Introduction to UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools and public services close, giving workers a day off. They are not guaranteed paid days off unless specified in your employment contract, but many employers offer pay or time off in lieu. The number and dates vary across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland due to regional differences.
In 2026, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 8 bank holidays, while Scotland has 9. For 2027, the counts remain the same: 8 for England, Wales and NI, and 9 for Scotland. These figures include substitute days when holidays fall on weekends. Dates are set by the UK Government and Scottish Parliament, with Easter varying annually based on the lunar calendar.
This guide lists all dates, explains substitutes and helps you plan. Always check gov.uk for official confirmation, as dates beyond 2026 are provisional.
Bank Holidays in 2026: Full Breakdown
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 Bank Holidays)
Here’s the complete list for 2026 in these regions:
- 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day – Celebrates the start of the year.
- 3 April (Friday): Good Friday – Christian observance marking Jesus’s crucifixion.
- 6 April (Monday): Easter Monday – Follows Easter Sunday; a day for family gatherings.
- 4 May (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday – Fixed on the first Monday in May for rest and events.
- 25 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday – Last Monday in May, often for outdoor activities.
- 31 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday – Last Monday in August, end-of-summer vibe.
- 25 December (Friday): Christmas Day – Family festivities and traditions.
- 28 December (Monday): Substitute Bank Holiday for Boxing Day – Original Boxing Day is 26 December (Saturday), so Monday 28th is the substitute.
Total: 8 days. Note no holiday on 27 December as it’s not a substitute here.
Scotland (9 Bank Holidays)
Scotland has unique additions:
- 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day.
- 2 January (Friday): 2nd January Holiday – A Scottish staple for Hogmanay celebrations.
- 3 April (Friday): Good Friday.
- 4 May (Monday): Early May.
- 25 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday.
- 3 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday – Earlier than elsewhere.
- 30 November (Monday): St Andrew’s Day – Patron saint of Scotland.
- 25 December (Friday): Christmas Day.
- 28 December (Monday): Substitute for Boxing Day (26th Saturday).
Total: 9 days. No Easter Monday, but extra early-year and local holidays compensate.
Bank Holidays in 2027: Dates and Counts
Provisional dates for 2027, subject to official announcement.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 Bank Holidays)
- 1 January (Friday): New Year’s Day.
- 26 March (Friday): Good Friday.
- 29 March (Monday): Easter Monday.
- 3 May (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday.
- 31 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday.
- 30 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday.
- 27 December (Monday): Substitute for Christmas Day (25th Saturday).
- 28 December (Tuesday): Substitute for Boxing Day (26th Sunday).
Total: 8 days. Two consecutive substitutes at Christmas create a long weekend.
Scotland (9 Bank Holidays)
- 1 January (Friday): New Year’s Day.
- 4 January (Monday): Substitute for 2nd January (Saturday).
- 26 March (Friday): Good Friday.
- 3 May (Monday): Early May.
- 31 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday.
- 2 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday.
- 30 November (Tuesday): St Andrew’s Day.
- 27 December (Monday): Christmas substitute.
- 28 December (Tuesday): Boxing Day substitute.
Total: 9 days. The 2nd January substitute shifts to Monday 4th.
Understanding Substitute Bank Holidays
UK rules for substitutes:
- If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday follows (usually the next Monday or Tuesday if needed).
- Applies to Christmas, Boxing Day and others like New Year’s in Scotland.
- In 2026, Boxing Day (Saturday) → 28 December (Monday).
- In 2027, Christmas (Saturday) → 27 December (Monday); Boxing (Sunday) → 28 December (Tuesday).
This ensures workers get the holiday on a weekday.
Regional Differences Explained
| Region | Unique Holidays | 2026 Count | 2027 Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, NI | Easter Monday | 8 | 8 |
| Scotland | 2 Jan, Summer Aug 3rd/2nd, St Andrew’s | 9 | 9 |
Scotland prioritises its traditions, skipping Easter Monday. Northern Ireland aligns with England/Wales but has potential local variations (e.g., Battle of the Boyne on 12 July, not always bank hol).
Are Bank Holidays Paid? What Employers Must Do
Bank holidays aren’t statutory paid leave. Rights depend on:
- Contract: May specify paid days off.
- Full-time workers: Often get pay or lieu time.
- Part-time/shift workers: Pro-rata entitlement.
- Working on holiday: Eligible for premium pay (e.g., double time).
Check ACAS guidelines. Zero-hours contracts vary.
Planning Tips for 2026 and 2027
- Long weekends: 2026 Easter (Fri-Mon), 2027 Christmas (Fri before, then Mon-Tue).
- Travel: Book early; motorways busy on Fridays.
- Events: Notting Hill Carnival (Aug), Edinburgh Festival (Aug).
- Schools: Terms often align, extra ‘INSET’ days.
- Calendar: Download from gov.uk; add to Google/Outlook.
- Businesses: Retail/bars open; check opening hours.
Max paid leave by booking around holidays, e.g., 2026: book 2-3 April for Easter week off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays total in the UK?
Varies by nation: 8 or 9 per year. Over 2026-2027: 16-18 depending on location.
Do bank holidays count as annual leave?
No, separate unless contracted otherwise.
Can I work on a bank holiday?
Yes, but may get enhanced pay.
Are there extra holidays for the King?
Jubilees add one-offs, e.g., 2023 Coronation.
Scotland vs England: Why the difference?
Devolution allows Scotland unique dates.
This guide (approx. 1050 words) equips you for 2026-2027. For updates, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.