Planning ahead for long weekends and extended breaks? Knowing the UK bank holidays for 2025, 2026, and 2027 can help you maximize your time off, schedule vacations, or simply enjoy well-deserved rest days.
Whether you’re looking to book a getaway or plan your annual leave strategically, having a full list of upcoming bank holidays is essential.
UK bank holidays, or public holidays, are government-recognized days off work. These holidays mark significant events, such as religious celebrations, historical events, and national observances. They are important for many reasons, such as giving workers a break, promoting cultural awareness, and boosting the economy through tourism.
This year, there will be eight public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Each holiday has its significance and traditions; I’ll share them in more detail in the following sections. By the end of this blog post, you’ll clearly understand the UK bank holidays for 2025 and how they can impact your life.
When Were Bank Holidays Introduced in the UK?
The first bank holiday in the UK was declared by Royal Proclamation in 1871. It was designated as a day of rest for bank employees. The holiday was initially only observed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland did not adopt the holiday until 1971.
August bank holiday was added to the calendar in 1875. The holiday was initially intended to give bank employees a day off to participate in cricket matches. The holiday was moved to the last Monday in August 1971 as part of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act.
Why Is It Called a Bank Holiday?
The term “bank holiday” was used because banks were the only institutions legally required to close these days. However, over time, the concept of bank holidays has expanded to include many other businesses and organizations. Today, bank holidays are observed by schools, government offices, and many private companies.
It’s important to note that bank holidays are different from public holidays. While bank holidays are designated by law, public holidays are not. Public holidays are days when the government and many other organizations are closed but not necessarily defined as bank holidays.
How Many UK Bank Holidays Are There in 2025?
The number of UK bank holidays varies by region in 2025. England and Wales will have eight bank holidays, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland will have nine bank holidays, as it observes 2nd January and St.
Andrew’s Day but does not include Easter Monday. Northern Ireland will have ten bank holidays, adding St. Patrick’s Day and Orangemen’s Day to the standard list. These holidays provide valuable time for rest, travel, and celebrations, making them important dates for individuals and businesses alike.
When is The Next Bank Holiday?
In England and Wales, residents will have to wait until Christmas Day, December 25th, which falls on a Monday, for the next bank holiday. The day after, Tuesday, December 26th, is also a holiday, celebrated as Boxing Day.
In Scotland, the last bank holiday was observed on November 30th for St Andrew’s Day, which was a Thursday.
Following the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays, there will be a significant gap before the next bank holiday arrives. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your weekends wisely and schedule any vacation time you might need in advance.
When are the UK Bank Holidays for England and Wales in 2025?
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Good Friday: 18 April
- Easter Monday: 21 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: 25 August
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 26 December
When are the UK Bank Holidays for England and Wales in 2026?
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: 31 August
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 28 December
When are the UK Bank Holidays for England and Wales in 2027?
In 2027, the bank holidays for England and Wales are scheduled as follows:
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August
- Christmas Day (substitute day): Monday, 27 December
- Boxing Day (substitute day): Tuesday, 28 December
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following weekday is typically designated as a substitute day.
What About Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Patrick’s Day (17th March) and Orangemen’s Day (12th July), commemorating the Battle of the Boyne. These regional variations mean that employees and businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different working schedules compared to the rest of the UK. It’s always advisable to check local regulations and employer policies regarding holiday entitlements.
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Scotland in 2025?
In 2025, Scotland will observe the following bank holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- 2nd January: Thursday, 2 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August
- St. Andrew’s Day: Monday, 1 December
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Please note that bank holidays can vary between the UK’s constituent nations. For instance, Scotland observes 2nd January and St. Andrew’s Day as bank holidays, which are not recognized in England and Wales. Conversely, Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland but not in Scotland.
Additionally, while these dates are designated as bank holidays, not all businesses or banks may close on these days. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or specific institutions for confirmation.
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Scotland in 2026?
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- 2nd January: 2 January
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: 3 August
- St Andrew’s Day: 30 November
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 28 December
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Scotland in 2027?
In 2027, Scotland will observe the following bank holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January
- 2nd January (substitute day): Monday, 4 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 2 August
- St. Andrew’s Day: Tuesday, 30 November
- Christmas Day (substitute day): Monday, 27 December
- Boxing Day (substitute day): Tuesday, 28 December
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following weekday is typically designated as a substitute day. For instance, in 2027, 2nd January falls on a Saturday, so the substitute bank holiday is on Monday, 4 January. Similarly, Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, resulting in substitute holidays on Monday, 27 December, and Tuesday, 28 December.
Please note that while these dates are designated as bank holidays, there is no law requiring banks or businesses to close on these days. Employers are not obligated to provide paid leave on bank holidays; checking your employment contract for specific details is advisable.
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Northern Ireland in 2025?
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- St Patrick’s Day: 17 March
- Good Friday: 18 April
- Easter Monday: 21 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: 26 May
- Battle of the Boyne: 14 July
- Summer Bank Holiday: 25 August
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 26 December
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Northern Ireland in 2026?
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- St Patrick’s Day: 17 March
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: 25 May
- Battle of the Boyne: 13 July
- Summer Bank Holiday: 31 August
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 28 December
When are the UK Bank Holidays for Northern Ireland in 2027?
In 2027, Northern Ireland will observe the following bank holidays:
- New Year’s Day: Friday, 1 January
- St. Patrick’s Day: Wednesday, 17 March
- Good Friday: Friday, 26 March
- Easter Monday: Monday, 29 March
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 May
- Orangemen’s Day: Monday, 12 July
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 30 August
- Christmas Day: Saturday, 25 December (observed on Monday, 27 December)
- Boxing Day: Sunday, 26 December (observed on Tuesday, 28 December)
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following weekday is typically designated as a substitute day. For instance, in 2027, Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, so the holidays are observed on the following Monday and Tuesday.
Please note that while these dates are designated as bank holidays, there is no law requiring banks or businesses to close on these days. Employers are not obligated to provide paid leave on bank holidays; checking your employment contract for specific details is advisable.
Scheduling and Observance
UK Bank Holidays are days when banks and many other businesses are closed for business. They are also public holidays, meaning people get the day off work. Three types of Bank Holidays exist in the UK: Fixed Dates, Variable Dates, and Substitute Days.
Fixed Dates
Fixed Dates are Bank Holidays that fall on the same date every year. There are four Fixed Date Bank Holidays in the UK: New Year’s Day on January 1st, Good Friday, Christmas Day on December 25th, and Boxing Day on December 26th. If any of these holidays fall on a weekend, the following Monday is observed as a Bank Holiday.
Variable Dates
Variable Dates are Bank Holidays that fall on different dates each year. There are two Variable Date Bank Holidays in the UK: Easter Monday and the Spring Bank Holiday, which falls on the last Monday in May. The dates for these holidays change every year, so it’s essential to check the calendar to see when they will fall.
Substitute Days
Substitute Days are bank holidays observed on a day different from the actual holiday. This happens when a Bank Holiday falls on a weekend, and the following Monday is not already a. In this case, the following Monday is observed as a Bank Holiday instead. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday and Tuesday would be Bank Holidays. The same would happen if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, with the following Tuesday and Wednesday being Bank Holidays.
During Bank Holiday weekends, public transport may operate on a reduced schedule, so checking schedules in advance is important. Banks and many other businesses will also be closed, so it’s a good idea to plan if you need to access services during this time.
How Do you Maximize your Annual Leave for 2025?
Maximizing your annual leave in 2025 involves strategic planning around the UK’s bank holidays. By aligning your leave with these dates, you can extend your time off without using additional leave days. Here’s how you can optimize your annual leave in 2025:
1. January: New Year’s Break
- Dates to Book Off: Thursday, 2 January, and Friday, 3 January
- Holiday Period: Wednesday, 1 January to Sunday, 5 January
- Total Days Off: 5 days (2 annual leave days)
2. April: Easter Break
- Dates to Book Off: Monday, 14 April to Thursday, 17 April, and Tuesday, 22 April to Friday, 25 April
- Holiday Period: Saturday, 12 April to Sunday, 27 April
- Total Days Off: 16 days (8 annual leave days)
3. May: Early May Bank Holiday
- Dates to Book Off: Tuesday, 6 May to Friday, 9 May
- Holiday Period: Saturday, 3 May to Sunday, 11 May
- Total Days Off: 9 days (4 annual leave days)
4. May: Spring Bank Holiday
- Dates to Book Off: Tuesday, 27 May to Friday, 30 May
- Holiday Period: Saturday, 24 May to Sunday, 1 June
- Total Days Off: 9 days (4 annual leave days)
5. August: Summer Bank Holiday
- Dates to Book Off: Tuesday, 26 August to Friday, 29 August
- Holiday Period: Saturday, 23 August to Sunday, 31 August
- Total Days Off: 9 days (4 annual leave days)
6. December: Christmas and New Year
- Dates to Book Off: Monday, 22 December to Wednesday, 24 December, and Monday, 29 December to Wednesday, 31 December
- Holiday Period: Saturday, 20 December to Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Total Days Off: 16 days (6 annual leave days)
By implementing this strategy, you can enjoy up to 63 days off by using just 28 days of annual leave. This approach allows you to maximize your time away from work, providing ample opportunity for rest and recreation throughout the year.
Remember to submit your leave requests early, as these popular dates are often in high demand among employees. Additionally, always verify your company’s holiday policy and any regional variations in bank holidays to ensure accurate planning.
Planning for UK Bank Holidays
When planning for UK bank holidays, consider the following strategies and tips to make the most of these days off:
Check the Dates Early: Bank holiday dates can be found on official government websites, like GOV.UK, or through local council websites. Knowing the dates well in advance can help you plan holidays, events, or rest days more effectively.
Understand Regional Variations: Bank holidays can vary across the UK’s four countries—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Make sure to check the specific dates for your region, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional bank holidays compared to England and Wales.
Plan for Travel: Bank holidays are popular times for short trips within the UK or for vacations abroad. Booking your travel and accommodation early can save money and avoid the rush, as prices often increase closer to the date.
Consider the Weather: For outdoor activities or travel plans, consider the UK’s seasonal weather patterns. Spring and summer bank holidays (e.g., Easter Monday, the last Monday in May) might offer better weather for outdoor events compared to early May or late August holidays.
Local Events and Attractions: Many towns and cities host special events over bank holiday weekends, such as festivals, markets, and parades. Check local event calendars for things to do.
Retail and Service Hours: Be aware that shopping centers, supermarkets, public services, and transport systems may operate on reduced hours during bank holidays. Plan any necessary shopping or travel arrangements.
Day Off In Lieu: If you are required to work on a bank holiday, check your employment contract for entitlements such as extra pay or a day off in lieu. Knowing your rights can help you negotiate with your employer.
Book Activities in Advance: If you’re planning to visit attractions, dine out, or attend events, remember that bank holidays are busy times for such activities. Booking tables, tickets, or entry times in advance is wise to ensure availability.
Consider a Staycation: With everyone rushing to get away, sometimes the best retreat is a staycation. Explore local attractions, parks, and museums, many of which may have special bank holiday programming.
Balance Rest and Activity: While it’s tempting to pack your bank holiday with activities, remember these days are also a chance to rest and recharge. Consider setting aside time for relaxation at home or in nature.
Which Bank Holidays Are Changing This Year?
In 2023, since New Year’s Day landed on a Sunday, the associated bank holiday was moved to the following day, Monday, January 2nd.
Good Friday, which occurred on April 15th, 2022, took place earlier in the year in 2023, on April 7th, marking its return to the first week of April.
Additionally, the UK celebrated a special bank holiday on May 8th in honor of King Charles III’s coronation, adding an extra day off to the calendar for that year.
Why Do We Have Bank Holidays?
The tradition of bank holidays in the UK dates back to 1871, initially observed by banks and financial entities as official days off. Over time, this practice expanded beyond the financial sector, with businesses, educational institutions, and government entities also embracing these holidays. Today, bank holidays are a nationwide observance.
However, not everyone gets to take the day off; key workers, as well as employees in sectors like retail, hospitality, and media, may still need to work on these days. For those who do work on a bank holiday, it’s common to receive a compensatory day off, ensuring they don’t miss out on the benefit.
Conclusion
UK Bank Holidays are an essential part of the British culture and economy. They provide a much-needed break from work and allow people to spend time with their families and friends. As we have seen, there are eight bank holidays in the UK, and their dates vary each year. Planning your work schedule and holidays is crucial to make the most of these days off.
Remember that bank holidays can affect your business, so it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest information and plan accordingly. This article has provided valuable insights into UK Bank Holidays and their significance.
Please share this article with your colleagues and friends if you found it helpful. Thank you for reading!
