What Are Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools and public services close. They provide opportunities for rest, family time and travel. Originating from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, these days have evolved, with dates set by the UK Government and devolved administrations. England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland observe slightly different schedules, especially around summer and saint’s days.
This guide covers all bank holidays for 2025 and 2026, helping you plan ahead. Dates are confirmed based on official announcements from gov.uk and equivalent sources. Note that while most apply nationwide, regional variations exist. Substitute days occur when holidays fall on weekends.
Bank Holidays in 2025
2025 features nine bank holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with ten in Scotland due to 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
England and Wales 2025
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
These create long weekends around Easter (18-21 April) and late May (24-26 May).
Scotland 2025
Scotland has additional holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 4 August
- St Andrew’s Day (substitute): Monday, 1 December (as 30 November is Sunday)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
St Andrew’s Day shifts to Monday for the substitute, extending the festive break.
Northern Ireland 2025
Similar to England and Wales, plus Battle of the Boyne on 14 July (Monday):
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 14 July
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Bank Holidays in 2026
2026 brings similar patterns, with Easter earlier and Christmas substitutes needed.
England and Wales 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 4 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 25 May
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 31 August
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December (as 26 December is Saturday)
Easter weekend (3-6 April) offers a four-day break.
Scotland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 4 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 25 May
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 3 August
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December
2 January creates a four-day New Year weekend.
Northern Ireland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April
- Early May bank holiday: Monday, 4 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday, 25 May
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 13 July
- Summer bank holiday: Monday, 31 August
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December
Key Differences Across UK Nations
While core holidays like New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Christmas align, variations include:
- Scotland: Observes 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 November or substitute). Summer holiday earlier (first Monday August).
- Northern Ireland: Adds Battle of the Boyne (12 July or substitute Monday). Easter Monday included.
- England & Wales: No 2 January or St Andrew’s; later summer holiday (last Monday August). Easter Monday but no Battle of the Boyne.
Easter Monday is not statutory in Scotland, though many take it off. Always check employer policies.
Long Weekends and Holiday Planning Tips
Anticipate these extended breaks:
2025 Highlights:
- New Year: 29 Dec 2024 (if Sat) to 2 Jan (Scotland).
- Easter: 18-21 April (four days).
- May: 3-5 May and 24-26 May.
- August: 23-25 August (Eng/Wal/NI).
2026 Highlights:
- New Year: 29-2 Jan (four days Scotland).
- Easter: 3-6 April.
- Whitsun: 23-25 May.
- Christmas: 25-28 Dec (four days).
Travel Advice
Bank holidays see crowded roads, trains and airports. Book trains via National Rail, ferries early. Use apps like Citymapper for urban travel. Consider staycations to avoid peaks.
Booking Time Off
To maximise holidays, book bridging days. For example, in 2025, take 22 April (Tue) after Easter for nine days off with annual leave.
School Holidays Alignment
Bank holidays often coincide with school breaks. Check gov.uk for term dates by council.
History and Evolution of UK Bank Holidays
Sir John Lubbock’s 1871 Act created the first bank holidays: Easter Monday, Whit Monday, first Monday August and Boxing Day. Christmas was added in 1967 for Scotland, nationwide later. Devolution brought regional tweaks, like Scotland’s 2 January (post-1999).
Governments occasionally add extra holidays, e.g., Platinum Jubilee 2022. Future dates are announced yearly; monitor gov.uk.
Substitute Days Explained
If Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends:
- Saturday: Tuesday substitute.
- Sunday: Monday substitute.
2026 example: Boxing Day Saturday 26 Dec → Monday 28 Dec holiday.
St Andrew’s Day follows similar rules in Scotland.
FAQs
Are bank holidays paid for workers?
Most full-time employees get paid time off or lie-in pay. Check contracts; part-timers may not qualify.
Do banks close on bank holidays?
Yes, by definition, though ATMs operate.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, for major events. 2025/2026 are fixed.
Scotland vs England bank holidays?
Scotland has early summer holiday and unique days; England later August.
This guide equips you for 2025 and 2026 planning. For updates, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays. Total words: approximately 1050.