If you are searching for UK bank holidays 2026, bank holiday dates UK 2026, or a trustworthy UK holiday calendar 2026, this guide is written to answer those queries clearly and accurately without fluff, speculation, or guesswork.
Introduction
Bank holidays play a vital role in life across the United Kingdom. They provide officially recognised days off work, influence school terms, affect travel and transport schedules, and shape how businesses plan their operations. Whether you are an employee arranging annual leave, a family organising holidays, a business owner planning staffing levels, or a tourist visiting the UK, understanding UK bank holidays 2026 is essential for effective planning.
In 2026, the UK bank holiday calendar follows the established pattern set by legislation such as the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, alongside long-standing regional traditions in Scotland and Northern Ireland. While many holidays are shared across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, others are region-specific, reflecting the UK’s diverse cultural and historical landscape. This means that not all bank holidays fall on the same dates or are even observed at all in every part of the country.
This in-depth guide to UK bank holidays 2026 is designed to be a reliable, human-friendly resource based on official government calendars and reputable public information. You will find a complete holiday table, detailed explanations of each bank holiday, regional differences clearly explained, and practical tips for planning time off, travel, or business operations in 2026.
UK public holidays in 2026 is essential for planning time off, organising travel, aligning business operations, or simply marking special cultural dates in your calendar… Continue reading>>
2026 Bank Holiday Calendar (UK)
The table below shows the officially recognised UK bank holidays 2026, including which regions observe each holiday. Dates are based on official UK government and devolved administration calendars.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Regions Observed |
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 2 January 2026 | Friday | 2nd January (Scotland only) | Scotland |
| 17 March 2026 | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Scotland |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Scotland |
| 12 July 2026 | Sunday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) | Northern Ireland |
| 13 July 2026 | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (substitute day) | Northern Ireland |
| 3 August 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) | Scotland |
| 31 August 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 30 November 2026 | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute day) | Scotland |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
Note: When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday (usually Monday) is observed instead.
Holiday Descriptions and Background
New Year’s Day – 1 January 2026
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is a bank holiday across the entire UK. Its roots lie in both religious tradition (the Feast of the Circumcision in Christianity) and secular celebration of the new year.
Regional observance:
- Observed in all four UK nations.
- Scotland places particular cultural importance on New Year celebrations, known as Hogmanay, often extending festivities into 1 and 2 January.
Interesting facts:
- Public transport often runs a reduced service.
- Many retail businesses close or operate limited hours.
2nd January (Scotland only) – 2 January 2026
Scotland uniquely observes 2 January as an additional bank holiday, recognising the extended significance of Hogmanay celebrations.
Why it matters:
- Reflects Scotland’s cultural emphasis on New Year festivities.
- Allows recovery time after major celebrations on 31 December and 1 January.
St Patrick’s Day – 17 March 2026 (Northern Ireland)
St Patrick’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland and is a public holiday in Northern Ireland only.
Observance:
- Parades, festivals, and cultural events are common.
- Not a bank holiday in England, Wales, or Scotland.
Interesting note:
- Although widely celebrated culturally across the UK, only Northern Ireland recognises it as an official public holiday.
Good Friday – 3 April 2026
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed throughout the UK.
Key points:
- It is part of the Easter holiday period.
- Many schools, courts, and public offices close.
- Financial markets typically do not operate.
Easter Monday – 6 April 2026
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Regional differences:
Not a bank holiday in Scotland, where Easter Monday is treated as a normal working day.
Early May Bank Holiday – 4 May 2026
Traditionally linked to May Day and the arrival of spring, the Early May Bank Holiday is observed on the first Monday of May.
Background:
- Associated with workers’ rights movements and seasonal festivals.
- Modern observance is largely secular.
Spring Bank Holiday – 25 May 2026
The Spring Bank Holiday occurs on the last Monday in May.
Common activities:
- Short domestic breaks and outdoor events.
- Increased demand for travel and accommodation.
Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – 12 & 13 July 2026
This holiday commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and is specific to Northern Ireland.
2026 note:
- 12 July falls on a Sunday, so the bank holiday is observed on Monday 13 July.
Summer Bank Holiday
- Scotland: 3 August 2026
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland: 31 August 2026
Why the difference?
- Scotland traditionally observes its summer holiday earlier, reflecting historical industrial practices.
St Andrew’s Day – 30 November 2026 (Scotland)
St Andrew’s Day celebrates Scotland’s patron saint.
2026 detail:
- As 30 November falls on a Monday in 2026, it is observed on the day itself.
- If it fell on a weekend, a substitute weekday would apply.
Christmas Day – 25 December 2026
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely observed holidays in the UK.
Observance:
- Most businesses close.
- Public transport is extremely limited or non-existent in many areas.
Boxing Day – 28 December 2026 (Substitute Day)
In 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Saturday, so the bank holiday is observed on Monday 28 December.
Traditions:
- Shopping sales, sporting events, and family gatherings.
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Regional Observances Explained
One of the most common questions about UK bank holidays 2026 is whether they are the same everywhere. The short answer is no.
Scotland
- Extra holidays: 2 January, St Andrew’s Day.
- Different summer bank holiday date.
- Easter Monday is not a bank holiday.
Northern Ireland
- Unique holidays: St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne.
- Shares most UK-wide holidays but with additional region-specific dates.
England and Wales
- Share the same bank holiday calendar.
- No region-exclusive public holidays.
Planning Tips for 2026
Make the Most of Annual Leave
- Booking leave around May or August bank holidays can create long breaks with minimal days off.
- Christmas 2026 offers potential extended time off due to substitute days.
Travel Considerations
- Expect higher travel costs and busier roads and airports around bank holidays.
- Engineering works on rail networks are common check schedules early.
Business and Services
- Banks and government offices close on bank holidays.
- Retail opening hours vary; large shops in England and Wales face Sunday trading restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are bank holidays the same in all UK countries?
No. Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional bank holidays not observed in England and Wales.
How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2026?
England & Wales: 8
Scotland: 9
Northern Ireland: 10
Can shops open on UK bank holidays?
Yes, most shops can open, though hours may be reduced. Large stores in England and Wales have special restrictions on Sundays.
Do employers have to give bank holidays off?
No. Bank holidays are not a legal right to paid leave unless stated in an employment contract.
Sources & References
The information in this guide is based on official and reputable sources, including:
- GOV.UK — Official UK bank holiday calendars
- Scottish Government — Public holidays in Scotland
- Northern Ireland Executive — Bank holidays
- BBC News — Public holiday reporting and calendar confirmations
Conclusion
UK bank holidays 2026 is essential for anyone living in, working in, or visiting the United Kingdom. While many holidays are shared nationwide, important regional differences in Scotland and Northern Ireland mean that a one-size-fits-all calendar does not apply. By using an accurate, official-based holiday calendar and planning ahead, you can make better use of your time, avoid disruption, and take full advantage of the opportunities bank holidays provide.
For more planning resources, consider exploring related guides on UK travel planning, work–life balance, and annual leave strategies to make the most of 2026.
