How Many Bank Holidays in 2025-2026?
Bank holidays are a cherished part of life in the UK, offering opportunities for rest, travel and family time. But the exact number depends on where you live. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are typically eight bank holidays each year. Scotland enjoys nine, thanks to additional observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
This guide covers 2025 and 2026 comprehensively, aligning with official announcements (always check gov.uk for updates). We’ll break down dates by nation, highlight long weekends, explain substitutes and share planning tips. Whether you’re booking time off or organising events, this is your go-to resource.
Bank Holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
These regions share the same eight dates annually. Here’s the full list for 2025-2026.
2025 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Notable long weekends:
- Easter: Fri 18 Apr (GF) to Mon 21 Apr.
- May: Two Mondays close together – ideal for a week off.
- Christmas: Thu 25 to Fri 26 Dec, extending into the weekend.
2026 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute for Boxing Day |
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Highlights:
- New Year: Thu 1 Jan kicks off a four-day weekend (Thu-Sun).
- Easter: Fri 3 Apr to Mon 6 Apr.
- Christmas: Fri 25 Dec, Sat 26 Dec (Boxing Day) shifts to Mon 28 Dec – a generous break.
Bank Holidays in Scotland
Scotland has nine bank holidays, including unique ones like 2 January, its summer holiday in early August and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday here.
2025 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2 January |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 1 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute) |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Total: 9 bank holidays.
Superb stretches:
- New Year: Wed 1 Jan to Thu 2 Jan – four days off.
- Christmas: Thu-Fri as above.
2026 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute for Boxing Day |
Total: 9 bank holidays.
Key features:
- New Year: Thu 1 Jan to Fri 2 Jan – mega five-day weekend (Thu-Mon if working pattern allows).
- Late-year trio: 30 Nov, 25 Dec and 28 Dec.
Key Differences Across UK Nations
- England, Wales, NI: Easter Monday and late August summer holiday.
- Scotland: 2 January, early August summer holiday, St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov or substitute). No Easter Monday.
Northern Ireland mirrors England/Wales but may have local variations (e.g., Battle of the Boyne on 12 July, not covered here as it’s additional).
Bank holidays are set by the St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007 and announcements from the UK Government. Dates shift with Easter (first Sunday after full moon post-21 March).
What If a Bank Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
No extra day off – a weekday substitute applies:
- Next working day (Mon if Sat/Sun).
- Examples: 2026 Boxing Day (Sat 26 Dec) → Mon 28 Dec.
- 2025 St Andrew’s (Sun 30 Nov) → Mon 1 Dec (Scotland only).
Planning Tips for Maximum Time Off
Bank holidays create ‘bridge’ opportunities:
2025 Highlights:
- Book Fri 4 Apr off for Easter week (18 Apr Tue? Wait, GF Fri 18, EM Mon 21 – book 19-20 for nine days? No, standard Mon-Fri. Better: Around May – book Tue 6 May for Early May + Spring extended.
2026:
- New Year: Already Thu-Fri.
- Book Thu 2 Apr for Easter (Fri 3-Mon 6).
- Christmas: Fri 25 + Mon 28 – book w/c 21 Dec for full fortnight.
Travel Advice:
- Expect crowds on motorways, trains and airports. Use apps like National Rail or RAC for live updates.
- Staycations rise in popularity – book glamping or cottages early.
Work Perks:
- Many get bank holidays paid; check your contract. Part-timers may pro-rata.
A Brief History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating from 1871 Bank Holidays Act, replacing saint days. Expanded in 1995 (May) and 2007 (Scotland’s St Andrew’s). They promote rest, originally for bank staff to balance books without public access.
Today, over 90% of UK workers get them off, per ONS data.
Are Bank Holidays Paid?
Statutory but not automatically paid unless your contract says so. Zero-hours or casuals may not qualify. Holiday pay accrues at 5.6 weeks/year (including bank hols) for eligible workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays in 2025-2026 total?
Across two years: 16 for Eng/Wal/NI, 18 for Scotland.
Do schools close on bank holidays?
Usually yes, but check local calendars.
Can employers make you work bank holidays?
Yes, if contracted, often with premium pay or time off in lieu.
Any extra 2025-2026 holidays?
Silver Jubilee or elections could add, but none announced yet (as of April 2026).
This guide ensures you’re prepared. Bookmark for updates from gov.uk. Happy planning!
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