Easter Bank Holiday 2027: Your complete UK guide

Quick takeaways

• Easter bank holiday gives a long weekend in late March in 2027, perfect for rest, family time, or travel.
   
• Good Friday and Easter Monday are nationally recognised bank holidays in most parts of the UK and Ireland, though there are variations in Scotland.
   
• Planning ahead, stacking annual leave, and checking travel conditions can help you make the most of the long weekend.

The Easter bank holiday weekend is one of the most popular long weekends of the year.

Easter falls at the start of spring each year and gives employees a chance to take a short break with family and friends. When is Easter, and how can you make the most of your bank holidays? This guide explains what you need to know.

Traditional and religious significance

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrated each spring. It symbolises victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life. Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe happened on the third day after his crucifixion, following Good Friday.

Cultural and modern celebrations

Easter has also become a cultural celebration of spring, rest, and renewal. Many people use the holiday for family and community gatherings. Easter egg hunts are a favourite family activity on Easter Sunday.

Are Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays in the UK and Ireland?

Most parts of the UK and Ireland treat Easter Monday as a bank holiday, but not everywhere does.

In England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, Easter has two nationally observed bank holidays, Good Friday and Easter Monday, which sit at each side of the weekend, creating a four-day weekend.

In Scotland, Good Friday is a national holiday, but Easter Monday is not. However, most local councils still recognise Easter Monday and take the day off.

Why is Easter Monday not a national bank holiday in Scotland?

In Scotland, Easter can be a three-day weekend depending on your local council. Easter Monday is not a national bank holiday, as each council decides which events to recognise based on local traditions.

Full-time employees usually get bank holidays off, while part-time workers get a proportionate amount. If you are unsure, talk to your manager or HR and check your employment contract.

Whether you get bank holidays off depends on your contract and if bank holidays are part of your annual leave. Some businesses need staff to work during this time and may offer time off later or extra pay as compensation.

How to plan travel at Easter in the UK

The long Easter weekend is a great chance to visit family, but it is also one of the busiest times for travel.

Booking flights and trains early can help you save money on Easter travel. Taking time off before or after the Easter weekend can also help you avoid the busiest travel days.

Travelling by air

Airports are extremely busy during Easter, especially on Good Friday and Easter Monday. If you are planning to fly, check your airline's guidance, allow extra time, and keep an eye on airport updates before travel. 

If you are travelling with children, major airports often have Easter activities to keep stress low for families.

Travel by train

Train services can often be affected by engineering works over bank holiday weekends, and Easter is no exception. If you're planning to take the train, check your route in advance and leave extra time.

Travelling by road

Roads have seen peak capacity during Easter over the past few years. Plan extra leave where possible and travel outside peak times to avoid the worst congestion.

How to set leave limits during Easter and other peak periods

To make sure your business stays well-staffed, you can set leave limits in Leave Dates. You can apply these limits to the whole company or to specific departments.

The Easter bank holiday weekend is the ideal opportunity to relax and spend time with loved ones, especially if you haven’t taken time off in a while.

Plan early to stack your annual leave and stay up to date on travel conditions so you can make the most of your days off over Easter.

Whether you’re enjoying family traditions, exploring a new destination or just taking a bit of time to yourself, the Easter break is a wonderful time to stop, refresh and celebrate the start of warmer months.