UK Bank Holidays 2026: Your Complete Guide
Planning ahead for 2026? Whether you’re booking holidays, organising events, or simply curious about days off, knowing the bank holidays in the UK is essential. Bank holidays are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and government offices close, giving workers a well-deserved break. In 2026, there are several nationwide holidays plus region-specific ones, especially in Scotland.
This guide provides a full list of bank holidays 2026 in the UK, broken down by nation: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Dates are based on official projections aligned with gov.uk guidelines. Note that while most are fixed, Easter dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar. We’ve included substitutes for Christmas and Boxing Day where they fall on weekends.
With Easter approaching in April 2026, now’s the perfect time to mark your calendar for the long weekend from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April).
Bank Holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 2026
These three nations share the same bank holiday schedule. Here’s the complete list:
| 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 Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Key notes:
- Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Saturday, so the substitute holiday is Monday 28 December.
- There are eight bank holidays in total for these regions.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
Scotland has its own unique holidays, including two in January and St Andrew’s Day. Some are local authority decisions, but these are the standard ones:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January Holiday |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday (some areas) |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Key notes:
- Easter Monday (6 April) is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
- The Spring Bank Holiday on 25 May is observed in some Scottish council areas; others may choose 29 May (as in recent years).
- St Andrew’s Day is a bank holiday only if it falls on a weekday or is substituted.
- Scotland typically has more bank holidays (up to 11 in some areas).
Regional Differences at a Glance
To make comparison easy:
| Holiday | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
| 2 January | - | 2 Jan |
| Good Friday | 3 Apr | 3 Apr |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr | - |
| Early May | 4 May | 4 May |
| Spring Bank | 25 May | 25 May (varies) |
| Summer Bank | 31 Aug | 3 Aug |
| St Andrew’s | - | 30 Nov |
| Christmas | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day/Substitute | 28 Dec | 28 Dec |
These differences mean travel or business plans across borders need careful checking.
What Are Bank Holidays and Who Gets Them Off?
Bank holidays originated from Saint’s days and holy days when banks closed. Today, they’re set by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 and St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007. They’re not automatic paid days off—employers decide, but most offer them.
- Statutory rights: Full-time workers get 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday annually, but bank holidays are extra unless contracted.
- Shops and services: Supermarkets often open reduced hours; public transport runs but check timetables.
- Schools: Term dates vary; many align with bank holidays.
In 2026, with New Year on a Thursday and Friday (Scotland), expect a four-day weekend for many.
Planning Tips for Bank Holidays 2026
Travel and Events
Long weekends are prime for staycations or trips. Easter 2026 (3-6 April) coincides with school holidays, boosting family travel. Book trains via National Rail or flights early—prices surge.
- August splits: England’s 31 August vs Scotland’s 3 August means staggered tourism.
- Christmas break: 25 Dec (Fri) to 28 Dec (Mon) creates a four-day weekend.
Business and Payroll
HR teams: Update rotas now. Zero-hours workers may not qualify for pay. Use tools like gov.uk’s bank holiday API for calendars.
Weather and Activities
UK weather peaks in May/August—ideal for festivals like Glastonbury (often near Spring Bank Holiday).
Historical Context and Changes
Bank holidays evolve. Coronation or jubilees add extras (none confirmed for 2026 yet). Scotland gained 2 January in 1994 and St Andrew’s in 2007. Easter 2026 is early (first full moon after spring equinox).
Gov.uk announces dates yearly; verify closer to time as local variations occur (e.g., Scottish islands).
FAQs on UK Bank Holidays 2026
Are bank holidays paid?
Most employees get paid time off, but check your contract.
Do banks close?
Yes, hence the name—though ATMs work.
Scotland vs England?
Scotland has extras like 2 Jan and earlier summer holiday.
Easter Monday in Scotland?
No, but some employers give it.
Substitute days?
Yes, for weekend Christmas/Boxing: 28 Dec 2026.
This list ensures you’re prepared for 2026’s breaks. Total words: approximately 1050. For latest, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
Sources: Aligned with official 2026 projections from gov.uk and legislative acts.