Introduction to UK Bank Holidays 2026 and 2027
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses close, and many people get paid time off. They are set by the UK Government and announced on gov.uk, with variations across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The dates shift each year due to the calendar and Easter’s movable date, leading to what people search for as ‘UK bank holidays changes 2026 2027 gov uk’.
As of April 2026, the provisional dates for 2026 and 2027 are confirmed on gov.uk. There are no major announced changes like extra holidays for events (unlike the 2023 coronation extra day), but substitutes apply when holidays fall on weekends. This guide covers all dates, regional differences, and tips for businesses, employees, and travellers. Always check gov.uk/uk-bank-holidays for official updates, as rare changes can occur.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share most dates, while Scotland has unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. In 2026, Easter is early (3 April Good Friday), shifting to late March in 2027 (26 March). Christmas substitutes are key changes: 2026 has a Monday 28 December sub, while 2027 features Monday 27 December and Tuesday 28 December due to weekend falls.
UK Bank Holidays 2026: Full Dates
Here are the official-style 2026 bank holidays from gov.uk. Use the tables below for quick reference.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 2026
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| Friday 3 April | Good Friday | All UK |
| Monday 6 April | Easter Monday | Not Scotland |
| Monday 4 May | Early May | All UK |
| Monday 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| Monday 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Eng/Wales/NI |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day | All UK |
| Saturday 26 December | Boxing Day | Sub: Monday 28 December |
Note the Boxing Day substitute on Monday 28 December because it falls on Saturday.
Scotland 2026
Scotland has additional holidays:
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| Friday 2 January | 2 January Holiday | Scotland only |
| Friday 3 April | Good Friday | All UK |
| Monday 4 May | Early May | All UK |
| Monday 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| Monday 3 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Scotland only |
| Monday 30 November | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland only (sub if needed, but 30 Nov Mon) |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day | All UK |
| Saturday 26 December | Boxing Day | Sub: Monday 28 December |
Total bank holidays: 8 in England/Wales/NI, 10 in Scotland.
UK Bank Holidays 2027: Full Dates
Provisional 2027 dates follow the same pattern, with Easter earlier and Christmas on a weekend requiring two substitute days.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland 2027
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 January | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| Friday 26 March | Good Friday | All UK |
| Monday 29 March | Easter Monday | Not Scotland |
| Monday 3 May | Early May | All UK |
| Monday 31 May | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| Monday 30 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Eng/Wales/NI |
| Monday 27 December | Christmas Day (sub) | For Sat 25 Dec |
| Tuesday 28 December | Boxing Day (sub) | For Sun 26 Dec |
The double substitute days at Christmas create a four-day weekend (Sat 25 to Tue 28).
Scotland 2027
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 January | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| Saturday 2 January | 2 January Holiday | Sub: Monday 4 January |
| Friday 26 March | Good Friday | All UK |
| Monday 3 May | Early May | All UK |
| Monday 31 May | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| Monday 2 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Scotland only |
| Tuesday 30 November | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland only |
| Monday 27 December | Christmas Day (sub) | All UK |
| Tuesday 28 December | Boxing Day (sub) | All UK |
Scotland gets 11 holidays counting the 2 January substitute.
Key Changes and Comparisons: 2026 vs 2027
The main ‘changes’ users seek are date shifts:
- New Year: 2026 Thu 1 Jan (Thu-Fri if Scotland), 2027 Fri 1 Jan (Fri-Mon with Scotland sub).
- Easter: 3 Apr (2026) to 26 Mar (2027) – affects school holidays.
- Spring Bank: 25 May (2026) to 31 May (2027).
- Summer Bank: Scotland 3 Aug vs 2 Aug; others 31 Aug both years.
- Christmas: 2026 Fri 25/Sat 26 → Mon 28 sub (three-day weekend). 2027 Sat 25/Sun 26 → Mon 27/Tue 28 subs (four-day weekend).
No policy changes announced as of April 2026, but gov.uk monitors for events like jubilees. Compare to 2025: Easter later (18 Apr), no Christmas subs.
Regional Variations Explained
- England & Wales: Standard 8 days.
- Northern Ireland: Same as England/Wales, plus 17 March St Patrick’s (Fri in 2026, Thu 2027? Wait, 17 Mar 2026 Wed, 2027 Thu – but not listed as bank hol? NI has Battle of Boyne 12 Jul, but standard list matches Eng/Wales plus Easter Mon.) NI bank holidays mirror Eng/Wales exactly per gov.uk, with Easter Mon.
- Scotland: +2 Jan, Summer early Aug, St Andrew’s Nov. Good Friday observed but not statutory pay holiday.
Employers must give paid holiday for statutory ones (England/Wales/NI: 8 days; Scotland similar but different dates).
Planning Tips for Businesses and Travellers
For Businesses
- Adjust rotas: 2027 Christmas four-day break means Thu 24-Fri? No, 24 Fri work, then long weekend.
- Check contracts: Some give all 10 Scottish holidays.
- Gov.uk tool: Use the bank holiday API for calendars.
For Employees
- Holiday pay: Statutory minimum 5.6 weeks, bank hols extra.
- Book around: 2026 Spring (25 May) + sub? No, but long weekends.
Travel and Events
- Peak times: August bank hol weekends busy.
- Trains/buses run reduced; book ahead.
- Attractions: Many open, but check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these dates final?
Provisional until confirmed annually on gov.uk. Rare changes only for national events.
Do bank holidays affect pay?
Statutory bank holidays are paid if work usual day, per employment rights.
Scotland vs England differences?
Yes, plan for 2 extra in Scotland; no Easter Mon pay holiday.
How substitutes work?
If holiday on Sat, next Mon; Sun, next Mon; but Xmas/Boxing paired get Mon/Tue.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for UK bank holidays changes 2026 2027 gov uk. Bookmark gov.uk for updates. (Word count: 1056)