Here are up to 10 public holidays across the UK each year, depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
This UK Public Holidays guide brings together complete and accurate dates to help families, employees, and businesses plan time off in advance.
Here you’ll find a clear list of UK Public Holidays with confirmed dates, making it easy to check bank holidays and key national observances all in one place.
What are Bank Holidays?
In the UK, the term “bank holiday” is often used exactly with public holiday. They are days when banks and many businesses are closed by law. Originally, these were indeed days when banks suspended trading, but they have evolved into the national public holidays we plan our long weekends around.
How Many Public Holidays Are There in the UK?
The number varies across the UK’s four nations. Typically, England and Wales have 8, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has 10. This is because different nations commemorate different religious, historical and special events.
UK Public Holiday Dates: 2026, 2027 and 2028
Plan ahead with our at-a-glance table of bank holidays UK for the coming years.
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan | 1 Jan* |
| Good Friday | 3 Apr | 26 Mar | 14 Apr |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr | 29 Mar | 17 Apr |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | 3 May | 1 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | 31 May | 29 May |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 Aug | 30 Aug | 28 Aug |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | 26 Dec | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
*Subject to confirmation if 1 Jan falls on a weekend.
Complete List of Public Holidays
Beyond the main dates, here’s a fuller picture:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday: Day after Easter Sunday (not in Scotland)
- Early May Bank Holiday: First Monday in May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Last Monday in May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Last Monday in August (Last Monday in July for Scotland)
- Christmas Day: 25 December
- Boxing Day: 26 December
- Additional Holidays: Scotland has 2 January, and Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July).
Have a Question About School Holiday Dates?
If you’ve spotted an issue, need clarification, or have a question about UK school holidays or term dates, feel free to get in touch with us.
Differences between Bank Holidays and Public holidays
Technically, all bank holidays are public holidays, but not all public holidays are bank holidays. Days like Good Friday and Christmas Day are common law holidays, not officially bank holidays, but are universally observed. For most people, the difference is purely technical and doesn’t affect the day off.
UK School Holidays and Term Dates
While UK Public Holidays are fixed, school term dates UK are set by local authorities and can vary. The standard school year is often split into six terms, separated by school half-term breaks. It’s always best to check your local council school holidays for exact dates, as private schools may differ from state schools.
Check: UK School Holidays
What’s Open on a Bank Holiday?
Expect reduced hours and public transport reduced services. However, many attractions open on Boxing Day welcome visitors. Most large shops open on Easter Sunday now, though trading hours may be shorter. Remember, almost everything is closed on Christmas Day, so plan ahead!
Top Things to Do on a UK Public Holiday
These days are perfect for family activities and special events. Enjoy New Year’s Day activities like a winter walk, explore an attraction over the Easter weekend, or find fun things to do in summer on the late May and August holidays. You can even find unique things to do on Christmas Day, like a festive swim or volunteering.
Easter Holidays in the UK
The Easter Holidays in the UK are a major break. They include Good Friday and Easter Monday (except in Scotland), and often align with a two-week school holiday. It’s a fantastic time for family outings as spring arrives.
Ready to plan your next break? Explore our full UK school holiday calendars to build the perfect family schedule around these public holidays!
Explore Other Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
Useful Resources
For the most authoritative information, always refer to:
- UK GOV: The official GOV.UK website for bank holiday listings.
FAQs
Do I get paid extra for working a bank holiday?
Not automatically. Your extra pay bank holiday depends on your individual’s contract. There is no statutory right to extra pay.
Are shops open on Easter Sunday in England and Wales?
Yes. Most large shops can now trade, though they may have reduced hours. Always check local opening times.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday everywhere in the UK?
Yes. Boxing Day on 26 December is a public holiday across all four UK nations.
Do school holidays include public holidays?
Yes. Public holidays fall within term time, so schools are always closed on those days.
Can public holiday dates change?
Rarely. Dates are fixed years in advance, but they can be moved by special royal proclamation, as seen for royal jubilees.