Introduction to Bank Holidays April 2025 - March 2026
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and public services close, giving workers a day off. They are not technically ‘holidays’ in the sense of paid leave for everyone, but they are statutory days off for many. This guide covers all bank holidays from April 2025 to March 2026, a key 12-month period often used for planning annual leave, events, or travel.
Understanding these dates is essential for families, businesses, and travellers. Dates vary slightly by nation: England and Wales share the same list, Northern Ireland is similar but with some extras, and Scotland has unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. We’ll break it down by date, region, and provide tips to make the most of long weekends.
All dates are confirmed via official sources like gov.uk. Note that bank holidays can shift if they fall on weekends, with substitute days applying.
Full List of Bank Holidays April 2025 - March 2026
Here’s every bank holiday in chronological order, with notes on applicability across the UK.
April 2025
Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025 (All UK nations)
Good Friday marks the start of our period and is observed nationwide. It’s a traditional Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most shops close early or fully, and it’s a paid bank holiday for eligible workers.
Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Not a bank holiday in Scotland, where many return to work. Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday (20 April 2025). Expect family gatherings, chocolate egg hunts, and lighter traffic than Good Friday.
May 2025
Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025 (All UK)
The first Monday in May, perfect for early spring outings. Often called May Day, it’s a time for festivals and garden centres.
Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025 (All UK)
The last Monday in May, ideal for half-term breaks and bank holiday weekends. Weather-dependent, but great for BBQs and seaside trips.
August 2025
Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland): Monday, 4 August 2025 (Scotland only)
Scotland’s summer holiday, aligning with school summer breaks. Glasgow Fair and other events occur.
Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
The last Monday in August for these regions, marking the end of summer. Notts Carnival in Nottingham is a highlight.
December 2025
St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December 2025 (Scotland only)
30 November 2025 falls on a Sunday, so the substitute bank holiday is the following Monday. Patron saint of Scotland; celebrations include ceilidhs and haggis suppers.
Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025 (All UK)
The big one: family time, presents, and turkey dinners. Most everything closes.
Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025 (All UK)
Traditionally for giving to the poor (hence ‘boxes’), now sales shopping and sports like football.
January 2026
New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (All UK)
Celebrations from Hogmanay lead into this holiday. Fireworks in London and Edinburgh.
2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026 (Scotland only)
Scotland’s extra New Year holiday, extending the festive break.
No bank holidays in February or March 2026.
Regional Differences in Bank Holidays
The UK isn’t uniform. Use this table for quick reference:
| Date | England & Wales | Northern Ireland | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Apr 2025 | Good Friday | Good Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 Apr 2025 | Easter Monday | Easter Monday | - |
| 5 May 2025 | Early May | Early May | Early May |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring | Spring | Spring |
| 4 Aug 2025 | - | - | Summer |
| 25 Aug 2025 | Summer | Summer | - |
| 1 Dec 2025 | - | - | St Andrew’s (sub) |
| 25 Dec 2025 | Christmas | Christmas | Christmas |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Boxing Day | Boxing Day | Boxing Day |
| 1 Jan 2026 | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan 2026 | - | - | 2 January |
England, Wales, and NI have 8 bank holidays per year typically; Scotland has 9 or 10 depending on substitutes.
How Substitute Bank Holidays Work
If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a ‘substitute’ day is the next weekday (usually Monday). Examples in this period:
- St Andrew’s Day: 30 Nov 2025 (Sun) → 1 Dec 2025 (Mon)
For Christmas/Boxing/New Year, if weekend, substitutes apply similarly. In 2025/26, Christmas and Boxing are weekdays, so no subs needed. Always check gov.uk for updates.
What Opens and Closes on Bank Holidays
- Shops: Large supermarkets often open reduced hours (e.g., 10am-4pm); corner shops may close. Check retailer sites.
- Banks and Post Offices: Closed.
- Public Transport: Reduced services; plan ahead via National Rail or TfL apps.
- Attractions: Many tourist spots open, like museums (free entry often) and parks.
- Restaurants/Pubs: Many open, especially chains.
GPs and hospitals operate emergency cover only.
Employment Rights on Bank Holidays
Bank holidays aren’t automatically paid days off unless in your contract. Full-time workers get them off if stipulated. Part-timers may not. Overtime pay varies by employer. Check ACAS for rights.
Planning Tips for Maximum Time Off
Link bank holidays with annual leave for extended breaks:
- Easter 2025: Book Fri 18 or Tue 22 for 4-day weekend.
- May: 5 May + Spring 26 May are perfect standalone long weekends.
- August: Regional splits allow staggered holidays.
- Christmas/New Year: Thu 25 Dec + Fri 26 = long weekend; Scotland gets Fri 2 Jan too.
Travel tip: Book trains/ferries early for popular dates like Easter and Christmas. Use apps like Trainline.
Brief History of UK Bank Holidays
Introduced by the Bank Holidays Act 1871, named after bankers’ days off. Expanded over time: Whitsun became Spring, August added later. Scotland’s unique dates reflect cultural heritage. Platinum Jubilee extra in 2022 showed flexibility.
FAQs on Bank Holidays April 2025 - March 2026
Are bank holidays paid?
Depends on contract; statutory for many.
Do schools close?
Yes, usually longer half-terms around them.
Any changes possible?
Rare, but extras for coronations etc.
Next after March 2026?
Good Friday 3 April 2026 (all UK), Easter Monday 6 April 2026 (Eng/Wal/NI).
This guide equips you to plan effectively. Bookmark for updates from gov.uk. Word count: approx 1050.