UK Bank Holiday: The Easter bank holiday is one of the most awaited long weekends in the UK, providing millions of workers with an extended weekend.
The Easter bank holiday in 2026 is set to take place in early April with Good Friday and Easter Monday providing an extended weekend for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are chances of bank holidays, travel, and weather conditions affecting your plans and it is crucial to know about the dates, banks and holidays to make your Easter weekend more enjoyable.
When is Easter Monday 2026 in the UK?
Easter Monday in 2026 will fall on Monday, April 6, 2026 and it comes after Easter Sunday and is the last day of the Easter weekend. Most businesses, government departments, and banks will still be closed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Easter Monday is not a public holiday, although some businesses and organizations will still be closed.
Easter Dates for 2026
The Easter weekend in 2026 includes:
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026
This creates a four-day long weekend for many workers across the UK.
How is the Date of Easter Decided?
Easter is considered a movable feast. Unlike Christmas, which is fixed in time, Easter is tied to the cycles of the moon. The rule that was established centuries ago is "Easter Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox" because of the calculation involved in determining the first full moon after the spring equinox, the celebration of Easter can fall between March 22nd and April 25th.
UK Bank Holiday Easter Weekend
During Easter weekend, banks and financial institutions usually close for:
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday (normal weekend closure)
- Easter Monday
This means limited in-branch banking for three days, though online and mobile banking services remain available.
UK Bank Holiday: HSBC UK
HSBC branches across the UK are expected to remain closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. However, customers can continue using:
- Mobile banking
- Online banking
- ATMs
- Contactless payments
UK Bank Holiday: Barclays
Barclays branches typically shut during Easter bank holiday and digital services remain fully operational where cstomer support may operate with reduced hours.
UK Bank Holiday: Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Banking Group includes several major banks and most physical branches remain closed during the Easter weekend, while digital services continue uninterrupted.
UK Bank Holiday: Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank customers can still access:
- Online banking
- Mobile apps
- Cash machines
Branch services will reopen after Easter Monday.
UK Bank Holiday: Halifax Bank
Halifax branches generally close on bank holidays as digital banking and customer support remain available with limited hours.
UK Bank Holiday: NatWest Bank
NatWest branches will likely remain closed on Easter Monday where as online payments, transfers and debit card services will continue as normal.
UK Bank Holiday: Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland follows standard UK bank holiday closures and customers can still use mobile banking and ATM services.
UK Bank Holiday: Coutts Bank
Coutts, the private banking service, also observes Easter bank holidays and clients may still access digital support services.
UK Bank Holiday: Santander Bank
Santander branches typically close during Easter bank holidays where as online banking, ATMs and digital transfers remain operational.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in England & Wales
Date | Day | Bank Holiday |
April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
May 4 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
May 25 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
August 31 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
December 28 | Monday | Boxing Day Substitute |
Why Easter Date Changes Every Year
The shifting date of Easter is linked to the lunar calendar Because the full moon changes annually and Easter dates also vary. This traditional calculation has been used for more than 1,600 years, making Easter one of the oldest movable religious holidays.
FAQ's: UK Bank Holiday
Q: Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in the UK?
A: Yes, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Q: Will banks be closed on Easter Monday?
A: Yes, most banks will close branches but digital services remain available.
Q: Can I transfer money during Easter holidays?
A: Yes, online transfers and mobile banking continue.
Q: Why does Easter change every year?
A: It follows lunar cycles and the spring equinox.
Q: How long is the Easter weekend?
A: Four days from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
Disclaimer: Bank holiday schedules and banking hours may vary by branch and region. Customers should check official bank websites for updated information.