The August bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, August 31, 2026, giving millions a three-day weekend. This is the last bank holiday before Christmas for those regions.
Benefit payments brought forward
Because the bank holiday is on a Monday, certain benefit payments due that day will be paid early on Friday, August 28. This includes Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance.
Scotland's earlier bank holiday
Scotland already had its summer bank holiday on August 3. However, Scots get an extra day off on November 30 for St Andrew's Day, before the Christmas period.
Christmas and substitute days
Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) are bank holidays, but because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the substitute day is Monday, December 28.
2027 bank holiday dates
The government has announced the following bank holiday dates for 2027.
England and Wales 2027
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- March 26 - Good Friday
- March 29 - Easter Monday
- May 3 - Early May bank holiday
- May 31 - Spring bank holiday
- August 30 - Summer bank holiday
- December 27 - Christmas Day (substitute day)
- December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland 2027
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- January 4
- March 26 - Good Friday
- May 3 - Early May bank holiday
- May 31 - Spring bank holiday
- August 2 - Summer bank holiday
- November 30 - St Andrew's Day
- December 27 - Christmas Day (substitute day)
- December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland 2027
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- March 17 - St Patrick's Day
- March 26 - Good Friday
- March 29 - Easter Monday
- May 3 - Early May bank holiday
- May 31 - Spring bank holiday
- July 12 - Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day)
- August 30 - Summer bank holiday
- December 27 - Christmas Day (substitute day)
- December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
