What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, banks, and public services close. They originated from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, allowing bank employees time off. Today, they are set by the UK government and devolved administrations, varying by nation: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
There are typically eight bank holidays per year in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland has nine. Numbers can differ due to regional observances like St Andrew’s Day or substitutes when holidays fall on weekends. Understanding these helps with planning travel, events, or time off work. As of April 2026, here is a comprehensive guide to how many bank holidays there are from 2025 to 2026.
How Many Bank Holidays in 2025?
In 2025, the UK enjoyed a standard spread of bank holidays. England and Wales had eight, Scotland nine, and Northern Ireland ten due to additional local holidays.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2025
| 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 |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Total: 8 bank holidays. These create several long weekends, ideal for short breaks.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2025
Scotland replaces Easter Monday with 2 January and has an earlier summer holiday, plus St Andrew’s Day.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2nd January |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 1 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute for Sunday 30 November) |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Total: 9 bank holidays. Note Good Friday is observed but not statutory for pay purposes in Scotland.
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2025
Northern Ireland mirrors England and Wales but adds St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Monday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 14 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (substitute for Saturday 12 July) |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
Total: 10 bank holidays. This makes NI the region with the most in 2025.
How Many Bank Holidays in 2026?
2026 bank holidays follow official announcements. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have eight each (NI extras noted separately), Scotland nine. Christmas substitutes apply as Boxing Day falls on Saturday.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
| 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 Bank Holiday (for Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December) |
Total: 8 bank holidays. The late Easter provides a four-day weekend (Fri-Mon).
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2nd 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 Bank Holiday (for Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December) |
Total: 9 bank holidays. No Easter Monday, but extra early-year and summer dates.
Northern Ireland Additional 2026 Notes
St Patrick’s Day (17 March, Tuesday) and Battle of the Boyne (13 July, Monday) add two more, making 10 total. Confirm via gov.uk for substitutes.
Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
- England & Wales: Fixed eight, focus on Christian holidays and summer breaks.
- Scotland: Nine, with 2 January, early August summer holiday, and St Andrew’s Day (30 November or nearest Monday).
- Northern Ireland: Ten often, including Irish patron saint and historical July holiday.
Substitutes apply under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971: if Christmas or others fall on weekends, the next weekday becomes a bank holiday. Employment rights vary—statutory pay applies only to specific dates, but contracts may offer more.
Planning Around Bank Holidays 2025 to 2026
With 17-28 bank holidays combined across regions from 2025 to 2026, strategic planning maximises time off:
- Long Weekends: 2026 New Year (Thu-Fri in Scotland), Easter (Fri-Mon all UK), May Mondays, August.
- Bridge Days: Book annual leave adjacent, e.g., Tuesday after a Monday holiday for four days off.
- Travel Tips: Expect crowds on motorways and trains—book early. Popular spots: Lake District, Edinburgh Festival (near August holidays), Cornwall beaches.
- School Holidays: Bank holidays often align with half-terms; check gov.uk for term dates.
- Business Impact: Retail and hospitality stay open; plan shopping accordingly.
From 2025 to 2026, that’s plenty for recharging. Use tools like the UK government calendar or apps for reminders.
History and Fun Facts
Bank holidays evolved from saint days and fairs. Queen Victoria declared Easter Monday in 1871. Scotland’s distinct calendar reflects its heritage—St Andrew’s since 2007. In 2025-2026, no extra ‘one-off’ holidays like Platinum Jubilee are announced yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays are there in 2025 to 2026 total?
Approximately 17-19 per region over two years, varying by nation (England/Wales: 16; Scotland: 18; NI: 20).
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Not automatically statutory, but most full-time jobs offer paid time off. Check your contract.
Do bank holidays affect school closures?
Schools close on most, plus wider holidays—confirm locally.
Where to verify official dates?
Gov.uk/bank-holidays—always the source.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for how many bank holidays 2025 to 2026 brings. Plan ahead for unforgettable breaks! (Word count: 1028)