How Many Bank Holidays Are Left in 2026?
If you’re wondering ‘how many bank holidays left in 2026’ while in April, the answer depends on your location in the UK. Bank holidays vary across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. As of mid-April 2026 – after Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April, where applicable) – there are 5 bank holidays remaining for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 6 for Scotland.
This guide breaks down the full 2026 bank holiday calendar, highlights what’s left post-April, explains regional differences and offers practical tips. Dates are confirmed via official sources like gov.uk. Note: England, Wales and Northern Ireland share the same list, while Scotland has unique additions.
Full List of 2026 UK Bank Holidays
Here’s the complete schedule for the year. We’ve marked those already passed by April 2026 (assuming after Easter) with an asterisk (*).
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 total bank holidays)
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | All regions |
| Fri 3 Apr | Good Friday | All UK |
| Mon 6 Apr | Easter Monday | Not Scotland |
| Mon 4 May | Early May bank holiday | All UK |
| Mon 25 May | Spring bank holiday | All UK |
| Mon 31 Aug | Summer bank holiday | Eng/Wales/NI |
| Fri 25 Dec | Christmas Day | All UK |
| Mon 28 Dec | Substitute Boxing Day | 26 Dec falls on Sat |
Remaining from May 2026: 5 bank holidays.
Scotland (9 total bank holidays)
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | All regions |
| Fri 2 Jan | 2 January holiday | Scotland only |
| Fri 3 Apr | Good Friday | All UK |
| Mon 4 May | Early May bank holiday | All UK |
| Mon 25 May | Spring bank holiday | All UK |
| Mon 3 Aug | Summer bank holiday | Scotland only |
| Mon 30 Nov | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland only (substitute if needed, but Mon in 2026) |
| Fri 25 Dec | Christmas Day | All UK |
| Mon 28 Dec | Substitute Boxing Day | 26 Dec on Sat |
Remaining from May 2026: 6 bank holidays.
Regional Differences Explained
The UK’s bank holidays aren’t uniform, reflecting cultural and historical variations:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Focus on Christian holidays like Easter Monday and a later summer bank holiday in late August, ideal for seaside trips.
- Scotland: Replaces Easter Monday with 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 November). Their summer holiday is earlier (3 August), suiting school calendars.
Substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends. In 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) is a Saturday, so Monday 28 December becomes the bank holiday across the UK. Christmas Day is a Friday, so no substitute needed.
These are ‘common law’ holidays, meaning most workers get paid time off, but check your employment contract. Scotland has one extra, making nine versus eight elsewhere.
Planning Tips for Remaining 2026 Bank Holidays
With several long weekends ahead, here’s how to make the most of them:
Book Time Off Strategically
- Early May (4 May): Bridge to a full week by taking 5-8 May off.
- Spring Bank Holiday (25 May): Perfect for half-term getaways; extend with annual leave.
- Summer Holidays: Scotland’s 3 August or Eng/Wales/NI’s 31 August – book trains/flights early as these are peak travel dates.
- Late Year: St Andrew’s (Scotland, 30 Nov) and Christmas period offer festive breaks. 28 December could start a Christmas-New Year holiday.
Use tools like the UK government’s bank holiday page or apps like Google Calendar to add these dates.
Travel and Events
Bank holidays mean crowds. For May weekends, head to Brighton, Edinburgh Festival fringes or Lake District walks. August brings Notting Hill Carnival (late August, near 31st). Check TfL or National Rail for service changes – trains run but buses may differ.
Business Impacts
Shops in England/Wales must open on Easter Sunday but close Easter Monday. Most close on other bank holidays. Pubs and restaurants often trade. Plan shopping mid-week to avoid closures.
What Are Bank Holidays?
Originating from the 19th century, when banks closed for holy days, today’s bank holidays (named after the Bank Holidays Act 1871) provide public rest. They’re not ‘federal’ like in some countries; devolved governments set them. England/Wales by UK Gov, Scotland by Scottish Parliament, NI by NI Assembly.
They’re statutory in that most can’t be forced to work without overtime/pay premiums, but not all jobs (e.g., healthcare, emergency services) observe them fully.
Bank Holiday FAQs
How many bank holidays in 2026 total?
England/Wales/NI: 8. Scotland: 9.
Are bank holidays paid?
Usually yes, as paid holiday entitlement, but confirm with HR.
Do schools close?
Yes, most align with bank holidays plus extra for half-terms.
What if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
Substitutes move it to Monday (or Tuesday if needed), as with 28 December 2026.
Can employers require work?
Possible with notice and premium pay; zero-hour contracts vary.
Future years?
2027 previews: New Year’s on Wed 1 Jan; check gov.uk annually.
Make the Most of Your Days Off
From April 2026, you’ve got prime opportunities for rest and recreation. Track these dates in your diary, plan eco-friendly trips (e.g., train to the Cotswolds) and enjoy the long weekends. For businesses, roster ahead to cover peaks.
Stay updated via gov.uk/bank-holidays, as rare changes occur (e.g., for jubilees). This guide ensures you’re prepared – happy bank holiday planning!
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