How Many Bank Holidays in 2025-2026?
If you’re wondering how many bank holidays there are in 2025-2026, the answer depends on where you live in the UK. England, Wales and Northern Ireland typically enjoy eight bank holidays per year, while Scotland has up to ten or eleven, thanks to additional local observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
Over 2025 and 2026 combined, that’s around 16-22 days off, depending on your nation. These public holidays are set by the UK government and St Andrew’s Day Act for Scotland, with dates confirmed well in advance on gov.uk. Bank holidays mean most businesses close, schools break and employees get paid time off (check your contract for details).
This guide breaks down the exact number and dates for 2025-2026, highlights regional differences and offers tips for making the most of long weekends. All dates align with official announcements.
Bank Holidays in 2025: Full Breakdown
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 Bank Holidays)
- 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
No substitute days needed in 2025 for these regions, as Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays.
Scotland (10 Bank Holidays)
Scotland adds three extras:
- 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 (earlier than elsewhere)
- 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: Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Bank Holidays in 2026: Full Breakdown
England, Wales and Northern Ireland (8 Bank Holidays)
- 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
- Substitute Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 December is a Saturday)
Scotland (11 Bank Holidays)
- 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
- Substitute Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland observes all shared dates plus its uniques, making 11 in 2026.
Total Bank Holidays 2025-2026 by UK Nation
| Nation | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, NI | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Scotland | 10 | 11 | 21 |
These totals exclude any ad-hoc holidays (e.g., for royal events) or local variations. Always check gov.uk for updates.
Long Weekends and Planning Tips
Bank holidays create fantastic long weekends. In 2025:
- Easter (18-21 April): Four days off.
- May trio: 5 May and 26 May, book Fridays for extended breaks.
- August: 25 August aligns perfectly.
In 2026:
- Easter (3-6 April): Another four-day weekend.
- Christmas-New Year: 25 Dec (Fri) to 28 Dec (Mon) = four days.
Pro Tips:
- Book Smart: Take annual leave adjacent to holidays for 4-5 day breaks.
- Travel Planning: Expect crowds on motorways and trains. Use apps like National Rail or TfL.
- School Holidays: Align with half-terms (e.g., May half-term around Spring holiday).
- Business Owners: Note some sectors (retail, hospitality) may open; check Trading Laws.
- Gig Economy: Platforms like Deliveroo often run on holidays—extra pay possible.
History and What Makes a Bank Holiday
Bank holidays originated in 1871 under the Bank Holidays Act, closing banks (hence the name). Sir John Lubbock chose dates avoiding market days. Expanded in 1995 for May and August.
Scotland’s extras honour traditions: 2 January for Hogmanay, St Andrew’s for patron saint.
Substitute days apply if Christmas/Boxing/New Year fall on weekends (Bank Holidays (England and Wales) Order 2023 rules).
Regional Differences Explained
Why the variations?
- England, Wales, NI: Follow common law and acts for eight fixed dates.
- Scotland: Bank Holidays (Scotland) Act 1871 plus St Andrew’s Day Act 2007. No Easter Monday; early summer holiday for fair season.
Northern Ireland mirrors England/Wales but adds 12 July (Battle of the Boyne—not listed here as standard count focuses on shared).
FAQs: How Many Bank Holidays?
Are bank holidays paid?
Usually yes, if full-time employed. Zero-hour contracts vary—check ACAS.
Do banks close on bank holidays?
Yes, by definition.
Any extra in 2025-2026?
None announced; coronation-style extras unlikely.
How to add to calendar?
Download ICS from gov.uk or use Google Calendar imports.
Making the Most of Your Holidays
With 16-21 days off over two years, plan ahead:
- Staycations: UK gems like Lake District (Spring) or Cornwall (Summer).
- Events: Edinburgh Festival (Aug Scotland holiday), Chelsea Flower Show (May).
- Budgeting: Holidays boost spending—use cashback sites.
- Mental Health: Long breaks recharge; avoid burnout with mini-holidays.
For 2025-2026, Easter 2026 falls early (April context), ideal for spring getaways before May rush.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared. Bookmark for updates and share with colleagues planning rotas. For latest, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
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