England
England Bank Holidays 2026
England has eight bank holidays in 2026. This page lists every date, explains the December substitute day and shows how to turn the calendar into longer breaks.
Reviewed for the 2026 holiday year
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | — |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday | — |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Monday | — |
| Early May bank holiday | 4 May 2026 | Monday | — |
| Spring bank holiday | 25 May 2026 | Monday | — |
| Summer bank holiday | 31 August 2026 | Monday | — |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday | — |
| Boxing Day (substitute day) | 28 December 2026 | Monday | 26 December falls on a Saturday, so the holiday moves to Monday 28 December. |
The England bank holiday year at a glance
The England calendar is identical to the Wales calendar. It opens with New Year's Day on Thursday 1 January 2026, followed by the Easter pair of Good Friday and Easter Monday in early April, two Monday holidays in May, and the late summer bank holiday on Monday 31 August 2026.
Christmas 2026 in England
Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December 2026 and Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December. As Boxing Day is a weekend day, a substitute bank holiday is given on Monday 28 December 2026, creating a long weekend at the end of the year.
Best long weekends in England in 2026
- Easter: 3 to 6 April gives four consecutive days off.
- Early May: Monday 4 May extends the weekend to three days.
- Spring: Monday 25 May sits alongside the late May school half term.
- Summer: Monday 31 August closes the school holidays.
Banking and services on England bank holidays
Most high street branches close, while apps, online banking, ATMs and card payments carry on. Bacs and CHAPS payments are not processed, so Direct Debits and salary payments due on a bank holiday usually move to the nearest working day. See our bank opening hours guide for detail.
Check before you travel
England bank holidays: FAQs
How many bank holidays does England have in 2026?
England has 8 bank holidays in 2026: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the early May and spring bank holidays, the summer bank holiday, Christmas Day and the Boxing Day substitute on Monday 28 December.
When is the summer bank holiday in England 2026?
The England summer bank holiday is Monday 31 August 2026, the last Monday in August.
Is St George's Day a bank holiday in England?
No. St George's Day on 23 April is not a statutory bank holiday in England, although it is widely marked with local events.
Does England get more bank holidays than Scotland?
No. England has 8 in 2026 while Scotland has 9 and Northern Ireland has 10, because those nations observe additional national days.