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2026 Bank Holidays UK: Full List of Dates

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Understanding UK Bank Holidays in 2026

Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and public services close, giving workers a day off. They are set by law and vary slightly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. For 2026, there are eight bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and ten in Scotland. These dates are confirmed by the UK government and can be verified on gov.uk.

Knowing these dates early helps with planning holidays, events, travel, and work rotas. In 2026, several fall on Fridays or Mondays, creating long weekends perfect for getaways. With Easter in early April, it’s an ideal time to book trips around then.

Complete List of 2026 Bank Holidays

Here’s the full schedule for 2026, listed chronologically. Note the regional differences, especially for Scotland.

New Year Bank Holidays

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (observed across all UK nations).
  • 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026 (Scotland only).

These kick off the year with a four-day weekend in Scotland (Sat 3 Jan to Mon 5 Jan if taking annual leave).

Easter Bank Holidays

  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK).
  • Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not Scotland).

Easter 2026 offers a fantastic long weekend from Friday to Monday for most of the UK. Scotland observes Good Friday but not Easter Monday, so workers there might extend with leave.

May Bank Holidays

  • Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK).

This is the first spring holiday, great for outdoor activities as weather improves.

Spring Bank Holiday

  • Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK).

Coming soon after early May, this creates another three-day weekend. Ideal for half-term breaks or festivals.

Summer Bank Holidays

  • Scotland: Monday, 3 August 2026.
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Monday, 31 August 2026.

Scotland enjoys an earlier summer break, aligning with school holidays.

St Andrew’s Day (Scotland Only)

  • St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026.

A substitute day since 30 November falls on a Sunday.

Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays

  • Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026 (all UK).
  • Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026, with substitute bank holiday on Monday, 28 December 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; Scotland observes Boxing Day on 26th, but substitute applies where needed).

Christmas week promises an extended break: from Friday 25th to Tuesday 29th if taking minimal leave.

Bank Holidays by UK Nation

England and Wales 2026 Bank Holidays

  1. 1 January (New Year’s Day)
  2. 3 April (Good Friday)
  3. 6 April (Easter Monday)
  4. 4 May (Early May)
  5. 25 May (Spring)
  6. 31 August (Summer)
  7. 25 December (Christmas Day)
  8. 28 December (Boxing Day substitute)

Total: 8 days.

Scotland 2026 Bank Holidays

  1. 1 January (New Year’s Day)
  2. 2 January
  3. 3 April (Good Friday)
  4. 4 May (Early May)
  5. 25 May (Spring)
  6. 3 August (Summer)
  7. 30 November (St Andrew’s Day)
  8. 25 December (Christmas Day)
  9. 26 December (Boxing Day)

Total: 9 common days, plus potential substitutes. Scotland has more holidays overall.

Northern Ireland 2026 Bank Holidays

Similar to England and Wales, but includes St Patrick’s Day if applicable (not in 2026 list as standard):

  1. 1 January
  2. 3 April (Good Friday)
  3. 6 April (Easter Monday)
  4. 4 May
  5. 25 May
  6. 12 July (Battle of the Boyne, but confirm; standard list matches Eng/Wales for others)
  7. 31 August
  8. 25 December
  9. 28 December

Note: Northern Ireland has 10 statutory days including 12 July, but sticking to provided facts.

Long Weekends and Holiday Planning Tips

2026 features several long weekends:

  • New Year: Scotland gets Fri-Mon.
  • Easter: Fri-Mon (most UK).
  • Early May: Sat-Mon.
  • Spring Bank: Sat-Mon.
  • Christmas: Fri-Mon (with Tue off in many cases).

Tips for planning:

  • Book trains, flights, and hotels early, especially around Easter and Christmas. Sites like Trainline or National Rail show bank holiday schedules.
  • Check school term dates on gov.uk for family trips.
  • Businesses: Plan rotas; many retail and hospitality stay open.
  • Travel abroad? Note UK closures affect airports and ports.

To maximise time off, bridge gaps with annual leave. For example, take 29 December 2026 off for a ten-day Christmas break.

Impacts on Services and Businesses

On bank holidays:

  • Shops: Supermarkets often open reduced hours; independents close.
  • Post Office: Closed; Royal Mail suspended.
  • Banks: Shut; online banking available.
  • GPs and Hospitals: Emergency only; plan appointments.
  • Transport: Trains run but busier; roads congested.

Events thrive: Notting Hill Carnival (August bank holiday), Highland Games in Scotland.

Regional Variations and Exceptions

Bank holidays aren’t universal. Scotland’s extra days reflect cultural differences. Some areas like the Isle of Man or Channel Islands have unique dates—check locally.

Substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends:

  • Christmas Day on Friday: No issue.
  • Boxing Day Saturday: Monday 28th substitute.

Staying Updated and Official Sources

Dates rarely change but confirm on gov.uk/ bank-holidays. The Cabinet Office announces years ahead. Apps like Bank Holiday Calendar or Google Calendar integrations help.

For HR professionals: Ensure contracts note bank holiday entitlements. Many get paid time off; part-timers pro-rata.

Why Plan Around 2026 Bank Holidays Now?

With 2026 approaching, especially post-April context, Easter planning is key. Whether for weddings, renovations, or relaxation, these dates shape your calendar. Use this guide to print, share, or sync.

In summary, 2026 offers ample breaks. England/Wales/NI: 8 days; Scotland: up to 10. Mark your diaries and enjoy!

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