UK Bank Holidays 2026
Bank holidays differ across the UK: England and Wales share one list, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own.
England and Wales
8 bank holidays · 253 working days
Next: Christmas Day, 25 December 2026
Scotland
10 bank holidays · 251 working days
Next: St Andrew’s Day, 30 November 2026
Northern Ireland
10 bank holidays · 251 working days
Next: Christmas Day, 25 December 2026
2026 bank holidays by nation
✓ = a bank holiday there. Where the local name differs, it is shown instead. R = regional only, P = part day, O = optional, L = limited (e.g. public service only).
| Date | Holiday | ENG/WAL | SCO | NI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 1 January | New Year’s Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fri 2 January | 2nd January | · | ✓ | · |
| Tue 17 March | St Patrick’s Day | · | · | ✓ |
| Fri 3 April | Good Friday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mon 6 April | Easter Monday | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Mon 4 May | Early May bank holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mon 25 May | Spring bank holiday | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mon 15 June | World Cup bank holiday | · | ✓ | · |
| Mon 13 July | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) | · | · | ✓ |
| Mon 3 August | Summer bank holiday | · | ✓ | · |
| Mon 31 August | Summer bank holiday | ✓ | · | ✓ |
| Mon 30 November | St Andrew’s Day | · | ✓ | · |
| Fri 25 December | Christmas Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mon 28 December | Boxing Day | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2026?
It depends where you are. England and Wales has 8; Scotland has 10; Northern Ireland has 10.
Which bank holidays apply everywhere in the UK in 2026?
New Year’s Day (1 January 2026), Good Friday (3 April 2026), Early May bank holiday (4 May 2026), Spring bank holiday (25 May 2026), Christmas Day (25 December 2026), Boxing Day (28 December 2026).
Where are the most bank holidays in the UK in 2026?
Northern Ireland, with 10. England and Wales has the fewest, with 8.
Also see UK bank holidays 2027 or public holidays in other countries.
Sources
Dates checked against these official sources on 6 November 2026. Your own entitlement depends on your contract and the rules that cover your workplace, so confirm with your employer before you book leave. This page is general information, not legal or payroll advice.