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UK Bank Holidays 2026: Full List of Dates

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UK Bank Holidays in 2026: What You Need to Know

Bank holidays are a cherished part of life in the United Kingdom, offering opportunities for rest, family time, and travel. In 2026, there are several public holidays across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with some variations by nation. These dates are set by the UK Government and St Andrew’s Day Act for Scotland, and they can affect business operations, public transport, and school closures.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all bank holidays in 2026, based on official announcements. Whether you’re planning a long weekend getaway or need to schedule around office closures, we’ve got you covered. Note that bank holidays are not automatically paid days off unless specified in your employment contract, but many employers offer them as such.

Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2026

Here’s the complete calendar of bank holidays for 2026, listed chronologically. We’ve highlighted differences between the nations to help you navigate regional variations.

New Year Bank Holidays

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (observed across all UK nations).
  • 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026 (bank holiday in Scotland only).

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not observe 2 January as a bank holiday, so it’s a regular working day there.

Easter Bank Holidays

  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK nations).
  • Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not a statutory holiday in Scotland).

Easter falls early in 2026, creating a four-day weekend for many in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Scots typically only get Good Friday off, though some schools may close for the full period.

Spring and May Bank Holidays

  • Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK).
  • Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK).

These provide ideal opportunities for short breaks, with the Spring Bank Holiday often coinciding with half-term for schools.

Summer Bank Holidays

  • Scotland: Monday, 3 August 2026.
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Monday, 31 August 2026.

The split dates mean Scottish families can enjoy an earlier summer holiday, while the rest of the UK waits until the end of August.

Late-Year Bank Holidays

  • St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026 (Scotland only; substituted as it falls on a Tuesday).

Christmas and New Year

  • Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026 (all UK).
  • Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (all UK, but as it falls on a Saturday, a substitute day applies).
  • Substitute Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 December 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland where applicable).

When Christmas Day or Boxing Day fall on weekends, substitute holidays are observed on the following Monday (or Tuesday if both are affected). In 2026, this creates a festive four-day weekend from Friday 25 December to Monday 28 December for most workers.

Bank Holidays by Nation

England and Wales

England and Wales share the same eight bank holidays in 2026:

  1. 1 January (New Year’s Day)
  2. 3 April (Good Friday)
  3. 6 April (Easter Monday)
  4. 4 May (Early May)
  5. 25 May (Spring)
  6. 31 August (Summer)
  7. 25 December (Christmas Day)
  8. 28 December (Substitute for Boxing Day)

Total: 8 days.

Scotland

Scotland has its own unique schedule with nine bank holidays:

  1. 1 January (New Year’s Day)
  2. 2 January
  3. 3 April (Good Friday)
  4. 4 May (Early May)
  5. 25 May (Spring)
  6. 3 August (Summer)
  7. 30 November (St Andrew’s Day substitute)
  8. 25 December (Christmas Day)
  9. 28 December (Substitute for Boxing Day)

Note: Easter Monday is not statutory in Scotland, though some local authorities grant it.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland aligns closely with England and Wales, with eight bank holidays:

  1. 1 January
  2. 3 April (Good Friday)
  3. 6 April (Easter Monday)
  4. 4 May
  5. 25 May
  6. 31 August
  7. 25 December
  8. 28 December

Additional local holidays like the Battle of the Boyne (12 July) may apply but are not UK-wide bank holidays.

Substitute Days Explained

Under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, if a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it’s moved to the following Monday. In 2026:

  • Boxing Day (26 Dec, Saturday) → Monday 28 December.
  • St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov, Tuesday) is already a weekday but noted as substituted if needed; it’s observed on 30 November.

This ensures workers get the full holiday entitlement.

Planning Around Bank Holidays in 2026

Travel Tips

Bank holidays see a surge in domestic travel. For Easter (3-6 April), book trains and ferries early via National Rail or DFDS. The August bank holiday (31 Aug for most) is peak for staycations in the Lake District or Cornwall.

School Holidays

Schools often extend bank holidays into half-terms. Easter aligns with school breaks around 3-20 April. Check your local council’s term dates.

Business Impacts

Shops may open limited hours (e.g., larger supermarkets from 1pm on Easter Sunday). Public transport runs reduced services—plan with TfL or ScotRail apps.

Events and Festivals

  • Spring Bank Holiday: Notting Hill Carnival prep (late August).
  • Summer holidays: Edinburgh Festival around early August.

Take annual leave around these dates for longer breaks, e.g., 29 April-4 May for a week off.

History of UK Bank Holidays

Bank holidays originated in 1871 under Sir John Lubbock’s Act, initially for bankers but now for all. Scotland’s additions reflect cultural holidays like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (2007 Act). Dates shift with Easter (first Sunday after the full moon post-21 March) and fixed points.

Governments occasionally add extras, like the 2022 Platinum Jubilee, but 2026 follows the standard pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bank holidays paid?

Not automatically—check your contract. Many get ‘inclusive’ pay.

Do services close?

Post offices and banks close; GPs may have emergencies only.

Can employers require work?

Yes, but must pay premium rates or time off in lieu.

International comparisons

UK has fewer than France (11+) but more three-day weekends.

This guide is accurate as of official projections; always verify via gov.uk closer to the date, as rare changes occur.

With 2026’s holidays spanning from January to December, it’s a year of ample downtime. Bookmark this for your calendar and enjoy the breaks!

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