What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and government offices close. They provide opportunities for rest, family time, and travel. However, dates vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland due to regional traditions. The term ‘bank holiday’ originates from 1871 legislation allowing banks to close, with employees now entitled to time off or paid holiday under the Working Time Regulations 1998.
There are typically eight to ten bank holidays per year, depending on your location. Substitute days apply when a holiday falls on a weekend. For 2025-2026, we’ve compiled official dates based on government announcements. Use this guide to plan leave, events, or business operations.
Bank Holidays UK 2025: Complete List
England and Wales 2025
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
Scotland 2025
Scotland has additional holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August 2025
- St Andrew’s Day (substitute): Monday, 1 December 2025 (30 November falls on Sunday)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
Northern Ireland 2025
Includes England/Wales dates plus:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 14 July 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
| Date | England/Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan | No | Yes | No |
| 18 Apr (Good Friday) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 21 Apr (Easter Mon) | Yes | No | Yes |
| 5 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 26 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4 Aug | No | Yes | No |
| 14 Jul | No | No | Yes |
| 25 Aug | Yes | No | Yes |
| 1 Dec | No | Yes | No |
| 25-26 Dec | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bank Holidays UK 2026: Complete List
Official dates for 2026 confirm the following, with variations:
England and Wales 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
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December 2026 (falls on Saturday)
Scotland 2026
- 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
Northern Ireland 2026
England/Wales dates plus Battle of the Boyne (12 July 2026 is Sunday, substitute Monday 13 July 2026).
| Date | England/Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan | No | Yes | No |
| 3 Apr (Good Friday) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Apr (Easter Mon) | Yes | No | Yes |
| 4 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 25 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Aug | No | Yes | No |
| 13 Jul (sub) | No | No | Yes |
| 31 Aug | Yes | No | Yes |
| 30 Nov | No | Yes | No |
| 25 Dec | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 28 Dec (sub) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Regional Differences Explained
Bank holidays aren’t uniform across the UK:
England and Wales
Nine holidays in 2025-2026, focusing on Christian festivals and summer breaks.
Scotland
Unique emphasis on New Year with 2 January, earlier summer holiday (August), and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday isn’t statutory here; many schools close anyway.
Northern Ireland
Adds Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day), commemorating 1690. Good Friday and Easter Monday observed.
Substitute rules: Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if Christmas or other fixed dates fall on weekends, the next weekday becomes a bank holiday.
Planning Around Bank Holidays 2025-2026
Work and Pay
Most full-time employees get bank holidays off or paid extra. Check your contract—part-timers may not qualify. Self-employed? No automatic right, but plan client work.
Travel Tips
Bank holidays see traffic peaks: M25 jams on August holidays, trains crowded at Easter. Book Eurostar or ferries early. Airports like Heathrow busiest 25-26 December. Use apps like Citymapper or National Rail for disruptions.
Events and Staycations
Spring Bank Holiday (May) hosts festivals like Hay Festival. August brings Notting Hill Carnival (England). Scotland’s summer holiday aligns with Highland Games.
Business Impacts
Shops may open limited hours (Sunday trading rules relax). Post offices close; Royal Mail delivers minimally. Plan stock for post-holiday rushes.
Long Weekends
2025 highlights: Easter (18-21 April, four days). 2026: New Year (1-2 Jan, Thu-Fri). Chain leave for extended breaks, e.g., Christmas 2026 (25 Dec Fri to 28 Mon).
History of UK Bank Holidays
Introduced in 1871 by Sir John Lubbock, initially eight days. Expanded over time: Whitsun became Spring Bank Holiday (1971), late August added (1975). Devolution added Scottish/NI specifics. Gov.uk announces two years ahead—2027 dates expected soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Not automatically statutory, but 28 days’ paid annual leave covers them for most.
Do schools close?
Yes, but dates vary by council—Scotland often 2 Jan and summer earlier.
Can employers require work?
Yes, with premium pay or time off in lieu.
International visitors?
Bank holidays affect attractions; many reopen afternoon.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for bank holidays UK 2025-2026. Bookmark for updates from gov.uk. Total holidays: England/Wales (9/year), Scotland (10+), NI (10+). Plan wisely for a balanced year!
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