How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2026
Learn the best strategies to turn your holiday allowance into extended breaks by combining annual leave with bank holidays.
Read MoreVisual calendar showing all bank holidays throughout 2026
Filter by region to see the bank holidays specific to your location
Thursday, 1 January 2026
The first day of the year, celebrated across the United Kingdom as a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.
Book restaurants early for New Year's Eve dinner
Friday, 2 January 2026
An additional bank holiday observed only in Scotland, allowing for extended New Year celebrations.
Perfect opportunity for a long weekend getaway
Friday, 3 April 2026
A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, observed two days before Easter Sunday.
Great start to a four-day Easter weekend
Monday, 6 April 2026
The day after Easter Sunday, marking the end of the Easter weekend celebrations across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Popular day for day trips - expect busy roads
Monday, 4 May 2026
Originally created to celebrate May Day and the arrival of spring, this bank holiday marks the beginning of better weather.
Great time for garden centre visits
Monday, 25 May 2026
The late May bank holiday, perfect for enjoying the late spring weather and outdoor activities.
Half-term holiday for many schools
Monday, 31 August 2026
The last bank holiday of summer in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, marking the traditional end of the summer season.
Roads and beaches will be very busy
Monday, 3 August 2026
Scotland's summer bank holiday falls earlier than the rest of the UK, at the beginning of August.
Edinburgh gets very busy with festival preparations
Monday, 30 November 2026
Scotland's national day celebrating the patron saint of Scotland, St Andrew.
Many Scottish businesses close or have reduced hours
Friday, 25 December 2026
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the most widely celebrated holiday in the United Kingdom.
Almost everything closes - stock up well in advance
Saturday, 26 December 2026
The day after Christmas, traditionally a day for giving gifts to service workers and the less fortunate.
Major retail sales begin - expect crowds
Monday, 28 December 2026
Since Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, a substitute bank holiday is observed on the following Monday.
Take advantage of extended holiday period
Planning your year effectively requires knowing exactly when bank holidays fall. Our interactive UK Bank Holidays 2026 calendar provides you with accurate, up-to-date information for all four nations of the United Kingdom. Whether you are booking annual leave, planning family gatherings, or scheduling business operations, having this information at your fingertips is invaluable.
The United Kingdom observes different bank holidays across its constituent countries. England and Wales share most bank holidays, while Scotland celebrates additional holidays like the 2nd of January and St Andrew's Day. Northern Ireland also has unique observances. Our tool allows you to filter by region, ensuring you see only the holidays relevant to your location.
With 2026 bringing excellent opportunities for extended breaks, particularly around Easter and Christmas, now is the perfect time to start planning. Use our free interactive calendar above to explore all bank holidays and discover expert tips for maximising your time off throughout the year.
Our interactive bank holiday calendar is designed to help you plan your year with ease. Simply use the region filter buttons above the calendar to display holidays specific to England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Each holiday card displays the date, day of the week, regional applicability, and helpful planning tips to maximise your time off.
Bank holidays in the United Kingdom are public holidays when banks and many businesses close. However, it is important to note that there is no automatic right to paid leave on bank holidays for employees in the UK. Whether you receive bank holidays as additional paid leave depends on your employment contract. Most full-time workers in the UK are entitled to 28 days of statutory paid annual leave, and employers may include bank holidays within this allowance.
England and Wales have 8 bank holidays in 2026, Scotland has 9 (including the 2nd of January and St Andrew's Day), and Northern Ireland also has additional holidays. The exact number varies by region, which is why our filter tool is essential for accurate planning.
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 5th April. Good Friday is on 3rd April and Easter Monday is on 6th April, giving you a four-day weekend. This is an excellent opportunity to combine with annual leave for an extended spring break.
When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, usually the following Monday. In 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28th December is the substitute bank holiday, giving workers a longer festive break.
For more detailed planning advice and tips on maximising your annual leave, explore our comprehensive blog articles or use our interactive holiday planning tools.
Expert guides and tips to help you make the most of every bank holiday in 2026
Learn the best strategies to turn your holiday allowance into extended breaks by combining annual leave with bank holidays.
Read MoreEverything you need to know about Easter 2026, from the dates to the best family activities and travel destinations.
Read MoreStart planning your perfect Christmas 2026 celebration with our comprehensive guide covering everything from travel to traditions.
Read MoreBank Holidays 2026 UK is your comprehensive resource for understanding and planning around the United Kingdom's public holidays. Our platform provides accurate, detailed information about every bank holiday occurring in 2026 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We understand that bank holidays vary between the different nations of the UK, which is why we have created region-specific filtering tools to ensure you always have access to the most relevant information for your location.
The concept of bank holidays in the United Kingdom dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Sir John Lubbock. Originally, the act designated four bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland, and five in Scotland. Over the years, the list has evolved, with holidays being added, removed, and modified to reflect the changing needs and cultural landscape of British society. Today, bank holidays are governed by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, which allows the government to appoint bank holidays by royal proclamation.
In 2026, the United Kingdom will observe several significant bank holidays, including New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Early May Bank Holiday, the Spring Bank Holiday, the Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland additionally observes the 2nd of January and St Andrew's Day, while Northern Ireland has its own unique observances. Each of these holidays carries its own traditions, history, and opportunities for celebration and rest.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, scheduling business operations, or simply wanting to make the most of your time off work, our Bank Holidays 2026 UK platform provides all the tools and information you need. From our interactive calendar with regional filtering to our comprehensive blog articles offering expert planning advice, we are committed to helping you navigate the year ahead with confidence. Explore our resources today and start planning your perfect 2026.