UK Bank Holidays 2026 Announced: 'Ludicrous' Summer Gap Sparks Outcry

The UK government has officially confirmed the bank holiday schedule for 2026, setting out the days off for workers across the nation's four constituent countries. The announcement, made via a post on the social media platform X, has immediately drawn criticism for creating a lengthy summer break without a single public holiday in England and Wales.

A Patchwork of Public Holidays

The total number of bank holidays in 2026 varies significantly depending on where you live. Residents of England and Wales will receive the fewest, with just eight days officially designated. Scotland fares slightly better with nine days off, while Northern Ireland tops the list with a total of ten public holidays.

This disparity is due to national and regional celebrations. While England and Wales observe the traditional suite of Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Easter, Scotland gets an additional day on January 2. Northern Ireland marks both St Patrick's Day on March 17 and the Battle of the Boyne on July 12 (observed on July 13 in 2026), giving it the highest tally.

The 'Ludicrous' Summer Gap

However, the schedule's structure has provoked a strong reaction. A significant point of contention is the extended period in the summer months where England and Wales have no bank holiday at all. After the Spring bank holiday on May 25, the next day off is not until the Summer bank holiday on August 31.

This creates a gap of over three months, a situation branded as "ludicrous" by critics online. One user, Paul, directly appealed to the government on X, stating: "Please arrange a bank holiday in summer. Nothing between the end of May and the end of August is ludicrous." This sentiment highlights a long-standing grievance, as the UK, particularly England and Wales, has fewer public holidays than most other developed nations.

Historical Context and Full 2026 Calendar

Bank holidays have been a feature of British life since 1871, when an Act of Parliament first allowed banks to close on these days, a practice that eventually extended to the general population. The timing of the summer holiday has shifted over time; prior to 1971, it was typically the first Monday in August for most of the UK, but legislation later moved it to the last Monday, except in Scotland which retained its early August date.

Below are the confirmed bank holiday dates for 2026 across the UK:

England & Wales