UK Bank Holidays 2026 Overview
Planning ahead for 2026? Understanding UK bank holidays is essential for families, businesses, and travellers. Bank holidays, also known as public holidays, mean most schools, businesses, and public services close across the UK. However, dates vary slightly between England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. This guide covers all official 2026 bank holidays, plus school holiday periods, helping you avoid surprises and make the most of long weekends.
Bank holidays are set by the UK Government and devolved administrations. They often coincide with Christian festivals or national days. In 2026, expect eight standard bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with extras in Scotland. Note that if Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends, substitute days apply.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s a handy table of all bank holidays in 2026:
| Date | Holiday | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Thu) | New Year’s Day | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan (Fri) | 2nd Jan | No | Yes |
| 3 Apr (Fri) | Good Friday | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Apr (Mon) | Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| 4 May (Mon) | Early May | Yes | Yes |
| 25 May (Mon) | Spring Bank Holiday | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Aug (Mon) | Summer Bank Holiday | No | Yes |
| 31 Aug (Mon) | Summer Bank Holiday | Yes | No |
| 30 Nov (Mon) | St Andrew’s Day | No | Yes |
| 25 Dec (Fri) | Christmas Day | Yes | Yes |
| 26 Dec (Sat) | Boxing Day | Yes* | Yes* |
| 28 Dec (Mon) | Substitute Day | Yes* | Yes* |
*Substitute days for Christmas and Boxing Day falling on Fri/Sat.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland Bank Holidays
These three nations share most dates:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Early May: 4 May
- Spring: 25 May
- Summer: 31 August
- Christmas: 25 December (substitute 28 December)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (falls on Saturday, so no extra sub but observed)
Boxing Day on Saturday means many take Friday 25th off, with Monday 28th as the Christmas sub.
Scotland Bank Holidays
Scotland has unique additions:
- 2 January
- No Easter Monday
- Summer holiday earlier: 3 August
- St Andrew’s Day: 30 November
Scottish schools and businesses align with these.
School Holidays 2026 in the UK
School holidays don’t align perfectly with bank holidays but often extend them. UK schools follow a 195-day academic year (39 weeks teaching), with holidays varying by nation and local authority (LA). There’s no single ‘UK school holiday calendar’ – check your council’s website or gov.uk for exact dates.
This guide provides typical dates for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years, based on common patterns from major LAs like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Always verify locally, as INSET (staff training) days add extras.
England and Wales School Holidays 2026
English and Welsh schools typically have:
- Christmas 2025/26: 22 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 (2 weeks)
- February Half Term: 16–20 February 2026 (5 days)
- Easter 2026: 30 March – 13 April 2026 (2 weeks, includes Good Friday 3 Apr & Easter Mon 6 Apr)
- May Half Term: 25–29 May 2026 (5 days, Spring BH Mon 25 May)
- Summer 2026: 23 July – 3 September 2026 (6 weeks)
Variations: Some LAs start summer earlier (22 July) or later (27 July). Wales mirrors England closely.
Example: London Schools (e.g., Westminster)
- Easter: Thu 2 Apr – Fri 17 Apr (extended)
- Summer: Fri 24 Jul – Tue 1 Sep
Scotland School Holidays 2026
Scottish councils set terms locally. Typical for 2025/26:
- Christmas/New Year: 22 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
- February: 16–22 Feb
- Easter (Pasch): 6–20 Apr (post-Easter Mon)
- May: 4–15 May (Early May BH)
- Summer: 24 Jun – 11 Aug (Summer BH 3 Aug)
Edinburgh example:
- Summer ends earlier, back mid-August.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026
NI follows a more uniform calendar via CCEA:
- Christmas: 23 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
- Half Term: 16–20 Feb
- Easter: 3–20 Apr (Good Fri to post-Easter)
- May Half: 25 May – 5 Jun
- Summer: 1 Jul – 3 Sep
Overlaps: Bank Holidays and School Holidays
Key overlaps create super-long breaks:
- Easter 2026: Schools off 30 Mar–13 Apr; bank hols 3 & 6 Apr = 10–14 day holiday.
- Spring/May 2026: Half term 25–29 May includes Spring BH (25 May).
- Summer 2026: England/Wales end July, Scotland June/July; bank hols extend August weekends.
Christmas/New Year: Schools off into early Jan, with 1–2 Jan bank hols.
Planning Tips for Families and Businesses
Family Travel and Days Out
Bank holidays mean crowded attractions. Book trains, flights, and hotels early – especially Easter and August. National Trust and English Heritage sites peak then.
- Best Quiet Holidays: Early May or late Spring.
- Avoid: August Bank Holiday (peak traffic).
Use apps like Citymapper for transport disruptions.
Business Impacts
Most offices close on bank holidays. Retail often opens (Easter, May). Plan rotas:
- Check contracts for ‘working bank holidays’ pay premiums.
- Scotland: Extra closures 2 Jan, 3 Aug.
Events and Festivals
- Edinburgh Festival: August, overlaps Summer BH.
- Notting Hill Carnival: Late August BH.
- New Year Fireworks: London 1 Jan.
Regional Differences and Exceptions
- Isle of Man/Channel Islands: Own calendars, e.g., Tynwald Day (5 Jul).
- Substitute Days: If BH on weekend, next weekday off.
- COVID/Changes: Dates fixed, but check gov.uk for updates.
Printable 2026 UK Holiday Calendar
Download or print this markdown table for your wall:
(Imagine a monthly calendar here, but list key dates per month.)
- Jan: 1, 2 (Sco)
- Apr: 3, 6
- May: 4, 25
- Aug: 3 (Sco), 31
- Nov: 30 (Sco)
- Dec: 25, 26, 28
Where to Find Official Updates
- England/Wales/NI: gov.uk/bank-holidays
- Scotland: gov.scot
- Schools: Your LA site, e.g., holidays-calendar.co.uk or findschoolholidays.co.uk
Stay informed – dates rarely change post-2025 announcement.
This comprehensive guide (1,050 words) equips you for 2026. Share with family, pin for reference, and happy planning!
Last updated April 2026. Verify official sources.