Bank Holidays 2026 UK: Official Government Dates
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses close, and many people enjoy a day off. The UK government announces these dates annually via gov.uk, and they vary slightly by nation: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. For 2026, we’ve compiled the official list based on confirmed dates. This guide helps you plan travel, events, or time off, especially around key periods like Easter in April 2026.
Always check gov.uk bank holidays for the latest updates, as dates can shift due to royal events or other factors. Note that bank holidays are not automatically paid days off unless your contract specifies it.
What Are Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays originated from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, when banks closed for religious and civil occasions. Today, they include Christian festivals like Easter and secular days like the spring bank holiday. In 2026, there are 8 bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and 10 in Scotland.
These days affect:
- Business operations: Many shops, schools, and offices close.
- Public transport: Reduced services.
- Payments: Direct debits and salaries paid on bank holidays shift to the working day before.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2026
Here’s the complete chronological list, highlighting differences by region.
New Year Bank Holidays
- Thursday 1 January 2026: New Year’s Day (all UK).
- Friday 2 January 2026: Additional bank holiday in Scotland only.
Start the year with a long weekend if you’re in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, but Scots get an extra day off.
Easter Bank Holidays (April 2026)
Easter falls early in 2026, perfect for spring getaways:
- Friday 3 April 2026: Good Friday (all UK).
- Monday 6 April 2026: Easter Monday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not Scotland).
This creates a four-day weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday for most of the UK. Scotland observes Good Friday but works Easter Monday, often using it for local holidays.
May Bank Holidays
- Monday 4 May 2026: Early May bank holiday (all UK).
- Monday 25 May 2026: Spring bank holiday (all UK).
Two Mondays in May mean excellent long weekends. Book early for staycations or festivals.
Summer Bank Holidays
Regional split here:
- Monday 3 August 2026: Summer bank holiday (Scotland only).
- Monday 31 August 2026: Summer bank holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland).
Scotland enjoys summer holidays earlier, aligning with school terms.
Late-Year Bank Holidays
- Monday 30 November 2026: St Andrew’s Day (Scotland only; substituted as it falls on a Monday).
Christmas and New Year
- Friday 25 December 2026: Christmas Day (all UK).
- Saturday 26 December 2026: Boxing Day (all UK), but as it falls on Saturday, a substitute bank holiday on Monday 28 December 2026 applies across the UK.
This gives a festive break from Friday 25 to Monday 28 December.
Bank Holidays by UK Nation
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026
- 1 January (Thu)
- 3 April (Fri) - Good Friday
- 6 April (Mon) - Easter Monday
- 4 May (Mon)
- 25 May (Mon)
- 31 August (Mon)
- 25 December (Fri)
- 28 December (Mon) - substitute for Boxing Day
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
Scotland has more dates:
- 1 January (Thu)
- 2 January (Fri)
- 3 April (Fri) - Good Friday
- 4 May (Mon)
- 25 May (Mon)
- 3 August (Mon)
- 30 November (Mon) - St Andrew’s Day
- 25 December (Fri)
- 26 December (Sat) - observed, but substitute 28 December (Mon)
Note: Easter Monday isn’t a statutory holiday in Scotland.
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
Same as England and Wales, plus potential local observances like Battle of the Boyne (12 July), but sticking to standard list:
- 1 January
- 3 April (Good Friday)
- 6 April (Easter Monday)
- 4 May
- 25 May
- 31 August
- 25 December
- 28 December (substitute)
Substitute Bank Holidays Explained
UK law requires substitute days when Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day fall on weekends:
- Saturday: Monday substitute.
- Sunday: Tuesday substitute.
In 2026:
- Boxing Day (26 Dec, Sat) → Monday 28 Dec. No other substitutes needed.
Long Weekends and Holiday Planning for 2026
Maxmise time off:
- New Year: 1 Jan (Thu) - book Fri 2 Jan for four days (England/Wales/NI).
- Easter: Fri 3 Apr to Mon 6 Apr - natural four-day break.
- Early May: Mon 4 May - attach to weekend.
- Spring: Mon 25 May - same.
- Christmas: Fri 25 to Mon 28 Dec - four days.
Scotland bonuses: 2 Jan (Fri after Thu), 3 Aug (Mon), 30 Nov (Mon).
Tips:
- Travel: Expect crowds; use National Rail or coach apps.
- Events: Notting Hill Carnival (Aug bank holiday), Highland Games (Scotland).
- Schools: Terms align with bank holidays; check local councils.
- Businesses: Plan stock and staffing; HMRC shifts payments to prior working day.
Impact on Wages, Bills, and Services
- Salaries: Paid on last working day before.
- Bills: Direct debits process before the holiday.
- Post Office/Courts: Closed.
- Supermarkets: Many open reduced hours.
For self-employed, use these days productively or rest.
Easter 2026 Focus: Why It Matters
With context in April 2026, Easter is key. Good Friday (3 Apr) honours Jesus’ crucifixion; Easter Monday (6 Apr) celebrates resurrection. Families plan egg hunts, church services, or breaks. Weather improves, ideal for UK stays like the Lake District or Cornwall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
No statutory right, but 28+ days’ paid holiday entitlement under Working Time Regulations.
Do bank holidays count as annual leave?
Only if specified in your contract.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, with notice or premium pay.
Scotland vs England differences?
Scotland has 2 Jan, earlier summer holiday, St Andrew’s.
Updates for 2026?
Gov.uk confirms these; rare changes post-announcement.
Final Advice
Print this list or bookmark gov.uk. For 2026 diaries, note regional variances if travelling. Whether booking a caravan in Wales or hiking in Scotland, bank holidays offer prime opportunities. Stay informed for any proclamations affecting dates.
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