List of Bank Holidays 2026 UK
Planning your 2026 calendar? Whether you’re booking time off, organising events, or running a business, knowing the bank holidays 2026 UK is essential. Bank holidays, also known as public holidays, are days when most businesses close, and many enjoy a long weekend. In the UK, these dates vary slightly by nation: England and Wales share most, Northern Ireland has a few extras, and Scotland differs notably around Easter and summer.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of bank holidays 2026 UK, drawn from official sources like gov.uk. Dates are confirmed based on the current calendar, but always double-check closer to the time as rare changes can occur. We’ve broken it down by region for clarity, including substitute days when Christmas or other holidays fall on weekends.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026
England and Wales observe eight common bank holidays in 2026, plus substitutes where needed. Here’s the full list:
- 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 Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December)
These create fantastic long weekends, especially around Easter in early April 2026 – perfect for a spring getaway. Note that Good Friday and Easter Monday bookend the weekend, giving a four-day break from Thursday evening to Monday.
Quick Calendar View for England & Wales
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day |
| 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 6 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Mon | Early May |
| 25 May | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day |
| 28 Dec | Mon | Boxing Day substitute |
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
Scotland has its own distinct schedule with 10 bank holidays in 2026, including unique dates like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday isn’t a statutory holiday here, but many schools and businesses close.
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- 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
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (observed, but substitute applies if needed)
- Christmas / Boxing substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland’s early summer holiday on 3 August allows for Highland adventures before England’s later date. St Andrew’s Day on 30 November provides a pre-Christmas break.
Scotland Calendar Table
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan | Fri | 2 January |
| 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Mon | Early May |
| 25 May | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 Nov | Mon | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Sat | Boxing Day |
| 28 Dec | Mon | Substitute |
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
Northern Ireland aligns closely with England and Wales but adds St Patrick’s Day (often substituted) and Battle of the Boyne. For 2026:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- St Patrick’s Day substitute: If 17 March is a weekday, but in 2026 it’s Tuesday – observed as bank holiday
- 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
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 13 July 2026 (Orange Day)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Wait, correction per official patterns: Battle of the Boyne is 12 July, but if weekend, substituted. In 2026, 12 July is Sunday, so Monday 13 July. St Patrick’s Day 17 March (Tue) is a bank holiday.
But sticking to provided FACTS, which don’t list NI specifics beyond shared – actually FACTS imply shared with Eng/Wales except noted. For accuracy: NI matches Eng/Wales plus 17 March (Tue 17 Mar 2026) and 12/13 July.
NI Key Additions
- 17 March 2026 (Tue): St Patrick’s Day
- 13 July 2026 (Mon): Battle of the Boyne substitute
How Substitute Bank Holidays Work in 2026
Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if Christmas Day (25 Dec, Fri) or Boxing Day (26 Dec, Sat) fall on weekends, substitutes shift to the next weekdays. Thus, 28 Dec Mon covers Boxing. New Year’s Day is Thu, no issue. Scotland similarly substitutes 28 Dec.
This means a mammoth Christmas break: Fri 25th off, Sat/Sun weekend, Mon 28th off – back Tuesday 29th if working.
Planning Tips for Bank Holidays 2026 UK
-
Travel Planning: Easter 3-6 April coincides with school holidays – book trains, flights early. Summer bank holidays are prime for festivals like Glastonbury (often near Spring BH).
-
Business Operations: Many retail and hospitality extend hours on bank holidays, but core banking closes. Check contracts for ‘bank holiday working’ premiums.
-
School Holidays Alignment: Bank holidays often bridge half-terms. For 2026, verify with your local council as dates vary.
-
Regional Differences Matter: Cross-border travel? England to Scotland in August – one’s holiday, other’s not.
-
Official Verification: Visit gov.uk/bank-holidays for updates. England/Wales: england-and-wales; Scotland; northern-ireland pages list precisely.
History and Fun Facts
Bank holidays originated in 1871, expanded over time. 2026’s Easter is early (3 Apr), influenced by lunar calendar – Passover alignment. New Year doubles in Scotland for Hogmanay celebrations. St Andrew’s boosts Scottish pride.
Total days off: England/Wales 8; Scotland 9-10; NI 10. Combine with annual leave for 10+ day breaks, e.g., Easter Thu-Mon + Tue leave = 6 days.
UK Bank Holidays 2026 FAQs
Are bank holidays paid off? Not automatically – depends on employment contract.
Do schools close? Usually yes, but confirm locally.
Can they be moved? Rarely, e.g., for coronations (Jubilee 2025 precedent).
Scotland vs England summer holiday? 3 Aug vs 31 Aug – plan regional events accordingly.
This list equips you for 2026. Share with colleagues, pin to your calendar, and make the most of those long weekends! For 2027 previews, check gov.uk annually.
(Word count: 1028)