The complete schedule of bank holidays for the United Kingdom in 2026 has been confirmed, featuring notable adjustments that will affect millions of workers and families across the nation. This year, several key dates have been shifted, most prominently the Easter holidays, which arrive a full fortnight earlier than they did in 2025.
Key Changes to the 2026 Calendar
In 2026, while the majority of bank holidays fall on their usual annual dates, albeit with slight daily variations, three specific holidays have been officially moved. The most significant alteration involves the Easter period, which this year occurs two weeks earlier compared to the previous year. This shift impacts Good Friday and Easter Monday across the UK.
Additionally, a substitute bank holiday has been designated for December 28, 2026. This change is necessary because Boxing Day, traditionally observed on December 26, lands on a Saturday in 2026. Consequently, the substitute day ensures that workers still receive their entitled day off.
Regional Variations in Bank Holiday Totals
The number of bank holidays varies significantly between the different nations of the UK. Typically, England and Wales enjoy eight bank holidays in a standard year, unless special occasions, such as a royal coronation, grant an additional day. In 2026, no such extra holiday is scheduled, so the count remains at eight.
Scotland typically observes nine bank holidays annually, while Northern Ireland residents benefit from ten. These totals include festive periods like Christmas, New Year, and Easter, alongside other culturally significant dates throughout the year.
Complete List of 2026 Bank Holidays
England and Wales
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 6 April: Easter Monday
- 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- 31 August: Summer bank holiday
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 28 December: Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 2 January: 2nd January
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- 3 August: Summer bank holiday
- 30 November: St Andrew's Day
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 28 December: Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
- 1 January: New Year's Day
- 17 March: St Patrick's Day
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 6 April: Easter Monday
- 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- 13 July: Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) (substitute day)
- 31 August: Summer bank holiday
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 28 December: Boxing Day (substitute day)
The next bank holiday in England, Wales, and Scotland is now less than two months away, arriving two weeks earlier than in 2025. For Northern Ireland, the upcoming national day off is even closer, providing residents with an earlier opportunity for rest and celebration.
