Introduction to UK Bank Holidays 2025 to 2026
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and government offices close, providing opportunities for rest, travel, and family time. These dates are set by the government and St. Andrew’s Day Act for Scotland, with some regional variations across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Planning around them is essential for holidays, events, or work schedules.
This guide covers all bank holidays from 2025 to 2026, helping you navigate long weekends and closures. Whether you’re booking a getaway or organising a wedding, knowing these dates ensures smooth arrangements. Note that while most are statutory (paid days off for eligible workers), some like Easter Monday aren’t in Scotland.
Bank Holidays in 2025
2025 features eight bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with extras in Scotland. Here’s the breakdown:
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 2025
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025. A fresh start across the UK.
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025. Marks the Christian Easter observance; many shops close early.
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025. Follows Easter Sunday; schools often break.
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025. Ideal for spring outings.
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025. Perfect for half-term trips.
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025. End-of-summer festivities.
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025.
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025.
Both Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays, so no substitutes needed.
Scotland 2025
Scotland has nine or ten, depending on substitutes:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2025. Unique to Scotland for Hogmanay celebrations.
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025 (local observance, not statutory).
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025.
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025.
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August 2025 (earlier than elsewhere).
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December 2025 (substitute for Sunday, 30 November).
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025.
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025.
Good Friday isn’t statutory in Scotland, but many treat it as a holiday.
Bank Holidays in 2026
2026 brings similar patterns with shifts due to the calendar. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have eight; Scotland more.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 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 Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 December is Saturday).
Scotland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026.
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026.
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (local).
- 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 Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026.
Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
The UK isn’t uniform:
- England and Wales: Share most dates; focus on Christian holidays.
- Northern Ireland: Matches England/Wales but adds 12 July (Battle of the Boyne, not in 2025-2026 lists as variable).
- Scotland: Emphasises New Year with 2 January, earlier summer holiday, and St Andrew’s Day. Easter Monday absent statutorily.
Substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends (e.g., next Monday). Check gov.uk for confirmations.
Long Weekends and Planning Tips for 2025-2026
Spot long weekends:
2025 Highlights:
- New Year: 1-2 Jan (Scotland four-day if Fri off).
- Easter: Fri-Mon (18-21 Apr).
- May: 3-5 May, 24-26 May.
- August: 23-25 Aug (Eng/Wal/NI).
- Christmas: 24-29 Dec possible extended.
2026 Highlights:
- Easter: Fri-Mon (3-6 Apr).
- May: 2-4, 23-25 May.
- Christmas: Fri 25, Sat 26, Mon 28 – mega weekend.
Travel Advice
Bank holidays mean crowded roads (M25 jams), trains fully booked. Book Eurostar or ferries early. Domestic spots like Lake District or Cornwall peak. Airports like Heathrow see surges.
Business Impacts
Shops may open limited hours (England allows Sunday trading post-holiday). Banks, post offices close. Payroll: statutory pay for full-time workers. Self-employed? Plan invoices.
School Holidays Alignment
Terms vary: England Easter ~6-20 Apr 2025; May half-term ~26 May. Scotland similar but check council sites.
How UK Bank Holidays Work
Rooted in 1871 Bank Holidays Act, expanded over time. Fixed: May, Spring, Summer, Christmas. Movable: Easter (first full moon post-equinox). Scottish additions via legislation.
Not all get paid time off – depends on contract. Gig economy? Often unpaid.
Events and Traditions
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New Year: Fireworks in London, Edinburgh Hogmanay street parties.
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Easter: Egg hunts, seaside trips.
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Spring Bank: Chelsea Flower Show (May), trooping the colour.
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Summer: Notting Hill Carnival (Aug bank holiday), Edinburgh Festival.
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Christmas: Markets, pantos.
Scotland: Burns Night (Jan, unofficial), Highland Games (summer).
Printable Calendar Tips
Add to Google Calendar or print. Apps like ‘UK Holidays’ help. For businesses, update rotas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Yes, for most employees with 4+ weeks service, but check contract.
Do schools close?
Usually, but varies by region.
Can I work on a bank holiday?
Yes, often with premium pay.
International visitors?
Expect closures; plan ATMs, transport.
This guide arms you for 2025-2026. Verify gov.uk closer to dates as rare changes occur. Happy planning!
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