UK Bank Holidays 2026
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK when most businesses and schools close. Here's the complete list for 2026, including dates that differ between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England & Wales Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 2 January | Friday | Hogmanay (2nd January) |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew's Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 13 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
Key Observations
- Easter 2026: Easter Sunday falls on 5 April, with Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April.
- Scotland gets an extra day — 2 January (Hogmanay) and St Andrew's Day (30 November).
- Northern Ireland gets an extra day — Battle of the Boyne (13 July).
- Boxing Day 2026: Since 26 December falls on a Saturday, the substitute bank holiday is Monday 28 December.
Long Weekend Ideas
Bank holidays are perfect for short getaways. Here are some ideas:
- Easter: Spring countryside walks, bluebell woods, Easter markets
- Early May: Bank holiday festivals, garden openings
- Late May: Half-term family trips, coastal adventures
- Late August: Last chance for summer, Notting Hill Carnival
- Christmas: Winter markets, festive shows, New Year's Eve celebrations
Plan your trips with our weekend break ideas and road trip guides.
Last reviewed:
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