When Is Easter 2026? Dates, School Holidays & Planning Your Group Getaway

If you're wondering when is Easter 2026, you're not alone — it's one of the most searched calendar dates in the UK each year. Easter Sunday 2026 falls on 5th April, giving you a long weekend perfect for a group getaway, family celebration, or a well-deserved break with friends.

Easter 2026 Key Dates

Here are all the important Easter dates for 2026:

• Good Friday: 3rd April 2026 (Bank Holiday)
• Easter Saturday: 4th April 2026
• Easter Sunday: 5th April 2026
• Easter Monday: 6th April 2026 (Bank Holiday)

That means you get a four-day weekend from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April — ideal for booking a large group house and making the most of the break.

Why Does Easter Move Every Year?

Easter doesn't have a fixed date. It's calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (21st March). This means Easter can fall anywhere between 22nd March and 25th April. In 2026, the full moon lands on 1st April, placing Easter Sunday on the 5th.

UK School Holidays Around Easter 2026

Most schools in England and Wales break up for Easter around Friday 27th March 2026, with pupils returning on Tuesday 14th April 2026. That gives families roughly two and a half weeks off — plenty of time for a luxury holiday house escape.

Scottish schools typically have a shorter Easter break, often just one week. Always check with your local authority for exact dates, as they can vary.

Easter 2026 Bank Holidays

The UK gets two bank holidays over Easter:

• Good Friday, 3rd April — Most businesses, banks, and shops close or run reduced hours.
• Easter Monday, 6th April — Another day off for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Scotland doesn't observe Easter Monday as an official bank holiday, though many employers still give the day off).

If you take just three days of annual leave (31st March – 2nd April), you can turn it into a nine-day break. Perfect timing for a UK group holiday.

How to Celebrate Easter 2026 with Your Group

Easter is a brilliant time to gather your favourite people under one roof. Here are some ideas:

Book a Group Holiday House

A large holiday home is the perfect base for an Easter celebration. Cook together, play garden games, relax in a hot tub, and enjoy quality time without the restaurant queues. Our properties in Bath, Brighton, and Cornwall are especially popular at Easter.

Host an Easter Hen Party

Spring is peak hen party season, and Easter gives you a long weekend without anyone needing to book time off work. Add a cocktail masterclass or private chef to make it extra special. Check our alternative hen party ideas for more inspiration.

Plan a Family Gathering

Easter is traditionally a time for family. A manor house or luxury property with games rooms and large gardens gives everyone space to spread out while staying under the same roof.

Easter Dates for Future Years

Planning further ahead? Here are the upcoming Easter Sunday dates:

• Easter 2026: Sunday 5th April
• Easter 2027: Sunday 28th March
• Easter 2028: Sunday 16th April
• Easter 2029: Sunday 1st April
• Easter 2030: Sunday 21st April

Book Early for Easter 2026

Easter is one of the busiest times of year for UK group accommodation. Our best holiday houses get booked months in advance — particularly those with hot tubs and large gardens. Don't leave it to the last minute.

Ready to plan your Easter getaway? See how booking works, browse available properties, or get in touch for personalised recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Easter 2026?

Easter Sunday 2026 is on 5th April. Good Friday falls on 3rd April and Easter Monday on 6th April, giving you a four-day bank holiday weekend.

Why does Easter change every year?

Easter is a moveable feast based on the lunar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (21st March). This means Easter can fall between 22nd March and 25th April each year.

What are the UK bank holidays for Easter 2026?

Good Friday (3rd April) and Easter Monday (6th April) are both bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland observes Good Friday but Easter Monday is not an official bank holiday there.

When do schools break up for Easter 2026?

Most schools in England and Wales break up around Friday 27th March and return around Tuesday 14th April 2026. Dates vary by local authority, so check your council's published term dates.

Is Easter a good time to book a group holiday house?

Easter is one of the most popular times for group getaways in the UK. The four-day weekend means no one needs to use annual leave, the weather is improving, and spring is a lovely time to explore the countryside. Book early as properties fill up fast.

How far in advance should I book for Easter 2026?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance for Easter weekends. Premium properties with hot tubs and large gardens often sell out by January. The earlier you book, the better selection you'll have.