How Many Bank Holidays in the UK in 2026?
If you’re wondering how many bank holidays in the UK in 2026, the answer depends on where you live. England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have 8 bank holidays, while Scotland enjoys 9. These dates provide welcome long weekends and opportunities for travel or relaxation. With 2026 featuring some midweek holidays like New Year’s Day on a Thursday, there are chances for extended breaks.
Bank holidays are days when banks and most businesses close, though many shops and attractions stay open. They’re not always the same across the UK due to regional differences. This guide lists all 2026 dates, explains variations and offers planning tips, especially useful as we approach April 2026 with Good Friday and Easter Monday coming up.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2026
England and Wales share the same 8 bank holidays in 2026:
- 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
- Substitute bank holiday (for Boxing Day, which falls on Saturday 26 December): Monday, 28 December 2026
These create several three-day weekends, perfect for short trips. Note that Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026
Northern Ireland aligns with England and Wales, also having 8 bank holidays:
The dates match exactly those listed above. However, NI has its own Battle of the Boyne holiday on 12 July in some years, but 2026’s 12 July is a Sunday, so no additional day—confirm via gov.uk closer to the time.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2026, with unique dates:
- 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
- Substitute bank holiday (for Boxing Day): Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland skips Easter Monday but adds 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, plus an earlier summer holiday.
Full 2026 UK Bank Holidays Calendar
Here’s a handy table for quick reference:
| Date | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan (Thu) | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan (Fri) | - | 2 January |
| 3 Apr (Fri) | Good Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 Apr (Mon) | Easter Monday | - |
| 4 May (Mon) | Early May | Early May |
| 25 May (Mon) | Spring | Spring |
| 3 Aug (Mon) | - | Summer |
| 31 Aug (Mon) | Summer | - |
| 30 Nov (Mon) | - | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 Dec (Fri) | Christmas Day | Christmas Day |
| 28 Dec (Mon) | Boxing Day substitute | Boxing Day substitute |
Total: 8 (England/Wales/NI), 9 (Scotland).
Print this or save for your calendar. Dates are set by the St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007 and royal proclamations—always check gov.uk for confirmations.
Bank Holiday Substitutes Explained
When Christmas Day (25 December) or Boxing Day (26 December) fall on weekends, substitutes shift to the next working day. In 2026:
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December (observed).
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December → Monday 28 December as substitute.
This applies UK-wide. If New Year’s Day is a Saturday/Sunday, similar rules apply, but 2026’s 1 January is Thursday.
Bank Holidays vs Public Holidays vs Statutory Holidays
- Bank holidays: Traditional days banks close; most workers get off.
- Public holidays: Often used interchangeably, but technically days for public observance.
- Statutory holidays: Legally paid days off for eligible workers (all listed above qualify, except Easter Monday isn’t statutory in Scotland).
Employers must give time off or pay in lieu for statutory ones. Self-employed? No automatic right, but enjoy the vibe!
Planning Your 2026 Long Weekends
2026 offers great breaks:
January
New Year’s Day (Thu 1 Jan): Book Friday off for four days. Scotland adds Friday 2 Jan—ideal extended holiday.
April (Upcoming from Now!)
Good Friday (3 Apr) + Easter Monday (6 Apr): Four-day weekend (Fri-Mon). Scotland only Good Friday. Perfect for UK staycations or European jaunts.
May
Early May (4 May) and Spring (25 May): Two separate three-day weekends. Combine with annual leave for a week off.
August
England/Wales/NI: 31 Aug (Mon). Scotland: 3 Aug (Mon). Notting Hill Carnival in London (late Aug) aligns nicely.
November/December
Scotland’s St Andrew’s (30 Nov). Christmas period: Fri 25 Dec + Mon 28 Dec = four days (book 29-31 for more).
Tips:
- Book trains/flights early via National Rail or Ryanair.
- Popular spots: Lake District, Edinburgh Festival fringes, or beaches.
- Check school holidays for family trips—Easter hols around 3-20 April.
- Weather: April showers likely; pack layers.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays began in 1871 under the Bank Holidays Act, formalising days like Easter and Whitsun. Expanded in 1995 for May Day. Scotland’s extras reflect cultural ties—2 January for Hogmanay, St Andrew’s for patron saint. Devolved governments set regional dates post-1999.
2026 dates follow Easter (first Sunday after full moon post-21 March: 5 April, so Good Friday 3rd, Easter Mon 6th).
What Can You Do on Bank Holidays?
- Events: Royal Ascot (June, near Spring hol), Glastonbury (late June), Edinburgh Fringe (Aug).
- Travel: Stay domestic—Cornwall beaches, Scottish Highlands—or abroad (easy from April).
- Stay Home: BBQs, pub gardens, Netflix marathons.
- Work? Many retail/hospitality open; check shifts.
UK Bank Holidays 2026 FAQs
How many bank holidays in England 2026?
8, as listed.
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Statutory ones yes, for qualifying employees.
UK bank holidays 2026 calendar PDF?
Download from gov.uk or timeanddate.com.
Do bank holidays affect pay?
Overtime possible if working; double pay common in hospitality.
Next bank holiday after April 2026?
Early May (4 May).
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepped for 2026’s breaks. Dates sourced from official projections—verify gov.uk for any changes. Happy planning!
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