Introduction to UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and government offices close. They provide welcome breaks for workers and families, often coinciding with long weekends ideal for travel or relaxation. However, dates vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland due to regional differences.
This guide covers all UK bank holidays for 2025 and 2026, aligned with official announcements. We’ll list them by nation, explain substitutes (when holidays fall on weekends), and share practical tips. Whether you’re planning a holiday, event, or business schedule, knowing these dates helps avoid disruptions.
Note: These are statutory bank holidays, but some sectors like retail or hospitality may remain open. Always check with employers for specifics.
Key Differences by UK Nation
- England and Wales: Eight bank holidays per year, including Easter Monday and August Summer bank holiday.
- Scotland: Similar, but replaces Easter Monday with 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 November or substitute). Summer bank holiday is earlier (first Monday in August).
- Northern Ireland: Matches England/Wales but adds St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Battle of the Boyne (12 July), with substitutes if weekends.
Substitutes apply under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971: if Christmas Day or others fall on weekends, the next weekday becomes a bank holiday.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2025
Here’s the full list:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Total: 8 days. No substitutes needed in 2025 as none fall on weekends.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day (substitute Monday 28 December) |
Note the Boxing Day substitute on 28 December 2026.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2025
Scotland has unique dates:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2nd January |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 1 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov substitute) |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
St Andrew’s Day (30 November 2025, Sunday) moves to Monday 1 December.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2nd January |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day (substitute Monday 28 December) |
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2025
Includes extras:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Thursday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 14 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Total: 10 days.
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 13 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (12 July substitute) |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day (substitute Monday 28 December) |
Battle of the Boyne (12 July 2026, Sunday) substitutes to Monday 13 July.
Planning Around UK Bank Holidays
Travel Tips
Bank holidays mean crowded roads, trains, and airports. For 2025’s August bank holiday (25th in Eng/Wal/NI, 4th in Scotland), book ferries or Eurostar early. Spring bank holidays (26 May 2025, 25 May 2026) are popular for UK staycations.
Business Considerations
Many offices close, but supermarkets often open reduced hours. Plan deliveries around these dates. Payroll teams: note extra pay for holiday work.
Events and Festivals
Easter weekends (18-21 April 2025; 3-6 April 2026) host egg hunts and markets. New Year doubles in Scotland offer extended breaks.
Long Weekends
2025 highlights: 2 January (Scotland Thu-Fri), Easter (Fri-Mon), May trio creating four-day weekends. 2026: New Year Thu-Fri (Scotland Fri extra), Christmas Fri-Mon (with 28th sub).
History and Fun Facts
Bank holidays originated in 1871, expanded over time. Queen Victoria influenced early ones. Scotland’s St Andrew’s nods to patron saint; NI’s reflect cultural heritage.
In 2025-2026, no extra ‘one-off’ holidays announced yet (like Platinum Jubilee). Check gov.uk for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Usually yes, if full-time employee, but check contract.
Do schools close?
Yes, typically.
Can they be moved?
Government occasionally shifts for events (e.g., 2022 Platinum).
Scotland vs England?
Key diffs: no Easter Monday, early summer hol, St Andrew’s.
This comprehensive list ensures you’re prepared for UK bank holidays 2025 and 2026. Bookmark for reference and share with colleagues!
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