Scenic view of Anstruther Harbour in Fife, Scotland, showing moored fishing boats, calm water, and historic waterfront buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

What Are the Official UK Bank Holidays in 2026?

In 2026, the official UK bank holidays are as follows:

- New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January
- 2nd January (Scotland only) – Friday, 2 January
- St Patrick’s Day ☘️ (Northern Ireland only) – Tuesday, 17 March
- Good Friday – Friday, 3 April
- Easter Monday (Not observed in Scotland) – Monday, 6 April
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 25 May
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) ☘️ (Northern Ireland) – Monday, 13 July (Substitute Day)
- Summer Bank Holiday
  - Scotland: Monday, 3 August
  - England, Wales & Northern Ireland: Monday, 31 August
- St Andrew’s Day (Scotland only) – Monday, 30 November
- Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day – Monday, 28 December (Substitute Day)

Bank Holidays 2026 by country

These holidays offer a valuable opportunity for rest, cultural celebrations, and extended weekends with family and friends. Be sure to check which apply in your region, as some are nation-specific.

View of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, with Westminster Bridge spanning the River Thames, a Union Jack flag in the foreground, and a red and white tour boat on the water under a blue sky.

Bank Holidays 2026 England & Wales

Below is a list of all public holidays for 2026. These holidays will happen in both 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)

UK Bank Holidays 2026: Scotland

Which UK public holidays will happen in Scotland in 2026? Here is how to keep your calendar updated:

- Thursday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 2 January – 2nd January
- 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)

Panoramic view of Edinburgh at sunset, featuring the Balmoral Hotel clock tower, Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, the Scott Monument, and a Ferris wheel in the background, with golden light casting a warm glow over the city.

Colorful waterfront buildings and fishing boats in the harbor of Cobh, Ireland, with St. Colman's Cathedral rising in the background under a bright blue sky.

Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2026

Explore the special bank holidays that are unique to Northern Ireland in 2026. If you live in Northern Ireland, here is what you can look forward to regarding bank holidays in your area in 2026:

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 (Substitute Day)
Monday, 31 August – Summer Bank Holiday
Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day
Monday, 28 December – Boxing Day (Substitute Day)

When is Easter in 2026?

In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April.

2026 Bank Holiday Summary

Here’s a quick overview of the official UK bank holidays in 2026:

In 2026, the official UK bank holidays include: New Year’s Day (January 1), 2nd January (January 2 – Scotland only), St Patrick’s Day ☘️ (March 17 – Northern Ireland only), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6 – not observed in Scotland), Early May Bank Holiday (May 4), Spring Bank Holiday (May 25), Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) ☘️ (July 13 – Northern Ireland, substitute day), Summer Bank Holiday (August 3 – Scotland only), Summer Bank Holiday (August 31 – England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), St Andrew’s Day (November 30 – Scotland only), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (observed as a substitute on December 28).