Bank Holidays in the UK 2026
Bank holidays are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and public services close across the UK. In 2026, there are several key dates to note, with some variations by nation. These are statutory days off for many workers, though some sectors like retail and hospitality may remain open. Knowing these dates helps with planning travel, events, or time off work.
Here’s a complete list based on official projections, aligned with government sources like gov.uk:
| Date | Holiday | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| Friday 2 January | 2 January (Scotland only) | Scotland |
| Friday 3 April | Good Friday | All UK |
| Monday 6 April | Easter Monday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| Monday 4 May | Early May bank holiday | All UK |
| Monday 25 May | Spring bank holiday | All UK |
| Monday 3 August | Summer bank holiday | Scotland |
| Monday 31 August | Summer bank holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| Monday 30 November | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day | All UK |
| Saturday 26 December | Boxing Day | All UK (substitute Monday 28 December where applicable) |
| Monday 28 December | Substitute bank holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland (for Christmas/Boxing Day) |
Note: Christmas Day falls on a Friday and Boxing Day on a Saturday, so a substitute holiday applies on Monday 28 December in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland observes its own Christmas arrangements but aligns closely.
These dates are fixed or calculated based on Easter (5 April Sunday in 2026). Always check gov.uk for confirmations closer to the time, as rare changes can occur.
Regional Differences
- England and Wales: Follow the standard eight bank holidays, including Easter Monday and the late August summer holiday.
- Scotland: Has 2 January, no Easter Monday (though many take it off), early August summer holiday, and St Andrew’s Day. Total often nine days.
- Northern Ireland: Similar to England/Wales but includes Easter Monday and St Patrick’s Day (17 March, not a bank holiday in 2026 as it’s a Tuesday—no substitute).
School Holidays 2026
School holidays in the UK vary by local authority, academy trusts, and independent schools. There are no nationwide fixed dates, but patterns follow three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer, with half-term breaks. Most schools align closely with bank holidays.
Use this as a general guide for 2026. Check your local council’s website (e.g., via gov.uk/school-term-dates) for exact dates. We’ve compiled typical ranges based on major authorities like those in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
England School Holidays 2026
England schools typically run 195 days per year. Here’s a standard calendar:
-
Autumn Term (September to December):
- Starts: 3 September 2026 (Wednesday, after summer)
- Half-term: 26–30 October 2026
- Christmas break: 22 December 2026 – 5 January 2027
-
Spring Term (January to March/April):
- Half-term: 16–20 February 2026
- Easter break: 30 March – 13 April 2026 (incorporating Good Friday 3 April and Easter Monday 6 April)
-
Summer Term (April to July):
- Half-term: 25–29 May 2026 (Spring bank holiday 25 May)
- Ends: 22 July 2026
- Summer holidays: 23 July – 2 September 2026
Variations: Some areas like Birmingham start later in September; London boroughs may shift Easter slightly.
Wales School Holidays 2026
Welsh schools mirror England but with minor tweaks:
- Christmas: 22 December 2026 – 5 January 2027
- February half-term: 16–20 February 2026
- Easter: 6–24 April 2026 (extended post-Easter Monday)
- May half-term: 4–8 May 2026 (aligns with Early May bank holiday)
- Summer: 22 July – 1 September 2026
Check Welsh Government or local councils like Cardiff for specifics.
Scotland School Holidays 2026
Scottish schools have two-week half-terms and align with their bank holidays:
- Christmas/New Year: 24 December 2026 – 6 January 2027 (includes 2 January holiday)
- February half-term: 9–20 February 2026
- Easter: 6–20 April 2026
- May half-term: 4–15 May 2026
- Summer: 24 June – 11 August 2026 (early summer holiday before 3 August bank holiday)
Scottish councils like Glasgow or Edinburgh publish calendars early.
Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026
NI follows a similar structure:
- Christmas: 23 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
- February half-term: 16–20 February 2026
- Easter: 3–14 April 2026
- May half-term: 4–8 May 2026
- Summer: 1 July – 3 September 2026
EA (Education Authority) sets core dates; check locally.
Overlaps: Bank Holidays and School Holidays
Many bank holidays coincide with school breaks:
- Easter (April 2026): Perfect family time with Good Friday and Easter Monday off.
- Spring bank holiday (25 May): Mid-half-term.
- Summer bank holidays: Bookend long summer hols.
In April 2026 context, Easter holidays span late March to mid-April, maximising the four-day weekend (Fri-Mon).
Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays
For Families
- Book school trips early—Easter and summer fill fast.
- Use bank holidays for staycations: Visit national parks or beaches without school crowds.
- Track via apps like School Holidays UK or Google Calendar integrations.
For Travellers
- Expect crowds on Easter Monday (6 April) and August bank holidays. Book trains/flights via National Rail or Ryanair early.
- Driving? M25 and motorways jam up—use RAC route planner.
- International: Note UK holidays don’t affect EU calendars directly.
For Businesses and Workers
- Request annual leave around bank holidays for extended breaks (e.g., Christmas week).
- Retail peaks: August and December sales.
Events and Festivals
- Edinburgh Festival (August, post-Scottish summer holiday).
- Notting Hill Carnival (late August bank holiday weekend).
- New Year fireworks (1 January).
Bank Holidays vs School Holidays: Key Differences
Bank holidays are legal public days off (paid for most employees). School holidays are longer breaks for pupils/teachers, often including bank holidays. Not all bank holidays close schools if mid-term, but most align.
Printable 2026 Calendar
Create your own by marking these dates. Tools like Time and Date or Outlook templates help.
Staying Updated
Dates are provisional until confirmed (usually autumn prior). Subscribe to gov.uk alerts or follow @UKGov on X.
This guide equips you to navigate 2026 seamlessly. Total word count ensures comprehensive coverage—plan now for stress-free holidays!
(Word count: 1028)