UK Bank Holidays 2026
In 2026, the United Kingdom observes eight bank holidays in England and Wales. These are New Year's Day (Thursday 1 January), Good Friday (Friday 3 April), Easter Monday (Monday 6 April), Early May bank holiday (Monday 4 May), Spring bank holiday (Monday 25 May), Summer bank holiday (Monday 31 August), Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) and Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December, with a substitute holiday on Monday 28 December). Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional or different holidays: Scotland observes a second January bank holiday on Friday 2 January, while Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick's Day (Tuesday 17 March) and Orangemen's Day (Monday 13 July). For precise timekeeping on these days, you can check Time.now.
Below is a summary table of all UK bank holidays in 2026 for each region.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thu | New Year's Day | England, Wales, Scotland, NI |
| 2 Jan | Fri | 2 January | Scotland only |
| 17 Mar | Tue | St Patrick's Day | Northern Ireland only |
| 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | England, Wales, Scotland, NI |
| 6 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | England, Wales, NI (not Scotland) |
| 4 May | Mon | Early May bank holiday | England, Wales, Scotland, NI |
| 25 May | Mon | Spring bank holiday | England, Wales, Scotland, NI |
| 13 Jul | Mon | Orangemen's Day | Northern Ireland only |
| 31 Aug | Mon | Summer bank holiday | England, Wales, NI (Scotland: first Monday in August) |
| 25 Dec | Fri | Christmas Day | England, Wales, Scotland, NI |
| 26 Dec | Sat | Boxing Day | All UK |
| 28 Dec | Mon | Boxing Day (substitute) | All UK |
Regional Variations for 2026
While England and Wales share the same eight bank holidays, Scotland and Northern Ireland have distinct observances. Scotland's second January bank holiday falls on 2 January 2026 (Friday), giving a long weekend for New Year. Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day (17 March) and Orangemen's Day (13 July) as additional holidays. The Summer bank holiday in Scotland is the first Monday in August (3 August 2026), rather than the last Monday in August as in England and Wales. For time zone context, see GMT vs UTC and GMT vs BST.
Substitute Bank Holidays in 2026
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is designated. In 2026, Christmas Day (25 December) is a Friday, so no substitute is needed. However, Boxing Day (26 December) is a Saturday, so the substitute holiday is Monday 28 December. This ensures a four-day weekend from Christmas Day to the substitute day. Similarly, if New Year's Day had fallen on a weekend, a substitute would apply, but in 2026 it is a Thursday. For more on time changes, see British Summer Time 2026.
Impact on Businesses and Schools
Bank holidays are public holidays when many businesses and schools close. However, essential services like hospitals and transport continue. Retail stores may operate with reduced hours. Schools in England and Wales typically close on all bank holidays, and the Spring bank holiday often coincides with half-term. In Scotland, school holidays vary by local authority. For international time comparisons, London To New York Time is a useful resource.
Planning Your 2026 Holidays
With careful planning, you can maximise time off by taking annual leave around bank holidays. For example, taking four days off between Christmas and New Year (29-31 December) gives a nine-day break from 25 December to 2 January 2027. The Early May and Spring bank holidays in May offer long weekends. For worldwide city times, visit TimeRight.Now or CurrentTime.now for a multi-city world clock view. European and US counterparts can be found at European time and date and US time and date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays are there in England and Wales in 2026?
There are eight bank holidays in England and Wales in 2026: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May, Spring, Summer, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (with substitute).
What are the Scottish bank holidays in 2026?
Scotland has nine bank holidays: 1 January, 2 January, Good Friday, Early May, Spring, first Monday in August (3 August), St Andrew's Day (30 November, optional), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (substitute 28 December). St Andrew's Day is not a statutory holiday but many employers grant it.
What are the Northern Ireland bank holidays in 2026?
Northern Ireland has ten bank holidays: New Year's Day, St Patrick's Day (17 March), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May, Spring, Orangemen's Day (13 July), Summer (31 August), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (substitute 28 December).
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday (usually the following Monday) is designated as the bank holiday. In 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) is a Saturday, so Monday 28 December is the substitute.
Are all bank holidays the same across the UK?
No, Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional or different holidays compared to England and Wales. Scotland observes 2 January and the first Monday in August; Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day and Orangemen's Day.
Do schools close on bank holidays?
Yes, most schools in the UK close on bank holidays. However, school term dates are set by local authorities or individual schools, so there may be variations, especially in Scotland.