter break is the final extended revision period before exams begin. Some schools run voluntary or structured revision sessions during the Easter holidays — check with the school directly. Students should review their examination timetable before any travel is booked for the week following Easter (Monday, 13 April onwards), as some early examination sittings may fall in late April.
Childcare During Easter Half Term 2026
The 2-week Easter holiday requires significantly more childcare planning than the 1-week February or May half terms. The bank holiday weekend (Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April 2026) reduces the childcare requirement by 4 days, but working parents still need to cover approximately 8 days of child supervision during the break.
Childcare options available during Easter half term include:
- Holiday clubs: Structured day programmes run by leisure centres, sports clubs, and community organisations. Booking opens in advance — contact providers from January 2026 onwards to secure places.
- Activity camps: Multi-activity, sports, arts, and themed day camps run by providers including PGL, Camp Beaumont, and SuperCamps across England and Wales. Age ranges typically cover 4 to 17 years.
- Tax-Free Childcare: The UK Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme provides eligible working families with up to £500 per child every 3 months (up to £2,000 per year) towards registered childcare costs. Applications are processed through the Childcare Service on GOV.UK.
- Employer childcare vouchers: Legacy schemes may still apply to some employees. Check with your employer’s HR department for eligibility.
Easter Half Term 2026 for Further Education Colleges
Most further education colleges in England align their Easter break with local school authority dates, though individual calendars vary. Students should check their college’s published academic calendar directly, as reading weeks, assessment deadlines, and course-specific timetables may differ from the school holiday pattern.
| College | Easter 2026 Arrangement |
|---|---|
| Harlow College | Follows local school dates |
| Barnsley College | Follows local school dates |
| The Manchester College | Follows local school dates |
| Hartlepool FE College | Follows local school dates |
| Cornwall College | Varies by course |
| City of Glasgow College | Semester 2 runs to Friday, 12 June 2026; no separate Easter break listed |
Frequently Asked Questions: Easter Half Term 2026
When is Easter half term 2026 in the UK?
Most schools in England and Wales break up for Easter from Monday, 30 March 2026, to Friday, 10 April 2026. Schools return on Monday, 13 April 2026. Always verify with your local authority or school, as INSET days and academy independence can shift dates by 1 day.
When is Easter Sunday 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. This is an early Easter — in 2025, Easter Sunday fell on Sunday, 20 April.
Is Good Friday 2026 a bank holiday?
Yes. Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2026. It is a statutory public holiday in 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 public holiday in Scotland.
How long is Easter half term 2026?
Easter school holidays 2026 are 12 school days long for most pupils in England and Wales, from Monday, 30 March to Friday, 10 April. This is a full 2-week break, not a 1-week half term.
When do schools go back after Easter 2026?
Most schools in England and Wales return on Monday, 13 April 2026. Scottish schools typically return on Monday, 20 April 2026, though this varies by council.
Does Scotland have an Easter holiday in 2026?
Yes, but the dates differ from England and Wales. Scottish schools generally break from Thursday, 2 April to Friday, 17 April 2026, returning on Monday, 20 April. Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Is Easter 2026 early or late?
Easter 2026 is early. Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. The date can range from March 22 to April 25, making 2026 near the earlier end of the possible range.
Are prices higher during Easter half term 2026 compared to May half term?
Easter 2026 travel pricing is generally lower than May half term 2026, as May coincides with the Spring Bank Holiday and the pre-summer demand surge. However, Easter remains more expensive than term-time travel. Book as early as possible for the best rates.
Is “Easter half term” the correct term?
No. The Easter break is the end-of-spring-term school holiday, not a half term. Half terms occur in February and May. “Easter half term” is a widely used search phrase, but the accurate description is the Easter school holidays or Easter holidays.
All dates are based on confirmed local authority and college calendars for the 2025–2026 academic year. Individual schools — particularly academies and independent schools — may set different dates. Always verify with your school or local council directly. Scottish councils publish their own term dates independently of the UK Department for Education.
