What Are UK Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools and public services close. They provide opportunities for rest, family time and travel. While some dates are common across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, there are regional variations. England and Wales share the same list, Northern Ireland aligns closely, but Scotland has unique additions like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
The UK government announces dates annually via gov.uk, with substitutes if a holiday falls on a weekend. This guide covers 2025, 2026 and 2027, helping you plan ahead. Whether booking holidays, events or understanding pay entitlements, knowing these dates is essential. In April 2026 context, early planning for upcoming years avoids clashes.
UK Bank Holidays 2025
England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2025
Here is the full list:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
Scotland 2025
Scotland enjoys extra holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August 2025
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December 2025 (substitute for Sunday, 30 November)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
In 2025, nine holidays for most regions, ten in Scotland. Note Easter shifts yearly based on the lunar calendar.
UK Bank Holidays 2026
Official dates confirmed via gov.uk style reference:
England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2026
- 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 26 December is Saturday)
Scotland 2026
- 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 substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Easter Monday isn’t statutory in Scotland, so many workplaces close voluntarily. The December substitute applies UK-wide where relevant.
UK Bank Holidays 2027
England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2027
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday, 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)
Scotland 2027
- 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
2027 features early Easter and end-of-year extensions due to weekend falls.
Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
While core dates align, differences matter:
| Holiday | England/Wales/NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| New Year (2 Jan) | No | Yes |
| Easter Monday | Yes | No (voluntary) |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Late August | Early August |
| St Andrew’s Day | No | Yes (30 Nov or substitute) |
Scotland prioritises its heritage; England/Wales focus on Christian and civic dates. Northern Ireland mirrors England/Wales but adds 12 July (Battle of the Boyne, not listed here as standard bank holidays vary).
Planning Around UK Bank Holidays
Travel Tips
Bank holidays see traffic surges, especially Easter, May and August. Book trains via National Rail, flights early. M25 and motorways jam; use apps like Waze. Ferries to Scotland peak in summer.
Work and Pay
Bank holidays aren’t automatic paid leave; check contracts. Full-time workers get statutory pay if working, or holiday pay. Self-employed plan invoices around closures.
Events and Attractions
Festivals like Glastonbury (late June, avoids holidays) or Edinburgh Fringe (August) thrive. Museums close, but parks open. Royal Parks host picnics.
Long Weekends
2026 offers four-day weekends: New Year (Thu-Fri + weekend), Easter (Fri-Mon), May (Mon + weekend), Spring (Mon + weekend), Christmas (Fri-Mon sub).
FAQs on UK Bank Holidays 2025-2027
Are bank holidays paid?
Not automatically; depends on employment terms. Many get time off in lieu.
Do schools close?
Yes, aligning with holidays plus half-terms.
Can dates change?
Rarely; government announces early. Check gov.uk for updates.
What about Northern Ireland specifics?
Matches England/Wales plus 12 July (Orange Day).
This guide equips you for seamless planning across 2025, 2026 and 2027. Bookmark for reference and share with colleagues. For latest, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
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