How Many Bank Holidays from April 2025 to March 2026?
If you’re planning ahead for work, travel, or events, knowing how many bank holidays fall between April 2025 and March 2026 is essential. This period covers nearly a full year, aligning roughly with the UK tax year, and includes a mix of Easter, May, summer, Christmas, and New Year breaks. The exact number varies by UK nation due to regional differences.
- England and Wales: 8 bank holidays
- Northern Ireland: 9 bank holidays
- Scotland: 9 bank holidays
These counts are based on official government announcements and standard scheduling rules. Bank holidays are public holidays when most businesses close, though schools, shops, and services may vary. They aren’t automatic paid days off—check your employment contract. We’ll break down the full lists, explain variations, and share tips below.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales (8 Total)
England and Wales share the same standard set of bank holidays. Here’s the complete list from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026:
| Date | Bank Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | All UK |
| 21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | England, Wales, NI |
| 5 May 2025 | Early May bank holiday | All UK |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring bank holiday | All UK |
| 25 August 2025 | Summer bank holiday | England, Wales, NI |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | All UK |
| 1 January 2026 | New Year’s Day | All UK |
This gives exactly eight days. Note that no bank holidays fall in June, July, September, October, November 2025, February, or March 2026 within this window.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland (9 Total)
Northern Ireland follows England and Wales but adds the Battle of the Boyne. List:
| Date | Bank Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | All UK |
| 21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | Eng, Wal, NI |
| 5 May 2025 | Early May bank holiday | All UK |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring bank holiday | All UK |
| 14 July 2025 | Battle of the Boyne (sub day) | NI only; 12 July is Saturday |
| 25 August 2025 | Summer bank holiday | Eng, Wal, NI |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | All UK |
| 1 January 2026 | New Year’s Day | All UK |
The substitute for Battle of the Boyne on 14 July 2025 pushes the total to nine.
Bank Holidays in Scotland (9 Total)
Scotland has unique dates, skipping Easter Monday but including 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. No Easter Monday is statutory here. Full list:
| Date | Bank Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | All UK |
| 5 May 2025 | First Monday in May | All UK (Early May) |
| 26 May 2025 | Last Monday in May | All UK (Spring) |
| 4 August 2025 | Summer bank holiday | Scotland only |
| 1 December 2025 | St Andrew’s Day (sub day) | Scotland; 30 Nov Sunday |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | All UK |
| 1 January 2026 | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| 2 January 2026 | 2 January | Scotland only |
Nine in total, with summer earlier than elsewhere.
Key Regional Differences
Bank holidays aren’t uniform across the UK, reflecting cultural and historical variances:
- Easter Monday: Observed in England, Wales, NI; Scotland uses local holidays instead.
- Summer bank holiday: Late August (25 Aug 2025) for England/Wales/NI; early August (4 Aug 2025) in Scotland.
- Scotland extras: 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov or substitute).
- Northern Ireland extra: Battle of the Boyne (12 July or sub).
Substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends, per the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. For example, in 2026 (beyond this period but illustrative): Christmas Day Friday 25 December, Boxing Day Saturday 26 December—Boxing Day shifts to Monday 28 December where applicable, as per official references.
What Are Bank Holidays and Their History?
Bank holidays originated in 1871, allowing banks to close on specific days, now extended to public observance. They’re set by Royal Proclamation, announced ~18 months ahead via gov.uk. Key ones:
- Good Friday & Easter Monday: Christian observances tied to lunar calendar.
- May & Spring: Whitsun origins, now fixed for weather-friendly breaks.
- Summer: Post-school term relief.
- Christmas & Boxing: Festive season; Boxing Day for servants’ gifts historically.
- New Year & 2 Jan: Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland.
- St Andrew’s: Patron saint of Scotland.
- Battle of the Boyne: Commemorates 1690 Protestant victory.
Impacts include closed post offices, libraries; transport peaks. Supermarkets often open reduced hours.
Planning Around Bank Holidays April 2025 to March 2026
With 8-9 days off, bridge them for longer breaks:
- Easter 2025: Good Friday 18th + Easter Monday 21st + weekend = 4 days.
- May double: 5th and 26th—book between for 4-day weekends.
- August long weekend: Ideal for staycations.
- Christmas-New Year: 25-26 Dec + 1 Jan 2026 = potential 5-9 days with weekends/annual leave.
Travel tips:
- Expect M25, motorway jams—use apps like Waze.
- Trains busier; book National Rail Advance tickets.
- Festivals: Edinburgh Fringe prep starts summer; Christmas markets.
- Staycations: Peak District hikes, Cornwall beaches.
Work considerations: Many get paid holiday; part-timers prorate. Self-employed? No statutory pay, but client closures affect.
Staying Updated and Official Sources
Dates can shift rarely (e.g., coronations). Check:
- gov.uk/bank-holidays
- NI: nibusinessinfo.co.uk
- Scotland: gov.scot
For 2026 previews (post-March): Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April (Eng/Wales/NI), Early May 4 May—all UK unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the number include weekends?
No, bank holidays are specific weekdays (or subs); weekends don’t count extra.
Are bank holidays paid?
Statutory for full-time employees after 2 years, but varies by contract.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, unless contract specifies otherwise; overtime pay common.
How many in a full year?
Usually 8 (Eng/Wales), 9-10 (Scotland), 10 (NI).
This guide ensures you’re prepared for how many bank holidays April 2025 to March 2026 brings. Total them by your region and plan accordingly for maximum enjoyment!
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