UK Bank Holidays 2026

Plan with our complete guide to UK bank holidays 2026. These are the official dates when banks and many businesses close across the United Kingdom.

This 2026 UK bank holidays list details all the Public holidays in UK 2026, including specific dates for England and Wales bank holidays 2026, Scotland bank holidays 2026, and Northern Ireland bank holidays 2026. Wondering when is the Spring bank holiday 2026 or if 28th December a bank holiday (it is, as a Boxing Day substitute day)?

2026 Bank Holiday Dates

Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2026

The bank holiday dates for England and Wales are the same. Mark your calendars for these UK Holidays in 2026:

England and Wales share the same bank holiday schedule.

Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026

Scotland enjoys a couple of extra public holidays. Keep an eye out for St. Andrew’s Day 2026 in November.

Scotland has two additional holidays: 2nd January and St. Andrew’s Day.

Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026

Northern Ireland has its own unique celebrations, including St. Patrick’s Day 2026 and the Battle of the Boyne holiday.

Northern Ireland has unique holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.

2026 Bank Holiday Calendar: Long Weekends and Planning

2026 is a fantastic year for long weekends in the UK! With several holidays falling on a Monday or Friday, you have plenty of opportunities for a short break without using much annual leave. The Early May bank holiday and Spring bank holiday in May alone offer two consecutive long weekends. Start planning your trips now to make the most of these upcoming bank holidays!

2026 Bank Holiday Long Weekends

Make the most of these extended breaks in 2026:

• Easter Weekend – 3rd to 6th April (4-day weekend)
• Early May Bank Holiday – 2nd to 4th May (3-day weekend)
• Spring Bank Holiday – 23rd to 25th May (3-day weekend)
• Summer Bank Holiday – 29th to 31st August (3-day weekend)
• Christmas Break – 25th to 28th December (4-day weekend)

Understanding UK Bank Holidays

You might hear the terms “bank holiday” and “public holiday” used a lot. In the UK, they are essentially the same thing for most people—a day off work when banks and many businesses close. A key thing to know is the “substitute day” rule: if a holiday like Christmas Day falls on a weekend, an extra weekday is given as a holiday instead. That’s why Boxing Day moves to Monday, 28th December, in 2026.

About UK Bank Holidays 2026

In 2026, there will be eight bank holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland. The distribution of these bank holidays throughout the year provides several long weekends, perfect for planning short breaks or family gatherings.

If you’re looking to plan your time off work or arrange vacations, knowing the UK bank holidays 2026 schedule in advance is essential. Many people use these dates to maximize their leave by strategically booking time around these public holidays.

Upcoming Holidays in 2026

Mark your calendar for these upcoming holidays in 2026. The year begins with New Year’s Day celebrations and continues with traditional holidays like Easter, May Day, and the Summer Bank Holiday. The year concludes with the festive Christmas and Boxing Day holidays.

These bank holidays provide excellent opportunities to explore different regions of the UK, experience local traditions, or simply enjoy a well-deserved break from work. Keep an eye on our website for more information about events and celebrations happening during these up-and-coming holidays.

Official Information and Useful Links

For the most authoritative and legally binding information, always refer to the UK government’s website. You can view the definitive official GOV.UK list here:

• Official GOV.UK Bank Holidays Page

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Nico Bevan

I've always helped people across the UK plan their year with reliable holiday insights. I'm passionate about accuracy and organization; I ensure every celebration and bank holiday is easy to plan for.