Understanding UK Bank Holidays in 2025 and 2026
Bank holidays, often called public holidays, are days when most businesses, schools, and public services in the UK close or operate reduced hours. They provide welcome breaks for workers and families, typically falling on Mondays to create long weekends. However, dates and observances vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland due to regional differences.
This guide covers all 2025/2026 bank holidays, drawing from official sources like GOV.UK. Whether you’re planning a holiday, event, or business schedule, knowing these dates helps avoid surprises. We’ll break them down by year and nation, highlight long weekends, and share practical tips.
2025 UK Bank Holidays: Full List
2025 features eight bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with Scotland having nine due to additional local days. Most fall on Mondays, maximising time off.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 2025
- 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
Christmas and Boxing Day both fall mid-week, creating a festive four-day weekend from Friday 26 December to Monday 29 December for many.
Scotland 2025
Scotland observes all England/Wales/NI holidays except Easter Monday, but adds unique ones:
- 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 day as 30 November is Sunday)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
2025 Long Weekends and Planning Tips
Key long weekends in 2025 include:
- Easter: Fri 18 Apr to Mon 21 Apr (4 days)
- May: Mon 5 May and Mon 26 May (two separate 3-day weekends)
- August: Mon 25 Aug (Eng/Wal/NI) or Mon 4 Aug (Scotland)
- Christmas: Thu 25 Dec to Fri 26 Dec, extendable to Mon 29 Dec
Book travel early for popular spots like the Lake District or Scottish Highlands. Businesses should plan stock and staffing around these dates.
2026 UK Bank Holidays: Full List
2026 bank holidays shift due to the calendar, with Easter earlier and Christmas mid-week adjustments. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have eight; Scotland nine.
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)
Note: No bank holiday on 26 December itself, but the substitute creates a long break.
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 is not a statutory holiday in Scotland.
2026 Long Weekends and Planning Tips
Highlights:
- New Year: Thu 1 Jan to Fri 2 Jan (Scotland), or extend Thu 1 Jan
- Easter: Fri 3 Apr to Mon 6 Apr (4 days)
- May: Mon 4 May and Mon 25 May
- Late Summer: Mon 31 Aug (Eng/Wal/NI) or Mon 3 Aug (Scotland)
- Christmas: Fri 25 Dec to Mon 28 Dec (4 days)
With context around April 2026, Easter provides an early spring break ideal for UK staycations.
Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
The UK’s devolved nations mean variations:
| Holiday | England/Wales/NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| 2 January | No | Yes |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Late August | Early August |
| St Andrew’s Day | No | Yes (30 Nov or substitute) |
Always check GOV.UK for confirmations, as dates can shift for royal events (none announced for 2025/2026 yet).
How Bank Holidays Affect Travel, Business, and Events
Travel Planning
Bank holidays boost domestic tourism. Expect crowds at beaches (Brighton, Blackpool), parks (Hyde Park), and festivals. For 2025/2026:
- Book trains/ferries via National Rail or DFDS early.
- Airports like Heathrow see peaks; consider mid-week flights.
- Driving? Use AA Route Planner to avoid M25 jams.
Business Impacts
Most close, but retail, hospitality, and emergencies operate. Payroll teams note double pay for workers. Plan marketing around ‘bank holiday sales’.
Events and Festivals
- 2025: Notting Hill Carnival (late Aug), Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Aug).
- 2026: Similar timings; Glastonbury often near Spring Bank Holiday.
Printable 2025/2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
Add these to your diary:
2025 Quick List:
- Jan 1, Jan 2 (Sco), Apr 18, Apr 21*, May 5, May 26, Aug 4 (Sco)/Aug 25, Nov 1* (Sco), Dec 25-26 (*region specific)
2026 Quick List:
- Jan 1-2 (Sco), Apr 3, Apr 6*, May 4, May 25, Aug 3 (Sco)/Aug 31, Nov 30 (Sco), Dec 25, Dec 28
FAQs on 2025/2026 Bank Holidays
Are bank holidays paid leave?
Yes, most full-time UK employees get paid time off or lie-in pay.
Do bank holidays count as annual leave?
No, they are additional unless specified in contracts.
Can bank holidays move?
Rarely, only for special occasions like coronations.
What’s the difference between bank and public holidays?
Interchangeable in common use.
This comprehensive 2025/2026 bank holidays guide ensures you’re prepared. Total words: approximately 1050. For updates, visit GOV.UK.