UK Bank Holidays 2026 and 2027: What You Need to Know
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and public services close, giving workers a well-deserved break. They originated from the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which allowed banks to suspend operations on specific days. Today, there are typically eight to ten bank holidays per year, varying by nation: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
These dates are set by the UK Government and announced well in advance via gov.uk. For 2026 and 2027, we’ve compiled the official-style reference below, including substitute days where Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends. Note that Scotland has unique holidays like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Always check gov.uk for the latest confirmations, as rare adjustments can occur (e.g., for jubilees).
Planning ahead? Bank holidays often create long weekends perfect for staycations or trips. In 2026, Easter aligns for a four-day break in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Use this guide to book time off, avoid travel chaos, and maximise your leisure time.
Bank Holidays 2026: Full List by Nation
England and Wales 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day Substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 December is a Saturday)
That’s nine days total. The Christmas period offers a potential extended break if you book Friday 1 January or surrounding days.
Scotland 2026
Scotland enjoys an extra holiday:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (local observance, not statutory)
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August 2026
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026 (substitute as 30 November is a Sunday)
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day Substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Ten holidays here, with Hogmanay celebrations boosting New Year festivities.
Northern Ireland 2026
Similar to England and Wales, plus Battle of the Boyne:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (substitute St Patrick’s Day not applicable)
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 13 July 2026 (12 July is Sunday, so substitute Monday)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day Substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Ten days, with the unique July holiday.
Bank Holidays 2027: Full List by Nation
England and Wales 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027
Eight standard days—no substitutes needed as Christmas falls midweek.
Scotland 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027 (local)
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 2 August 2027
- St Andrew’s Day: Tuesday, 30 November 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027
Nine holidays, with St Andrew’s on a weekday.
Northern Ireland 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
- Battle of the Boyne: Tuesday, 13 July 2027 (12 July Monday)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027
Nine days.
Key Differences Across UK Nations
While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share most dates, Scotland diverges with 2 January (instead of Easter Monday) and an earlier summer holiday. St Andrew’s Day is Scotland-only, and Northern Ireland has Battle of the Boyne (Orange Day). Easter Monday isn’t statutory in Scotland, though many observe Good Friday locally.
Substitute days apply when 25/26 December or other fixed dates fall on weekends: the next working day (usually Monday) becomes a bank holiday. This ensures fairness in holiday entitlement.
Planning Tips for 2026 and 2027 Bank Holidays
Long Weekends and Extended Breaks
- 2026 Easter: Good Friday to Easter Monday—four days off.
- 2026 May: Back-to-back early and spring holidays if bridging with annual leave.
- 2026 Christmas: 25 Dec (Fri) to 28 Dec (Mon)—four days.
- 2027 New Year: 1-2 Jan midweek, but book around for longer.
Book trains, flights, and hotels early—National Rail and airports see surges. Use apps like Trainline or Citymapper for disruptions.
Business and Travel Impacts
Shops often open reduced hours (e.g., supermarkets 11am-5pm), but post offices and banks close fully. Pubs and attractions may thrive. For travel, motorways like M25 clog; consider ferries to islands or Eurostar.
Remote workers: Check employer policies—bank holidays aren’t automatic paid leave unless contracted.
Calendar Downloads and Tools
Download ICS calendars from gov.uk or Timeanddate.com. Google Calendar integrations help. For payroll, use HMRC-approved software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Not automatically—depends on your contract. Many get ‘inclusive’ pay, others time off in lieu.
Do bank holidays count as annual leave?
No, they are separate unless specified.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, with notice and potential premium pay.
What’s open on bank holidays?
McDonald’s, Costa, and tourist spots often open; GPs and courts close.
How far ahead are dates announced?
Usually by October prior year via gov.uk.
This guide equips you for seamless planning across 2026 and 2027. With Easter in April 2026 approaching, now’s the time to mark your diary. For updates, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays. Happy holidays!
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