What Are UK Bank Holidays?
UK bank holidays, also known as public holidays, are days when banks and most businesses close, and many people get a paid day off work if their contract entitles them to it. They provide opportunities for rest, family time, travel and events. There are typically eight bank holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland has nine or more due to additional observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
Dates are set by the UK Government and announced years in advance, aligning with Christian festivals, historical events and summer breaks. Easter dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar, affecting Good Friday and Easter Monday. Fixed dates like May and August holidays fall on specific Mondays.
Substitute days apply when a holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, moving it to the next Monday (or Tuesday for consecutive Christmas days). This guide covers all UK bank holidays 2026 and 2027, helping you plan diaries, holidays and business operations. As of April 2026, these are the official dates from gov.uk.
UK Bank Holidays 2026: Complete List
Here’s the full rundown for 2026, broken down by region.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
| 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 | Substitute day (Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December) |
Note: Boxing Day is 26 December (Saturday), so the substitute is Monday 28 December.
Scotland
Scotland shares most dates but has unique ones:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January (Scotland only) |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday (Scotland) |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute day (Boxing Day) |
Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland. St Andrew’s Day on 30 November 2026 is already a Monday, so no substitute needed.
UK Bank Holidays 2027: Complete List
Looking ahead to 2027, Easter shifts earlier, creating different long weekends.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 27 December | Monday | Substitute day (Christmas Day falls on Saturday 25 December) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Substitute day (Boxing Day falls on Sunday 26 December) |
Two consecutive substitute days at Christmas create a four-day weekend from Saturday 25 to Tuesday 28 December.
Scotland
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 4 January | Monday | Substitute day (2 January falls on Saturday) |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 2 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday (Scotland) |
| 30 November | Tuesday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 27 December | Monday | Substitute day (Christmas Day) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Substitute day (Boxing Day) |
Scotland’s 2 January 2027 substitute is Monday 4 January, extending the New Year break.
Key Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
While most holidays are UK-wide, variations exist:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Easter Monday is included; summer holiday last Monday August.
- Scotland: No Easter Monday; 2 January holiday; summer holiday first Monday August; St Andrew’s Day (30 November or substitute).
These differences affect school terms, events and travel. For example, Scotland’s earlier summer holiday aids family trips north of the border.
How Substitute Bank Holidays Work
Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if a bank holiday falls on a weekend:
- Saturday: moves to next Monday.
- Sunday: moves to next Monday.
- If both Christmas and Boxing Day are weekend days, substitutes are consecutive Mondays/Tuesdays.
Examples from our lists:
- 2026 Boxing Day (Saturday) → Monday 28 December.
- 2027 2 January Scotland (Saturday) → Monday 4 January.
- 2027 Christmas (Saturday) and Boxing (Sunday) → Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December.
This ensures workers get their days off. Always check gov.uk for confirmations, as rare changes occur (e.g., for coronations).
Planning Tips for 2026 and 2027 Bank Holidays
Spot Long Weekends
- 2026: Easter (Fri-Mon 3-6 April), four days. Spring bank (Sat-Mon 23-25 May). New Year Thu-Fri 1-2 Jan (Scotland bonus).
- 2027: Easter Fri-Mon 26-29 March. Early May Mon 4th. Christmas four-day break 25-28 Dec.
Book ‘bridge days’ like Tuesday after a Monday holiday to extend breaks.
Travel and Events
Bank holidays see crowded roads, trains and airports. Use apps like National Rail or RAC for planning. Popular spots:
- August bank holiday: Notting Hill Carnival (London), Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
- May holidays: FA Cup Final, Chelsea Flower Show.
Business Impacts
Many shops open reduced hours; supermarkets often full. Schools close, affecting childcare. If self-employed, note payment deadlines shift.
Employee Rights
Bank holidays aren’t automatically paid off-days; check contracts. Part-timers may get fewer. Track via ACAS guidelines.
A Brief History of UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays began in 1871 under Sir John Lubbock’s Bill, replacing ‘St Monday’ traditions. Originally six, expanded over time. Scotland’s extras reflect patron saint and Hogmanay. Post-WWII, more added for recovery. Today, they balance work-life, boosting tourism (contributes £ billions annually).
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Bank Holidays 2026 and 2027
Are bank holidays paid?
Not guaranteed; depends on employment terms. Most full-time roles include them.
Do schools close on bank holidays?
Yes, but term dates vary by council. Check local authority sites.
Can bank holidays change?
Rarely, for national events. 2026/2027 lists are fixed.
What about Gibraltar or Crown Dependencies?
They have separate holidays; this guide is for UK nations.
How do bank holidays affect deliveries?
Royal Mail pauses; use tracked services.
This comprehensive guide to UK bank holidays 2026 and 2027 equips you to plan effectively. Bookmark for updates and share with colleagues. For latest, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
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