When Is the Next Bank Holiday – 2025 & 2026 UK Dates

Bank holidays in the United Kingdom are designated public holidays when most businesses cease operations, though the specific dates depend heavily on which nation you reside in. England and Wales share a common schedule, while Scotland and Northern Ireland observe additional days reflecting distinct cultural and historical traditions.

Understanding these variations is essential for travel planning, business logistics, and employment scheduling. The UK government issues official proclamations annually under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, establishing substitute weekdays when holidays fall on weekends.

When is the Next Bank Holiday in the UK?

• England and Wales observe eight bank holidays annually, while Scotland observes nine and Northern Ireland ten
• Good Friday serves as a bank holiday across all UK jurisdictions
• The UK government publishes official dates through gov.uk
• Substitute weekdays apply when Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day fall on weekends
• Easter Monday remains a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though not in Scotland
• Scotland’s August bank holiday falls three weeks earlier than in England and Wales
• Northern Ireland recognises St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne as official bank holidays

Next Bank Holidays by UK Region

England and Wales

England and Wales share identical bank holiday schedules, observing eight public holidays annually. The next scheduled holiday for these regions falls on Friday 3 April 2026, marking Good Friday. Subsequent dates include Easter Monday on 6 April and the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday 4 May.

Scotland

Scotland recognises nine bank holidays, incorporating 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day alongside the standard UK dates. Notably, Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland, while the August Bank Holiday occurs on 4 August 2025, significantly earlier than in southern regions.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland observes ten annual bank holidays, the highest count among UK nations. Additional dates include St Patrick’s Day on 17 March and the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July. These reflect the region’s distinct cultural heritage and comply with the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.

Upcoming UK Bank Holidays in 2026

Spring Observances

The 2026 calendar commences with New Year’s Day on Thursday 1 January. Good Friday falls on 3 April, followed by Easter Monday on 6 April for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Summer Schedule

The Early May Bank Holiday arrives on Monday 4 May, with the Spring Bank Holiday following on 25 May. Scotland’s August Bank Holiday occurs on 4 August, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland observe their summer holiday on 31 August.

Winter Period

Christmas Day 2026 lands on Friday 25 December, with Boxing Day observed on Saturday 26 December. The official substitute falls on Monday 28 December.

Is Good Friday or Tomorrow a Bank Holiday?

Good Friday constitutes a bank holiday across all UK regions. In 2025, this falls on Friday 18 April; in 2026, on Friday 3 April. Unlike Easter Monday, which Scotland excludes, Good Friday enjoys universal recognition.

Whether tomorrow is a bank holiday depends entirely on the current calendar date. Readers should consult the official government portal for real-time verification, as static publications cannot provide dynamic date checking.

When Do the Next Bank Holidays Fall?

1. 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day (All UK) – source
2. 18 April 2025 – Good Friday (All UK)
3. 21 April 2025 – Easter Monday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
4. 5 May 2025 – Early May Bank Holiday (All UK)
5. 26 May 2025 – Spring Bank Holiday (All UK)
6. 4 August 2025 – August Bank Holiday (Scotland)
7. 25 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
8. 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day (All UK)
9. 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day (All UK)
10. 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day (All UK)

What We Know for Certain About Bank Holiday Dates?

Why Do UK Bank Holidays Differ by Region?

The variation stems from historical legal frameworks predating the 1707 Acts of Union. Scotland maintained its distinct legal system, preserving separate holiday traditions including St Andrew’s Day celebrations. Northern Ireland’s schedule recognises both Christian and culturally significant dates, reflecting the region’s unique historical context.

These distinctions impact cross-border commerce, requiring businesses to maintain flexible staffing models. Historical bank holiday legislation continues to evolve through statutory instruments, with substitute days ensuring workers retain time off when traditional dates fall on weekends.

Official Sources and Confirmations

Next bank holiday in England and Wales is 3 April.

— UK Government, gov.uk

UK bank holidays vary by region: England and Wales have 8 per year; Scotland has 9; Northern Ireland has 10.

— Business Wales, businesswales.gov.wales

What Is the Best Way to Plan for the Next Bank Holiday?

The next UK bank holiday approaches on Friday 3 April 2026, with Good Friday observed across all regions. England and Wales share eight annual holidays, while Scotland and Northern Ireland observe additional dates. For events planning beyond public holidays, consider checking When Does the Premier League Start or seasonal festivals like Radio 2 in the Park 2025 to coordinate your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions