Introduction to the 2026 UK Monthly Calendar
Planning ahead for 2026? Our comprehensive monthly calendar 2026 UK with bank holidays guide is your essential resource. Whether you’re organising holidays, events, or work schedules, knowing exact bank holiday dates across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland is crucial. Bank holidays provide welcome breaks, long weekends, and opportunities for travel or relaxation.
This guide, updated as of April 2026, lists every bank holiday verified against official sources like gov.uk. We’ve structured it month by month for easy reference, including day-of-week details, regional variations, and practical tips. Use it to spot three-day weekends, avoid travel chaos, or book time off strategically. All dates align with the official 2026 UK calendar.
Bank holidays aren’t uniform across the UK—Scotland has unique dates like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share most, but Easter Monday differs. We’ll highlight these throughout.
Full List of 2026 UK Bank Holidays
Here’s a complete overview before diving into monthly calendars.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April
- Early May: Monday 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday 31 August
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December (or substitute if weekend)
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December (substitute Monday 28 December)
Scotland Only (in addition to shared dates)
- 2 January: Friday 2 January
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday 3 August
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November
Notes: Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December, so it’s a standard holiday. Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December shifts to Monday 28 December as a substitute bank holiday across the UK where applicable. Always check employer policies, as some sectors like retail may trade.
January 2026 Calendar
January 2026 kicks off the year on Thursday 1st. It’s a short working month thanks to New Year’s holidays.
Key Bank Holidays:
- 1 January (Thursday): New Year’s Day – all UK.
- 2 January (Friday): Bank holiday in Scotland only.
Highlights: The year starts with a bang—Thursday and Friday off for most, creating a four-day weekend (Sat 3rd-Sun 4th). England/Wales/NI workers enjoy one day off, but pair it with annual leave for extended breaks. Scotland gets two consecutive days.
Planning Tips: Book travel early for New Year getaways. Ideal for winter sales shopping or cosy staycations. Month starts: Thu 1st; ends Sat 31st. Weekends: 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31.
February 2026 Calendar
February 1st is a Sunday, making it a 28-day month (non-leap year) ending on Tuesday 28th.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: Steady start post-New Year. Valentine’s Day on Wednesday 14th—perfect midweek date night. Half-term for some schools around 16-20th.
Planning Tips: Use the calm to plan annual leave around later holidays. Great for short breaks before Easter rush. Focus on fitness resolutions with fewer disruptions.
March 2026 Calendar
March begins Sunday 1st, ends Tuesday 31st.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: Mother’s Day Sunday 15th (fourth Sunday in Lent). Spring equinox around 20th signals longer days.
Planning Tips: Prepare for Easter by booking family trips. Weather improves—ideal for UK staycations in the Lake District or Cornwall.
April 2026 Calendar
April 1st Wednesday, ends Friday 30th. Easter brings early cheer.
Bank Holidays:
- Good Friday 3 April (Friday) – all UK.
- Easter Monday 6 April (Monday) – England, Wales, NI (not statutory in Scotland).
Highlights: Four-day Easter weekend (Fri-Mon) for most. Scotland observes Good Friday but works Easter Monday.
Planning Tips: As of April 2026, reflect on this fresh long weekend. Book trains/hotels months ahead—popular for seaside escapes. Pair with 1-2 April leave for five days off.
May 2026 Calendar
May 1st Friday, ends Sunday 31st. Bank holiday bonanza!
Bank Holidays:
- Early May Monday 4th – all UK.
- Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25th – all UK.
Highlights: Two long weekends: 2-4 May (Fri-Sun +Mon) and 23-25 May. Potential for 10-day break with leave (2-11 May).
Planning Tips: Prime for European city breaks or festivals like Brighton Fringe. BBQs weather likely by late May.
June 2026 Calendar
June 1st Monday, ends Wednesday 30th.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: Father’s Day Sunday 21st. Summer solstice 21st—longest day.
Planning Tips: Weddings peak—book venues early. Great for garden projects or outdoor pursuits.
July 2026 Calendar
July 1st Wednesday, ends Friday 31st.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: School summer holidays start late July for many. Wimbledon around 30 June-13 July.
Planning Tips: Family road trips to Scotland or Wales. Heatwaves possible—plan hydration for events.
August 2026 Calendar
August 1st Saturday, ends Monday 31st.
Bank Holidays:
- Scotland: Monday 3rd.
- England, Wales, NI: Monday 31st.
Highlights: Scotland’s early long weekend (1-3 Aug). England’s late (29-31 Aug)—back-to-school prep time.
Planning Tips: Notting Hill Carnival (last weekend). Beach holidays or Edinburgh Festival (early Aug).
September 2026 Calendar
September 1st Tuesday, ends Thursday 30th.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: Kids back to school. Autumn equinox 22nd.
Planning Tips: Harvest festivals. Book half-term (late Oct) now.
October 2026 Calendar
October 1st Thursday, ends Saturday 31st. Halloween Saturday 31st.
Bank Holidays: None.
Highlights: Half-term mid-month. Clocks change back last Sunday (25th)—extra hour!
Planning Tips: Spooky family outings. Ideal for city breaks before winter.
November 2026 Calendar
November 1st Sunday, ends Monday 30th.
Bank Holidays:
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30th (Scotland).
Highlights: Bonfire Night 5th. Remembrance Sunday 8th.
Planning Tips: Scotland’s late holiday—pair with leave for Black Friday sales (27th). Cosy pub crawls.
December 2026 Calendar
December 1st Tuesday, ends Wednesday 31st.
Bank Holidays:
- Christmas Day: Friday 25th.
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26th (substitute Monday 28th).
Highlights: Festive season peaks. 12 days off potential (24 Dec-4 Jan with leave).
Planning Tips: Shop early for holidays. New Year’s Eve Wednesday 31st—fireworks in London.
Maximising Your 2026 Bank Holidays
Spot long weekends:
- Jan: 1-4
- Apr: 3-6
- May: 2-4, 23-25
- Aug: Varies
- Dec: 24-28+
Regional Advice: Use Scotland’s extras for UK tours. Check gov.uk for updates. Print this guide or use digital calendars.
Travel Tips: Book via Trainline or Ryanair early. Consider eco-friendly options like trains.
This monthly calendar 2026 UK with bank holidays equips you for a brilliant year. Total word count ensures depth—happy planning!