Bank Holidays 2026-2027: Your Essential UK Guide
Planning ahead for time off, travel, or business? Knowing the bank holidays 2026-2027 dates is crucial for UK residents and visitors alike. Bank holidays, also known as public holidays, are days when most businesses close, schools often shut, and communities celebrate. While some are universal across the UK, others vary by nation: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have unique observances.
This guide provides a complete, accurate list of bank holidays 2026-2027, aligned with official UK government sources. We’ll break it down by year and region, highlight long weekends, explain substitute days, and offer practical tips. Whether you’re booking holidays or scheduling events, this resource has you covered.
What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays originated from the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, granting paid days off to employees. They’re not mandatory holidays for workers, but most get them via contracts or statutes. There are typically eight to ten per year, depending on location.
Key facts:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Share most dates, with Easter Monday included.
- Scotland: Replaces Easter Monday with 2 January and St Andrew’s Day; has an earlier summer holiday.
- Substitute days: If Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends, the next working day becomes a bank holiday.
In 2026-2027, expect a mix of fixed dates (New Year, May) and moveable feasts (Easter). Note: Scotland’s dates differ notably.
Bank Holidays 2026: Full UK List
2026 brings nine bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and ten in Scotland. Here’s the breakdown:
All UK Bank Holidays 2026
These apply nationwide:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland Only 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
Scotland Only 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August 2026
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026
Christmas Period 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (falls on weekend)
- Substitute Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 December 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland where applicable)
Long Weekends in 2026:
- New Year: Thu-Fri (1-2 Jan) – perfect four-day weekend with Scotland’s extra day.
- Easter: Fri-Mon (3-6 Apr) in E/W/NI.
- May: Two separate Mondays (4 & 25 May).
- August: Separate summer breaks.
- Christmas: Fri-Mon (25-28 Dec).
Bank Holidays 2027: Full UK List
Moving to 2027, patterns shift with Easter earlier and Christmas midweek. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have nine; Scotland ten.
All UK Bank Holidays 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland Only 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August 2027
Scotland Only 2027
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 2 August 2027
- St Andrew’s Day: Tuesday, 30 November 2027 (observed on the day as it’s a weekday)
Christmas Period 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027 (no substitute needed)
Long Weekends in 2027:
- New Year: Wed-Thu (1-2 Jan).
- Easter: Fri-Mon (26-29 Mar) in E/W/NI.
- Late Spring: Back-to-back May holidays.
- Christmas: Thu-Fri (25-26 Dec), extendable.
Regional Differences: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Shared dates dominate, but local authorities can add extras (e.g., coronations). Standard list as above.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Unique with 2 Jan, early August summer holiday, and St Andrew’s. No Easter Monday – schools often close Good Friday instead.
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Mirrors England/Wales, plus Battle of the Boyne (12 July, not in 2026-2027 lists as fixed).
Planning Tips for Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Travel and Holidays
Book trains, flights, and hotels early – demand surges. National Trust sites and beaches peak in May/August. Use apps like Trainline for schedules; many services reduce.
Business Impacts
Most shops close; supermarkets open limited hours. Plan deliveries around Mondays. Payroll: Ensure holiday pay complies with contracts.
Long Breaks and Bridges
‘Bridge’ weekends by taking annual leave adjacent (e.g., Fri after Mon holiday). 2026 Easter offers natural four-day.
School Holidays Alignment
Bank holidays often bookend half-terms. Check gov.uk for term dates.
Printable Calendar for Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Add these to your diary:
2026 Quick List:
| Date | Holiday | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | All |
| 2 Jan | 2 January | Scotland |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | All |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | E/W/NI |
| 4 May | Early May | All |
| 25 May | Spring | All |
| 3 Aug | Summer | Scotland |
| 31 Aug | Summer | E/W/NI |
| 30 Nov | St Andrew’s | Scotland |
| 25-28 Dec | Christmas period | All |
2027 Quick List:
| Date | Holiday | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | All |
| 2 Jan | 2 January | Scotland |
| 26 Mar | Good Friday | All |
| 29 Mar | Easter Monday | E/W/NI |
| 3 May | Early May | All |
| 31 May | Spring | All |
| 2 Aug | Summer | Scotland |
| 30 Aug | Summer | E/W/NI |
| 30 Nov | St Andrew’s | Scotland |
| 25-26 Dec | Christmas/Boxing | All |
FAQs on Bank Holidays 2026-2027
Are bank holidays paid?
Yes, for most full-time employees under the Working Time Regulations.
Do banks close on bank holidays?
Yes, by definition.
Any changes for 2026-2027?
No major shifts announced; dates are provisional until confirmed by Parliament.
How to stay updated?
Visit gov.uk/bank-holidays for official lists.
This guide equips you for 2026-2027 planning. Total word count: approximately 1050. Share with colleagues and save for reference!