easter 2026 uk
Easter is one of the best times of year to press pause, grab the kids, and get out for a proper family day. Longer daylight, the first real signs of spring and a four-day weekend make it the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new.
If you have already typed “easter 2026 uk” or “when is easter 2026 uk” into a search bar, you are probably trying to figure out two things:
- The exact dates of the bank-holiday weekend
- Which Easter 2026 events will actually be worth the effort, money and travel
When Is Easter 2026 UK?
Let’s answer the big question straight away so you can plan around it.
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
- Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026
So, when people ask “when is Easter 2026 UK?”, the key date to remember is Easter Sunday on 5 April 2026, with most families enjoying a long weekend from Friday to Monday.
Most schools will schedule a two-week Easter holiday around these dates, usually starting in late March and running into mid-April.
How to Plan Easter 2026 UK Without Stress
Because Easter 2026 falls at the start of April, demand for days out, hotels and attractions will be high. A bit of planning now will save you money and headaches later.
1. Decide Your “Big Day Out” Early
Rather than trying to cram four huge outings into one weekend, pick one main event you really want to do, then build smaller, cheaper activities around it. Your “big day” could be:
- A theme park visit
- A zoo or safari park
- A full city-break day ticking off museums and attractions
- A special Easter egg hunt at a historic house or large garden
Once that anchor is in place, everything else becomes easier to organise.
2. Book Tickets in Advance
Many Easter 2026 UK events will require pre-booking:
- Theme parks and large attractions often use timed entry
- Special egg hunts and trails can sell out
- Popular family shows and experiences may have limited spaces
Booking early usually means better time slots, shorter queues and sometimes cheaper online prices.
3. Have a Wet-Weather Plan
Early April in the UK can be glorious… or freezing, windy and wet. Have at least one indoor or mixed option ready:
- Museums and galleries
- Aquariums and indoor play zones
- Shopping centre play areas combined with a cinema trip
1. Easter Egg Hunts and Spring Trails
Easter egg hunts are still the classic choice for families with younger children, and they are usually much cheaper than a full theme-park day.
Historic Houses and Gardens
Large houses, castles and estates often run:
- Easter-themed family trails with maps and clue sheets
- Chocolate or small toy rewards at the end
- Craft stations where children can decorate eggs or make Easter cards
These are ideal if you want something structured but not too intense. The grown-ups get a nice walk and scenery, while the kids get the thrill of the hunt.
Local Parks and Farm Attractions
Many local parks, farm parks and garden centres put on their own Easter 2026 egg hunts. These are perfect if you:
- Don’t want to travel far
- Need buggy-friendly routes
- Prefer a relaxed atmosphere over huge crowds
Look out for extra touches like bouncy castles, face painting and small funfairs.
2. Theme Parks and Big Family Attractions
If your children are old enough to enjoy rides, a theme park is probably already on their wishlist for Easter 2026 UK.
Most big parks run special spring events, adding:
- Easter decorations and themed shows
- Meet-and-greet characters in bunny ears
- Extra entertainment such as live music or paradesPopular options include parks focused on younger children with character areas, as well as bigger thrill-ride parks suitable for teens.
Tips for theme parks at Easter 2026:
- Arrive early to make the most of quieter morning queues
- Pre-book parking if required
- Pack snacks and water to avoid queuing for every drink
- Consider fast-track passes if your budget allows and you have impatient riders
3. Zoos, Safaris and Aquariums
For animal-loving kids, a zoo or safari park is an easy win. Many sites run Easter-themed activities on top of their usual schedule, such as:
- Egg trails around the enclosures
- Keeper talks focused on baby animals and spring
- Special feeding times or demonstrations
Safari parks add extra excitement, with drive-through sections where you can see animals up close from the car. Aquariums are a great backup plan if the weather takes a turn; kids still get an immersive experience without freezing in the rain.
Make it educational:
Turn your Easter 2026 UK zoo or aquarium visit into a mini project:
- Ask each child to choose a “favourite animal” before you go
- Collect facts and photos during the day
- Help them create a short poster or scrapbook page when you get home
4. City Breaks and Cultural Days Out
Not every family wants rollercoasters and mascots. If your kids are older, a city-style Easter 2026 day out can be brilliant value.
Good city ideas include:
- A museum “marathon”: picking two or three family-friendly museums in one day
- Guided walking tours or self-guided heritage trails
- A river cruise or open-top bus tour
- Easter church services or concerts if you’d like a more traditional experience
Cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, York, Manchester, Liverpool, Bath and Belfast usually have packed Easter holiday programmes, from street performances to food festivals.
To keep costs down, build your day around free museums and landmarks, and pick just one paid experience as the “headline” activity.
5. Low-Cost and Free Easter 2026 UK Ideas
You do not have to spend a fortune to make the most of Easter 2026 UK. In fact, some of the most memorable days are the simplest.
DIY Egg Hunts
Instead of paying for an organised hunt:
- Buy a multipack of small eggs or reusable plastic eggs
- Hide them around your house, garden or local park
- Add clues, jokes or mini challenges in each spot
You can run several short hunts across the weekend, changing the rules each time to keep it fun.
Nature Days and Picnics
Pick a nearby:
- Country park
- Woodland trail
- Beach or coastal path
- Canal or riverside walk
Pack a picnic, a football or frisbee, some bubbles and a blanket. The combination of fresh air, open space and unstructured play is often exactly what kids need at the end of a school term.
Home-Based Easter Activities
For really tight budgets or very young children, stay at home and make the day feel special with:
- Egg decorating and craft sessions
- Easter baking (simple cupcakes, biscuits or cornflake nests)
- Movie marathons with Easter or spring themes
- Board games and “living room camp-outs”
You can still talk about Easter 2026 UK, the meaning of the holiday, and your plans for the rest of the year, without leaving the house at all.
FAQs About Easter 2026 UK
1. When is Easter 2026 UK exactly?
Easter Sunday in the UK falls on 5 April 2026. Good Friday is on 3 April 2026 and Easter Monday is on 6 April 2026, giving most people a four-day bank-holiday weekend.
2. Will schools be off during Easter 2026 UK?
Yes. Most schools will close for a two-week Easter holiday that includes the Easter weekend. The exact dates vary between regions and individual schools, so always check your child’s school website or newsletter for the official term dates.
3. What is the best day to plan a big outing at Easter 2026?
Easter Saturday and Easter Monday are usually the busiest, especially at theme parks and zoos. If you can, consider doing your main outing on the first weekday of the Easter holidays instead. If you are limited to the long weekend, try to arrive early and pre-book everything you can.
4. How can I keep Easter 2026 UK days out affordable?
To keep costs under control, mix one “big” paid day with cheaper or free activities. Look for online discounts and family tickets, bring your own snacks and drinks, and make full use of local parks, free museums and DIY egg hunts at home.
5. Is Easter 2026 a good time for a short UK break with kids?
Yes, Easter 2026 UK is an excellent time for a short break. The weather is starting to improve, there are plenty of family events, and you get a ready-made long weekend. The main thing is to book accommodation and major attractions early, as popular areas and properties are likely to fill up quickly.
By answering “when is Easter 2026 UK” clearly and planning your days out in advance, you can turn the long weekend into something more than just a few days off. Whether you choose egg hunts, theme parks, wildlife adventures, city culture or simple picnics and walks, Easter 2026 UK has all the ingredients for memorable family time without overwhelming your diary or your budget.
