Full UK Bank Holiday Calendar for 2025 & 2026: If you’re already thinking about how to make the most of your time off in 2025 and 2026, you’re not alone! Planning holidays and breaks around the UK Bank Holidays is a brilliant way to maximize your annual leave, enjoy long weekends, and create lasting memories without burning through your vacation days. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach trip, a countryside escape, or even a city break, having a clear understanding of upcoming bank holidays is key.
This comprehensive guide provides you with a full breakdown of all bank holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for 2025 and 2026. Plus, we’ll share expert tips on how to strategically plan your leave, save money, and avoid travel chaos. Ready to start planning? Let’s dive into the details!
Full UK Bank Holiday Calendar for 2025 & 2026
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Covered Years | 2025 & 2026 |
| Regions | England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| Key Holidays | New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, Regional Holidays |
| Official Source | UK Government Bank Holidays |
| Planning Tip | Combine annual leave with holidays for maximum time off! |
Having a clear view of the UK Bank Holiday Calendar for 2025 and 2026 enables you to plan smarter, take extended vacations, and avoid the last-minute rush. Whether it’s a serene retreat, family gathering, or an adventurous getaway, knowing these dates gives you an upper hand.
Always refer to the official UK bank holiday page for the latest updates and announcements. Start planning early, enjoy stress-free holidays, and make every moment of your time off truly special!
UK Bank Holidays 2025
England and Wales
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
Scotland
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Thursday, 2 January – Second Day of New Year
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 4 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, 1 December – St Andrew’s Day (observed)
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Monday, 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 14 July – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)
- Monday, 25 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
UK Bank Holidays 2026
England and Wales
- Thursday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 31 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
- Thursday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 2 January – Second Day of New Year
- Friday, 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 3 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, 30 November – St Andrew’s Day
- Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
- Thursday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Tuesday, 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 3 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 13 July – Battle of the Boyne (observed)
- Monday, 31 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute day)
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Practical Tips for Planning Around Bank Holidays
Combine Annual Leave for Maximum Breaks
Strategically pairing your leave with bank holidays can multiply your days off. For example:
- Easter: Take four days off to get a 10-day break.
- Christmas: Use 3-4 days of leave to get almost two weeks off, depending on substitute days.
Book Transport and Accommodation Early
Public holidays often lead to crowded transport and full hotels. Early booking means better choices and lower prices. Set calendar reminders a few months ahead to book your tickets and stays.
Understand Regional Differences
Remember that holidays like St Patrick’s Day and St Andrew’s Day are specific to Northern Ireland and Scotland. Double-check dates if you’re traveling between regions to avoid surprises.
Look for Off-Peak Deals
By avoiding the main holidays and traveling slightly before or after bank holidays, you could find amazing deals on flights, hotels, and attractions.
Update Your Digital Calendar
You can download official bank holiday calendars directly from the UK government site. This ensures you never miss an important date.
- England and Wales Calendar
- Scotland Calendar
- Northern Ireland Calendar
FAQs On Full UK Bank Holiday Calendar for 2025 & 2026
1. Are bank holidays uniform across the UK?
No. Different regions observe different holidays. Always verify based on your location.
2. Will any new holidays be introduced?
New bank holidays could be declared for significant events, but generally, the schedule remains consistent. Keep an eye on Gov.uk news.
3. What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
It will be observed on the next available working day, called a “substitute day.”
4. How do businesses operate during bank holidays?
Many businesses close, but essential services like public transport, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities usually continue to operate, sometimes with altered hours.
5. Can employers refuse a bank holiday off?
While bank holidays are generally days off, it depends on your employment contract. Some industries (like hospitality and emergency services) require staff on bank holidays.
