Full List of Bank Holidays In The UK In 2024
Full List of Bank Holidays In The UK In 2024
Table of Contents

Eight bank holidays are planned for England and Wales in 2024, including three days off in April and May to perhaps take advantage of the nice weather.

When scheduling your time off, it's a good idea to make a note of these dates because you may be able to work in a week while only taking a few days off here and there. The first Monday after a bank holiday that falls on a weekend is designated as a "substitute" bank holiday. Note that not all employees are obligated to take paid leave on certain days, therefore not everyone can take advantage of these vacation days.

What are bank holidays?

In the UK, public holidays known as "bank holidays" are typically commemorated on Mondays. Because banks, government buildings, and the majority of companies are closed on these days, they are known as bank holidays. While some bank holidays are relatively recent additions to the calendar, others have religious or historical roots.

READ MORE: January 2024 US Calendar: Full List of Holidays and Celebrations

The Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which limited public holidays to four days (Easter Monday, the first Monday in August, Boxing Day, and Whit Monday), was the legislation that originally established bank holidays.

The English banker, politician, naturalist, and archaeologist Sir John Lubbock, 1st Lord and Baron Avebury (30 April 1834–28 May 1913), introduced the act.

After being abolished 100 years later, the 1871 Act's provisions were merged into the 1971 Banking and Financial Dealings Act, which continues to provide the legal foundation for bank holidays.

Unknown information about UK bank holidays

-Bank holidays are not required leave days; nevertheless, you can have an employment contract.

-Extra paid yearly leave is not always granted for public holidays designated for royal weddings or the royal jubilee.

-Currently, Northern Ireland enjoys ten public holidays annually, compared to eight in England, Scotland, and Wales.

-The eight bank holidays observed in England are Boxing Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, First Monday in May, Last Monday in May, and Last Monday in August. There are two more holidays in Northern Ireland: Bottle of the Boyne and St. Patrick's Day.

-Certain holidays, like Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, are observed in lieu of bank holidays when they fall on a weekend.

In 2024, how many bank holidays are there in the UK?

In 2024, there will be ten bank holidays in Northern Ireland, nine in Scotland, and eight in England and Wales. Depending on the nation you are in, the bank holiday dates and names may change slightly. A table listing the bank holidays in each nation for 2024 can be found here:

There were once thirty-three public holidays.

There were an astounding 33 official holidays honoring religious festivals and Saint's Days prior to 1834; however, the authorities determined that was too numerous and lowered the number to four in 1934.

READ MORE: 10 Most Famous Holidays In January Around The World

England and Wales don’t do as well as Scotland and Ireland

While England and Wales currently observe eight bank holidays, Scotland and Ireland observe nine, with one additional day off. In Ireland, St Patrick’s Day and Orangemen’s Day are bank holidays and in Scotland, so are 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day, though Scotland doesn’t get Easter Monday.

Compared to most other countries in the globe, the UK has fewer bank holidays.

With just seven public holidays, Mexico is the only nation with fewer holidays than the UK. India has the greatest number of public holidays—21.

Full list of bank holidays in the UK 2024

Date

Day

Bank holiday

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

1 January

Monday

New Year's Day

Yes

Yes

Yes

29 March

Friday

Good Friday

Yes

Yes

Yes

1 April

Monday

Easter Monday

Yes

No

Yes

6 May

Monday

Early May bank holiday

Yes

Yes

No

27 May

Monday

Spring bank holiday

Yes

Yes

No

26 August

Monday

Summer bank holiday

Yes

No

No

25 December

Wednesday

Christmas Day

Yes

Yes

Yes

26 December

Thursday

Boxing Day

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 January

Thursday

2nd January

No

Yes

No

18 March

Monday

St Patrick's Day

No

No

Yes

12 July

Friday

Battle of the Boyne

No

No

Yes

Full list of bank holidays in England and Wales in 2024

  • Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • Friday 29 March – Good Friday
  • Monday 1 April – Easter Monday
  • Monday 6 May – early May bank holiday
  • Monday 27 May – spring bank holiday
  • Monday 26 August – summer bank holiday
  • Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day
  • Thursday 26 December – Boxing Day

Full list of bank holidays in Scotland in 2024

  • Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • Tuesday 2 January
  • Friday 29 March – Good Friday
  • Monday 6 May – early May bank holiday
  • Monday 27 May – spring bank holiday
  • Monday 5 August – summer bank holiday
  • Monday 2 December – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
  • Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day
  • Thursday 26 December – Boxing Day

Full list of bank holidays in Northern Ireland in 2024

  • Monday 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • Monday 18 March – St Patrick’s Day (substitute day)
  • Friday 29 March – Good Friday
  • Monday 1 April – Easter Monday
  • Monday 6 May – early May bank holiday
  • Monday 27 May – spring bank holiday
  • Friday 12 July – Battle of the Boyne
  • Monday 26 August – summer bank holiday
  • Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day
  • Thursday 26 December – Boxing Day

What importance does each bank holiday have?

- New Year's Day is the first day of the year, signaling the beginning of a new calendar. It is marked by fireworks, parties, and resolutions.

- Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating Jesus Christ's crucifixion. For many Christians, it is a day of fasting, prayer, and introspection.

- Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection. For many Christians, it is a day of pleasure and celebration. On this day, some parts of the UK observe traditions such as egg rolling, egg hunting, and Morris dancing.

- May Day, often known as Labour Day, is a bank holiday in early May. It is a day to honor workers' rights and accomplishments. It is also connected with spring events such as Maypole dancing, May Queen crowning, and Beltane burning.

- Whitsun, commonly known as Pentecost, is a spring bank holiday. It is a Christian feast commemorating the arrival of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. It is also a time to appreciate the beautiful spring weather and wildlife.

- The summer bank holiday is sometimes referred to as the August bank holiday or the Late Summer bank holiday. It is a day to unwind and enjoy yourself at the end of the summer season. On this day, many people go on trips, picnics, festivals, or carnivals.

- Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a cultural occasion with gift-giving, family reunions, feasting, and decorating.

- Boxing Day is also known as St Stephen's Day or Wren Day in the United Kingdom. It is a day to express gratitude and offer gifts with others who are less fortunate. It's also a big day for sports including hunting, horse racing, and football.

- The second of January is an extra bank holiday in Scotland, after New Year's Day. It is a day to rest after the festivities and to see friends and family.

- St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Northern Ireland commemorating St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It is a day set aside to honor Irish culture, heritage, and identity. It's also a day for parades, music, dancing, and dressing up in green.

- The Battle of the Boyne is a public holiday in Northern Ireland commemorating King William III's victory against King James II in 1690. For some Protestant communities, it represents a historical and political milestone. It's also a day for marches, bonfires, and flag waving.

Conclusion

In our guide, you can see the bank holiday dates for England, Wales, and Scotland in 2024, and plan how to make the most of your annual leave. If you've already started planning your vacation, browse our gorgeous villas for ideas!

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