Independent information site · 2026 holiday year
UK bank holidays 2026: every date for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Check UK public holidays at a glance, see how bank holiday dates UK-wide differ between the four nations, and plan ahead for closures, deliveries, payments and annual leave.
Next bank holiday in England: Christmas Day, 25 December 2026 (Friday)
96 days to go
Dates shown are for the 2026 calendar year. Substitute days apply when a holiday falls at a weekend.
Interactive UK bank holidays calendar
Browse month by month, switch years, and filter by nation. Bank holiday coverage differs by nation — a highlighted date may be a holiday in only some parts of the UK.
January 20262 bank holidays
Highlighted dates are bank holidays for the selected nation filter.
Next bank holiday
St Andrew's Day
Monday 30 November 2026 · Scotland
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Bank holidays by nation
England bank holidays and Wales bank holidays share the same calendar. Scotland bank holidays and Northern Ireland bank holidays each add their own national days, so the totals differ.
England bank holidays 2026
Use the nation selector above to switch calendars. Full details are on each nation page.
| 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. |
Well-known UK banks and building societies
Branch closures on UK public holidays are common, while apps, online banking and cash machines normally stay available. These names are listed for reference only.
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- NatWest
- Santander
- Halifax
- Nationwide
- Monzo
- Starling Bank
- TSB
- Bank of Scotland
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Co-operative Bank
- Metro Bank
- Virgin Money
- Danske Bank
Important disclaimer
This is an independent information site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any bank or building society, and we display no bank logos or branding. Bank opening arrangements vary by brand, branch and nation — always check directly with your provider.
UK bank holidays: frequently asked questions
How many UK bank holidays are there in 2026?
In 2026 there are 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. There is no single UK-wide total because bank holidays are set separately for each nation.
What is the first UK bank holiday of 2026?
New Year's Day on Thursday 1 January 2026 is the first bank holiday across the whole UK. Scotland also has 2nd January on Friday 2 January 2026.
Are bank holidays and UK public holidays the same thing?
In everyday use, yes. 'Bank holiday' is the legal term used in the UK, while 'public holiday' is the more general description. Both refer to the same set of dates.
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
A substitute weekday is normally given, usually the following Monday. In 2026 Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December, so the substitute bank holiday is Monday 28 December.
Are banks open on bank holidays in the UK?
High street branches are usually closed on bank holidays. Online banking, mobile apps, cash machines and card payments normally continue as usual, and some in-store or airport branches may open with reduced hours.
Do bank holidays differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Yes. England and Wales share the same calendar. Scotland adds 2nd January and St Andrew's Day and takes its summer bank holiday in early August. Northern Ireland adds St Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
Does Wales have its own bank holidays?
Wales follows the England and Wales bank holiday calendar. St David's Day on 1 March is widely celebrated but is not currently a statutory bank holiday in Wales.
Is St Patrick's Day a bank holiday in 2026?
St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland only. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 17 March. It is a normal working day in England, Scotland and Wales.
When is the Scotland summer bank holiday in 2026?
Scotland's summer bank holiday is Monday 3 August 2026, four weeks earlier than the England, Wales and Northern Ireland summer bank holiday on Monday 31 August 2026.
Are bank transfers processed on bank holidays?
Faster Payments generally run every day, including bank holidays. Bacs payments, Direct Debits, CHAPS and cheque clearing follow working-day cycles, so they are not processed on bank holidays and may arrive on the next working day.
Am I legally entitled to bank holidays off work?
There is no automatic legal right to bank holidays off or to extra pay. Most workers get 5.6 weeks' statutory paid leave a year, and employers can choose whether bank holidays are included in that entitlement.
Do bank holidays affect payday and benefit payments?
Often, yes. When a scheduled payment date lands on a bank holiday or weekend, wages and many benefits are typically paid on the last working day before it.
Are schools closed on UK bank holidays?
State schools are normally closed on bank holidays, and many fall inside existing school holidays such as Easter, the late May half term and the summer break.
Is Good Friday a bank holiday in Scotland?
Good Friday, Friday 3 April 2026, is a bank holiday in Scotland, but Easter Monday is not. Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How can I get the most time off using bank holiday dates UK-wide?
Booking annual leave around clustered dates gives the best return. In 2026 the Easter weekend and the late December period both let a small number of leave days create a much longer break.
Where does this site get its bank holiday information?
Dates are compiled from published UK holiday calendars for the 2026 year. This is an independent site, so we always recommend confirming against official government sources and your own bank before making plans.