Nothing kills a well-earned break faster than realising you misread the bank holiday calendar. For 2026, the United Kingdom’s public holiday list is already published, and while many dates follow a familiar pattern, the mix of substitute days and nation-specific holidays can trip up even experienced planners.
Total bank holidays in England and Wales in 2026: 8 ·
Total bank holidays in Scotland in 2026: 9 ·
Total bank holidays in Northern Ireland in 2026: 10 ·
Common bank holidays across all UK jurisdictions: 7 ·
Next bank holiday after 1 January 2026: 3 April 2026 (Good Friday)
Quick snapshot
- England and Wales have 8 bank holidays in 2026 (Business Wales)
- Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2026 (Away Resorts)
- Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2026 (Away Resorts) (Business Wales)
- All 2026 dates are published by the UK government and devolved administrations (GOV.UK)
- School holiday dates vary by local council and are not centrally published
- Individual business policies on remaining open during bank holidays are not covered in this article
- First bank holiday: New Year’s Day 1 January 2026 (all UK)
- Last bank holiday: Boxing Day substitute 28 December 2026 (all UK)
- Longest gap (England): 31 August to 25 December — 116 days
- Next bank holiday after 1 January: Good Friday 3 April 2026
- Next after Easter Monday: Early May bank holiday 4 May 2026
Scotland and Northern Ireland each get one extra day off compared to England and Wales, but the difference matters most for parents: 2 January and St Andrew’s Day in Scotland, St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne in Northern Ireland can create additional school-free days that employers do not always match with paid time off.
How many UK bank holidays are there in 2026?
The total number depends on which part of the UK you live in. According to Business Wales, England and Wales have eight bank holidays in 2026. Scotland, as reported by Away Resorts, has nine because of its two unique holidays. Northern Ireland leads with ten, also per Away Resorts.
Total by jurisdiction: England and Wales 8, Scotland 9, Northern Ireland 10
- England and Wales: 8 (includes Easter Monday, excludes Scotland’s extras) – Business Wales
- Scotland: 9 (adds 2 January substitute and St Andrew’s Day) – Away Resorts
- Northern Ireland: 10 (adds St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne) – Away Resorts
Common holidays across all four nations: 7
Seven bank holidays are observed by every part of the UK in 2026: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Early May bank holiday, Spring bank holiday, Summer bank holiday (different dates for Scotland), Christmas Day, and the Boxing Day substitute. This is confirmed by the GOV.UK bank holidays page.
The pattern: The three jurisdictions share a core of seven dates. The eighth (England, Wales) and extra holidays (Scotland, Northern Ireland) are the ones that create regional differences in planning long weekends and school breaks.
Which are the 8 bank holidays in the UK?
Strictly speaking, the phrase “the 8 bank holidays in the UK” refers to the eight dates observed in England and Wales. The full list for 2026, published by Business Wales, is below.
New Year’s Day – 1 January
A public holiday across all UK nations. GOV.UK lists it as the first bank holiday of the year.
Good Friday – 3 April
Observed in every UK jurisdiction. GOV.UK confirms the date as 3 April 2026.
Easter Monday – 6 April
A bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland. Wikipedia notes this distinction.
Early May bank holiday – 4 May
Falls on the first Monday in May. GOV.UK lists 4 May 2026.
Spring bank holiday – 25 May
Last Monday in May. GOV.UK confirms 25 May 2026.
Summer bank holiday – 31 August (England, Wales, Northern Ireland); 3 August (Scotland)
The divergence is important: England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take the last Monday in August, while Scotland takes the first Monday in August, as per Visit London and Away Resorts.
Christmas Day – 25 December
A universal bank holiday. GOV.UK lists it as 25 December 2026.
Boxing Day – 28 December (substitute)
Boxing Day itself falls on Saturday 26 December 2026, so the substitute weekday is Monday 28 December. This is confirmed by Business Wales and Away Resorts for all jurisdictions.
What this means: If you are in England or Wales, those eight dates are your statutory days off for 2026. Scotland swaps Easter Monday for 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland adds two extra holidays, giving it the most generous calendar.
The 2026 Summer bank holiday in Scotland is 3 August, not 31 August. Travellers booking long weekends across UK borders should double-check local dates before making plans.
The following table summarises all 2026 bank holidays across the four UK nations.
| Date | Holiday | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2 Jan | 2 January substitute | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 17 Mar | St Patrick’s Day | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 4 May | Early May bank holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 25 May | Spring bank holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 13 Jul | Battle of the Boyne substitute | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 3 Aug | Summer bank holiday (Scotland) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 31 Aug | Summer bank holiday (others) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 30 Nov | St Andrew’s Day | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 28 Dec | Boxing Day substitute | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The trade-off: Scotland gives up Easter Monday but gains 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland keeps Easter Monday and adds two more. For workers, the net difference can mean up to two extra paid days off depending on employer policy.
What date is the next bank holiday in 2026?
If you are reading this early in 2026, the first bank holiday after New Year’s Day is Good Friday on 3 April 2026, as confirmed by GOV.UK. After Easter Monday, the next bank holiday across all nations is the Early May bank holiday on 4 May 2026.
Next bank holiday after 1 January: Good Friday 3 April 2026
There is a gap of just over three months between New Year’s Day and the next public holiday. Business Wales confirms the date.
Next bank holiday after Easter: Early May bank holiday 4 May 2026
After Easter Monday, the next bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is Early May bank holiday. Scotland also observes this date. GOV.UK lists 4 May 2026.
Why this matters: The long gap from New Year to Easter means spring is the busiest period for bank-holiday planning. If you want to use the April dates for travel, book early – demand for UK staycations around Easter and the early May weekend is typically very high.
Are there always 8 bank holidays in the UK?
No. The number varies for two reasons: differences between UK nations and the effect of substitute days when a holiday falls on a weekend.
Variation by nation: Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional holidays
England and Wales have eight fixed bank holidays most years, but Scotland’s count is nine and Northern Ireland’s is ten, according to Away Resorts. The extra holidays are rooted in cultural and historical traditions: St Andrew’s Day in Scotland, St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne in Northern Ireland.
Why the number is not fixed every year: substitute days for weekends
When Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday – usually the following Monday – becomes the bank holiday. Business Wales explains this rule. In 2026, Boxing Day is on a Saturday, so the substitute is Monday 28 December. If Christmas had fallen on a weekend, the total could have been nine in England and Wales, but in 2026 it stays at eight. GOV.UK confirms that no other substitute days are needed in 2026.
The catch: The number of bank holidays in any year depends on the day of the week of Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. In 2027, for example, several dates may shift again. Always check the official calendar at the start of each year.
Why are there so many bank holidays in the UK?
The UK has a relatively high number of public holidays compared to some other countries, partly due to the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which established the first official bank holidays. Over time, additional dates were added: religious events like Good Friday and Easter Monday, and national commemorations such as St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland) and Battle of the Boyne. Wikipedia provides a historical overview. Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day was added more recently, and each nation’s list reflects its own history and cultural heritage.
Why this matters: The number of bank holidays is not static. As the UK’s devolved nations continue to shape their own calendars, future additions (such as a possible UK-wide holiday for a royal jubilee or a new national day) could increase the total in any given year.
Timeline signal
Key 2026 UK bank holidays in chronological order, with notes on jurisdiction and substitute days.
- – New Year’s Day (all UK)
- – 2 January bank holiday (Scotland only) – Away Resorts
- – St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland only) – Away Resorts
- – Good Friday (all UK)
- – Easter Monday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) – GOV.UK
- – Early May bank holiday (all UK)
- – Spring bank holiday (all UK)
- – Battle of the Boyne substitute (Northern Ireland only) – Away Resorts
- – Summer bank holiday (Scotland only) – Visit London
- – Summer bank holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- – St Andrew’s Day (Scotland only) – Away Resorts
- – Christmas Day (all UK)
- – Boxing Day substitute (all UK) – Business Wales
Confirmed facts
- All 2026 bank holiday dates are published by UK government and devolved administrations – GOV.UK
- Substitute day for Boxing Day is set as 28 December 2026 – Business Wales
- Scotland observes 2 January as a bank holiday – Away Resorts
- Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne – Away Resorts
What’s unclear
- School holiday dates vary by local council and are not centrally published – check your local authority’s website
- Some businesses may remain open on certain bank holidays; this article does not cover individual business policies
“The official UK bank holidays page lists 2026 dates for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, including past and future years.”
GOV.UK (UK government portal)
“If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.”
Business Wales (Welsh Government economic advice office)
“Scotland’s bank holidays include 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, making a total of nine in 2026.”
Away Resorts (UK holiday park operator)
“Northern Ireland’s public holiday calendar for 2026 includes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne substitute day.”
Away Resorts (UK holiday park operator)
The 2026 bank holiday schedule gives most workers at least eight paid days off, but the real advantage goes to those who know the substitute-day rules. For Northern Ireland residents, the extra two holidays create an effective ten-day calendar that, when combined with annual leave, can stretch into extended breaks. For Scotland, the early August bank holiday offers a summer weekend that England and Wales do not get until the end of the month. For employers, the takeaway is clear: plan staffing around the 28 December substitute holiday, which creates a second consecutive long weekend after Christmas, or risk a skeleton crew during one of the busiest retail weeks of the year.
publicholidayguide.com, goodtuesday.com, officesimplify.com, en.wikipedia.org, charliehr.com
For a comprehensive breakdown of how the schedule differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the full regional dates for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bank holiday in the UK?
A bank holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom during which most businesses, banks, and schools close. They originate from the Bank Holidays Act 1871.
Are all bank holidays in the UK statutory holidays?
No – while bank holidays are public holidays, there is no legal right to time off on these days. Employment contracts determine whether workers get the day off or additional pay. Office Simplify explains this distinction.
Do I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
There is no automatic statutory right to extra pay for working on a bank holiday. Employers may offer premium rates or time off in lieu, but this is not required by law. Check your employment contract.
Is Good Friday always a bank holiday in the UK?
Yes, Good Friday is a bank holiday in all UK jurisdictions. It falls on a Friday each year, and for 2026 the date is 3 April, as confirmed by GOV.UK.
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (or another weekday) becomes the substitute bank holiday. In 2026, Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December) is substituted by Monday 28 December. Business Wales states this rule.
Are schools closed on all bank holidays?
Most schools close on bank holidays, but school term dates are set by local councils and can vary. For 2026, parents should check their local authority’s academic calendar to confirm closures around Easter and the Summer bank holiday.
Are banks the only businesses closed on bank holidays?
No – although the term “bank holiday” suggests banks are closed, most retail stores, offices, and many public services also close or operate reduced hours. Banks themselves are generally closed, but online banking remains available.
How are bank holidays different in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Scotland has nine bank holidays, including 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, and does not observe Easter Monday. Northern Ireland has ten, including St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne. England and Wales have eight standard holidays. Away Resorts provides the full breakdown.
Oliver Hayes is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, reporting on news, local government and public services. His work is reviewed by the editorial desk and checked against our sourcing and fact-checking standards before publication.