What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and public services close, giving workers a well-deserved break. Unlike fixed dates in some countries, they vary by nation: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland each have unique schedules. These holidays often align with Christian festivals or national events, with substitutes if they fall on weekends.
Planning around bank holidays is essential for travel, events, or business. This guide covers all bank holidays UK 2025 and 2026, verified against official sources like gov.uk. Whether you’re booking a getaway or scheduling work, knowing these dates helps avoid surprises.
Bank Holidays UK 2025: Complete List
2025 features nine bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with extras in Scotland. Here’s the breakdown:
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
Both Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays, so no substitutes needed.
Scotland 2025
Scotland has its own set, including 2 January and a different summer holiday:
- 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
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August 2025
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December 2025 (substitute for Sunday, 30 November)
Note: Scotland skips Easter Monday but celebrates St Andrew’s Day.
Bank Holidays UK 2026: Complete List
2026 brings similar patterns, with Easter earlier and Christmas adjustments. Official-style reference from gov.uk confirms these:
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)
Scotland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Not observed (Monday, 6 April 2026 is for others)
- 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 Differences Between UK Nations
While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share identical lists, Scotland diverges:
| Holiday | England/Wales/NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 Jan only | 1 & 2 Jan |
| Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| Summer Bank | Late Aug | Early Aug |
| St Andrew’s | No | Yes (Nov/Dec) |
These variations stem from cultural and historical reasons. Scotland emphasises Hogmanay (New Year), while others focus on Easter Monday.
Substitute Bank Holidays Explained
UK law requires substitute days when bank holidays fall on weekends:
- Saturday: Next Monday becomes the holiday.
- Sunday: Next Monday (Tuesday if Monday is already a holiday).
Examples:
- 2025 St Andrew’s (Scotland): 30 Nov Sunday → Monday 1 Dec.
- 2026 Boxing Day: 26 Dec Saturday → Monday 28 Dec (all UK).
Check gov.uk for updates, as rare royal events can add extras (e.g., 2023 coronation).
Planning Tips for Bank Holidays UK 2025 and 2026
Travel and Getaways
Bank holidays mean crowded roads, trains, and airports. For 2025 Easter (18-21 April), book ferries or Eurostar early. August summer holidays (25 Aug Eng/Wal/NI; 4 Aug Scotland) see peak domestic travel to Cornwall, Lake District, or Highlands.
Long weekends:
- 2025: New Year (Wed-Thu Scotland), Easter (Fri-Mon), May (two Mons), Aug Mon, Christmas (Thu-Fri).
- 2026: New Year Thu-Fri (Scotland Fri), Easter Fri-Mon, May Mons, Christmas Fri + Mon sub.
Use apps like Citymapper or Trainline for real-time updates.
Business and Work
Many offices close, but retail, hospitality, and emergencies operate. Plan inventory for post-holiday rushes. Remote workers: check contracts for holiday entitlements (statutory minimum 5.6 weeks including these).
Events and Festivals
- 2025: Edinburgh Festival around August bank holiday; Notting Hill Carnival (late Aug).
- 2026: Similar, plus potential Glastonbury near spring bank (late June).
School Holidays
Bank holidays often bookend half-terms. Easter 2025: schools off 14-28 April typically; 2026: late March to mid-April.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating in 1871 Banking and Financial Dealings Act, named for banks closing. Expanded over time: Spring 1971, August 1972. Devolved powers post-1999 allow Scotland/NI tweaks. Today, they boost tourism (£millions annually) and family time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Statutory but not automatically paid—depends on contract. Many employers offer ‘inclusive’ pay.
Do banks close on bank holidays?
Yes, plus ATMs may limit cash.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, for jubilees or elections.
Northern Ireland specifics?
Matches England/Wales, plus 12 July (Battle of the Boyne, not listed as it’s regional).
How to stay updated?
Bookmark gov.uk/bank-holidays. Apps like Bank Holiday Calendar notify changes.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for bank holidays UK 2025 and 2026. Share with colleagues or print for your diary. Last updated April 2026—always verify official sources for last-minute changes.
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