Introduction to the 2026 UK Calendar
Planning your 2026 schedule? Our comprehensive 2026 calendar with bank holidays is here to help. Bank holidays, also known as public holidays, provide welcome breaks throughout the year. In the UK, these dates vary slightly by nation: England and Wales share most, Northern Ireland aligns closely, while Scotland has unique observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
This guide lists every 2026 bank holiday, confirmed against official sources. Whether you’re booking holidays, organising events or simply curious, we’ve got you covered. Note that bank holidays are not automatically paid days off; this depends on your employment contract. Use this as your go-to 2026 calendar reference.
Full List of 2026 UK Bank Holidays
Here’s a complete rundown of the 2026 bank holidays across the UK. Dates are fixed or calculated based on Easter (which falls on 5 April 2026).
England and Wales Bank Holidays
- 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
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 December is a Saturday)
Scotland Bank Holidays
Scotland enjoys an extra holiday on 2 January and observes St Andrew’s Day. The summer holiday differs too.
- 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
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December 2026
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays
These mirror England and Wales, with the addition of St Patrick’s Day (not in 2026 as it’s a Tuesday, 17 March, and not a bank holiday).
- 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
- Boxing Day (substitute): Monday, 28 December 2026
Easter Monday is observed in Northern Ireland but not as a statutory holiday in Scotland, where many businesses close anyway.
Month-by-Month 2026 Calendar Highlights
Visualise your year with key bank holiday markers. This textual calendar focuses on holidays; for full calendars, check gov.uk or printable planners.
January 2026
New Year’s Day (1st) kicks off the year. In Scotland, extend your break to Friday 2nd. Perfect for winter getaways.
February 2026
No bank holidays. Use the time to plan spring trips.
March 2026
Quiet month ahead of Easter.
April 2026
Easter weekend dominates: Good Friday (3rd) and Easter Monday (6th). Four-day weekend for most. Scotland skips Easter Monday officially.
May 2026
Double delight: Early May (4th) and Spring Bank Holiday (25th). Ideal for long weekends or festivals.
June to July 2026
Holiday-free, prime for summer holidays.
August 2026
Scotland: 3rd; Rest of UK: 31st. End-of-summer breaks.
September to October 2026
Back to routine.
November 2026
Scotland: St Andrew’s Day (30th).
December 2026
Christmas (25th, Friday) and Boxing Day substitute (28th, Monday). Festive long weekend.
Regional Differences and Substitute Days
Bank holidays aren’t uniform. Scotland’s calendar prioritises national saints and early summer breaks. When Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends, substitutes apply:
- Christmas Day 2026: Friday – observed.
- Boxing Day: Saturday – moves to Monday 28th.
Check local council websites for non-statutory holidays, like additional days in Scotland.
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
Make the Most of Long Weekends
Book leave around Easter (3-6 April) for a full week off. Similarly, December’s festive period offers 25th-28th off.
Travel and Events
Bank holidays mean crowds. For May weekends, consider staycations. August holidays suit seaside trips. Use apps like Trainline for travel disruptions.
Business and Payroll
Employers: Update payroll systems. Most workers get time off, but confirm contracts. Self-employed? Treat as normal days unless closing shop.
Downloadable Resources
Search for ‘2026 UK bank holidays printable calendar’ for PDFs. Gov.uk offers iCal downloads. Create your own in Google Calendar by adding these dates.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Bank holidays originated in 1871 under the Bank Holidays Act, expanded over time. Easter ties to Christian calendar; May Days commemorate workers’ rights. Scotland’s additions reflect devolved powers post-1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid?
Not automatically; depends on contract. Many get paid time off or lieu days.
Do schools close?
Yes, typically aligning with bank holidays plus half-terms.
What about part-year workers?
Pro-rata applies; check ACAS guidelines.
Can bank holidays be moved?
Rarely, only by royal proclamation (e.g., coronations).
International comparisons
UK has 8-10; compare to France’s 11 or Germany’s regional vars.
This 2026 calendar with bank holidays equips you for seamless planning. Last verified April 2026 against official listings – dates are set years ahead. For updates, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays.
(Word count: 1028)