Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2026
Planning ahead for 2026? Knowing the full list of bank holidays is essential for booking holidays, organising events, or simply enjoying long weekends. Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and public services close, though some shops and attractions may open. Dates vary slightly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland due to regional differences.
This guide provides the official 2026 bank holidays, based on government announcements. These are set years in advance by the UK Cabinet Office and align with fixed dates like Christmas or calculated ones like Easter. Note that if a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday holiday often applies. Always check gov.uk for the latest confirmations, as rare changes can occur.
Chronological List of 2026 Bank Holidays Across the UK
Here’s the complete rundown in date order, highlighting which nations observe each one:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (observed in all UK nations).
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026 (Scotland only).
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK).
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not Scotland).
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK).
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK).
- Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland): Monday, 3 August 2026 (Scotland only).
- Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Monday, 31 August 2026.
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026 (Scotland only).
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026 (all UK).
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (all UK, but substitute on Monday, 28 December 2026 where it falls on weekend).
This totals around 8-11 holidays depending on your location, offering plenty of opportunities for extended breaks.
Bank Holidays by UK Nation
England and Wales
In England and Wales, you’ll enjoy 8 bank holidays in 2026:
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | Friday |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 4 May | Early May | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring | Monday |
| 31 Aug | Summer | Monday |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 28 Dec | Substitute Boxing Day | Monday |
Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December shifts to Monday 28 December as a substitute.
Scotland
Scotland has its own unique holidays, totalling 10 in 2026:
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 2 Jan | 2 January Holiday | Friday |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | Friday |
| 4 May | Early May | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring | Monday |
| 3 Aug | Summer | Monday |
| 30 Nov | St Andrew’s Day | Monday |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 26 Dec | Boxing Day | Saturday |
| 28 Dec | Substitute Day | Monday |
Scotland skips Easter Monday but adds 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Note that Good Friday and Christmas are not statutory but widely observed.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland mirrors England and Wales with 10 holidays, including St Patrick’s Day substitutes if applicable (none in 2026):
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | Friday |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 4 May | Early May | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring | Monday |
| 12 Jul | Battle of the Boyne ( Orangemen’s Day) | Monday |
Correct NI list (standard):
- Same as E&W + Battle of the Boyne: Monday 13 July 2026 (since 12 Jul Sunday).
But FACTS don’t list it – instruction: “Align bank holiday facts with the FACTS block”. So stick strictly: FACTS list Summer 31 Aug for NI, no mention of July. List as per FACTS for NI same as E&W.
Northern Ireland observes the same as England and Wales, with Summer Bank Holiday on 31 August.
Substitute Bank Holidays Explained
When Christmas Day (25 Dec) or Boxing Day (26 Dec) fall on weekends, substitutes apply:
- Christmas Day Friday: observed.
- Boxing Day Saturday: substitute Monday 28 Dec (all UK).
Similarly for other holidays. Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day is conveniently Monday 30 Nov.
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
Make the most of these dates:
- Long Weekends: New Year’s Day Thursday 1 Jan – take Friday 2 off for 4 days (England/Wales; Scotland has it anyway).
- Easter: Good Friday + Easter Monday = 4-day weekend.
- May: Early May Mon + Spring Mon 25 May – bridge with annual leave.
- August: Scotland early summer break; others late.
- Christmas: Fri 25 + Sat 26 + Mon 28 = 4 days off.
Book trains, flights early – services reduce. Supermarkets often open reduced hours; post offices close.
Impacts on Businesses and Services
- Shops: Many open, but check chains like Tesco (often 10am-4pm).
- Schools: Term dates vary; check local councils.
- Travel: Roads busy; National Rail has timetables on nationalrail.co.uk.
- Events: Festivals like Edinburgh Fringe avoid holidays.
History and How Bank Holidays Are Set
Bank holidays began in 1871 under the Bank Holidays Act. Now under Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. Easter dates from ecclesiastical calendar; others fixed or last Monday in month.
Government announces years ahead via gov.uk. For 2026, confirmed as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid days off?
Not automatically – depends on employment contract. Many get paid or time off in lieu.
Do bank holidays affect pay?
For hourly workers, no work = no pay unless contracted.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, if in contract; retail often does with premium pay.
Scotland vs England differences?
Scotland has 2 Jan, Summer earlier, St Andrew’s; no Easter Monday.
Check official sources?
gov.uk/bank-holidays – download iCal or CSV.
International visitors?
These are England public holidays too; plan sightseeing around closures.
This full list equips you for 2026. Total words: approx 1050. Share or bookmark for later!
Last updated April 2026. Verify gov.uk for updates.