Train travel on Easter bank holiday weekend 2024
Do trains run on Easter bank holiday weekend?
Yes, they do! Trains will run over the Easter bank holiday weekend in the UK, although many train companies will be operating an amended timetable (usually similar to a Saturday service) and there may be some disruption in places due to engineering works.
This year, the Easter holiday period takes place between Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April 2024. Whether you're planning a trip away and looking to buy tickets or want to check whether trains will be running from certain areas, you've come to the right place. Our guide to Easter 2024 train travel is here to help!
Read on for more information on engineering work and disruptions taking place over the Easter period, tips on finding cheap train tickets and the best Easter events of 2024!
Major engineering works taking place over the Easter bank holiday weekend
Engineering work will be taking place on several routes over the Easter weekend from 29th March to 1st April. For more details on individual engineering works updates, visit our train engineering works page.
West Coast Main Line
The West Coast Main Line will be closed between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April. This will affect Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway lines.
Liverpool Street to Colchester
Engineering work from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April 2024 will close all lines between Shenfield/Billericay to Witham, affecting train services between London Liverpool Street and Norwich, Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.
Elizabeth Line
From Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April 2024, the Elizabeth Line will not operate between London Paddington and Stratford / Abbey Wood.
Disruption information by train operating company
If you know who you’ll be travelling with over the Easter bank holiday weekend, check below for any potential disruptions to your journey.
Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper
CrossCountry
Elizabeth line
Grand Central
Great Western Railway
Heathrow Express
LNER
London Overground
Merseyrail
ScotRail
Southeastern
Thameslink
Transport for Wales
c2c
Chiltern Railways
EMR
Gatwick Express
Great Northern
Greater Anglia
Hull Trains
London Northwestern Railway
Lumo
Northern
South Western Railway
Southern
TransPennine Express
West Midlands Railway
Popular UK train journeys for Easter bank holiday weekend 2024
If you want to explore the UK this Easter, but you’re not sure where to go, we’re here to help! Here are some of the most popular routes for the Easter bank holiday:
10 of the best events to attend on Easter bank holiday weekend and how to get there by train
This year, the Easter holiday period takes place between Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April 2024. Across the country, people will attend events to make the most of their long weekend. From food festivals to river carnivals, there’s no shortage of things to do. With so many different events to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 events to attend on the Easter bank holiday weekend – and obviously, how to get there by train!
1. Easter at West Midland Safari Park
- When? 23rd March – 3rd April 2024
- Where? Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF
Situated between Worcester and Birmingham, just outside the town of Kidderminster, the West Midland Safari Park has plenty to offer this Easter weekend. You can expect a visit from the park’s own Easter bunny, Bramble, at his Birthday Bash, as well as animal encounters and competitions. And let’s not forget the star attraction: the park’s four-mile drive through the safari park!
- How to get there: Take the train to Kidderminster, then the bus to West Midland Safari Park.
2. National Trust Easter Egg Hunts
- When? 16th March 2024 onwards
- Where? Various locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
There are Easter egg trails across many National Trust properties in March and April. Explore historic locations while taking part in activities like dress-up sessions, egg-citing games and puppet shows. Complete the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a prize! You'll find participating National Trust locations across the UK, so you can choose which one you want to explore this Easter.
- How to get there: Check to see if you can take the train to a nearby location for an environmentally friendly way to travel this Easter.
3. Easter at Eden Project (Springfest)
- When? 29th March – 14th April 2024
- Where? Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
The Eden Project has lots to see and do this Easter bank holiday weekend. There are loads of family-friendly activities, whether you want to take on the Hoopla challenge, try your hand at skittles in the Milk Bottle Skittle Alley or get involved in a scavenger hunt obstacle course. What’s more, with around 30 acres of space to explore, including the project’s famous Biomes and its dog-friendly gardens, the hardest part is deciding what to see first!
- How to get there: First, take the train to St Austell. You can then catch a bus from the station to the Eden Project. Plus, avoiding the car means you’ll be eligible for a free guidebook when you arrive.
4. Easter Eggstravaganza at Blenheim Palace
- When? 29th March – 1st April 2024
- Where? Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Easter egg hunt or something a little different, Blenheim Palace may be the answer. Running across the Easter bank holiday weekend, its Easter Eggstravaganza boasts circus skills sessions, variety show performances and chocolate making workshops with Hotel Chocolat. And if that wasn’t enough, Blenheim Palace has just opened its new adventure play area, the Lost Palace, so there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Plus, there’s always the palace itself to explore.
- How to get there: Take the train to Oxford Parkway and then the 7 bus to Blenheim Palace.
5. Bing's Nature Explorers at WWT London Wetland Centre
- When? 23rd March – 2nd June 2024
- Where? Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT
Get closer to nature in the nation’s capital this Easter at the WWT London Wetland Centre, located in southwest London. Follow the Bing's Nature Explorers trail and learn about the different species that call the wetland home. There are also a number of other fun sessions on offer, including interactive storytelling sessions and mini shows including characters Bing and Flop! An educational day out for all the family.
- How to get there: Hop on a train to Barnes and then it’s a 15-minute walk to WWT London Wetland Centre.
6. The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace
- When? 23rd March – 14th April 2024
- Where? Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
If a historical Easter egg hunt sounds like a good way to spend the Easter weekend, then look no further than Hampton Court Palace. Set in the palace’s 60-acre gardens, you’ll find out about the incredible history of the people who lived here as you search for the elusive gold bunnies. Find them all for a chocolate surprise! The Easter trail is included in admission, so why not make a day of it and explore the palace too?
- How to get there: Take the train - Hampton Court train station is located a five-minute walk from the palace.
7. Bluey at Kew Gardens
- When? 29th March – 14th April 2024
- Where? Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Located in southwest London, Kew Gardens is renowned for its large collection of plants from around the world. These gardens are the backdrop for its Easter holiday activities inspired by Bluey, the hit animated television series. Follow the nature trail and find out more about the plants and wildlife at Kew and in Bluey's native Australia. There will also be opportunities to meet the famous dog herself throughout the day.
- How to get there: Hop on the train to Kew Bridge. From here, you’re a short walk from Elizabeth Gate, one of the entrances to the gardens.
8. Easter at Warwick Castle
- When? from 23rd March 2024
- Where? Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH
There’s something for everyone at Warwick Castle. From birds of prey displays to a trebuchet show, there’s thrilling entertainment for all the family. Even the younger ones can get involved with activities inspired by Zog, the children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. And if you want, you can extend your trip and stay at the castle!
- How to get there: Jump on the train to Warwick. From here, you’re a short walk from Warwick Castle.
9. Fort Douglas Easter Festival at Dalkeith Country Park
- When? 29th March – 1st April 2024
- Where? Fort Douglas Adventure Playground, Dalkeith Country Park, Dalkeith, EH22 1ST
The popular Fort Douglas Adventure Playground at Dalkeith Country Park just southeast of Edinburgh plays host to a festival featuring a Zorbing run, face painting, a Candy Floss Cabin, an Easter Scavenger Hunt and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Parents can kick back with a bite from street food vendors while the kids (up to 12 y.o.) take on the adventure playground.
- How to get there: Get the train to Eskbank train station and then it’s a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, take the 46 bus from the Tesco by the station to Dalkieth High Street and walk for 5 to 10 minutes
10. The Big Museum Easter Trail at National Museum Cardiff
- When? 29th March – 1st April 2024
- Where? National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP
For family entertainment over the Easter bank holiday weekend, why not hop on over to the National Museum Cardiff for the Big Museum Easter Trail? Try your hand at being a detective as you follow the clues, complete the challenges and get creative. There’s even a treat when you get to the end!
- How to get there: Hop on a train to Cardiff Queen Street, then it's a short stroll to the National Museum Cardiff.
How to get cheap train tickets this Easter
If you are travelling by train this Easter, we want to help you to save! Here are a few of our favourite tips for finding cheap train tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets in the UK go on sale 12 weeks in advance, and usually at their cheapest price. Book early if you can to save those pennies.
Use a Railcard
You can save 1/3 of eligible train journeys across the UK with a Railcard – all for just £30 a year! From Railcards for certain ages to groups or people travelling in certain areas, see which one you’re eligible for.
Find out more about digital Railcards.
Book split tickets
Our clever app feature SplitSave can split your journeys into sections, making it much cheaper than buying a single ticket when travelling on a long journey.
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets for Off-Peak travel times tend to be cheaper than Peak time tickets (Monday to Friday morning and early evenings).
Easter travel inspiration
Want to make the most of the long weekend but not sure where to go? Our UK travel inspiration hub is here to help.
Here are just a few ideas of where the train can take you this Easter:
- 5 of the best city breaks to take this Easter
- How to have a cheap day out in London with kids
- The best family staycations in the UK
- 9 of the best attractions to visit as a family
- The best UK beaches you can reach by train
- Our top 5 Easter city breaks in Europe
- 10 of the BEST day trips from London by train
UK airport transfers by train
If you're planning on jetting off on holiday this Easter, why not get to the airport by train? Many of the UK's biggest airports are served by convenient train links, allowing you to save money on parking or taxis. Here are our guides to getting to some of the most important airports in the UK by train:
Explore Europe by train
Why not travel by train in Europe this Easter? Enjoy warmer temperatures on a city break to some of Europe's most popular destinations. Here are some of the top routes by train:
Find out more about train travel in the UK
Want to find out more about where trains can take you in the UK? You're in luck. With an extensive rail network, it's easy to reach cities, beaches, National Parks and events by train this summer. Read our travel guides to find out more.
Already planning ahead to spring? Check out our May bank holiday weekend guide.