Introduction to 2025/2026 Bank Holidays UK
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and government offices close, providing a welcome break for workers and families. Planning around these dates is essential for holidays, events, or business operations. This guide covers all 2025/2026 bank holidays UK, with dates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland (often grouped as ‘England, Wales & NI’), and Scotland, which has some unique observances.
Dates are set by the UK government and announced in advance via gov.uk. Note regional variations: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share most dates, while Scotland differs on Easter Monday, summer bank holiday, and St Andrew’s Day. Substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends.
Whether you’re booking travel, organising a wedding, or managing payroll, knowing these 2025/2026 bank holidays UK helps avoid surprises. We’ve included long weekend opportunities and tips for making the most of them.
2025 UK Bank Holidays: Full List
Here’s the complete schedule for 2025. There are typically eight bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and nine in Scotland.
England, Wales & Northern Ireland 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 Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Scotland 2025
Scotland enjoys an extra holiday on 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, plus a different summer bank holiday.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2 January Holiday |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 1 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute) |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Long Weekends in 2025:
- New Year: 30 Dec 2024 (if working Sat) to 2 Jan – but focus on 2025 start.
- Easter: Fri 18 Apr to Mon 21 Apr (four days).
- May: 3-5 May and 24-26 May.
- August: 23-25 Aug (E/W/NI).
- Christmas: 25-26 Dec, extend to 29-30 if possible.
2026 UK Bank Holidays: Full List
Looking ahead to 2026, especially useful now in April 2026 for forward planning. Dates shift due to the calendar.
England, Wales & Northern Ireland 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 |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day (substitute 28 Dec) |
| 28 December | Monday | Christmas/Boxing Substitute |
Scotland 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2 January Holiday |
| 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 |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day (substitute 28 Dec) |
| 28 December | Monday | Substitute Day |
Long Weekends in 2026:
- New Year: Thu 1-Fri 2 Jan (Scotland), extend back.
- Easter: Fri 3-Mon 6 Apr (four days E/W/NI).
- Whitsun/Spring: 23-25 May.
- Early May: 2-4 May.
- Christmas: Fri 25 Dec to Mon 28 Dec (four days).
Regional Differences in UK Bank Holidays
The UK isn’t uniform:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Easter Monday, late August summer holiday.
- Scotland: 2 January, no Easter Monday (often local holidays), early August summer holiday, St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov or substitute).
Northern Ireland aligns with England/Wales but has 17 March (St Patrick’s, substitute if weekend) – not listed as it’s not always bank holiday everywhere, but check locally.
These differences affect travel: trains/buses may run reduced services nationwide, but Scotland’s dates vary.
Substitute Bank Holidays Explained
If Christmas Day (25 Dec) or Good Friday fall on weekends, no substitute, but Boxing Day (26 Dec) or Easter Monday do if needed. Rule: If 25/26 Dec on Sat/Sun, substitutes on following Mon/Tue.
Examples:
- 2026: Boxing Day Sat 26 Dec → Mon 28 Dec substitute (all UK).
- 2025 St Andrew’s Sun 30 Nov → Mon 1 Dec (Scotland only).
Scotland has unique rules for 2 Jan and St Andrew’s.
Employee Rights and Pay During Bank Holidays
Bank holidays aren’t automatic paid days off. Rights depend on contract:
- Full-time workers often get them as paid leave.
- Part-timers may not.
- Working on a bank holiday? Eligible for time off in lieu, premium pay (e.g., double time), or normal pay – check employment contract.
Under Working Time Regulations, no right to time off, but holiday pay must average 5.6 weeks including bank holidays for full-timers.
Self-employed or gig workers: no statutory rights, plan accordingly.
Planning Tips for 2025/2026 Bank Holidays UK
Travel and Holidays
Book early for Easter and August peaks. Use bank holidays for staycations or European trips. Apps like Trainline show reduced services.
Bridge Days: Take Fri off before Mon holiday for four-day weekends.
Business Impacts
Retail, hospitality boom; offices close. Adjust opening hours – many supermarkets open reduced hours.
Events and Weddings
Avoid 25/26 Dec; popular for summer weddings.
School Holidays
Bank holidays often align with half-terms, but check DfE calendars.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating from 1871 Bank Holidays Act, expanded over time. Names like ‘Spring Bank Holiday’ from 1971. Scotland’s reflect patron saint and Hogmanay traditions.
Easter dates vary (first Sunday after full moon post-equinox), so Good Friday/Easter Monday shift yearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Not automatically; depends on your contract.
Do banks close on bank holidays?
Yes, hence the name – though online banking operates.
Can I book annual leave on bank holidays?
Yes, but it counts towards your allowance unless specified.
What’s the most bank holidays in a year?
Varies; 2025/2026 both standard eight/nine.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for 2025/2026 bank holidays UK. Dates confirmed from official sources like gov.uk – always double-check for updates. Total words: approx 1050.
For more guides, explore our UK calendar resources.