What Are UK Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most banks, businesses, schools and public services close or operate reduced hours. The term originates from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which formalised days when banks could close. Today, they are governed by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, with dates proclaimed annually by the monarch on government advice.
There are usually eight bank holidays per year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland observes nine or ten, depending on local arrangements. These dates are fixed or calculated based on Christian festivals like Easter. No additional ‘super holidays’ like those for coronations are scheduled in this period.
This guide covers all UK bank holidays from April 2025 to April 2026, helping you plan travel, events, work and family time. We’ve aligned with official sources like gov.uk for accuracy, noting regional variations.
Full Chronological List: April 2025 to April 2026
Here’s every bank holiday occurring between 18 April 2025 and 6 April 2026. Dates marked with * apply to specific regions.
| Date | Holiday | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2025 (Friday) | Good Friday | All UK |
| 21 April 2025 (Monday) | Easter Monday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 5 May 2025 (Monday) | Early May Bank Holiday | All UK |
| 26 May 2025 (Monday) | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| 14 July 2025 (Monday) | Battle of the Boyne (substitute for 12 July)* | Northern Ireland |
| 4 August 2025 (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday* | Scotland |
| 25 August 2025 (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 1 December 2025 (Monday) | St Andrew’s Day (substitute for 30 November)* | Scotland |
| 25 December 2025 (Thursday) | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 26 December 2025 (Friday) | Boxing Day | All UK |
| 1 January 2026 (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| 2 January 2026 (Friday) | 2 January* | Scotland |
| 3 April 2026 (Friday) | Good Friday | All UK |
| 6 April 2026 (Monday) | Easter Monday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
This list ensures you won’t miss any days off. Note substitutes where holidays fall on weekends.
Bank Holidays by UK Nation
England and Wales
England and Wales share identical bank holidays:
- Good Friday: 18 Apr 2025, 3 Apr 2026
- Easter Monday: 21 Apr 2025, 6 Apr 2026
- Early May: 5 May 2025, 4 May 2026*
- Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May 2025, 25 May 2026*
- Summer Bank Holiday: 25 Aug 2025, 31 Aug 2026*
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec 2025
- Boxing Day: 26 Dec 2025
*2026 dates per official projections.
Scotland
Scotland has unique dates, including no Easter Monday but extras like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day:
- Good Friday: 18 Apr 2025, 3 Apr 2026
- Early May: 5 May 2025, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May 2025, 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: 4 Aug 2025, 3 Aug 2026
- St Andrew’s Day: 1 Dec 2025 (sub), 30 Nov 2026*
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec 2025
- Boxing Day: 26 Dec 2025
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan 2026
- 2 January: 2 Jan 2026
Scotland often enjoys longer holiday stretches around Hogmanay.
Northern Ireland
Similar to England/Wales but with two extras:
- Good Friday: 18 Apr 2025, 3 Apr 2026
- Easter Monday: 21 Apr 2025, 6 Apr 2026
- Early May: 5 May 2025, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May 2025, 25 May 2026
- Battle of the Boyne: 14 Jul 2025 (sub for 12 Jul)
- Summer Bank Holiday: 25 Aug 2025, 31 Aug 2026
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec 2025
- Boxing Day: 26 Dec 2025
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan 2026
Easter Bank Holidays: April Highlights
April kicks off the period with Easter in both 2025 and 2026. Good Friday (3 Apr 2026) and Easter Monday (6 Apr 2026) create a four-day weekend for many. In 2025, it’s 18-21 April. These are among the busiest travel periods, with families heading to coastal spots or staying home for chocolate hunts.
Schools typically break for two weeks around Easter, aligning with bank holidays.
Christmas, New Year and End-of-Year Holidays
December 2025 sees Christmas on Thursday 25th and Boxing Day Friday 26th – no substitutes needed, but a welcome mid-week break extending into the weekend. New Year’s Day 2026 falls on Thursday 1st, with Scotland adding Friday 2nd. Expect fireworks, parties and Scotland’s street celebrations.
Summer and May Bank Holidays
The Early May (5 May 2025) and Spring (26 May 2025) holidays are perfect for staycations or festivals like the FA Cup Final. Summer holidays differ: Scotland’s early August getaway contrasts with late August for the rest, ideal for last-minute seaside trips before school resumes.
Regional Differences and Why They Matter
The UK’s devolved nations lead to variations:
- Scotland: Trades Easter Monday for 2 January (family time post-Hogmanay) and St Andrew’s (national pride). Summer holiday earlier for better weather.
- Northern Ireland: Adds cultural holidays like Battle of the Boyne, commemorating 1690 Protestant victory.
When planning UK-wide events, check gov.uk or nidirect.gov.uk for NI, mygov.scot for Scotland.
Substitute Days Explained
If a bank holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, it’s moved to the next Monday (or Tuesday if Monday taken). Examples in this period:
- St Andrew’s 30 Nov 2025 (Sun) → 1 Dec 2025 (Mon)
- Battle of the Boyne 12 Jul 2025 (Sat) → 14 Jul 2025 (Mon)
For Christmas/Boxing 2026 (later period): 25 Dec Fri, 26 Sat → 28 Dec Mon substitute.
Planning Tips for UK Bank Holidays April 2025 to April 2026
Travel and Getaways
Bank holidays mean crowded roads (M25 jams!), pricier trains and flights. Book Eurostar or ferries early for Easter 2026. Domestic hotspots: Cornwall, Lake District, Scottish Highlands. Use apps like Citymapper for disruptions.
Events and Festivals
- May 2025: Brighton Festival, Chelsea Flower Show prep.
- August 2025: Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland’s summer holiday aligns perfectly).
- December: Christmas markets in Bath, York.
Work and Pay
Bank holidays aren’t automatic paid leave – check your contract. Many get time off or premium pay (double time). Zero-hour workers may lose shifts.
Schools and Families
Holidays often bridge half-terms. Easter 2025: ~14-28 Apr; Summer ~24 Jul-1 Sep (varies).
Services During Bank Holidays
-
Post Offices: Closed; Royal Mail no collection/delivery.
-
Shops: Supermarkets open reduced hours (Tesco 10am-4pm); independents may close.
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Transport: Trains run but busier; National Rail Enquiries for times. London Underground operates.
-
GPs/NHS: Emergency only; pharmacies open select.
-
Bins: Often collected; check council websites.
Bank Holiday Calendar Snapshot
2025:
- Apr: 18,21
- May: 5,26
- Jul: 14 (NI)
- Aug: 4 (Scot),25
- Dec: 1 (Scot),25,26
2026 (up to Apr):
- Jan: 1 (all),2 (Scot)
- Apr: 3,6
Print this for your diary!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
Depends on employment terms; statutory sick pay doesn’t apply.
Can I work on a bank holiday?
Yes, often with enhanced pay.
Do bank holidays affect DWP payments?
Benefits shift to working day before.
What’s open on Easter Monday 2026?
Major attractions like National Trust sites often open.
This comprehensive guide to UK bank holidays April 2025 to April 2026 equips you to make the most of your time off. Bookmark for updates from gov.uk. (Word count: 1098)