Easter 2026 in London falls between Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday). While the city remains a vibrant destination for the long weekend, specific trading laws and planned engineering works will significantly affect how you move and shop.
Here is the verified guide to navigating London during the Easter break.
Quick Highlights: What You Need to Know
- Easter Sunday (April 5): All large shops (over 280 sqm) in London must close by law. Small convenience stores, pharmacies, and shops in major stations remain open.
- London Euston Closure: The station will be completely closed for 6 days (April 3–8) for major track upgrades.
- Public Transport: Most services will run on a Saturday or Sunday timetable throughout the four-day weekend.
- A40 Westway: A major section remains closed in both directions for critical repairs, affecting road travel in West London.
1. Shopping Opening Timings
London’s retail landscape changes daily over the Easter period.
| Day | Date | Typical Status | Expected Hours |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Open | Reduced Bank Holiday hours (typically 10 AM – 6 PM or 8 PM) |
| Easter Saturday | April 4 | Open | Normal Saturday hours (e.g., 9 AM – 9 PM) |
| Easter Sunday | April 5 | CLOSED | All large stores closed (Oxford St, Malls, Superstores) |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Open | Bank Holiday hours (typically 10 AM – 6 PM or 8 PM) |
- Oxford Street & West End: Stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and Primark will be closed on Sunday but open with holiday hours on Friday and Monday.
- Supermarkets: Large Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA stores close on Sunday. Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local usually remain open 7 AM – 11 PM even on Easter Sunday.
- Borough Market: Typically open 10 AM – 5 PM on Good Friday and Monday, but closed on Easter Sunday.
2. Transport & Travel Disruptions
Transport for London (TfL) and National Rail have scheduled extensive works for the 2026 Easter period.
Major Rail Closures
- London Euston: No trains will run to or from Euston from Friday, April 3 to Wednesday, April 8. This affects the West Coast Main Line (to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool).
- Alternative: Use rail replacement buses to Milton Keynes or Bedford for onward travel.
- London Waterloo: Reduced services to Clapham Junction; no trains to/from Queenstown Road (Battersea).
- Elizabeth Line: On Sunday, April 5, a reduced service will operate between Paddington and Heathrow/Maidenhead.
Tube & Overground
- Hammersmith & City Line: Fully closed from Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6.
- District Line: Partial closures between Upminster and Whitechapel, and Earl’s Court to Kensington (Olympia).
- Lioness Line (Overground): No service between Euston and Watford Junction on Saturday (April 4) and Sunday (April 5).
- Bakerloo Line: No service between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone (extending to Queen’s Park on Sat/Sun).
Road Users
- A40 Westway: Closed in both directions between Westway roundabout and Marylebone flyover. Expect heavy congestion on diversion routes through White City and Edgware Road.
3. Tourist Attractions & Dining
Unlike shops, most major tourist attractions stay open throughout the weekend, including Easter Sunday.
- Open All Weekend: The London Eye, Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, and major museums (British Museum, V&A) generally operate on Sunday/Bank Holiday hours.
- Restaurants & Pubs: Most remain open all four days. Easter Sunday is one of the busiest days for Sunday Roasts, so booking in advance is essential.
Final Thoughts: Strategy for the Weekend
If you are planning to shop, do it on Saturday, April 4, as it is the only day with full unrestricted trading. If you are traveling north toward Birmingham or Manchester, avoid the Euston route entirely and look for departures from Marylebone or St Pancras. Always check the TfL Go app or National Rail Enquiries before leaving, as live updates may change due to the scale of the 2026 engineering works.
Official Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Information is verified as of March 25, 2026. Transport schedules and shop opening times are subject to last-minute changes by operators. Large shop closures on Easter Sunday are a legal requirement in England and Wales under the Sunday Trading Act 1994. Always verify specific store hours via official brand websites before traveling.