If you’re searching for how many bank holidays in 2026-27, you’ve come to the right place. The exact number varies by UK nation and whether you’re looking at calendar years or the financial year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are typically 8 bank holidays per calendar year, while Scotland has 9. Over 2026-27 combined, that’s around 16-18 depending on the scope. This guide breaks it all down with official dates, totals, and planning tips to help you make the most of your time off.
Bank holidays are statutory public holidays in the UK when banks and most businesses close. They’re set by the UK government but differ slightly across England/Wales/Northern Ireland (often grouped together) and Scotland. Dates for fixed holidays like May and August are consistent, but Easter-related ones shift annually, and Christmas substitutes apply when they fall on weekends.
What Makes UK Bank Holidays Different by Nation?
The UK isn’t uniform – Scotland has unique holidays like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, skipping Easter Monday. England, Wales and Northern Ireland share the same list. All nations observe Good Friday, early May, spring (late May), and summer (August) bank holidays, plus New Year’s Day and Christmas/Boxing Day (with substitutes).
These are ‘common law’ holidays, meaning most people get them off, but only some are statutory (paid for employees with contracts). Check your employment rights via gov.uk.
Bank Holidays in 2026
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 total)
Here’s the full 2026 list:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 31 August 2026 | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 8 bank holidays. Note: Boxing Day (26 December) falls on Saturday, so the substitute is Monday 28 December.
Scotland (9 total)
Scotland’s 2026 bank holidays include extras:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January 2026 | Friday | 2 January |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 3 August 2026 | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November 2026 | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 9 bank holidays.
Bank Holidays in 2027
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 total)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March 2027 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March 2027 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May 2027 | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 31 May 2027 | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 30 August 2027 | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 27 December 2027 | Monday | Christmas Day substitute |
| 28 December 2027 | Tuesday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 8. Christmas Day (25 December Saturday) and Boxing Day (26 Sunday) shift to 27 and 28 December.
Scotland (9 total)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 4 January 2027 | Monday | 2 January substitute |
| 26 March 2027 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 3 May 2027 | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 31 May 2027 | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 2 August 2027 | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November 2027 | Tuesday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 27 December 2027 | Monday | Christmas Day substitute |
| 28 December 2027 | Tuesday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 9. 2 January (Saturday) substitutes to Monday 4 January.
Bank Holidays in the 2026-27 Financial Year
For businesses, the financial year runs 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This captures 10 bank holidays per nation:
England, Wales, Northern Ireland (10 total)
- 3 April 2026 (Good Friday)
- 6 April 2026 (Easter Monday)
- 4 May 2026 (Early May)
- 25 May 2026 (Spring)
- 31 August 2026 (Summer)
- 25 December 2026 (Christmas)
- 28 December 2026 (Boxing substitute)
- 1 January 2027 (New Year’s Day)
- 26 March 2027 (Good Friday)
- 29 March 2027 (Easter Monday)
Scotland (10 total)
- 3 April 2026 (Good Friday)
- 4 May 2026 (Early May)
- 25 May 2026 (Spring)
- 3 August 2026 (Summer)
- 30 November 2026 (St Andrew’s)
- 25 December 2026 (Christmas)
- 28 December 2026 (Boxing substitute)
- 1 January 2027 (New Year’s Day)
- 4 January 2027 (2 January substitute)
- 26 March 2027 (Good Friday)
Pro tip: No Easter Monday for Scotland, balancing the extras.
How Do Substitute Bank Holidays Work?
Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, it’s moved to the next working day. For Christmas and Boxing Day:
- If on Saturday/Sunday, substitutes fill sequential weekdays (e.g., 2026 Boxing Saturday → Monday 28; 2027 both weekend → Mon 27 & Tue 28).
Scotland follows similar rules but observes its own substitutes.
Planning Tips for 2026-27 Bank Holidays
Maximize time off with ‘bridge’ days:
- 2026 Easter: Fri 3 Apr (Good Friday) + Mon 6 Apr = 4-day weekend (Sat-Sun in between).
- 2026 New Year: Thu 1 Jan – book Fri 2 Jan for long weekend? But Scotland has Fri too.
- 2027 New Year: Fri 1 Jan – perfect 3-day weekend.
- 2027 Easter: Fri 26 Mar + Mon 29 Mar = 4 days.
Travel peaks around August and Easter – book early. For businesses, adjust rotas and payroll (statutory pay applies if eligible).
Business and Payroll Impacts
Bank holidays can disrupt operations. In 2026-27 FY, 10 closures mean planning for coverage. Use tools like gov.uk’s bank holiday API for calendars. Employees on zero-hours may not get paid, but full-time staff often do.
Full UK Bank Holidays Calendar 2026-27 Overview
Combine both years for 16-18 days. Download ICS files from gov.uk for Google Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays in 2026-27 financial year?
10 per nation.
How many bank holidays in England 2026?
Does Scotland have Easter Monday?
No, but extra St Andrew’s and 2 January.
Are bank holidays the same across UK?
No – always check your nation.
This guide uses official projections (gov.uk style). Dates rarely change. Plan ahead for a brilliant 2026-27! (Word count: 1128)