How Many Bank Holidays Are There in 2026?
Planning your 2026 calendar? The number of bank holidays in the UK varies by nation, making it essential to check regional specifics. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are eight bank holidays in 2026. Scotland enjoys nine, thanks to additional observances like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
These dates are set by the UK Government and St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007, with substitutes for weekends. All are public holidays, though some employers offer more. This guide covers every detail, helping you book time off or arrange events.
Bank Holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
These regions share identical bank holiday schedules. Here’s the full 2026 list:
- 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 day for Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026 (Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December)
That’s eight days total. Note Easter Monday isn’t a statutory holiday in Scotland, creating a key difference.
Long Weekends in 2026
Several create four-day weekends:
- New Year’s Day (Thu) – bridge to Friday for some.
- Easter (Fri-Mon).
- May (two Mondays).
- August (Mon).
- Christmas (Fri-Mon, with sub).
Bank Holidays in Scotland
Scotland has its own tweaks, adding one extra holiday. Full 2026 list:
- 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 day for Boxing Day: Monday, 28 December 2026
Nine bank holidays here. No Easter Monday, but earlier summer holiday and St Andrew’s compensate.
Full UK Bank Holidays 2026 Calendar
Visualise with this month-by-month breakdown:
January
- 1 Jan: All UK
- 2 Jan: Scotland only
April
- 3 Apr: Good Friday (all)
- 6 Apr: Easter Monday (Eng/Wales/NI)
May
- 4 May: Early May (all)
- 25 May: Spring (all)
August
- 3 Aug: Summer (Scotland)
- 31 Aug: Summer (Eng/Wales/NI)
November
- 30 Nov: St Andrew’s (Scotland)
December
- 25 Dec: Christmas (all)
- 28 Dec: Boxing sub (all)
Use this for diaries or apps like Google Calendar.
What Are Bank Holidays and How Do They Work?
Bank holidays originated from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, closing banks (now most businesses). They’re not ‘statutory’ everywhere – employees get paid time off if contracted, but it’s common practice.
Key rules:
- Substitutes: If on weekends, next weekday (e.g., Boxing Day 2026). Christmas on Friday means no sub needed, but Boxing does.
- Regional variations: Scotland observes local saints; England/Wales/NI align more.
- Scotland’s extras: 2 Jan (post-Hogmanay) and St Andrew’s (30 Nov, sub if needed).
Not all get off – retail, emergency services often work with premiums.
Differences Across UK Nations
| Nation | Number | Unique Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, NI | 8 | Easter Monday, late August |
| Scotland | 9 | 2 Jan, early August, St Andrew’s |
Wales follows England; NI matches too, with potential local tweaks (check nidirect.gov.uk).
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
Maximise Time Off
Book annual leave around these for extended breaks:
- Easter: Fri-Mon already long; add Tue.
- Whitsun (Spring): Mon + Tue.
- Christmas: Fri-Mon perfect.
Events and Travel
Bank holidays mean crowds. For 2026:
- May races (Epsom Derby near Spring holiday).
- Notting Hill Carnival (late August).
- Hogmanay (New Year).
Scotland: Edinburgh Festival around August holiday.
Business Impacts
SMEs plan stock/inventory. Payroll: holidays don’t auto-pay if not worked, per contract.
Bank Holiday History and Future
1871 Act started it; expanded 1995 for May. 2022 extra for Platinum Jubilee showed flexibility (none confirmed for 2026 yet).
For 2027: Expect similar, but verify gov.uk closer.
FAQs on 2026 Bank Holidays
Is 2 January 2026 a bank holiday everywhere?
No, only Scotland.
How many in England?
Eight.
Are bank holidays paid?
Depends on contract; statutory min wage applies if worked.
Can they change?
Rarely; announced early via gov.uk.
Why Check Bank Holidays Early?
In April 2026 context, with Easter fresh, now’s ideal for year-end plans. Download ICS from gov.uk or timeanddate.com.
This totals your 2026 holidays: 8-9 days of rest. Share this guide for colleagues!
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