What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools, and government offices close. They provide opportunities for rest, family time, travel, and events. While some dates are fixed, others like Easter shift annually. The UK has eight core bank holidays, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have extras, leading to nine or ten per year in those regions.
This guide covers all bank holidays from 2025 to 2026, aligned with official government announcements. Dates can involve substitutes if they fall on weekends. Always check gov.uk for updates, as rare changes occur. Whether planning a long weekend or avoiding crowds, knowing these dates is essential.
Bank Holidays 2025: Full List by Nation
England and Wales 2025
England and Wales share eight bank holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
These create potential four-day weekends around Easter and Christmas.
Scotland 2025
Scotland enjoys nine bank holidays, including unique ones:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August 2025 (earlier than elsewhere)
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December 2025 (substitute for Sunday, 30 November)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
Note: Scotland skips Easter Monday but has 2 January and early summer holiday.
Northern Ireland 2025
Northern Ireland has ten bank holidays, with additional local observances:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- St Patrick’s Day: Monday, 17 March 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day): Monday, 14 July 2025 (substitute for Saturday, 12 July)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
The July holiday marks a significant cultural event.
Bank Holidays 2026: Full List by Nation
England and Wales 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Substitute Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 December 2026 (for Boxing Day on Saturday, 26 December)
Boxing Day shifts to Monday, creating a festive long weekend.
Scotland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August 2026
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Substitute Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland’s summer holiday is in early August again.
Northern Ireland 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- St Patrick’s Day: Monday, 17 March 2026 (17 March is Monday)
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Battle of the Boyne: Monday, 13 July 2026 (substitute for Sunday, 12 July)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Substitute Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 December 2026
Key Differences Across UK Nations
While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland align closely, Scotland diverges:
- 2 January: Scotland only.
- Easter Monday: Not in Scotland.
- Summer Bank Holiday: Early August in Scotland; late August elsewhere.
- St Andrew’s Day: Scotland (late November).
- Northern Ireland extras: St Patrick’s Day (March) and Battle of the Boyne (July).
Substitute days apply if holidays fall on weekends, per the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. Check regional calendars for local variations.
Planning Around Bank Holidays 2025-2026
Travel Tips
Bank holidays mean busy roads, trains, and airports. Book early for Easter (April) and August summer breaks. Expect closures on rural routes. Use apps like National Rail or Google Maps for real-time updates.
Events and Festivals
- May Bank Holidays: Great for outdoor events like FA Cup Final (early May) or Spring Festival.
- Summer Holidays: Notting Hill Carnival (late August, England) or Edinburgh Festival Fringe (around summer holiday).
- Christmas Period: Markets and pantomimes.
Business Impacts
Most shops close or have reduced hours. Supermarkets often open limited times. Plan shopping midweek. Payroll must account for holiday pay if contracted.
Long Weekends
2025 highlights: Easter (Fri-Mon), August (Fri-Mon). 2026: New Year (Thu-Fri Scotland), Easter, and Christmas (Fri-Mon with substitute).
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating in 1871, bank holidays allowed banks to close without penalty. Originally five, expanded over time. Queen Victoria influenced early additions. Devolution added nation-specific days, reflecting cultural diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid for workers?
Not automatically; depends on contract. Many get time off or pay premium.
Do schools close on bank holidays?
Usually yes, but check local authority calendars.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, like the 2022 Platinum Jubilee extra day.
What if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
Substituted to the next weekday.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared for bank holidays 2025 to 2026 UK-wide. Bookmark for quick reference and share with colleagues. For latest confirmations, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
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