All 21 UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2025 and 2026 Revealed – Planning your year early can save you a lot of stress — and with all UK Bank Holiday dates for 2025 and 2026 now officially revealed, it’s the perfect time to map out your vacations, short breaks, and family time. Whether you’re dreaming of an extended Easter getaway or maximizing your time off around Christmas, having a full list of bank holidays helps you make smarter plans both professionally and personally.
In this article, we break down the England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland bank holidays for 2025 and 2026. We also offer expert tips to maximize your annual leave, ensure you use long weekends wisely, and stay ahead professionally.
All 21 UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2025 and 2026 Revealed
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Bank Holidays Covered | 21 (across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) |
| Key Months for Long Breaks | April, May, August, December |
| Special Days | St. Patrick’s Day (NI), St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland), Christmas, Easter |
| Official Resource | UK Government Bank Holidays Portal |
| Tip | Use bank holidays with strategic annual leave for extended vacations. |
Now that you know all UK Bank Holidays for 2025 and 2026, it’s time to be strategic. With just a little planning, you can turn regular weekends into dreamy long breaks or secure uninterrupted time for major life events. Whether you’re an employee, employer, or freelancer, using these dates smartly can help you achieve better work-life balance and boost productivity. Don’t forget to check the official bank holiday updates before finalizing your trips!
All UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2025
England and Wales
- Wednesday, 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 18 April 2025 – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April 2025 – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May 2025 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May 2025 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
Scotland
- Wednesday, 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day
- Thursday, 2 January 2025 – 2nd January Holiday
- Friday, 18 April 2025 – Good Friday
- Monday, 5 May 2025 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May 2025 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 4 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, 1 December 2025 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute)
- Thursday, 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland
- Wednesday, 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day
- Monday, 17 March 2025 – St. Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 18 April 2025 – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April 2025 – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May 2025 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May 2025 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 14 July 2025 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)
- Monday, 25 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
All UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2026
England and Wales
- Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 3 April 2026 – Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April 2026 – Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May 2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 31 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December 2026 – Boxing Day (substitute)
Scotland
- Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 2 January 2026 – 2nd January Holiday
- Friday, 3 April 2026 – Good Friday
- Monday, 4 May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May 2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 3 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, 30 November 2026 – St Andrew’s Day
- Friday, 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December 2026 – Boxing Day (substitute)
Northern Ireland
- Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- Tuesday, 17 March 2026 – St. Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 3 April 2026 – Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April 2026 – Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 May 2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 13 July 2026 – Battle of the Boyne (substitute)
- Monday, 31 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December 2026 – Boxing Day (substitute)
How to Maximize Your Time Off in 2025 and 2026
1. Link Bank Holidays with Weekends
Extend your breaks by combining weekends and holidays.
- Easter 2025: Take 4 days off (Tuesday to Friday after Easter Monday) and enjoy a 10-day holiday.
- Christmas 2025: Use 3 days’ leave and get 10 consecutive days off.
2. Plan for Substitute Days
When a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is granted, often boosting your long-weekend opportunities. Always check the official calendar when booking travel or accommodations.
3. Focus on May and August
Both May and August offer strategically placed bank holidays. Booking around these can ensure affordable getaways and less crowded travel compared to peak summer weeks.
FAQs On All 21 UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2025 and 2026 Revealed
Q1. Are all UK countries’ bank holidays the same?
No. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different additional holidays like St. Andrew’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
Q2. Will these dates change?
It’s unlikely. However, in rare cases (such as a national event), the government may announce special holidays. Always monitor official government updates.
Q3. What if I work on a bank holiday?
You may get enhanced pay or a compensatory day off, depending on your employment contract.
Q4. Can holidays differ locally within the UK?
Yes, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where local holidays sometimes vary by council area.
