How Many Bank Holidays Are There in 2026 and 2027?
If you’re wondering “how many bank holidays in 2026/2027”, the answer depends on where you live in the UK. England, Wales and Northern Ireland typically have 8 bank holidays each year. Scotland has 9. These figures account for standard public holidays, including substitutes when dates fall on weekends.
Bank holidays are days when banks and most businesses close, giving workers a paid day off. Dates are set by the UK government, usually announced a couple of years in advance. The lists below are based on official projections aligned with gov.uk patterns. Note that Northern Ireland has two additional local holidays (St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne), bringing its total to 10, but we’ll focus on the core shared ones here before highlighting extras.
Planning ahead? These holidays create long weekends perfect for travel or rest. We’ll break down the dates, counts and tips.
Bank Holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 2026
Here’s the full list for 2026:
- Thursday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Friday, 3 April: Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April: Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 31 August: Summer bank holiday
- Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December: Substitute bank holiday (Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December)
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Christmas Day is always a bank holiday on 25 December, and Boxing Day on 26 December or the next working day if it falls on a weekend. In 2026, no substitute was needed for New Year’s Day as it fell midweek.
Bank Holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 2027
Provisional list for 2027:
- Friday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Friday, 26 March: Good Friday
- Monday, 29 March: Easter Monday
- Monday, 3 May: Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 31 May: Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 30 August: Summer bank holiday
- Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Both Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays, so no substitutes required. Easter dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar.
Bank Holidays in Scotland: 2026
Scotland enjoys an extra holiday:
- Thursday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Friday, 2 January: 2nd January holiday
- Friday, 3 April: Good Friday
- Monday, 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 3 August: Summer bank holiday
- Monday, 30 November: St Andrew’s Day
- Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December: Substitute bank holiday (Boxing Day on Saturday)
Total: 9 bank holidays.
Note Scotland skips Easter Monday but has its own summer holiday earlier and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday isn’t statutory in Scotland.
Bank Holidays in Scotland: 2027
Provisional for 2027:
- Friday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Monday, 4 January: Substitute for 2nd January (falls on Saturday 2 January)
- Friday, 26 March: Good Friday
- Monday, 3 May: Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 31 May: Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 2 August: Summer bank holiday
- Tuesday, 30 November: St Andrew’s Day
- Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Total: 9 bank holidays.
The substitute for 2 January ensures Scots get the day off midweek.
Key Regional Differences
- England, Wales, NI (core): Easter Monday, late August summer holiday.
- Scotland: 2 January, early August summer holiday, St Andrew’s Day (30 November or substitute), no Easter Monday.
- Northern Ireland extras: Beyond the 8 core, add St Patrick’s Day (17 March 2026: Tuesday – observed; 17 March 2027: Wednesday – observed) and Battle of the Boyne (14 July 2026: Tuesday; 12 July 2027: Monday). These make 10 in NI.
Always check gov.uk for confirmations, as substitutes follow the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971: if a holiday falls on Saturday, Tuesday is often the substitute; Sunday, Monday.
How Are Bank Holiday Dates Determined?
- Fixed dates: Christmas Day (25 Dec), New Year’s Day (1 Jan), St Andrew’s (30 Nov).
- Weekday-specific: Early May (first Monday in May), Spring (last Monday in May), Summer (last Monday August for Eng/Wal/NI; first Monday August Scotland).
- Variable: Good Friday and Easter Monday (two days before/after Easter Sunday, calculated as first Sunday after the first full moon on/after 21 March).
Governments can add extras for events (e.g., coronations), but none announced for 2026/2027 yet.
Long Weekends and Planning Tips
2026 highlights:
- New Year: Thu-Fri (Eng/Wal/NI Thu only; Scotland Thu-Fri).
- Easter: Fri-Mon (4-day weekend).
- May/Spring: Both Mondays.
- Christmas: Fri + Mon sub = Fri-Mon.
2027:
- New Year: Fri (Scotland Fri-Mon with sub).
- Easter: Fri-Mon.
- Late May: Back-to-back Mondays? No, 3rd & 31st.
- Christmas: Thu-Fri.
Tips:
- Book annual leave around these for extended breaks (e.g., Fri before Mon holiday).
- Check school term dates – holidays often align.
- Travel? Expect crowds; book trains/hotels early via National Rail or VisitBritain.
- Pay: Most full-time workers get bank holidays paid if contracted; part-timers vary.
- Self-employed? No automatic off, but great for projects.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Introduced in 1871 by Sir John Lubbock’s Bank Holidays Act to give bank workers days off. Originally five; expanded over time. Now symbolise national rest, family time and events like Platinum Jubilee extras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Usually yes for eligible employees, per contract. Check with ACAS.
Do bank holidays count as annual leave?
No, separate unless specified.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, with premium pay often.
Latest updates?
Visit gov.uk/bank-holidays for official lists.
Whether you’re in London, Edinburgh or Belfast, knowing your 2026/2027 bank holidays helps plan the year. With 8 or 9 days off, make the most of them! (Word count: 1028)