Planning your year? Knowing the England public holidays is the first step to organizing fantastic trips and family time. This guide gives you the official bank holiday dates for England, plus essential advice on everything from Easter bank holiday travel to navigating substitute days for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Let’s dive in and make your planning simple and stress-free.
Official Public Holiday Dates for England
Here are the confirmed upcoming bank holidays in England for the next three years. Mark your calendars!
England Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Day of the Week | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
England Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day of the Week | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
Need Help with UK Bank Holidays?
Have questions about upcoming UK bank holidays or planning time off? Get expert guidance from Coming Holidays and plan your year with clarity and confidence.
England Public Holidays 2027
| Date | Day of the Week | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May Holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring Holiday |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer Holiday |
| 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute day) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
A Guide to Each English Public Holiday
Each public holiday in England has its own character. The Summer Bank Holiday often marks a last family outing before autumn, while the Spring Bank Holiday is a welcome long weekend in the sun. Remember, when holidays like Christmas Day or Boxing Day fall on a weekend, a substitute day is given, ensuring you don’t miss out on your day off!
Essential Public Holiday Travel and Information
A little local knowledge goes a long way on a bank holiday.
- Public Transport: Expect reduced services, especially on Easter bank holiday travel days like Good Friday and Easter Monday. Always check with train and bus companies before you travel.
- Shops Open or Closed? This is a common question! On Easter Sunday, the law requires large shops to be closed. However, smaller convenience stores, pharmacies, and shops in airports and train stations are allowed to open. Most attractions remain open over the Easter holidays, but it’s wise to book ahead.
School Holidays and Half-Term Breaks in the UK
While public holidays are fixed, school holidays can vary. Local authority schools and independent schools often have slightly different schedules. The year is split into three terms with mid-term breaks:
- Summer Holiday: Typically runs from late July to early September.
- Autumn Half-Term: A one-week break in the last week of October.
- Christmas Holidays: Usually two weeks from late December.
- Spring Half-Term: A one-week break in mid-February.
- Easter Holidays: Generally two weeks surrounding the Easter weekend.
- Summer Half-Term: A one-week break at the end of May or in early June.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Explore the complete list of countries’ bank holidays and stay ahead with accurate dates, smart planning, and stress-free travel and work schedules.
Explore Other Upcoming Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
Now that you’re in the know, start planning your next fantastic adventure!
FAQs
Are public holidays in England the same as bank holidays?
Yes, for most people, the terms are interchangeable. All public holidays in England are officially referred to as bank holidays.
Do all shops close on bank holidays?
No. While many larger shops close on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, smaller shops, pharmacies, and those in transport hubs often remain open. It’s always best to check locally.
What is a substitute bank holiday?
A substitute day is given when Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a weekend. For example, if Boxing Day is on a Saturday, the following Monday becomes the substitute bank holiday.
Is public transport running on bank holidays?
Yes, but services are often significantly reduced. You should always plan your public transport journey on these days.
Are school holidays the same across the UK?
No, they are not. School holiday dates UK-wide can differ. Dates are set by local authorities or individual schools, so always check with your specific school.
