There are 8 UK Bank Holidays in England and Wales each year, with additional dates in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These official public holidays mark important national, religious, and seasonal events, providing valuable time off for workers and families across the country.
This complete page to UK Bank Holidays explains each holiday’s meaning, when it takes place, and how substitute days apply if a date falls on a weekend. Some holidays, such as Easter, change each year. This Page covers every bank holiday date you need.
What Are Bank Holidays?
Think of bank holidays as official days off when most businesses close their doors. They’re called “bank holidays” because back in 1871, banks got the day off—and everyone else eventually followed. Today, they’re your golden tickets for planning time off, whether you’re dreaming of Easter holidays in Cornwall or a festive break in Edinburgh.
The UK government sets these dates, but here’s the twist: Scotland and Northern Ireland celebrate a few extra holidays that England and Wales don’t. So knowing your regional bank holidays makes all the difference when planning that perfect family trip.
What Are the Official UK Bank Holidays in 2026?
Great question! The official UK bank holidays for 2026 follow the traditional calendar, with some regional variations. England bank holidays and Wales bank holidays share the same eight dates, while Scotland bank holidays and Northern Ireland bank holidays add their own special celebrations.
Easter 2026 falls relatively early this year, with Easter Sunday on 5 April. This affects Good Friday and Easter Monday dates across the regions. Let’s dive into the complete breakdown.
UK Bank Holidays: Upcoming Dates
UK Bank Holidays 2026 England & Wales
| 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) |
UK Bank Holidays 2026 Scotland
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2nd January |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Note: Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday.
UK Bank Holidays 2026 Northern Ireland
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’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 |
| 13 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – substitute |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Need Accurate UK Public Holiday Information?
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Get in TouchUK Bank Holidays: Complete Dates
UK Bank Holidays 2027 England & Wales
| 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) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
UK Bank Holidays 2027 Scotland
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 4 January | Monday | 2nd January (substitute) |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Tuesday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
UK Bank Holidays 2027 Northern Ireland
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Wednesday | St Patrick’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 |
| 12 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Understanding Substitute Bank Holidays
Ever noticed a bank holiday landing on a Tuesday and wondered why Monday wasn’t the holiday? That’s where substitute days come in.
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the government moves it to the following Monday (or Tuesday if Monday’s already taken). This ensures nobody misses out on their well-earned day off. For example, Boxing Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, so the substitute day is Monday 28 December. Smart, right?
This is why you’ll see “substitute” next to certain dates in our tables—they’re your guarantee of a day off, even when the actual holiday lands on a weekend.
Bank Holiday VS Public Holiday
People often use these terms interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference:
Bank holidays are specific days when banks and many businesses close by law or tradition. They’re officially proclaimed by the government each year.
Public holidays is a broader term covering any day when the general public typically has the day off—this includes bank holidays, plus traditional days like Christmas Eve in some workplaces.
In Scotland, for instance, 2nd January is a bank holiday, while St Andrew’s Day is a voluntary public holiday that many employers now offer. Confused? Just remember: all bank holidays are public holidays, but not all public holidays are bank holidays.
How Many UK Bank Holidays?
The UK has 8 permanent bank holidays across England and Wales. Scotland enjoys 9, and Northern Ireland celebrates 10.
Here’s the breakdown:
- England and Wales: 8 days annually
- Scotland: 9 days (adding 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day)
- Northern Ireland: 10 days (adding St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne)
Are Banks Open on Bank Holidays UK?
No. Banks are closed on bank holidays across the UK.
This tradition dates back to the Bank Holidays Act 1871, when banks shut their doors—and the name stuck. Today, you’ll find most banks closed, along with government offices and many businesses.
However, online banking keeps running, and some shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions stay open (especially in popular places for family holidays UK). Always check ahead if you’re planning visits to smaller businesses.
Explore Official UK Public Holiday Dates
Access verified public holiday dates, yearly calendars, and regional breakdowns all in one place. Our regularly updated guide ensures you never miss an important UK holiday.
View UK Public HolidaysWhen is Easter in 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on 5 April.
This means:
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (observed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only)
Easter 2026 arrives in early spring, perfect for those Easter holidays breaks. Scotland observes Good Friday but not Easter Monday, so Scottish families typically return to work and school on Tuesday 7 April.
What to Do on a Bank Holiday Weekend in the UK
Bank holiday weekends are prime time for making memories. Here’s how to make yours unforgettable:
Explore a new city: Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations or Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day festivities offer authentic cultural experiences. Perfect for a family trip with teenagers.
Stay local: Sometimes the best family holiday activities are right on your doorstep. Visit national trust properties, explore local forests, or host a garden barbecue.
Book a festive break: Christmas holidays and New Year holidays are magical times for city breaks. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is world-famous, while London’s Christmas Day atmosphere is unforgettable.
Best times to travel: Friday morning before the rush, or consider Monday evening returns to dodge traffic. Trust us—your future self will thank you.
Explore Other Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
- UK School Holidays
Ready to start planning? Bookmark this page, share it with friends, and make every UK bank holidays count. Here’s to memorable family trips, perfect places to explore, and the best times to travel across our beautiful UK.
FAQs
Are post offices open on bank holidays?
No. Most post offices close on bank holidays, though larger branches in supermarkets may open reduced hours.
Do I get paid extra for working a bank holiday?
It depends on your contract. Some employers offer time-and-a-half or double time, while others give a day off in lieu. Check your employment contract.
What’s the next UK bank holiday after Christmas?
New Year’s Day on 1 January is the next bank holiday after the Christmas period across all UK regions.
Are schools closed on bank holidays?
Yes. All state schools are closed on bank holidays, making them ideal for family holidays UK without missing lessons.
Is Good Friday a bank holiday in Scotland?
Yes. Unlike Easter Monday, Good Friday is a bank holiday across all UK regions, including Scotland.
Is St Andrew’s Day a mandatory day off in Scotland?
Not always. St Andrew’s Day is a voluntary public holiday. Many employers offer it, but it’s not compulsory like the other Scottish bank holidays.
Are supermarkets open on bank holidays?
Mostly yes. Large supermarkets typically open, though often with reduced Sunday-style hours. Smaller shops may close entirely.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on my day off?
You don’t get an extra day. Bank holidays are additional days off for those who normally work them. If you’re already off, you don’t receive a substitute day.
Useful Resources
Government UK: For the most authoritative information, visit: