Bank Holidays in the UK 2026: Your Essential Guide
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and public services close, providing a welcome break for workers and families. In 2026, there are 10 bank holidays across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with some variations by nation. This guide provides the full list of bank holidays in the UK for 2026, helping you plan travel, events, or time off effectively.
Provisional dates are set by the UK Government and announced well in advance, usually aligning with tradition or fixed calendar dates. Always check gov.uk for official confirmations, as rare changes can occur for special occasions. With Easter falling early in April 2026, the year kicks off with clustered holidays perfect for short breaks.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s a comprehensive table of all bank holidays in 2026. Note the regional differences, especially for Scotland.
| Date | Day | Holiday | England & Wales | Northern Ireland | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan | Fri | 2nd Jan | No | No | Yes |
| 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | Yes | Yes | No (substitute possible) |
| 4 May | Mon | Early May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 25 May | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | No | No | Yes |
| 31 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | Yes | Yes | No |
| 30 Nov | Mon | St Andrew’s Day | No | No | Yes |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 26 Dec | Sat | Boxing Day | Yes (substitute 28 Dec) | Yes (substitute 28 Dec) | Yes (substitute 28 Dec) |
| 28 Dec | Mon | Christmas/Boxing Substitute | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This table highlights the 2026 bank holidays at a glance. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share eight common dates, while Scotland has unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2026
England and Wales observe these nine bank holidays in 2026:
New Year’s Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026. A nationwide celebration marking the new year, often with fireworks and resolutions.
Good Friday
Friday, 3 April 2026. Part of the Easter weekend, a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Shops may have reduced hours.
Easter Monday
Monday, 6 April 2026. Extends the Easter break, ideal for family outings. Not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Early May Bank Holiday
Monday, 4 May 2026. Traditionally the first Monday in May, great for spring walks and garden centres.
Spring Bank Holiday
Monday, 25 May 2026. The last Monday in May, often featuring street parties and half-term school breaks.
Summer Bank Holiday
Monday, 31 August 2026. Signals the end of summer, with festivals like Notting Hill Carnival in London.
Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2026.
Boxing Day
Saturday, 26 December 2026, substituted to Monday, 28 December 2026. A day for sports, sales, and charity.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
Scotland has its own set of 11 bank holidays, blending national and local observances:
In addition to shared dates like New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Good Friday (3 Apr), Early May (4 May), Spring (25 May), and Christmas period:
2 January
Friday, 2 January 2026. A traditional Scottish holiday, extending the New Year festivities known as Hogmanay.
Easter Monday
Not a statutory bank holiday, but many employers grant it as a holiday.
Summer Bank Holiday
Monday, 3 August 2026. Earlier than in England, aligning with Scottish school summer holidays.
St Andrew’s Day
Monday, 30 November 2026. Celebrates Scotland’s patron saint with parades and ceilidhs.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026
Northern Ireland mirrors England and Wales, with the same eight dates plus Easter Monday. The 12 July holiday (Battle of the Boyne) isn’t listed for 2026 as it falls mid-week and isn’t a fixed bank holiday in this provisional list—confirm locally.
How Substitute Bank Holidays Work
When Christmas Day (25 Dec) or Boxing Day (26 Dec) fall on weekends, substitutes are observed on the next working day. In 2026:
- Christmas Day is Friday, so observed.
- Boxing Day Saturday, substituted to Monday 28 December.
This applies across the UK, ensuring two consecutive holiday Mondays. St Andrew’s Day substitutes similarly if on a weekend.
Planning Tips for UK Bank Holidays 2026
Travel and Getaways
Book early for Easter (3-6 April) and August long weekends, as roads and trains fill up. Consider staycations in the Lake District or Cornish coasts during May holidays.
Business Impacts
Most banks, post offices, and GPs close. Plan payroll around 28 December. Retail often opens reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Events and Festivals
Spring Bank Holiday hosts the FA Cup Final and numerous music festivals. New Year sees London’s fireworks; Scotland’s Hogmanay is legendary.
School Holidays
Bank holidays often align with half-terms: Easter (late March-early April), May half-term (25-29 May), summer (late July-August).
Working on Bank Holidays
Enhanced pay rates apply for many, but check contracts. Some sectors like hospitality remain open.
Historical Context of UK Bank Holidays
Originating from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, these holidays evolved from saints’ days and market closures. Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee added Spring Bank Holiday in 1890s. Modern additions reflect cultural diversity, like Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day since 2007.
In 2026, with no major royal events announced, the calendar remains standard—unlike the extra holidays for the 2022 Platinum Jubilee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are bank holidays paid holidays?
Yes, most full-time employees get paid time off, but confirm with your employer.
Do bank holidays affect DWP payments?
Benefits like Universal Credit adjust to the next working day, e.g., payments due 25 Dec move to 24 Dec.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, only for significant national events by royal proclamation.
What’s open on bank holidays?
Supermarkets often trade (check Sunday rules), but high streets quieten down.
This guide to the list of bank holidays in the UK 2026 equips you for the year ahead. For printable calendars, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays. Stay updated as dates are provisional until confirmed.
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