England Bank Holidays: Complete Dates

England has eight bank holidays each year. These are days when most businesses and non-essential services are closed, though an increasing number of retail businesses (especially large shops) do open on some bank holidays.

Official England Bank Holidays Schedule

Here is the full Bank Holiday schedule for England, as confirmed by the UK government (gov.uk). England and Wales share the same official holidays.

England Bank Holidays 2025: Confirmed Dates

Mark your calendars! Here are the official bank holidays in England for 2025.

England Bank Holidays 2026: Full List

Plan ahead with the complete list of bank holidays for 2026. Note the Spring Bank Holiday 2026 date is May 25th.

England Bank Holidays 2027: Dates & Days

Looking further ahead? Here are the England bank holidays for 2027, which include a Christmas Day substitute day.

About England Bank Holidays

Bank holidays in England were first introduced by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which designated four holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland. The Act was masterminded by Sir John Lubbock, a banker and politician who was also a keen cricket enthusiast. It’s said he chose the dates to coincide with important cricket matches!

Today, England has eight permanent bank holidays. In addition to these regular holidays, extra one-off holidays are sometimes announced for special occasions, such as royal weddings or jubilees.

UK Bank Holidays: England vs. Other Regions

It’s important to remember that UK bank holidays can differ across the nations. While England and Wales share the same schedule, Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional regional holidays. Always double-check specific dates if you’re travelling within the UK.

Regional Variations

While England shares many bank holidays with other UK nations, there are some differences. For example, St George’s Day (23 April) is England’s national day, but it is not a bank holiday. There have been campaigns to make it a bank holiday, but so far these have been unsuccessful.

Essential Bank Holiday Information

A little preparation goes a long way on a bank holiday. Here’s what you need to know.

• Public Transport: Expect reduced services across public transport on bank holidays. On Christmas Day, services in London do not run, and on Boxing Day, public transport in London is extremely limited.
• Shopping Hours: Wondering, “Are shops closed on Easter Sunday?” Yes, most large shops are closed by law. For shopping hours on Christmas Day in London, large stores are also shut, but small convenience stores may be open.
• Substitute Days: When a holiday like Christmas falls on a weekend, a substitute day is given. For example, in 2027, we see a Christmas Day substitute day on Monday the 27th.

Planning Around Bank Holidays

Bank holidays often affect business operations, public transport schedules, and opening hours for shops and attractions. If you’re planning travel or activities on these days, it’s wise to check ahead, as services may be reduced.

Many people in England use bank holidays as opportunities for short breaks or family gatherings. Popular tourist destinations can be particularly busy during these periods, so advance booking is recommended.

Planning Your Long Weekend: Tips & Ideas

With your bank holiday schedule locked in, it’s time to plan! Whether you’re dreaming of a city break, peaceful countryside retreats, or family-friendly activities at home, these long weekends are your opportunity. Book transport early for the best deals, and always check opening times for attractions in advance.

Ready to plan your perfect break? Use our complete guide to the England bank holidays and make your best years yet!

FAQs

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save

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.