Planning your year ahead starts here. Our complete guide lists every UK public holidays 2026, giving you the official bank holidays UK dates to mark in your UK holiday calendar. Discover the key UK public holidays 2026 dates and days, from New Year’s Day 2026 UK to Christmas 2026 UK, including nation-specific days like the St. Andrew’s Day holiday Scotland 2026.
We’ll also show you how these Bank Holidays 2026 fit around the UK school holiday dates 2026, helping you plan perfect family breaks.
Here you’ll find a complete and reliable list of UK Public Holidays 2026, making it easy to check bank holidays and key national observances throughout the year.
What Are UK Public Holidays?
In the UK, we typically refer to our national days off as Bank Holidays. This tradition stems from the 1871 Bank Holidays Act. These are days when banks and many businesses close, giving most people a day off work. While there’s no legal distinction, “public holiday” is often used interchangeably, though technically not all bank holidays are statutory public holidays everywhere.
What Difference between Public Holidays and Bank Holidays
It’s a common point of confusion! Essentially, all UK Bank Holidays are a type of public holiday. The term “bank holiday” is the legal one. There’s no practical difference between Public Holidays and Bank Holidays for most people planning their year. They are the highlighted days on your calendar when schools are closed and normal routines pause.
The Complete UK Public Holidays 2026 List
Here is the full UK Public holidays 2026 list at a glance. This is your quick-reference UK holiday calendar.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Applicable Nation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | All UK |
| 2 Jan 2026 | Friday | New Year’s Holiday (Common Local Holiday) | Scotland |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Friday | Good Friday 2026 | All UK |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday 2026 UK | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May bank holiday 2026 | All UK |
| 1 Jun 2026 | Monday | Spring bank holiday 2026 | All UK |
| 3 Aug 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday 2026 UK | Scotland |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday 2026 UK | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 30 Nov 2026 | Monday | St. Andrew’s Day holiday Scotland 2026 (Substitute) | Scotland |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | All UK |
| 28 Dec 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day substitute day 2026 | All UK |
Note: St. Patrick’s Day Northern Ireland (17 March) is not a bank holiday in 2026 as it falls on a Tuesday.
Nation-by-Nation Breakdown: UK Public Holidays 2026
The UK has four nations, and their public holidays England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales differ slightly.
England Public Holidays 2026
England has 8 standard bank holidays in England 2026: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May, Spring, Late Summer (August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (or its substitute).
Scotland Public Holidays 2026
Scotland often has more bank holidays in Scotland 2026. For 2026, these include an additional New Year’s holiday on 2nd Jan and a unique Summer Bank Holiday in early August. St. Andrew’s Day is observed on the following Monday (30 Nov).
Wales Public Holidays 2026
Currently, bank holidays in Wales 2026 align exactly with England’s schedule.
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2026
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2026 include all English holidays plus two significant ones: St. Patrick’s Day (when it falls on a weekday) and the Battle of the Boyne observed 2026 (The Twelfth) on 13 July.
Key Holiday Highlights for 2026
- Easter & Spring: The Easter holidays UK 2026 period is anchored by Good Friday 2026 and Easter Monday 2026 UK. The Spring bank holiday follows on 1 June.
- Summer: Note the different Summer Bank Holiday 2026 UK dates: Scotland enjoys theirs in early August, while the rest of the UK has the late August date.
- Christmas 2026 UK: Christmas Day is on a Friday. Boxing Day is on a Saturday, so the Boxing Day substitute day 2026 is Monday, 28 December.
Religious & Cultural Observances in 2026
Beyond official bank holidays, other notable dates include Mother’s Day UK 2026 (22 March), Father’s Day UK 2026 (21 June), Remembrance Sunday (8 Nov), and Guy Fawkes Day (5 Nov). Twelfth Night (5 Jan) and Epiphany (6 Jan) mark the end of Christmas. Ramadan Start 2026 and Eid ul Fitr 2026 are important Islamic observances (dates TBC). The King’s Birthday 2026 is also celebrated, typically in June.
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.
UK Public Holidays 2026 and School Holidays
These Bank Holidays 2026 often form the bookends or highlights within longer school breaks. The Easter Monday 2026 UK holiday falls within the Easter holidays UK 2026, while the late August Summer Bank Holiday signals the end of the summer break for many. The Early May and Spring holidays often create welcome Summer half-term 2026 long weekends.
Check: England School Holidays
Practical Information: What to Expect on a Bank Holiday
Wondering what is closed on UK bank holidays? Banks, post offices, and most offices will be shut. Many shops operate reduced hours, and public transport over Easter bank holiday and other holidays often runs a Sunday service. Always check specific timetables.
Making the Most of Your 2026 Bank Holidays
These days are perfect for a family trip. Use long weekends for short UK breaks or to kickstart DIY projects. Booking travel and accommodation early for the Summer Bank Holiday 2026 UK or Easter holidays UK 2026 is highly recommended.
With this complete guide to UK public holidays 2026, you’re perfectly equipped to plan your year. From knowing the bank holidays in Scotland 2026 to understanding the Boxing Day substitute day 2026, you can now confidently schedule family time, travel, and relaxation.
Bookmark this page and make 2026 your most organised year yet!
Explore More Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- England Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
Useful Resources
For absolute confirmation of dates, always refer to the official GOV.UK website. It’s the definitive source for UK Bank Holidays.
FAQs
Are shops open on UK bank holidays?
Yes, but often with reduced hours. Large supermarkets may open later and close earlier. Small independent shops may choose to close.
Is public transport affected on bank holidays?
Yes. Trains and buses typically run a reduced, Sunday-style service. It’s crucial to check your local operator’s timetable in advance.
What is a substitute bank holiday?
A substitute bank holiday is when a holiday like Christmas Day falls on a weekend. The following Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) becomes the observed holiday UK.
Do you get an extra day off if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
Yes. If Christmas Day or Boxing Day fall on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is given on the next weekday.
Is St. Patrick’s Day a bank holiday in Northern Ireland?
Yes, St. Patrick’s Day Northern Ireland is a bank holiday, but only when it falls on a weekday. In 2026, it’s on a Tuesday, so it will be observed.
What are UK school holidays in 2026?
UK school holiday dates for 2026 vary by local authority but typically include: Easter holidays UK 2026 (late March-mid April), Summer half-term 2026 (late May), a 6-week summer break (late July-early Sept), autumn half-term (late Oct), and Christmas holidays (mid-Dec to early Jan). Always check your local council’s website for exact dates.
How to maximize UK holidays in 2026?
Maximise your 2026 holidays by strategically using annual leave. For example, book 4 days off (Tue-Fri) after the Early May bank holiday 2026 (Mon 4 May) for a 9-day break. Do the same around the Spring bank holiday 2026 (Mon 1 June). Plan family trips and book accommodation early, especially for the Summer Bank Holiday 2026 UK weekends.
