Bank Holidays 2026 – Best Days to Plan Long Weekends in the UK

Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK help people plan holidays, family trips and time off work. Knowing these official public holidays lets you take advantage of long weekends, schedule annual leave smartly and avoid work surprises. Let’s go over everything you require.

What are Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK and why do they exist?

Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK refer to the official public holidays recognized by law. The Banking and Financial Dealings Act of 1971, which established standardized closing days for banks and several companies, is the source of these issues.

• They help people relax, travel or celebrate.

• They are typically closed or paid more by employers.

• They ensure fair holiday access across sectors.

How many bank holidays are there in 2026?

In 2026, England & Wales have eight statutory Bank Holidays, Scotland has nine, and Northern Ireland has 10.

• These totals include both national and region-specific holidays.

• Scotland observes unique holidays like St Andrew’s Day and 2nd January, which are not UK-wide.

• Northern Ireland includes additional days such as St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne.

• England and Wales share a common set of eight public holidays, including Easter and Christmas.

• Some holidays may shift to the following Monday if they fall on a weekend (known as a substitute day).

• Employers typically align their leave policies with these dates, though actual days off may vary by contract or industry.

When are the nationwide Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK?

The 8 major holidays in England & Wales in 2026 are as follows:

Which Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK vary by country?

Scotland

Northern Ireland

When to take annual leave in 2026?

Plan smart annual leave to enjoy long breaks:

• Easter: Enjoy 10 days off (3–12 April) over 4 days (Tuesday–Friday, 7–10 April).

• Early May: A 4‑day spring break (2–5 May) with just 1 leave day.

• Christmas: Take 4 days (Mon–Thu 21–24 Dec) so you get 10 days off (19–28 Dec) using just 4 leave days.

Comparison table – Leave days vs. total break:

How are Easter holidays observed differently in Scotland?

In the UK, including Scotland, Good Friday is a bank holiday.

• In contrast to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Scotland does not provide Easter Monday as a bank holiday.

• Some Scottish employers may choose to offer Easter Monday as an optional or additional day off.

• Schools in Scotland often remain closed on Easter Monday, even though it’s not an official public holiday.

This difference affects annual leave planning for workers across UK-based teams, especially for businesses with offices in multiple regions.

How many business days are there in 2026?

• A standard UK working year includes around 252 weekdays (Monday to Friday).

• In England and Wales, subtracting the 8 Bank Holidays gives approximately 244 business day.

• The exact number may vary slightly by countdown method or regional holiday exemptions.

• Leap years (like 2026) contain 366 days, but this does not significantly affect the working day count.

Does a 28‑day holiday include bank holidays?

• The UK statutory minimum is 28 days of paid annual leave for full-time workers.

• Employers can choose to include Bank Holidays within this allowance.

• If included, you’ll have fewer flexible days to use at your discretion.

• Some companies offer 28 days plus Bank Holidays, especially in competitive sectors.

• It’s important to check your employment contract or staff handbook for specific arrangements.

• Part-time employees receive a pro-rated equivalent, which may also include Bank Holidays depending on workdays.

Are there 8 bank holidays every year?

Yes, England & Wales normally have eight Bank Holidays. However, this number can increase:

• In the event that a holiday falls on a weekend, a replacement day is chosen.

• Extra holidays occur for special events (e.g. coronations).

• Regional holidays differ (Scotland/Northern Ireland get more).

In 2026, it’s the standard eight.

How do substitute days work in Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK?

When a Bank Holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a weekday (usually Monday) becomes the official substitute.

• In 2026, Boxing Day (26 Dec) is on a Saturday, so Monday 28 Dec is the substitute holiday.

• Substitute days ensure workers don’t miss out on statutory holiday time due to weekend overlap.

• These adjusted dates are legally recognized and observed by most employers.

• There may also be regional differences, such as in Northern Ireland, where the Battle of the Boyne is rescheduled for Monday, July 13.

• Calendars typically note both the original date and the substitute to avoid confusion.

Why does planning around Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK matter?

• Businesses adjust operating hours and staffing needs.

• Travelers should book ahead—long weekends fill hotels and transport.

• Families can align childcare and school breaks.

• Employees can maximize paid leave and avoid burnout.

Do you get paid for bank holidays in 2026?

• Clarify there’s no automatic legal right to be paid or time off—this depends on your employment contract.

• Outline typical practices: full‑time staff often get 28 days’ leave including bank holidays, while others may not.

• Note special arrangements for part‑time or shift workers.

How do bank holidays affect benefits and public services?

• If a benefit payment date (e.g., Universal Credit, State Pension, or Child Benefit) falls on a Bank Holiday, it is usually paid on the last working day before the holiday.

• Payments may arrive earlier than expected, but the amount stays the same—budgeting is essential to manage gaps.

• HMRC services and Jobcentres may close or operate reduced hours, delaying application processing or queries.

• Post Offices are generally closed on Bank Holidays, affecting access to in-person services and some benefit payments.

• Transport for London (TfL), local buses, and trains often run Sunday or limited holiday timetables.

• Licensing and local councils may pause services like vehicle licensing, waste collection, or planning permissions.

What quirky traditions or events happen during bank holiday weekends?

• Describe May Day festivities, village fairs, and August music festivals.

• Note that during Easter, shops often close on Sunday, but smaller ones remain open.

How do bank holidays impact travel and accommodations?

• Train and coach fares typically increase in the days leading up to Bank Holidays due to high demand.

• Motorways and A-roads see heavier congestion, especially near popular destinations like the Lake District, Cornwall, and coastal towns.

• Campsites, hotels, and B&Bs sometimes sell out weeks or even months in advance.

• Airports experience longer queues and possible delays, so early arrival is advised for holiday weekends.

• Travel experts recommend booking tickets well in advance and travelling mid-day or late evening to avoid peak traffic.

• Consider using lesser-known routes or staying in nearby towns to save on accommodation costs.

Can employers ask you to work on a bank holiday?

Unless your contract explicitly guarantees Bank Holidays off, your employer can ask or require you to work.

• Sectors like retail, healthcare, emergency services, and hospitality commonly require staff on holidays.

• Employees may be entitled to time off in lieu (TOIL) or enhanced pay—this depends on the employer’s policy or union agreement.

• Part-time or flexible workers should ensure their Bank Holiday entitlements are fair and proportional.

• Some contracts offer guaranteed Bank Holidays off, especially in public sector or office-based roles.

Always check your employment contract or staff handbook to clarify your rights.

When do clocks change in 2026 and how does that align with bank holidays?

British Summer Time (BST) starts on Sunday, 29 March 2026—clocks go forward by one hour at 1 a.m.

• BST ends on Sunday, 25 October 2026, when clocks go back one hour, returning to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

• The start of BST occurs just before Easter weekend, affecting schedules for travel and religious events.

• These time changes may impact transport timetables, international flights, and automated services.

• Workers on overnight shifts during clock changes may be entitled to additional pay or adjusted hours.

It’s a good idea to double-check appointments, especially around the March and October transitions.

Are banks and schools closed on Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK?

• Most banks are closed on Bank Holidays, though online banking remains accessible.

• Schools typically close, though independent schools may set different term dates.

• Nurseries and childcare centres often shut, impacting working parents and carers.

• Shops and supermarkets may remain open, especially in tourist-heavy areas, though reduced hours apply.

• Entertainment centres, restaurants, and movie theatres frequently remain open and may see an increase in patronage.

• Public transport services operate on reduced or Sunday schedules, so travelers should check TfL or local service updates.

Conclusion

Bank Holidays 2026 in the UK give you predictable long weekends and time to recharge. With eight main holidays in England & Wales (plus regional variations), you can plan annual leave smartly, know your business days, and make the most of your statutory allowance. Use the tables above to map your year and enjoy a balanced, productive 2026!

FAQs

How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2026?

In 2026, there are:

• 8 bank holidays in England & Wales

• 9 in Scotland

• 10 in Northern Ireland

Are bank holidays paid days off?

Not necessarily. Payment depends on your employment contract. Some jobs include bank holidays in paid leave, while others don’t.

What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?

A substitute day is assigned—usually the next working weekday. For example, Boxing Day in 2026 falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 December is the substitute holiday.

Are schools and banks closed on bank holidays?

Yes, during bank holidays, the majority of banks and schools are closed.. However, some shops, tourist services, and restaurants stay open.

Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?

No, only Good Friday is a statutory holiday in Scotland; Easter Monday is not.

Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?

Yes, if your employment contract allows it. Employers may require you to work bank holidays and may offer overtime or time off in lieu.

Will benefit payments be delayed due to bank holidays?

Yes, if a benefit payment falls on a bank holiday, it usually arrives on the last working day before the holiday.

Are travel services affected during bank holidays?

Yes, train timetables, bus routes, and traffic conditions change. Expect delays and book travel early during long weekends.