UK Calendar in April 2026
UK Calendar in April 2026

April 2026 in the UK: Month Overview

April is when the UK fully shifts into spring mode. Gardens reopen, outdoor events return, and travel demand rises sharply. Unlike February and March, April 2026 includes multiple bank holidays, making it one of the most important months for domestic tourism, family travel, and large-scale national events.

For visitors, April offers longer daylight hours, improving weather, and a calendar packed with sport, culture, and public celebrations.

UK Bank Holidays in April 2026

April 2026 includes two nationwide bank holidays linked to Easter:

  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026

  • Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026

Most businesses, banks, and public offices close or operate limited hours on these dates. Public transport often runs on reduced holiday timetables.

Planning note: Easter weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the UK. Trains, roads, and tourist attractions are typically very busy.

The Biggest Events in the UK – April 2026

Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026

UK Calendar April 2026: Bank Holidays, Festivals and Major Events
Good Friday Traditions

Good Friday in the UK in April 2026 falls on Friday, 3 April and is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed nationwide as an official UK bank holiday in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

On Good Friday, banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed, while public transport usually operates on reduced holiday schedules. Retail opening hours vary, with larger shops often opening later than usual. Churches across the UK hold special services, including morning prayers, Passion readings, and silent reflections. In some towns, outdoor processions and charity walks are also organised.

Culturally, Good Friday marks the start of the Easter holiday weekend, triggering one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year. Coastal towns, countryside destinations, and major cities see increased visitor numbers, making early travel planning especially important.

Read more: What Is Good Friday? Meaning, History, Dates, And Celebrations

Easter Weekend (3–6 April 2026)

Easter is one of the UK’s most significant public holidays, combining religious observance with large-scale leisure travel.

What Easter means in the UK

  • Church services across all denominations

  • Family gatherings and short domestic holidays

  • Major retail activity and seasonal events

Popular destinations include coastal towns, national parks, and major cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Bath.

Grand National (Early April 2026)

The Grand National, held at Aintree near Liverpool, is the most famous horse race in the UK and one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

Why it matters

  • Massive national TV audience

  • Significant betting and hospitality activity

  • Liverpool and surrounding areas see heavy visitor demand

Even for non-racing fans, Grand National weekend is a major cultural moment in the UK calendar.

Read more:

- How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2026? Full List and What to Expect

- Top 30 Holidays and Festivals Most Popular in the UK in 2026: A Complete Guide

- Top 10 Largest Holidays and Festivals in the U.K

London Marathon (Late April 2026)

The London Marathon is one of the world’s leading mass-participation sporting events and a defining date in London’s spring calendar.

Impact on London

  • Tens of thousands of runners and spectators

  • Major road closures across central and east London

  • Strong fundraising focus for UK and international charities

For visitors, marathon weekend brings a unique atmosphere but also requires careful transport planning.

St George’s Day: Thursday, 23 April 2026

St George’s Day celebrates England’s patron saint and is marked with varying intensity across the country.

How it is observed

  • Flag displays and civic ceremonies

  • Cultural and heritage events in some towns and cities

  • Limited commercial impact compared with other UK nations’ saint days

While not a public holiday, it remains an important cultural date in England.

UK School Easter Holidays (Early–Mid April)

Most UK schools close for Easter holidays in early April, usually lasting around two weeks.

Why this matters

  • Higher prices for family attractions and accommodation

  • Busy theme parks, museums, and heritage sites

  • Increased domestic travel across the UK

Families planning travel should expect peak-season conditions during this period.

Other Notable Dates and Observances

International Earth Day – Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Marked with environmental campaigns, educational events, and sustainability initiatives across the UK.

Shakespeare’s Birthday – 23 April

Often celebrated in Stratford-upon-Avon and by cultural institutions nationwide, sometimes coinciding with St George’s Day events.

Practical Planning Tips for April 2026

  • Book early for Easter weekend travel and accommodation

  • Expect crowds and higher prices during school holidays

  • London travel requires planning during Marathon weekend

  • April weather is variable; pack layers and rain protection

Final Takeaway

April 2026 is one of the most important months in the UK calendar. With Easter bank holidays, world-famous sporting events, and the return of spring tourism, it is a peak period for travel, culture, and national celebration.