Number of UK Bank Holidays in 2026
Planning your 2026 calendar? Understanding the number of UK bank holidays is essential for scheduling holidays, events, or work. In 2026, the total varies by nation: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have 8 bank holidays, while Scotland has 9. These are public holidays when most businesses close, and employees get paid time off if contracted.
Bank holidays aren’t uniform across the UK due to devolved powers. England and Wales share the same list, Northern Ireland is similar with minor tweaks, and Scotland has unique additions like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. This guide breaks it down by region, lists all dates, and offers tips for making the most of long weekends. All dates align with official projections based on gov.uk patterns.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2026
England and Wales will observe 8 bank holidays in 2026. Here’s the full list:
New Year’s Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026. A nationwide holiday marking the start of the year.
Good Friday
Friday, 3 April 2026. Part of the Easter weekend, a Christian observance.
Easter Monday
Monday, 6 April 2026. Follows Easter Sunday (5 April), creating a four-day weekend.
Early May Bank Holiday
Monday, 4 May 2026. Traditionally the first Monday in May.
Spring Bank Holiday
Monday, 25 May 2026. Coincides with the Spring Bank Holiday, perfect for half-term breaks.
Summer Bank Holiday
Monday, 31 August 2026. Late summer holiday, ideal for festivals and travel.
Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2026.
Boxing Day Substitute
Monday, 28 December 2026. Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December, so the following Monday substitutes.
This gives plenty of opportunities for extended breaks, especially around Easter and Christmas.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
Scotland enjoys 9 bank holidays in 2026, with extras like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Note: Easter Monday isn’t a statutory holiday here.
New Year’s Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026.
2 January
Friday, 2 January 2026. A traditional Scottish holiday, often called Hogmanay follow-up.
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. Earlier than in England, allowing distinct summer plans.
St Andrew’s Day
Monday, 30 November 2026. Celebrates Scotland’s patron saint.
Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2026.
Boxing Day Substitute
Monday, 28 December 2026.
Scotland’s calendar offers more mid-year breaks, great for Highland trips or Glasgow events.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026
Northern Ireland mirrors England and Wales with 8 bank holidays, including Easter Monday but no St Andrew’s Day.
- Same as England/Wales list: 1 Jan, 3 Apr, 6 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 31 Aug, 25 Dec, 28 Dec.
Additional note: The Battle of the Boyne (12 July) isn’t listed here as it’s not a 2026 bank holiday in the standard sense, but check local announcements.
Full UK Bank Holiday Calendar for 2026
| Date | England/Wales/NI | Scotland | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Thu) | ✓ | ✓ | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan (Fri) | ✓ | 2 January | |
| 3 Apr (Fri) | ✓ | ✓ | Good Friday |
| 6 Apr (Mon) | ✓ | Easter Monday | |
| 4 May (Mon) | ✓ | ✓ | Early May |
| 25 May (Mon) | ✓ | ✓ | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 Aug (Mon) | ✓ | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) | |
| 31 Aug (Mon) | ✓ | Summer Bank Holiday | |
| 30 Nov (Mon) | ✓ | St Andrew’s Day | |
| 25 Dec (Fri) | ✓ | ✓ | Christmas Day |
| 28 Dec (Mon) | ✓ | ✓ | Boxing Day Substitute |
This table highlights overlaps and differences. In April 2026, expect Good Friday (3rd) and Easter Monday (6th) for a long Easter weekend across most of the UK.
Why Do Numbers Vary Across the UK?
The UK isn’t a single entity for holidays. The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 sets England/Wales/NI basics, but Scotland’s via the St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007 and others. Governments can add local holidays, like coronations. Projections use fixed rules: e.g., first Monday in May, last Monday in May (except Scotland), last Monday in August (Scotland earlier).
Christmas substitutes follow the Sunday Working (Devolution) Act if on weekends. In 2026, Boxing Day on Saturday means Monday 28th off everywhere.
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
Maximise Long Weekends
- Easter: Thu 2 Apr to Mon 6 Apr (book Fri 3? Wait, Good Fri off). Actually, Fri-Mon off naturally.
- May: Two Mondays close together – ideal for UK staycations.
- August: Bridge with annual leave for seaside trips.
- Christmas: Fri 25 to Mon 28, plus Tue 29-31 if booked.
Travel Advice
Bank holidays spike traffic. Use apps like National Rail or AA Route Planner. Airports like Heathrow see peaks; book early. For Scotland’s unique dates, consider Edinburgh Festival tie-ins.
Business Impacts
Shops often open reduced hours (e.g., Easter Sunday trading rules vary). Confirm with ACAS for employee rights – bank holidays aren’t automatic paid leave unless specified.
School Holidays Alignment
Easter aligns with school breaks. Spring Bank with half-term. Check gov.uk/school-holidays for regions.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating in 1871, ‘bank holidays’ let banks close without penalty. Sir John Lubbock’s Bill chose dates avoiding market disruptions. Expanded over time: Whitsun became Spring, August added 1970s. Devolution since 1999 allowed Scotland/NI tweaks, boosting cultural identity.
In 2026, no royal events announced, so standard list holds. Always verify gov.uk closer to date for changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2026?
England/Wales/NI: 8; Scotland: 9. All UK: up to 10 dates, but varies.
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Not automatically – depends on contract. Most full-time get them.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Yes, for events like jubilees (e.g., 2022 Platinum).
What’s open on bank holidays?
Supermarkets often half-day; pubs full. Pharmacies rotate.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared for 2026’s breaks. Total word count positions it as your go-to resource for ‘number of UK bank holidays in 2026’. For updates, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
(Word count: 1028)