UK bank holidays in 2026 include eight public holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland. Key dates include Good Friday (3 April), Early May Bank Holiday (4 May), Summer Bank Holiday (31 August in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland / 3 August in Scotland), and Christmas Day (25 December). Because some holidays fall on Mondays, 2026 offers several long weekends ideal for travel and annual leave planning.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of all UK bank holidays in 2026, including regional differences and key planning insights.

UK Bank Holidays 2026 (England & Wales)

Key Notes:

• Christmas Day falls on a Friday.
• Boxing Day (26 December) falls on Saturday, so the substitute bank holiday will be Monday, 28 December.

Scotland Bank Holidays 2026

Scotland observes most UK-wide holidays but has some differences.

Important Differences:

• Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday.
• Summer Bank Holiday is earlier (the first Monday in August).
• 2 January is a public holiday.

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026

Northern Ireland has additional regional holidays.

Major Holiday Periods in 2026

Easter Weekend (April 3–6, 2026)

A four-day weekend in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

May Double Bank Holiday

Two bank holidays in May (4 May and 25 May) provide excellent opportunities for short breaks.

Christmas Period

With Christmas on a Friday and Boxing Day substitute on Monday, many workers can enjoy a long festive weekend.

How Many Bank Holidays in 2026?

• England & Wales: 8
• Scotland: 9
• Northern Ireland: 10

Northern Ireland typically has the highest number due to additional regional observances.

What Are UK Bank Holidays?

Bank holidays were first introduced in 1871 under the Bank Holidays Act. Today, they serve as official public holidays across the UK. While most employees receive the day off, entitlement depends on employment contracts.

Travel & Business Impact in 2026

• Expect heavier traffic on Easter and Summer Bank Holiday weekends.
• Retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors see increased activity.
• Public transport usually operates on reduced or Sunday schedules.
• Government offices and most banks close nationwide.

Planning annual leave around bank holidays can maximize time off, for example, booking four days off around Easter 2026 can create a 10-day break.

Will There Be Any Extra Bank Holidays in 2026?

As of now, no additional nationwide bank holidays have been announced for 2026. Special one-off holidays typically occur for royal events or national celebrations.

Summary: UK Bank Holidays 2026 at a Glance

2026 offers several long weekends, especially in April, May, August, and December. While most holidays are shared across the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland observe additional regional days.

Whether you’re planning travel, business operations, or annual leave, knowing the full 2026 bank holiday calendar ensures you can make the most of your year.