The full list of UK bank holidays for 2026 has now been confirmed, giving workers and travellers a clearer view of long weekends and key breaks across the year. While many dates follow the usual pattern, a newly introduced holiday and a substitute day adjustment bring fresh changes for some regions.
Bank holidays continue to differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, making it important to check region-specific schedules before planning time off.
Easter weekend brings the first major break
The next group of public holidays arrives with Easter. Good Friday falls on April 3, followed by Easter Monday on April 6 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scotland follows a slightly different schedule, recognising Good Friday only, as Easter Monday is not observed as a bank holiday.
Spring bank holidays set for May
The government has confirmed two key spring dates, with the Early May bank holiday on May 4 and the Spring bank holiday on May 25. These holidays apply across all UK nations, offering two long weekends during late spring.
Summer holidays vary across regions
Summer bank holidays differ depending on location. Scotland observes its break earlier on August 3, while England, Wales and Northern Ireland mark the occasion on August 31.
Northern Ireland also celebrates the Battle of the Boyne on July 13, a regional holiday not recognised elsewhere in the UK.
Extra bank holiday confirmed for Scotland
A notable addition this year is an extra bank holiday in Scotland on June 15. The day has been introduced to mark the national football team’s return to the FIFA World Cup after nearly three decades.
The decision was formally approved under UK banking regulations, as outlined in official updates shared via UK government bank holiday announcements.
Year-end holidays include substitute day
All parts of the UK will observe Christmas Day on December 25, followed by a substitute holiday for Boxing Day on December 28. This adjustment ensures workers receive a full public holiday when Boxing Day falls over the weekend.
Full UK bank holidays list for 2026
England and Wales: January 1, April 3, April 6, May 4, May 25, August 31, December 25, December 28.
Scotland: April 3, May 4, May 25, June 15, August 3, November 30, December 25, December 28.
Northern Ireland: March 17, April 3, April 6, May 4, May 25, July 13, August 31, December 25, December 28.
With dates now confirmed, 2026 offers multiple long weekends and a unique additional holiday for Scotland. Planning ahead with regional differences in mind will help make the most of these breaks throughout the year.
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