How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2026? Full List and What to Expect

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Public holidays in the United Kingdom, known as bank holidays, shape everything from business operations to school schedules, tourism patterns, and family planning. If you are organising your calendar for 2026, you may be asking: How many public holidays will the UK have in 2026?

The answer depends on the region.
The UK does not have a single unified holiday calendar. Instead, England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each observe their own set of bank holidays.

Here is the quick breakdown for 2026:

• England and Wales: 8 public holidays

• Scotland: 9 public holidays

• Northern Ireland: 10 public holidays

Below is a full guide to every date and what makes each region unique.

Public holidays in the United Kingdom known as bank holidays

UK Bank Holidays in 2026 by Region

1. England and Wales: 8 Public Holidays in 2026

England and Wales share the same holiday calendar. Here are the official bank holidays for 2026:

1. New Year’s Day
   Thursday, January 1

2. Good Friday
   Friday, April 3

3. Easter Monday
   Monday, April 6

4. Early May Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 4

5. Spring Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 25

6. Summer Bank Holiday
   Monday, August 31

7. Christmas Day
   Friday, December 25

8. Boxing Day
   Saturday, December 26
   (Observed Monday, December 28)

England and Wales traditionally have fewer public holidays compared with Scotland and Northern Ireland.

2. Scotland: 9 Public Holidays in 2026

Scotland observes several unique holidays, making its total higher.

Here are Scotland’s 2026 bank holidays:

1. New Year’s Day
   Thursday, January 1

2. 2nd January Holiday
   Friday, January 2

3. Good Friday
   Friday, April 3

4. Early May Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 4

5. Spring Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 25

6. Summer Bank Holiday
   Monday, August 3
   (Scotland observes this earlier than other UK nations)

7. St Andrew’s Day
   Monday, November 30

8. Christmas Day
   Friday, December 25

9. Boxing Day
   Saturday, December 26
   (Observed Monday, December 28)

Scotland’s distinctive holidays include 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, reflecting Scottish cultural heritage.

3. Northern Ireland: 10 Public Holidays in 2026

Northern Ireland has the highest number of public holidays of all UK nations due to additional cultural and religious observances.

Here is the full list for 2026:

1. New Year’s Day
   Thursday, January 1

2. St Patrick’s Day
   Tuesday, March 17

3. Good Friday
   Friday, April 3

4. Easter Monday
   Monday, April 6

5. Early May Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 4

6. Spring Bank Holiday
   Monday, May 25

7. Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen’s Day
   Sunday, July 12
   (Observed Monday, July 13)

8. Summer Bank Holiday
   Monday, August 31

9. Christmas Day
   Friday, December 25

10. Boxing Day
    Saturday, December 26
    (Observed Monday, December 28)

Northern Ireland’s calendar addsSt Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne, both highly significant in its cultural history.

Boxing Day

Why the UK Has Different Holiday Counts

Three main reasons explain the differences:

1. Devolved governments

Each UK nation controls its own bank holidays.

2. Distinct cultural and religious traditions

Scotland and Northern Ireland observe holidays tied to local heritage.

3. Historical variations

Some holidays date back centuries and remain region-specific.

This is why England and Wales have fewer public holidays than Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Holiday Patterns to Note in 2026

Midweek Christmas and Boxing Day Observance

• Christmas falls on Friday.

• Boxing Day falls on Saturday, so the holiday shifts to Monday, December 28.

Multiple Long Weekends

Most public holidays fall on Mondays, creating natural long weekends ideal for travel.

Good Friday and Easter Monday

These dates drive major tourism and retail activity every year.

Tips for Planning Around UK Holidays in 2026

For workers

• Use Monday holidays to stretch vacation days into longer breaks.

• Plan annual leave early for Easter, May, and Christmas periods.

For employers

• Prepare staffing plans for retail peaks around Easter and Christmas.

• Review payroll deadlines that fall near bank holidays.

For travellers

• Expect higher hotel rates during Easter and May bank holidays.

• Book trains and flights early, especially for Christmas week.

What is boxing day - a post-Christmas British holiday, the best deal for sale?

Conclusion

So how many public holidays does the UK have in 2026?

• England and Wales: 8

• Scotland: 9

• Northern Ireland: 10

Each nation has its own traditions, which gives the UK one of the most diverse public holiday calendars in Europe. By knowing the exact dates, you can plan your work schedule, travel, and business operations with confidence.

FAQs

1. Why do England and Wales share the same holidays?

They follow the same bank holiday legislation and cultural traditions.

2. Which UK nation has the most public holidays in 2026?

Northern Ireland, with 10 holidays.

3. Does Scotland get more holidays every year?

Yes. Scotland traditionally observes additional holidays like January 2 and St Andrew’s Day.

4. Are bank holidays mandatory days off for all workers?

No. Employers decide whether staff get paid leave, though most follow standard practice.

5. Will any holidays shift because they fall on weekends in 2026?

Yes. Boxing Day falls on Saturday, so it is observed on Monday, December 28.

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