How Many Bank Holidays in 2026 in the UK?
Planning your 2026 calendar? The number of bank holidays varies by UK nation. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have eight bank holidays, while Scotland enjoys nine. These public holidays provide welcome breaks, long weekends and opportunities for travel or relaxation. Dates are set by the UK Government and confirmed via gov.uk, with regional differences reflecting cultural traditions.
This guide lists every 2026 bank holiday, highlights long weekends, explains substitutes for weekend falls and offers planning advice. Whether you’re in London, Edinburgh or Belfast, knowing these dates helps with leave requests, events or holidays.
Bank Holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2026
These regions share eight bank holidays. Most fall on Mondays for three-day weekends, except Good Friday and Christmas Day.
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 is Saturday 26 December)
Total: 8 days. Note Easter Monday isn’t a statutory holiday in Scotland, contributing to the difference.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
Scotland has nine bank holidays, including unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday is not statutory here.
Full List
- 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 substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026
Total: 9 days. Scotland’s summer holiday is earlier, aiding family trips before schools return.
Complete 2026 UK Bank Holidays Calendar
Here’s a chronological overview for easy reference:
| Date | Day | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | Yes | Yes |
| 2 January 2026 | Friday | No | Yes |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Yes (Good Friday) | Yes |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Yes (Easter Mon) | No |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Yes | Yes |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Yes | Yes |
| 3 August 2026 | Monday | No | Yes |
| 31 August 2026 | Monday | Yes | No |
| 30 November 2026 | Monday | No | Yes |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Yes | Yes |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Yes | Yes |
This table aligns with official announcements. Always check gov.uk for updates, as rare changes occur.
Long Weekends and Extended Breaks in 2026
Bank holidays create fantastic long weekends. Here’s where to book extra leave for more time off:
- New Year: 1 Jan (Thu) + 2 Jan (Fri Scotland) = four-day weekend if taking Friday south of border.
- Easter: Good Friday (3 Apr) + Easter Monday (6 Apr) = four days off (Fri-Mon) in England/Wales/NI. Scotland gets Friday only.
- Early May: Monday 4 May – standard three-day weekend.
- Spring Bank: Monday 25 May – another three-dayer, perfect for half-term trips.
- Summer: Mondays 3/31 Aug – three days each.
- St Andrew’s (Scotland): Monday 30 Nov – three days.
- Christmas/New Year: 25 Dec (Fri) + 28 Dec (Mon) = four days (Fri-Mon), extendable to new year.
Taking annual leave around these maximises holidays. For example, book 29 Dec 2026 (Tue) for a nine-day break from 24 Dec.
Substitute Bank Holidays: What Happens on Weekends?
UK law (Bank Holidays Act 1871, amended) moves holidays falling on weekends:
- Christmas Day (25 Dec, Friday): Observed Friday.
- Boxing Day (26 Dec, Saturday): Moves to Monday 28 Dec.
If Christmas is Sunday, it shifts to Monday, etc. New Year’s Day on Thursday avoids substitution. These rules ensure no lost holidays, announced by the Secretary of State.
Why Do Bank Holidays Differ Across the UK?
Devolution means nations set some holidays:
- England/Wales/NI: Eight standard, tied to Christian calendar (Easter) and summer breaks.
- Scotland: Adds 2 Jan (Hogmanay extension), St Andrew’s (patron saint) and earlier summer holiday for Glasgow Fair.
Historically, bank holidays started in 1871 for bankers’ rest. Now, they’re public entitlements, though not all workers get paid time off – check contracts.
Employment Rights on Bank Holidays 2026
Bank holidays aren’t automatic paid days off. Rights vary:
- Full-time workers: Often get them as paid leave or lieu days.
- Part-time/shift workers: Pro-rata or ‘time off in lieu’.
- Agency/temps: Depends on terms.
Under Working Time Regulations, you can request time off. Easter and Christmas see high absence; plan early. Self-employed? Treat as any day.
Planning Travel, Events and Days Out for 2026 Bank Holidays
Bank holidays boost tourism but mean crowds:
-
Transport: Book trains/ferries early via National Rail or DFDS. M6/A1 busy Easter/Christmas.
-
UK Stays: Lake District (Spring), Edinburgh Festival fringes (Aug), Cornwall beaches (May).
-
Events: Notting Hill Carnival (Aug 31 likely), Highland Games (Scotland summer), Christmas markets (Nov/Dec).
-
Tips: Shop midweek pre-holidays. Use apps like Citymapper for traffic. International? Heathrow peaks Easter.
With 2026’s handy dates, aim for ‘holiday sandwiches’ – e.g., Thu 1 Jan + Fri 2 Jan for New Year.
Bank Holiday FAQs for 2026
Is 2 January 2026 a bank holiday everywhere?
No, only Scotland.
How many consecutive days off at Christmas 2026?
Fri 25 Dec to Mon 28 Dec: four days.
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Not automatically; employer-dependent.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, unless contracted otherwise. Overtime pay common.
What’s the summer bank holiday difference?
Scotland: 3 Aug (earlier schools); rest: 31 Aug.
Confirm via gov.uk?
Yes, official source for changes.
This covers all 2026 bank holidays comprehensively. Total words: approximately 1050. Bookmark for yearly planning – happy holidays!