Understanding UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools and public services close, giving workers a day off. There are typically eight bank holidays per year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Scotland having a slightly different set of nine. These dates are set by law via the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 and St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007.
Dates can vary by nation due to regional observances, and substitute days apply when a holiday falls on a weekend. This guide covers all 2025 and 2026 UK bank holidays, helping you plan travel, events or business operations. Always check gov.uk for official confirmation, as rare changes can occur.
Bank Holidays in 2025
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Here’s the full list for 2025 in these regions:
- 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
Both Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays, so no substitutes are needed.
Scotland
Scotland has additional holidays and skips Easter Monday:
- 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
Note the earlier summer holiday and St Andrew’s substitute.
Bank Holidays in 2026
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
2026 brings some weekend shifts, triggering substitutes:
- 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
Scotland’s 2026 schedule:
- 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
Key Regional Differences
| Holiday | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 Jan only | 1 & 2 Jan |
| Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Late Aug | Early Aug |
| St Andrew’s Day | No | Yes (Nov/Dec) |
These variations mean a long weekend in Scotland over Hogmanay (New Year), while England, Wales and NI enjoy Easter Monday. Businesses operating UK-wide must consider both.
Substitute Bank Holiday Rules
Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act:
- If a bank holiday falls on Saturday, the substitute is Monday.
- If on Sunday, substitute is Monday.
- For Christmas Day (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec), substitutes apply similarly if they fall on weekends.
Examples:
- 2025 St Andrew’s (Scotland): 30 Nov Sunday → Monday 1 Dec.
- 2026 Boxing Day: 26 Dec Saturday → Monday 28 Dec (all UK).
No double substitutes if both Christmas and Boxing fall on the same weekend day.
Planning Tips for 2025/2026 Bank Holidays
Travel and Holidays
Book trains, flights and hotels early, especially around Easter (April 2025/2026) and August summer holidays when roads like the M25 jam up. Expect 20-30% more traffic. Use apps like Citymapper or National Rail for real-time updates.
Long weekends to target:
- 2025 Easter: Fri 18 Apr - Mon 21 Apr (4 days).
- 2026 New Year: Thu 1 Jan (Scotland adds Fri 2 Jan).
- 2026 Spring: Sat 23 May - Mon 25 May.
Business and Work
Many offices close, but retail, hospitality and emergency services operate. Check contracts for holiday pay (often time-and-a-half). For 2026’s late December double (25 Fri + 28 Mon), plan inventory.
Self-employed? Use holidays for admin catch-up. HMRC deadlines don’t shift, but post offices close.
Events and Festivals
Bank holidays host major events:
- Notting Hill Carnival (Aug summer holiday).
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Aug).
- Proms in the Park (early Sep, post-summer holiday).
In 2025/2026, align with early May for FA Cup Final or Trooping the Colour.
History and Fun Facts
Bank holidays began in 1871 under Sir John Lubbock, initially for bankers. Easter and Whitsun were early additions. Scotland resisted Easter Monday, preferring local days. Queen Victoria declared extra holidays for jubilees, a tradition continued for coronations.
Fun fact: The 2026 dates align with a leap year cycle, shifting Easter early (3 April Good Friday).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Statutory, but pay depends on contract. Part-timers get pro-rata. Check ACAS guidelines.
Do schools close?
Yes, but dates vary by council. Scotland often adds local holidays.
Can employers require work?
Yes, with notice and premium pay usually.
What about Northern Ireland?
Same as England/Wales, plus 12 July (Battle of the Boyne, not listed as it’s annual).
COVID or other changes?
Rare ‘bonus’ holidays like 2022 Platinum Jubilee. Monitor gov.uk.
This guide equips you for 2025/2026. Total bank holidays: 8-9 per region, perfect for recharging. For calendars, download from gov.uk or use Google Calendar integrations.
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