How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 to 2026?
Bank holidays provide welcome breaks from work, opportunities for travel, and family time across the UK. But the exact number varies by nation: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland typically enjoy eight public holidays each year, while Scotland has nine or more due to additional observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
From 2025 to 2026, expect the standard pattern with slight variations based on weekdays. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will have eight bank holidays each year. Scotland will have nine in 2025 and ten in 2026, factoring in substitutes for weekend Christmas dates. These are statutory days off for most workers, though some sectors like retail or hospitality may operate.
This guide breaks down the dates, totals, and key differences, helping you plan ahead whether for holidays, events, or business. All dates align with official UK government announcements (gov.uk).
Bank Holidays in 2025: Dates and Counts
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (8 total)
- 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
No substitute days needed as Christmas falls midweek.
Scotland (9 total)
Scotland shares most dates but adds 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 England/Wales)
- 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: Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland, though many observe it informally.
In 2025, long weekends include Easter (Fri-Mon for England/Wales/NI), late May, and a festive Christmas period (Thu-Fri off, plus weekend).
Bank Holidays in 2026: Dates and Counts
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (8 total)
- 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 Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026 (as 26 December is Saturday)
Scotland (10 total)
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- 2 January: Friday, 2 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Not statutory, but often observed
- 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 Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland gains an extra day with consecutive New Year holidays (Thu-Fri). Easter aligns closely (Fri-Mon potential), and late-year substitutes create a four-day Christmas break (Fri-Mon).
Key Differences Across UK Nations
- England, Wales, NI: Focus on Christian holidays (Easter, Christmas) plus May/August breaks. Summer holiday last Monday in August.
- Scotland: Emphasises Hogmanay (New Year 1 & 2), earlier summer break (first Monday August), and St Andrew’s Day (30 November or substitute). Easter Monday excluded statutorily.
Total from 2025-2026:
- England/Wales/NI: 16 bank holidays
- Scotland: 19 bank holidays
These are ‘bank and public holidays’ per the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, with devolved variations. Check employer policies for paid leave entitlements.
Full 2025-2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
| Date | Event | England/Wales/NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2025 | New Year’s Day | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan 2025 | 2 Jan | No | Yes |
| 18 Apr 2025 | Good Friday | Yes | Yes |
| 21 Apr 2025 | Easter Monday | Yes | No (informal) |
| 5 May 2025 | Early May | Yes | Yes |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring | Yes | Yes |
| 4 Aug 2025 | Summer (Scotland) | No | Yes |
| 25 Aug 2025 | Summer | Yes | No |
| 1 Dec 2025 | St Andrew’s | No | Yes |
| 25 Dec 2025 | Christmas | Yes | Yes |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Boxing Day | Yes | Yes |
| 1 Jan 2026 | New Year’s Day | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Jan 2026 | 2 Jan | No | Yes |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Good Friday | Yes | Yes |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Easter Monday | Yes | No |
| 4 May 2026 | Early May | Yes | Yes |
| 25 May 2026 | Spring | Yes | Yes |
| 3 Aug 2026 | Summer (Scotland) | No | Yes |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Summer | Yes | No |
| 30 Nov 2026 | St Andrew’s | No | Yes |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas | Yes | Yes |
| 28 Dec 2026 | Boxing Substitute | Yes | Yes |
Planning Tips for 2025-2026 Bank Holidays
Travel and Events
Book trains, flights, and hotels early—Easter 2025 (April) and 2026 (early April) see peaks. Spring bank holidays align with festivals like Glastonbury (late June, near May half-term). August summers are prime for seaside trips, but Scotland’s earlier date avoids England crowds.
Work and Business
Many book ‘bridges’ (e.g., Fri off for Thu New Year 2026 four-day weekend). Retail sees busy trading days; plan stock accordingly. Remote workers gain flexibility.
School Holidays
Bank holidays often bookend half-terms: May 2025/2026 for Whitsun, August for summer break starts. Check gov.uk/school-holidays for regions.
Potential Changes
Governments occasionally add ‘one-off’ holidays (e.g., Platinum Jubilee 2022). Monitor announcements, especially around coronations or jubilees.
History of UK Bank Holidays
Originating in 1871, bank holidays started as banking closures, evolving into public days off. Irish roots influenced Easter Monday; Scotland’s traditions reflect Celtic heritage. Post-WWII, dates standardised, with devolution allowing Scottish tweaks since 1999.
What Happens on Bank Holidays?
Shops may open (England post-1994 deregulation), but core hours apply. Pubs extend; attractions thrive. No postal deliveries; bins vary by council. Wages unaffected for salaried staff, but hourly workers get time-and-a-half often.
In summary, plan for 8 holidays yearly in England/Wales/NI (16 total 2025-2026) and up to 10 in Scotland (19 total). Use this guide to maximise your downtime—happy planning!
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