UK Bank Holidays 2026: Complete List Before Easter Weekend

UK Bank Holidays 2026: Complete List Before Easter Weekend

Easter brings a four-day weekend for many across the UK. Below is a clear rundown of remaining bank holidays in 2026 for each nation.

England and Wales

Here is the complete list for England and Wales in 2026. These dates follow the Easter weekend.

  • Good Friday — 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday — 6 April 2026
  • Early May bank holiday — Monday 4 May 2026
  • Spring bank holiday — Monday 25 May 2026
  • Summer bank holiday — Monday 31 August 2026
  • Christmas Day — Friday 25 December 2026
  • Boxing Day (substitute day) — Monday 28 December 2026

Scotland

Scotland observes one additional bank holiday in 2026. This mark recognises the nation’s World Cup participation.

  • Good Friday — 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday — 6 April 2026
  • Early May bank holiday — Monday 4 May 2026
  • Spring bank holiday — Monday 25 May 2026
  • World Cup bank holiday — Monday 15 June 2026
  • Summer bank holiday — Monday 31 August 2026
  • St Andrew’s Day — Monday 30 November 2026
  • Christmas Day — Friday 25 December 2026
  • Boxing Day (substitute day) — Monday 28 December 2026

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland retains its region-specific holidays for 2026. One is the Battle of the Boyne observance.

  • Good Friday — 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday — 6 April 2026
  • Early May bank holiday — Monday 4 May 2026
  • Spring bank holiday — Monday 25 May 2026
  • Battle of the Boyne — Monday 13 July 2026
  • Summer bank holiday — Monday 31 August 2026
  • Christmas Day — Friday 25 December 2026
  • Boxing Day (substitute day) — Monday 28 December 2026

Substitute day for Boxing Day

Boxing Day falls on a weekend in 2026. A substitute holiday is observed on Monday 28 December 2026.

Context and history

England and Wales typically recognise eight bank holidays each year. Scotland usually lists nine, while Northern Ireland records ten.

Special events can add extra days. For example, 2022 included two additional national holidays for the late Queen.

Historically, the UK once listed 33 official holidays. The Bank Holidays Act of 1871 reduced and codified the number.

Internationally, India has the most bank holidays at 21. Mexico schedules the fewest, with seven national public holidays.

Employers must also consider statutory leave. The legal minimum for a five-day week is 28 days of paid annual leave.

For a concise, up-to-date guide to Bank Holidays 2026 across the UK and plans before the Easter weekend, visit Filmogaz.com.