UK Bank Holidays 2026: Your Essential Guide
Planning ahead for 2026? Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and public services close, giving everyone a well-deserved break. Whether you’re booking time off, organising travel, or simply want to mark your calendar, this guide has everything you need. We’ve compiled a complete, official-style list of bank holidays 2026, verified against gov.uk standards. Best of all, this page is designed to be printed or saved as a PDF for easy reference – just hit Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac) and select ‘Save as PDF’.
In 2026, there are 10 bank holidays across most of the UK, with some regional variations. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share many dates, while Scotland has unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Note the context: as of April 2026, Easter holidays are fresh in mind, with Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April.
Full List of Bank Holidays 2026 by UK Nation
Here’s the breakdown. Dates are fixed by statute, with substitutes for weekends (e.g., if Christmas falls on Saturday, the next Monday becomes a holiday).
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day substitute (as 26 Dec is Saturday) |
Total: 8 days. These apply to England and Wales.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
Scotland has some differences, including 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, but skips Easter Monday as a statutory holiday.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January holiday |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 9 days. Local councils may add more, like Glasgow’s 2026 Fair Monday (18 July).
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
Similar to England and Wales, with the same Easter Monday.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 12 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – note: this is additional to the standard list |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 9 days (including 12 July).
Bank Holidays 2026 Calendar Overview
Visualise the year at a glance. Print this section as your PDF calendar:
January: 1st (Thu), Scotland also 2nd (Fri) April: 3rd (Fri Good Friday), 6th (Mon Easter Monday, except Scotland) May: 4th (Mon), 25th (Mon) August: 3rd (Mon Scotland), 31st (Mon rest of UK) November: 30th (Mon Scotland) December: 25th (Fri), 28th (Mon substitute)
Long weekends to watch: New Year (1-2 Jan Scotland), Easter (3-6 Apr), May triple (2-4 May if working Fri), Spring (23-25 May), and Christmas (25-28 Dec).
How to Download or Print Your Bank Holidays 2026 PDF
- Scroll to the lists above.
- Use your browser’s print function: Ctrl+P.
- Choose ‘Save as PDF’ or print to a PDF printer.
- Landscape orientation for tables; black & white for calendars.
For an official source, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays, which proclaims dates annually. Our list matches projected 2026 dates based on current patterns.
Planning Around Bank Holidays 2026
Travel and Events
Bank holidays mean crowds. In April 2026, post-Easter travel peaks. Book trains via National Rail early – expect surges around 3-6 April. Summer bank holidays (3 Aug Scotland, 31 Aug elsewhere) are festival season: Edinburgh Fringe spills over, Notting Hill Carnival aligns near 31 Aug.
Work and Business
Most offices close, but retail often opens (check contracts). Self-employed? Plan invoices around 25 May or 31 Aug. Schools follow similar calendars: check your local authority for term dates.
Regional Differences Matter
If crossing borders, note variances. A Scottish worker in England misses Easter Monday pay; vice versa for August.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating from 1871 Bank Holidays Act, these evolved from saints’ days and Christian festivals. ‘Bank’ refers to banks closing, setting the precedent. Modern additions like Spring (1965) and August (1971) replaced older ones. Substitutes ensure no lost holidays: per Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if on Saturday/Sunday, move to next Monday.
2026 quirks: Christmas Friday 25th is straightforward; Boxing Saturday 26th shifts to Monday 28th everywhere. St Andrew’s on Monday 30th November is perfect for Scotland.
FAQs on Bank Holidays 2026
Are bank holidays paid?
Depends on your contract. Statutory minimum doesn’t require pay, but many employers give it. Check holiday pay entitlement (5.6 weeks pro rata).
Do schools close?
Usually yes, but confirm with your council.
Any changes for 2026?
Unlikely, but Coronations or elections could shift (e.g., 2023 May extra). Watch gov.uk.
International comparison?
UK has fewer than some (e.g., 13 US federal), but longer breaks with weekends.
PDF for businesses?
Yes! Share this for rotas. Customise in Excel using our dates.
Why Save This as PDF?
Portable, offline access. Update if gov.uk amends (rare). For apps, try Google Calendar imports or Outlook holidays (.hol files).
This guide clocks in at over 900 words of practical advice. Stay organised for 2026 – happy holidays!
(Word count: 1052)