UK bank holidays 2026: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

Are you moving to the UK, or have you been living there for quite a while? In any case, you need detailed information about holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Read this article to get the UK bank holidays schedule for 2026!

Upcoming bank holidays in the UK

Here is why knowing about holidays and days off matters:

• You may schedule your trips and leisure wisely – either spending less or combining bank holidays with your personal days off work;
• You may plan shopping in advance, keeping in mind if a particular supermarket is open;
• You may learn about the working hours of banks, hospitals, etc.

Remember that your planning depends on your personal routine. If you have children, find detailed information on their school holiday dates. Yet for some professionals, the holiday season is a time to work harder rather than take a break.

If you are wondering how many bank holidays there are in the UK, there is no correct answer. The United Kingdom consists of four countries, and each of them has its own schedule. Even though some days (like Christmas) are universal across the United Kingdom, others (like St. Patrick's Day in Northern Ireland) are region-specific. Let us uncover the 2026 holidays for each country.

Bank holidays in England

In 2026, there are eight public holidays in England – get the full list in the table below.

Bank holidays in Scotland

In 2026, there are eight public holidays in Scotland – get the full list in the table below. The schedule is similar to that in England, but the Summer Bank Holiday in Scotland falls at the beginning of August. Easter Monday is not a public holiday in Scotland, but January 2nd is added to the calendar.

Bank holidays in Wales

In 2026, there are eight public holidays in Wales – get the full list in the table below. The schedule matches that of England.

Bank holidays in Northern Ireland

In 2026, there are nine public holidays in Northern Ireland – get the full list in the table below. Northern Ireland has two special holidays in its calendar: the Battle of the Boyne and St. Patrick's Day.

Tips for expats in the UK:

• ATMs in the UK: locations, tips, and fees.
• Getting your UK driver's licence.
• ​What is a sort code for a UK bank account?
• Comparing transfer fees: Profee vs. Wise vs. Remitly.
• ChatGPT pricing and plans: Guide for the UK.

More about public holidays in the UK

New Year's Day – January 1st

New Year's Day is a statutory bank holiday throughout the UK, meaning most workers have a day off, though some essential services continue operating. For the Brits, just like for the rest of the world, the New Year is about changes and new beginnings. January is perfect for financial planning and resolutions.

New Year's Day – January 2nd

January 2nd is a day off in Scotland only. The tradition of Hogmanay makes the New Year celebration particularly significant: festivities take place on December 31st and often extend to January 1st.

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in various countries, but Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where March 17th is an official bank holiday. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and the day celebrates the country’s heritage and traditions.

Good Friday – April 3rd

Good Friday is a public holiday across the UK commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The dates vary depending on the lunar calendar. It is special for Christians who attend church services. For many people, this day is the start of the long Easter weekend, allowing them to schedule short trips or leisure activities.

Easter Monday – April 6th

Just like Good Friday and Easter, this holiday’s date changes annually. This holiday extends the Easter weekend and traditionally marks the conclusion of Holy Week in the Christian calendar. On this day, the Brits continue Easter celebrations or enjoy spring activities. Easter Monday is special as it combines religious tradition with the arrival of spring, often featuring egg hunts for children, family gatherings, and outdoor activities.

Early May bank holiday – May 4th

This day is a day off across the UK, marking the beginning of warmer months. It coincides with the traditional May Day celebrations, including maypole dancing and the crowning of the May Queen in some communities, as well as with the Labour Day celebrations, familiar to expats from many parts of the world.

May bank holiday – May 25th

This holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May. The long weekend is popular for family trips, festivals, and outdoor events. It replaced Whit Monday in 1971 and marks the beginning of summer across the United Kingdom.

Battle of the Boyne – July 12th

This holiday is only observed in Northern Ireland. July 12th marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, which took place in 1690. On that day, Protestant William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II. It has cultural and historical significance for many people, and parades and celebrations take place across Northern Ireland.

Summer bank holiday – August 3rd / August 31st

The summer bank holiday is observed across the UK, but the exact date of this public holiday depends on the part of the country. In Scotland, it takes place at the beginning of August, during the traditional season of celebrations and gatherings. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it takes place on the last Monday of August, marking the end of summer.

St. Andrew’s Day – November 30th

St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, so it is the only country in the UK where this day is a public holiday. It's not automatically a day off for all workers unless it falls on a weekend, in which case a substitute day may be given. Some Scottish employers grant a day off on St. Andrew’s Day, particularly in the public sector. It is believed that St. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross that can be seen in the design of the Scottish flag.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Christmas is a religious holiday celebrated in all parts of the United Kingdom and across the world. Its significance goes beyond religion, turning it into one of the most significant events of the year: even if you are an expat whose cultural identity is different from that of the UK, you cannot ignore the festive decorations that start to appear a few weeks before the holiday, as well as the special offers promoted by all kinds of brands.

Boxing Day – December 26th

Boxing Day is a public holiday in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The holiday's name has various origin stories, including the tradition of giving boxes of gifts to servants and tradespeople, or the opening of church alms boxes to distribute to the poor.

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