As Brits return to work after the festive break, the pressing question on many minds is when the next long weekend will arrive. While hopes for an extra bank holiday to celebrate sporting triumphs, like the Lionesses' Euros win, didn't materialise, the calendar for 2026 is still packed with opportunities for a well-deserved rest.
When is the Next Bank Holiday in 2026?
The first bank holiday of the year arrives at different times across the UK. Northern Ireland enjoys the earliest break, with a day off on Tuesday, 17 March for St Patrick's Day. For the rest of the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, and Wales – the wait is a little longer, with the next public holiday falling on Good Friday, 3 April.
This follows a pattern from recent years where additional national holidays have been rare. The last extra UK-wide bank holiday was in 2023 for the coronation of King Charles III. With major events like the Men's Football World Cup and the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics scheduled for 2026, no further special holidays are currently anticipated.
The Complete 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
Here is the full list of confirmed bank holiday dates across the United Kingdom for 2026. Remember that these dates can affect business hours, public transport, and school closures.
England and Wales
The bank holidays for England and Wales in 2026 are as follows:
- Friday, 3 April - Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April - Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 31 August - Summer bank holiday
- Friday, 25 December - Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
Scotland has a slightly different schedule, which includes St Andrew's Day and a different Summer bank holiday date:
- Friday, 3 April - Good Friday
- Monday, 4 May - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 3 August - Summer bank holiday
- Monday, 30 November - St Andrew’s Day
- Friday, 25 December - Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland benefits from the most bank holidays, including St Patrick's Day and a commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne:
- Tuesday, 17 March - St Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 3 April - Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April - Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 13 July - Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- Monday, 31 August - Summer bank holiday
- Friday, 25 December - Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Planning Your Year Around UK Public Holidays
With the dates now firmly set, Britons can start planning their travel, family gatherings, and DIY projects. The bank holiday weekends, particularly the late May Spring bank holiday and the August Summer bank holiday, are traditionally popular for short breaks. After the record-breaking heat of 2025's August holiday, where temperatures hit 29.1C in Hawarden, Flintshire, many will be hoping for similarly pleasant conditions in 2026.
While the call for an extra bank holiday to honour national achievements remains popular, the existing calendar provides a solid framework for the year ahead. Mark these key dates in your diary now to ensure you make the most of your statutory time off in 2026.
