England Public Holidays include eight bank holidays each year, plus specific substitute day arrangements when holidays fall on weekends. These dates provide paid time off for many workers and mark important religious, historical, and seasonal events. Knowing the exact schedule helps you plan annual leave, organise business operations, and prepare for long weekends.
Whether you are arranging travel, managing payroll, or planning family events, this clear breakdown of England Public Holidays gives you accurate dates and straightforward explanations all in one place.
England Public Holidays 2026
Here are the confirmed bank holidays england for 2026. Note that boxing day substitute day appears this year as Boxing Day falls on a Saturday.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
England Public Holidays 2027
The 2027 bank holidays bring a christmas day substitute day because Christmas falls on a Saturday.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute day) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
England Public Holidays 2028
Looking ahead to 2028? The new year’s day substitute day applies since January 1st falls on a Saturday.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 January | Monday | New Year’s Day (substitute day) |
| 14 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 17 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 28 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
Understanding Substitute Days
Ever wondered why some public holiday dates don’t match the actual holiday? Here’s the simple rule: if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following monday becomes the observed bank holiday. This is called a substitute day or “in lieu” day.
For example, Boxing Day 2026 is a Saturday, so Monday December 28th becomes the boxing day substitute day. The same applies to Christmas and New Year’s when they land on Saturdays or Sundays. This weekend bank holiday rule ensures everyone still gets their time off.
Planning Ahead: Key Dates by Season
Knowing the bank holiday schedule helps with everything from booking trips to planning family holiday activities. Here’s your seasonal breakdown:
Spring Holidays
- Good Friday (March/April) – marks the start of the Easter weekend
- Easter Monday – a monday bank holiday that extends the break
- Early May Bank Holiday – first Monday in May, perfect for spring getaways
Summer Holidays
- Spring Bank Holiday – late May (sometimes called late May bank holiday)
- Summer Bank Holiday – last Monday in August (the famous august bank holiday)
Winter Holidays
- Christmas Day – December 25
- Boxing Day – December 26
- New Year’s Day – January 1
When is the Spring Bank Holiday 2026?
The spring bank holiday 2026 falls on Monday, May 25th. This late May bank holiday traditionally signals the start of summer and is one of the most popular times for short breaks and garden parties.
Are banks closed on Good Friday?
Yes, banks are closed on Good Friday. It’s one of the eight permanent bank holidays england. However, many shops, pubs, and restaurants remain open, though some may operate reduced hours. Always check locally if you’re planning to run errands.
What happens if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday?
Great question! When Christmas Day lands on a Saturday, the following Monday becomes the christmas day substitute day. For example, Christmas Day 2027 is a Saturday, so Monday December 27th becomes the public holiday. Boxing Day then follows on Tuesday the 28th.
England vs Scotland Bank Holidays
UK Public Holidays vary across the nations. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Nation | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| England | 8 permanent holidays. No specific St Andrew’s Day holiday. |
| Scotland | 9-10 holidays depending on local area. Has St Andrew’s Day (Nov 30) and different spring holiday dates. |
| Wales | Same 8 holidays as England. |
| Northern Ireland | 10 holidays including St Patrick’s Day (March 17) and Battle of the Boyne (July 12). |
Planning travel? Always check local UK Bank Holidays for your destination.
Explore Other Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
FAQs
How many England public holidays are there each year?
Eight. England has eight permanent bank holidays annually.
Do I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
Not automatically. It depends on your employment contract. Some employers offer time-and-a-half or double time, while others give a day off in lieu.
Are schools closed on bank holidays?
Yes. All state schools are closed on bank holidays. Private schools may vary, but most follow the same schedule.
When is the next upcoming bank holiday?
Check our tables above for the nearest date based on current year.
Do all businesses close on bank holidays?
No. While banks and many offices close, retail stores, restaurants, and attractions often stay open, especially in tourist areas.
Are bank holidays the same across the entire UK?
No. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own holiday schedules.
How do I plan school holidays around bank holidays?
Many parents use bank holidays to extend half-term breaks. Check UK School Holidays dates and align with our bank holiday schedule for maximum time off.
What happens if two bank holidays fall on the same day?
If this rare event occurs, the second holiday typically moves to the next available weekday. This ensures you don’t lose a holiday.
Useful Resources
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