How Many Bank Holidays in the UK from 2026 to 2027?
Bank holidays provide welcome breaks throughout the year, but the exact number varies depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. In general, England and Wales have 8 bank holidays annually, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has up to 10 due to additional local observances.
From 2026 to 2027, expect the same pattern. England and Wales will have 16 bank holidays across the two years (8 each), Scotland 18 (9 each), and Northern Ireland 19 or 20 depending on substitutes and local days. These dates are set by the UK Government and announced officially, often aligning with Christian festivals, historic events and fixed Mondays for worker rest.
This guide lists all confirmed dates, explains regional differences and offers tips for making the most of long weekends. All information aligns with official UK Government patterns as per gov.uk.
Bank Holidays in 2026: Full List and Counts
2026 features standard dates with some weekend adjustments for Christmas. Here’s the breakdown:
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 bank holidays)
- 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
- Substitute Boxing Day: Monday 28 December 2026 (as 26 December falls on Saturday)
Note for Northern Ireland: Additional local bank holidays include St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday 17 March 2026) and the Battle of the Boyne (Tuesday 14 July 2026), bringing the total to 10.
Scotland (9 bank holidays)
Scotland swaps Easter Monday for 2 January and includes St Andrew’s Day:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday 2 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
- 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
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026
- Substitute Boxing Day: Monday 28 December 2026
Bank Holidays in 2027: Full List and Counts
2027 sees Christmas on a weekend, creating two extra consecutive holidays at year-end, plus Easter earlier in spring.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 bank holidays)
- New Year’s Day: Friday 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
- Substitute Christmas Day: Monday 27 December 2027 (as 25 December falls on Saturday)
- Substitute Boxing Day: Tuesday 28 December 2027 (as 26 December falls on Sunday)
Note for Northern Ireland: St Patrick’s Day (Monday 17 March 2027) and Battle of the Boyne (Monday 12 July 2027) add two more, for a total of 10.
Scotland (9 bank holidays)
- New Year’s Day: Friday 1 January 2027
- Substitute 2 January: Monday 4 January 2027 (as 2 January falls on Saturday)
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March 2027
- 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
- Substitute Christmas Day: Monday 27 December 2027
- Substitute Boxing Day: Tuesday 28 December 2027
Regional Differences in Bank Holiday Counts
Why the variation? Bank holidays stem from the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, allowing the monarch (on government advice) to appoint extra days. Core dates are nationwide, but nations customise:
- England and Wales: Focus on Christian holidays and summer breaks (8 total).
- Scotland: Replaces Easter Monday with New Year extension (2 January) and St Andrew’s Day (9 total).
- Northern Ireland: Adds St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Battle of the Boyne (12 July) for cultural significance (10 total).
Over 2026-2027:
- England/Wales: 16 days
- Scotland: 18 days
- Northern Ireland: 20 days
Most businesses, schools and public services close, but shops in England/Wales can open on Easter Sunday/Spring bank holiday under exceptions.
Planning Your 2026-2027 Bank Holiday Breaks
Maxmise time off by booking annual leave around these dates for extended weekends:
- 2026 highlights: Easter (Fri-Mon), August long weekend, Christmas-New Year (Fri-Mon with 28 Dec).
- 2027 highlights: Easter early (26-29 March), double May Mondays (3 & 31), Christmas week (27-28 Dec + New Year Fri).
Pro tips:
- Check employer policies – some offer ‘bridge days’.
- Book travel early; popular spots like the Lake District or Scottish Highlands fill up.
- Use tools like gov.uk/bank-holidays for calendars.
- Consider staycations amid rising travel costs.
For families, align with school half-terms (often around May/Spring holidays). Remote workers gain flexibility, but plan for service disruptions.
A Brief History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating in 1871, bank holidays allowed banks to close, giving workers rest. Early ones were saints’ days; modern list added Easter Monday (1871), Whitsun (now Spring, 1972 shift), and August (1890s). Scotland’s distinct calendar reflects its heritage, with 2 January from Hogmanay traditions and St Andrew’s since 2007.
Substitutes ensure fairness when holidays fall on weekends, a rule refined over decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid days off?
Not automatically – it depends on your contract. Many full-time UK workers get them as paid leave, but check with HR.
Do bank holidays affect pay if I work?
Yes, often time-and-a-half or double pay under Working Time Regulations.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, like the 2012 Diamond Jubilee extra day. 2026-2027 follow standard rules.
How do I add to my calendar?
Download ICS files from gov.uk or use apps like Google Calendar with UK holiday sets.
What about part-time workers?
Pro-rated entitlement; bank holidays count towards 5.6 weeks statutory leave.
This comprehensive overview ensures you’re prepared for 2026 to 2027. Dates are provisional based on official patterns – always verify on gov.uk closer to time for any changes. Enjoy the breaks!
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