UK Calendar March 2026: Major Holidays, Festivals and Key Events
UK Calendar in March 2026

March 2026 in the UK: Month Overview

March marks the UK’s transition from winter to spring. While it remains a full working month with no UK-wide bank holidays, it is one of the most event-driven periods of the year, especially for sport, racing, and cultural observances.

Longer daylight hours, improving weather, and a dense national calendar make March particularly attractive for visitors interested in sporting tradition, seasonal festivals, and major UK awareness campaigns.

UK Public Holidays in March 2026

  • No UK-wide bank holidays in March 2026

  • Normal business and school schedules apply

  • Local school term dates may vary slightly by region

Read more:

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

- Top 30 Holidays and Festivals Most Popular in the UK in 2026: A Complete Guide

- Top 10 Largest Holidays and Festivals in the U.K

The Biggest Events in the UK – March 2026

Cheltenham Festival (10–13 March 2026)

The Cheltenham Festival is the most important jump racing meeting in the UK and one of the biggest annual sporting events in Britain.

Why it dominates March

  • Four days of elite National Hunt racing

  • Flagship races including the Cheltenham Gold Cup

  • Tens of thousands of spectators each day

Impact beyond racing

  • Cheltenham and surrounding areas experience near-total accommodation sell-outs

  • Strong economic impact on hospitality, retail, and transport

  • Significant national media coverage

For visitors, this is one of the busiest weeks of the UK sporting year. Booking travel and hotels well in advance is essential.

Six Nations Championship – Final Rounds (Mid–Late March)

March concludes the Six Nations Championship, with the final decisive fixtures typically played across the middle weekends of the month.

Why March matches matter most

  • Championship titles are often decided in the final rounds

  • Stadiums reach peak attendance

  • Pubs and city centres see intense match-day activity

For rugby fans, March is the climax of the Six Nations season, making it one of the liveliest periods of the sporting calendar.

St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, 17 March 2026

St Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated across the UK, particularly in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and cities with strong Irish heritage.

What to expect

  • Parades, live music, and cultural performances

  • Irish-themed events in pubs and public venues

  • Large crowds, especially in central London

While not a public holiday, it is one of the most visible cultural celebrations of the month.

Mother’s Day (UK): Sunday, 15 March 2026

Known locally as Mothering Sunday, UK Mother’s Day falls in mid-March and is widely observed.

Practical impact

  • Restaurants book out quickly for Sunday lunch

  • Retailers see strong demand for flowers and gifts

  • Travel volumes increase slightly for family visits

It is one of the most commercially and socially significant non-holiday dates in the UK calendar.

British Science Week: 6–15 March 2026

British Science Week is a nationwide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

Why it matters

  • Events hosted by schools, museums, universities, and research centres

  • Public lectures, exhibitions, and hands-on activities

  • Strong participation across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

For families and educators, this is a key educational week in March.

Head of the River Race: 21 March 2026

Held on the River Thames in London, the Head of the River Race is one of the world’s largest rowing events.

Key highlights

  • Over 400 crews competing

  • Spectator-friendly riverbank viewing

  • Strong link to the UK’s rowing tradition

The event brings spring energy to London’s riverside areas and attracts both domestic and international competitors.

Other Notable Dates and Observances

International Women’s Day – Sunday, 8 March

Marked across the UK with talks, conferences, exhibitions, and campaigns focused on gender equality and women’s achievements.

Spring Equinox – Friday, 20 March 2026

Astronomical start of spring, often referenced by cultural institutions, gardens, and heritage sites.

Practical Planning Tips for March 2026

  • Expect busy travel during Cheltenham Festival and Six Nations weekends

  • Book early for mid-March accommodation in racing and rugby cities

  • March is ideal for visitors seeking events and atmosphere without bank-holiday crowds

  • Weather improves but remains variable; layering is recommended

Final Takeaway

March 2026 may lack UK public holidays, but it delivers one of the most diverse and high-impact event calendars of the year. From world-class horse racing and international rugby to cultural celebrations and national awareness weeks, March sets the tone for the UK’s spring season.