UK Bank Holidays 2026 (England & Wales)

For anyone planning annual leave, job changes, or simply looking to maximise long weekends, here are the official UK bank holidays for 2026.

⚠️ Note: Dates below apply to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional country-specific holidays.

January

• Thursday 1 January – New Year’s Day

April

• Friday 3 April – Good Friday

• Monday 6 April – Easter Monday

May

• Monday 4 May – Early May Bank Holiday

• Monday 25 May – Spring Bank Holiday

August

• Monday 31 August – Summer Bank Holiday

December

• Friday 25 December – Christmas Day

• Monday 28 December – Boxing Day (substitute day, as 26th falls on a Saturday)

Scotland & Northern Ireland (Important Note)

If you’re based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, there are additional public holidays such as:

• St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland)

• St Andrew’s Day (Scotland)

• Local and regional observances

Employers often follow regional calendars, so it’s always worth checking your contract or local authority guidance.

Why This Matters for Work & Careers

Bank holidays aren’t just days off — they influence:

• Annual leave planning

• Notice periods and start dates

• Payroll and shift patterns

• Interview availability

• Return-to-work schedules after job changes

Being aware of the full calendar early can help avoid awkward overlaps, especially when changing roles or negotiating start dates.

Quick Planning Tip

In 2026, Easter and the Christmas period both create strong opportunities for extended breaks with minimal annual leave taken — ideal if you’re balancing work, family time, or a career transition.