Understanding the 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. This comprehensive article breaks down every key holiday across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, explains why dates vary regionally, and offers practical guidance for work, school, and travel planning in 2026.
UK Public Holidays in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Regions Observed |
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| 2 Jan | Fri | 2nd January | Scotland |
| 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | All UK |
| 6 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | England, Wales, N. Ireland |
| 4 May | Mon | Early May Bank Holiday | All UK |
| 25 May | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday | All UK |
| 3 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | Scotland |
| 13 Jul | Mon | Battle of the Boyne (substitute) | Northern Ireland |
| 31 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales, N. Ireland |
| 30 Nov | Mon | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 28 Dec | Mon | Boxing Day (Substitute) | All UK |
Boxing Day originally falls on 26 December (Saturday), so the bank holiday is observed on Monday 28 Dec.
What Are UK Public Holidays?
UK public holidays (commonly called bank holidays) are days when banks and many businesses close, and schools, post offices, and government services operate on limited hours or shut entirely. Although often called bank holidays, many refer to them simply as public holidays days recognised nationally or regionally for cultural, historical or religious reasons.
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The Full UK Bank Holidays Calendar 2026
This section breaks down the 2026 bank holidays UK list by each part of the country.
England & Wales Bank Holidays in 2026
- 1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
- 3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
- 6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 4 May (Mon) – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Holiday
- 31 Aug (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
- 28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day (Substitute)
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
Scotland has one extra bank holiday compared to the rest of the UK:
- 1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
- 2 Jan (Fri) – 2nd January Bank Holiday
- 3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
- 4 May (Mon) – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Holiday
- 3 Aug (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday
- 30 Nov (Mon) – St Andrew’s Day
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
- 28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day (Substitute)
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
In 2026, Northern Ireland has additional cultural holidays:
- 1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
- 17 Mar (Tue) – St Patrick’s Day
- 3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
- 6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 4 May (Mon) – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Holiday
- 13 Jul (Mon) – Battle of the Boyne (substitute)
- 31 Aug (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
- 28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day (Substitute)
A Closer Look at Each Public Holiday
Below are short descriptions and origins for major UK public holidays in 2026.
1 January – New Year’s Day
First UK bank holiday of the year, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Celebrations often include fireworks, family gatherings, and first-foot traditions in Scotland (Hogmanay).
2 January – 2nd January (Scotland Only)
Recognised solely in Scotland, this holiday stems from the country’s traditional extra day of celebration after New Year. It allows Scots to continue festivities or recover from Hogmanay events.
3 April – Good Friday
A Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday falls two days before Easter Sunday and is a fixed part of the Easter weekend.
6 April – Easter Monday
Celebrated in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (but not Scotland), Easter Monday marks the day after Easter Sunday and is traditionally a day for family outings and community events.
4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
Also known as May Day, it celebrates the start of spring and often features local festivals, maypole dancing, and Labour movement events linked to workers’ rights.
25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
Traditionally the last Monday in May, this holiday provides a long weekend as summer approaches. It’s widely used for festivals, travel, and leisure trips.
3 August – Scotland Summer Bank Holiday
In Scotland only, this early August bank holiday differs from the rest of the UK’s late August date due to historical patterns in Scottish holiday scheduling.
13 July – Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland)
This holiday commemorates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and is observed in Northern Ireland with parades and cultural events. The 2026 date is a substitute Monday since the battle anniversary (12 July) falls on a Sunday.
31 August – Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales & N. Ireland)
Aligns with the last Monday of August, providing a popular summer break before schools return. People often use it for end-of-summer trips.
30 November – St Andrew’s Day (Scotland)
Scotland’s national day honours its patron saint, St Andrew. The Scots celebrate with cultural events, parades, and national pride.
25 December – Christmas Day
One of the most celebrated holidays across the UK, Christmas Day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed with family traditions, feasts, and gift-giving.
28 December – Boxing Day (Substitute Day)
Since 26 December falls on a Saturday in 2026, the bank holiday is legally observed on Monday 28 December as a substitute day. Boxing Day traditions include sporting events, shopping sales, and family gatherings.
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Regional UK Bank Holidays 2026 at a Glance
| Region | Total Bank Holidays | Unique Holidays |
| England & Wales | 8 | None |
| Scotland | 9 | 2nd Jan, St Andrew’s Day |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | St Patrick’s, Battle of the Boyne |
Holiday Impact: Business, Travel & School Planning
Work & Business
- Many businesses, banks, and government services close on bank holidays.
- Retailers often operate reduced hours (especially on Christmas Day), while public transport may run limited services.
- Employers aren’t legally required to give paid bank holidays unless specified in contracts.
Travel & Tourism
Planning travel around bank holidays:
- Book early long weekends (Spring Bank, Summer Bank, Christmas) are peak travel periods.
- Visit top destinations during quieter holiday weekdays for lower costs.
- Public transport is busiest on holiday weekends plan connections early.
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Schools & Education
- Most schools close on official bank holidays.
- Plan family trips around longer holiday blocks (Easter to May Day, Summer Bank to Back-to-School).
- Check local council calendars for term dates and inset days.
FAQs: UK Public Holidays in 2026
What are UK public holidays in 2026?
Days officially recognised as non-working bank holidays across regions include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring and Summer Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and a substitute Boxing Day, plus region-specific holidays like 2 Jan in Scotland and St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland.
When is the first public holiday in the UK 2026?
The first public holiday in 2026 is New Year’s Day on Thursday 1 January.
Are there different holidays in Scotland?
Yes, Scotland has more bank holidays than England and Wales, including 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
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Plan Ahead for UK Holidays in 2026
The UK public holidays in 2026 offer a mix of traditional celebrations, cultural observances, and convenient long weekends. Whether you’re planning travel, coordinating business schedules, or organising time off with family, marking these dates early in your calendar can help you make the most of every break. From New Year’s Day through Christmas and the Boxing Day substitute on 28 December, 2026 provides plenty of occasions to rest and celebrate across the UK’s regions.
