Looking for UK bank holidays 2026 dates? Here’s a complete and easy-to-use calendar showing every UK public holiday in 2026. We’ve included separate bank holiday dates for England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — making it simple to plan your time off, long weekends and family trips for the year ahead.
Bank Holidays
- England & Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Use this guide to help plan your travel, childcare or annual leave — especially around Easter, May and Christmas when long weekends are easiest to arrange.
All UK Bank Holidays in 2026 — At a Glance
This handy calendar shows every confirmed bank holiday across the UK for 2026.
England & Wales Bank Holidays 2026
- 1 January 2026ThursdayNew Year’s Day
- 3 April 2026FridayGood Friday
- 6 April 2026MondayEaster Monday
- 4 May 2026MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
- 25 May 2026MondaySpring Bank Holiday
- 31 August 2026MondaySummer Bank Holiday
- 25 December 2026FridayChristmas Day
- 28 December 2026MondayBoxing Day (substitute)
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
- 1 January 2026ThursdayNew Year’s Day
- 2 January 2026Friday2nd January Holiday
- 3 April 2026FridayGood Friday
- 4 May 2026MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
- 25 May 2026MondaySpring Bank Holiday
- 3 August 2026MondaySummer Bank Holiday
- 30 November 2026MondaySt Andrew’s Day
- 25 December 2026FridayChristmas Day
- 28 December 2026MondayBoxing Day (substitute)
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
- 1 January 2026ThursdayNew Year’s Day
- 17 March 2026TuesdaySt Patrick’s Day
- 3 April 2026FridayGood Friday
- 6 April 2026MondayEaster Monday
- 4 May 2026MondayEarly May Bank Holiday
- 25 May 2026MondaySpring Bank Holiday
- 13 July 2026MondayBattle of the Boyne
- 31 August 2026MondaySummer Bank Holiday
- 25 December 2026FridayChristmas Day
- 28 December 2026MondayBoxing Day (substitute)
How to Make the Most of UK Bank Holidays in 2026
If you want to stretch your annual leave further, the best months to book time off are April, May and August. Adding just a few extra leave days to bank holiday weekends can create 4- or 5-day breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays the same across the UK?
No — Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional bank holidays compared with England & Wales.
Why is Boxing Day on 28 December in 2026?
Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the substitute bank holiday moves to Monday.
Do employers have to give paid leave?
Workers are entitled to paid holiday, but employers do not have to include bank holidays unless stated in your contract.
