How Many Bank Holidays in 2026 and 2027?
The number of bank holidays in the UK varies by nation and year due to regional differences and calendar positioning. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are typically eight bank holidays per year. Scotland usually has nine or ten, thanks to additional observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
For 2026, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have eight bank holidays. Scotland has ten. In 2027, the counts remain the same: eight for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and ten for Scotland, accounting for substitute days where holidays fall on weekends.
These dates are set by the UK Government and announced in advance on GOV.UK. They provide welcome breaks for rest, travel, or family time. Understanding substitutes—when a holiday on Saturday shifts to Monday, or Sunday to Tuesday—is key to accurate counting. Below, we break down the full lists, explain variations, and offer planning tips.
Bank Holidays in 2026
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (8 total)
- 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 Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December)
Christmas Day falls on a Friday, so no substitute is needed, but Boxing Day on Saturday shifts to the following Monday.
Scotland (10 total)
Scotland shares most UK-wide holidays but skips Easter Monday, adding unique ones:
- 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
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (observed as holiday, but substitute applies where needed)
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Note: St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is a Monday, so no substitute required.
Bank Holidays in 2027
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (8 total)
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Tuesday, 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 substitute: Monday, 27 December 2027 (as 25 December is Saturday)
- Boxing Day substitute: Tuesday, 28 December 2027 (as 26 December is Sunday)
Easter comes early in 2027, creating a four-day weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
Scotland (10 total)
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January 2027
- 2 January substitute: Monday, 4 January 2027 (as 2 January is 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
- Christmas Day substitute: Monday, 27 December 2027
- Boxing Day substitute: Tuesday, 28 December 2027
Scotland gets an extra day at New Year with the 2 January substitute.
Key Regional Differences
- England, Wales, NI: Easter Monday is a bank holiday; no 2 January or St Andrew’s Day. Summer holiday late August.
- Scotland: No Easter Monday but includes 2 January, early August summer holiday, and St Andrew’s Day (30 November or nearest Monday).
Most businesses close on all bank holidays, but shops in England/Wales may open limited hours on some. Schools often align with these dates, creating half-terms or holidays around them.
Understanding Substitute Bank Holidays
Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971:
- If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday, it moves to the following Monday.
- If on a Sunday, to the following Tuesday.
This ensures workers get a day off. For consecutive holidays like Christmas and Boxing Day, each is substituted separately. In 2026, only Boxing Day needs a substitute; in 2027, both do, creating a festive long weekend from 27-28 December.
Planning Tips for 2026 and 2027 Bank Holidays
Book holidays strategically:
- 2026 highlights: Easter (3-6 April) spans four days. August Bank Holiday (31st) perfect for summer getaways. Year-end: 25 Dec Fri + 28 Dec Mon = extended break if taking 24th off.
- 2027 highlights: Easter (26-29 March) four days. May double bank holiday (3rd & 31st). New Year: 1 Jan Fri + Scotland’s 4 Jan Mon. End-of-year: 27-28 Dec Tue-Wed? Mon-Tue, plus if 24-25 off.
Bridge days: Take Friday before a Monday holiday or Tuesday after for longer breaks. Check trainline.com or nationalrail.co.uk for travel peaks.
Travel advice: Bank holidays see crowded roads (AA Route Planner) and airports. Book early for staycations in the Lake District or Cornwall.
Workplace rights: Most full-time employees get paid time off or lie-u (time off in lieu). Check contracts.
Brief History of UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays originated in 1871 under Sir John Lubbock’s Act, replacing saint days with secular breaks. Expanded in 1995 for May and late August. Scotland’s unique dates reflect cultural traditions: Hogmanay (New Year) and St Andrew.
Devolved governments can add local holidays, like coronations (extra in 2023).
How to Check Official Dates
Always verify on GOV.UK bank holidays page. Dates for 2026 and 2027 are confirmed, but extras (e.g., jubilees) may be added. Apps like Tide or bank holiday calendars on Google provide reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are bank holidays paid for everyone?
No, it depends on your contract. Salaried staff usually get them paid; hourly workers may get lie-u.
Do bank holidays affect pay if I work?
Often time-and-a-half or double pay—check with ACAS.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, unless contracted otherwise.
How many in total across years?
16 standard (8+8), more in Scotland (20).
This guide helps you prepare for rest and recreation. Share with colleagues and bookmark for updates!
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