Wales
Wales Bank Holidays 2026
Wales observes the same eight bank holidays as England in 2026. Here are the confirmed dates, plus what happens on St David's Day and over the Christmas period.
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. |
St David's Day and the Wales calendar
St David's Day on Sunday 1 March 2026 is the national day of Wales and is marked with parades, concerts and school events. It is not currently a statutory bank holiday, so it does not appear in the table above and there is no substitute weekday.
How Wales bank holidays compare across the UK
- Wales and England: identical, eight dates in 2026.
- Scotland: nine dates, adding 2nd January and St Andrew's Day but dropping Easter Monday, with an early August summer holiday.
- Northern Ireland: ten dates, adding St Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
Planning around Welsh bank holidays
Coastal and national park destinations in Wales are at their busiest over the Easter, late May and August bank holidays. Booking accommodation early and travelling outside peak Friday evening and Monday afternoon windows makes those weekends far easier.
Banking in Wales on bank holidays
Wales bank holidays: FAQs
How many bank holidays does Wales have in 2026?
Wales has 8 bank holidays in 2026, the same dates as England, ending with the Boxing Day substitute on Monday 28 December 2026.
Is St David's Day a bank holiday in Wales?
No. St David's Day on 1 March is a national day widely celebrated in Wales, but it is not a statutory bank holiday, so banks, schools and workplaces follow their normal schedules.
Does Wales have different bank holidays from England?
No. Wales follows the England and Wales bank holiday calendar, so the dates are identical in both nations.
When is the Wales summer bank holiday 2026?
Monday 31 August 2026, the last Monday in August.