What Are Bank Holidays in the UK?
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses, schools and public services close. They originated from the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, allowing banks to suspend operations. Today, they provide opportunities for rest, travel and family time. However, dates vary across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland due to regional differences.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland share most dates, while Scotland has unique ones like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Not all are ‘statutory’ – employees are entitled to time off only for specific ones, but many employers grant additional days.
This guide covers all confirmed bank holidays for 2026 and 2027. Dates are based on official announcements and align with gov.uk. Note: Easter dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar.
Bank Holidays 2026: Full List by Nation
Here’s the complete 2026 schedule. We’ve broken it down by region for clarity.
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 on Monday, 28 December as it falls on Saturday)
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (observed Monday, 28 December)
Total: 8 bank holidays.
Northern Ireland 2026
Same as England and Wales, plus the Battle of the Boyne on Monday, 12 July 2026 (not a bank holiday elsewhere).
Scotland 2026
Scotland has 10 bank holidays, including unique dates:
- 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 Monday, 28 December)
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (substitute Monday, 28 December)
Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in Scotland.
Key Notes on 2026 Substitutes
When Christmas Day or Boxing Day fall on weekends, substitutes apply:
- Christmas Day (Fri 25 Dec) is a weekday.
- Boxing Day (Sat 26 Dec) moves to Monday 28 Dec.
This creates a four-day weekend from Fri 25 to Mon 28 Dec – perfect for festive breaks.
Bank Holidays 2027: Full List by Nation
Planning ahead? Here’s 2027, with no major substitutes needed as Christmas falls midweek.
England and Wales 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027
Northern Ireland 2027
As above, plus Battle of the Boyne on Monday, 12 July 2027.
Scotland 2027
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2027
- 2 January: Thursday, 2 January 2027
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March 2027
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May 2027
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May 2027
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 2 August 2027
- St Andrew’s Day: Tuesday, 30 November 2027
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2027
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2027
Planning Around Bank Holidays: Top Tips
Travel and Holidays
Bank holidays mean busy roads, trains and airports. For 2026:
- Easter (April) coincides with school holidays – book early for UK breaks.
- August Bank Holiday is peak summer travel time; expect crowds at beaches like Brighton or Cornwall.
In 2027, Spring Bank Holiday on 31 May aligns with half-term in many areas.
Use apps like Citymapper or National Rail for real-time updates. Consider ‘super holidays’ by booking bridging days, e.g., Fri 2 Jan 2026 in Scotland for a long weekend.
Business and Events
Many shops open reduced hours; supermarkets often trade normally except Easter Sunday (restricted in England/Wales). Offices close, so plan deliveries around dates.
Events thrive: Notting Hill Carnival (late August), Edinburgh Festival (around summer holiday), or New Year fireworks.
Employee Rights
Statutory bank holidays entitle full-time workers to paid day off or premium pay. Check contracts – some offer more. Self-employed? No automatic holiday.
Printable Calendar Integration
Add these to Google Calendar or Outlook:
2026 Quick Add: 1 Jan, 2 Jan (Scotland), 3 Apr, 6 Apr (exc Scot), 4 May, 25 May, 3 Aug (Scot)/31 Aug, 30 Nov (Scot), 25/26/28 Dec.
2027: 1 Jan, 2 Jan (Scot), 26 Mar, 29 Mar (exc Scot), 3 May, 31 May, 2 Aug (Scot)/30 Aug, 30 Nov (Scot), 25/26 Dec.
Regional Differences Explained
| Holiday | England/Wales/NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | 1 Jan | 1 & 2 Jan |
| Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| Summer BH | Last Mon Aug | First Mon Aug |
| St Andrew’s | No | 30 Nov |
| Battle Boyne | NI only | No |
Scotland often has more holidays, suiting its cultural calendar.
FAQs on UK Bank Holidays 2026/2027
Are bank holidays paid?
Depends on your contract. Statutory ones usually are for eligible workers.
Do schools close?
Yes, most align with bank holidays plus extra weeks.
Can they change?
Rarely – government announces two years ahead via gov.uk.
International visitors?
Expect closures; ideal for sightseeing without queues.
Why Plan Now? (April 2026 Context)
With Easter 2026 approaching (3-6 April), now’s the time to book. Summer festivals and Christmas markets fill fast. Use this guide to avoid surprises – download our 2026/2027 calendar PDF from gov.uk or print this list.
Stay updated via gov.uk/bank-holidays. For SEO, search ‘bank holidays 2026/2027 [your region]’ for localised info.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared for rest, recreation and reliable planning across the UK. (Word count: 1028)