UK Public Holidays

There are 8 UK public holidays in England and Wales each year, with slight variations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These official bank holidays mark important national, religious, and cultural events, giving workers and families valuable time off. Understanding the full list of dates helps you plan travel, business activities, and personal celebrations with confidence.

This complete guide to UK public holidays explains each holiday’s meaning, when it takes place, and how dates may change from year to year. From fixed annual dates to movable feasts, knowing the structure behind them prevents confusion and missed plans.

How Many Public Holidays Are There in the UK?

The number of public holidays varies depending on where you live. It is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is not uniform across the nation:

• England and Wales: Typically have 8 bank holidays in the UK per year.
• Scotland: Usually has 9 public holidays.
• Northern Ireland: Often has 10, reflecting its unique cultural and historical celebrations.

Complete List of UK Public Holidays

While specific dates shift each year slightly, the list of UK public holidays remains consistent. The following table provides the standard annual events you can expect, applicable for planning across any year.

Holiday	Description
New Year’s Day	Celebrates the start of the new year on January 1st.
Good Friday	The Monday following Easter Sunday is a holiday in many nations.
Easter Monday	The Friday before Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday.
Early May Bank Holiday	A springtime holiday on the first Monday of May.
Spring Bank Holiday	The day after Christmas is traditionally for giving gifts to service workers.
Summer Bank Holiday	An August holiday; date varies between nations.
Christmas Day	The annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Boxing Day	The Monday following Easter Sunday, a holiday in many nations.

Differences Between Bank Holidays and Public Holidays

For the average person planning a family trip or a festive break, the difference is minimal. “Bank holidays” refer specifically to days recognized by royal proclamation and statute when banks are closed. “Public holidays” is a broader, more conversational term often used to describe the same days. In Scotland, for example, some days like St. Andrew’s Day are considered public holidays but are not always automatic days off for all workers, whereas the bank holidays usually are.

Deep Dive into Major UK Public Holidays

Let’s explore some of the most significant dates in the calendar.

New Year’s Day (January 1st)

A global celebration, New Year’s Day in the UK is a time for fresh starts. Many people enjoy New Year’s Day activities such as charity fun runs (like the famous “Dook” in Edinburgh), long walks to cure hangovers, or enjoying the quiet streets. Expect reduced hours in shops and a Sunday service on most public transport.

Good Friday (April 18th)

Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a bank holiday across the UK. In England and Wales, it is one of the few days when large shops must close by law. It’s often a quiet day, traditionally spent with family or attending religious services, marking the start of the Easter weekend.

Easter Monday (April 21st)

Part of the Easter holidays, Easter Monday is a more celebratory day. Many attractions, gardens, and zoos are open, often hosting family activities like Easter egg trails. It is a popular day for a short festive break or day trip. While shops open on Easter Sunday are restricted, most supermarkets and retail parks are open on Easter Monday, though often with reduced hours.

Early May Bank Holiday (May 5th)

The first of the spring bank holidays, this day is all about celebrating the warmer weather. It is often associated with local festivals, craft fairs, and getting outside. It’s a perfect time for fun things to do in summer-like activities, even though summer is just around the corner.

Spring Bank Holiday (May 26th)

Falling in late May, this holiday often coincides with school half-term breaks, making it a peak time for family holiday activities. Expect busy roads and tourist spots as families make the most of the long weekend.

Summer Bank Holiday (August 25th)

The final bank holiday before a long stretch until Christmas. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it falls on the last Monday of August. It marks the unofficial end of summer and is famous for its major special events, including the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s final days. The summer bank holiday weekend is prime time for city breaks and seaside trips.

Christmas Day (December 25th)

The most universally observed day of the year. Almost everything is closed on Christmas Day. This includes all large shops, most small shops, and all public transport. It is a day reserved for private celebrations with family and friends. Finding unique things to do on Christmas Day usually involves pre-booked hotel lunches or enjoying the peace at home.

Boxing Day (December 26th)

Traditionally a day for sporting events and giving to the less fortunate, Boxing Day is now famous for its shopping sales. However, while retail parks are often busy, don’t expect to find many attractions open on Boxing Day. Many historical sites and smaller museums remain closed until after the New Year. Public transport is extremely limited, so plan.

Top Things to Do on a UK Public Holiday

Whether you have a long weekend or a single day off, here is how to make the most of it:

1. Visit a Historical Site: English Heritage and National Trust properties are usually open (check opening times first) and often run special events for kids.
2. Enjoy the Outdoors: Head to a national park or the coast. The summer bank holiday is perfect for a final barbecue of the season.
3. Check Local Listings: Many towns host street fairs, music festivals, or firework displays on bank holidays.
4. Plan a City Break: Major cities like London, Edinburgh, or Cardiff have plenty of restaurants and attractions open, but book in advance!

UK School Term Dates

For families, public holidays are intrinsically linked to UK school holiday dates. The standard school year is divided into six terms with breaks in between.

Understanding the Structure:

• State Schools: The school term dates in the UK are set by the local authority or local authorities (e.g., a county council). You can find local council school holidays on your council’s website.
• Private Schools: These often set their own, longer holidays that may differ from state schools.

The academic year typically includes:

• Autumn term: with an October half-term break.
• Christmas holidays: A two-week break.
• Spring term: with a February half term.
• Easter Holidays in the UK: Usually a two-week break encompassing Good Friday and Easter Monday.
• Summer term: with a May half-term (often coinciding with the Spring bank holiday).
• Summer holidays: Six weeks from late July to early September.

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

Useful Resources

For the most authoritative information, always refer to official sources.

• Government UK: The definitive source for future bank holiday dates and employment law.
• Local Council Websites: For confirmed school term dates in the UK and local service changes.