Next UK Bank Holiday – Complete Dates & Regional Guide 2026
Next UK Bank Holiday 2026 – Upcoming Dates & Opening Times
The next UK bank holiday in England and Wales is Monday 31 August 2026 – the Summer Bank Holiday. But the date differs depending on whether you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, where additional holidays such as St Andrew’s Day and St Patrick’s Day create separate calendars. Knowing the exact date for your region is important for planning travel, banking, or shopping.
Bank holidays in the UK are not uniform across all four nations. Scotland and Northern Ireland observe their own public holidays on top of the common UK-wide dates. While the core set – New Year’s Day, Good Friday, the Spring and Summer bank holidays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day – appears in most regions, the timing and additional days vary. Checking the official government calendar for your specific nation is the most reliable way to confirm what lies ahead.
This article provides the confirmed dates for 2026, 2027, and 2028, explains regional differences, covers what to expect for opening times, and answers the most common questions about upcoming bank holidays. All information is sourced from official government publications and reputable calendar providers.
When Is the Next UK Bank Holiday?
31 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday
8
England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
gov.uk/bank-holidays
- The next bank holiday in England and Wales is the Summer Bank Holiday on 31 August 2026.
- Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday falls earlier, on 3 August 2026.
- Northern Ireland shares the 31 August date but also has St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Battle of the Boyne (13 July) as bank holidays.
- In 2026, the Early May bank holiday is 4 May and the Spring Bank Holiday is 25 May for England and Wales.
- Bank holidays are set by legislation and royal proclamation; the next date is legally confirmed and will not change.
| Date | Day | Bank Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 31 August 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) |
| 1 January 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 14 April 2027 | Friday | Good Friday |
What Are the UK Bank Holidays in 2026 and 2027?
The calendars for 2026, 2027, and 2028 are already established. While the basic pattern remains the same, the exact dates shift year to year, and each nation adds its own holidays. Below are the confirmed dates for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
2026 Bank Holidays
| Nation | Dates |
|---|---|
| England and Wales | 1 Jan, 3 Apr, 6 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 31 Aug, 25 Dec, 28 Dec |
| Scotland | 1 Jan, 2 Jan, 3 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 15 Jun, 3 Aug, 30 Nov, 25 Dec, 28 Dec |
| Northern Ireland | 1 Jan, 17 Mar, 3 Apr, 6 Apr, 4 May, 25 May, 13 Jul, 31 Aug, 25 Dec, 28 Dec |
Scotland’s 2 January and 30 November (St Andrew’s Day) are public holidays unique to Scotland. Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (13 July). These are not bank holidays in England and Wales.
2027 Bank Holidays
| Nation | Dates |
|---|---|
| England and Wales | 1 Jan, 26 Mar, 29 Mar, 3 May, 31 May, 30 Aug, 27 Dec, 28 Dec |
| Scotland | 1 Jan, 4 Jan, 26 Mar, 3 May, 31 May, 2 Aug, 30 Nov, 27 Dec, 28 Dec |
| Northern Ireland | 1 Jan, 17 Mar, 26 Mar, 29 Mar, 3 May, 31 May, 12 Aug, 30 Aug, 27 Dec, 28 Dec |
2028 Bank Holidays
| Nation | Dates |
|---|---|
| England and Wales | 3 Jan, 14 Apr, 1 May, 29 May, 28 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec |
| Scotland | 3 Jan, 4 Jan, 14 Apr, 1 May, 29 May, 7 Aug, 30 Nov, 25 Dec, 26 Dec |
| Northern Ireland | 3 Jan, 14 Apr, 17 Apr, 1 May, 29 May, 14 Jul, 28 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec |
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday is designated – usually the following Monday. For example, in 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) is a Saturday, so the substitute day is Monday 28 December. Always check whether you are looking at the named holiday or its substitute.
When Are the May and August Bank Holidays in 2026?
Two of the most anticipated bank holidays each year are the May and August (Summer) bank holidays. Their exact dates depend on the region.
May bank holidays 2026
The Early May bank holiday falls on the first Monday of May: 4 May 2026 across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Spring Bank Holiday is the last Monday of May: 25 May 2026 (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). In 2027 these dates shift – the Early May holiday is 3 May and the Spring holiday is 31 May.
August bank holiday 2026
The Summer Bank Holiday in England and Wales is 31 August 2026. In Scotland it is earlier, on 3 August 2026. Northern Ireland shares the 31 August date with England and Wales. For 2027, the pattern is similar: Scotland on 2 August, England/Wales and Northern Ireland on 30 August.
If you live in Scotland or are visiting in August, note that the Scottish Summer Bank Holiday is three to four weeks earlier than in the rest of the UK. This can affect school holidays, transport schedules, and event timings. Always verify local dates before making plans.
Will Shops Be Open on the Next UK Bank Holiday? (Opening Times)
There is no single rule for opening times on bank holidays. Most banks close their branches entirely, though digital banking remains available. Retailers vary widely: many large supermarkets operate reduced Sunday-style hours, while smaller independent shops may close for the day.
Because bank holiday dates differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a chain store may be open in one nation but closed in another on the same calendar date. The government advises checking individual branch or store websites for their specific holiday schedule, especially for services like post offices, pharmacies, and petrol stations. For the latest official information, consult GOV.UK.
What Are the Upcoming Bank Holidays in the UK?
The following timeline lists the upcoming bank holidays for England and Wales from August 2026 through to August 2027, with notes on regional differences for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- 31 August 2026 – Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; Scotland’s was 3 August)
- 25 December 2026 – Christmas Day
- 28 December 2026 – Boxing Day (substitute)
- 1 January 2027 – New Year’s Day
- 2 January 2027 – 2 January (Scotland only)
- 14 April 2027 – Good Friday
- 17 April 2027 – Easter Monday (not Scotland)
- 3 May 2027 – Early May bank holiday
- 31 May 2027 – Spring Bank Holiday
- 2 August 2027 – Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only)
- 30 August 2027 – Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
What Is Certain and Uncertain About UK Bank Holidays?
Established information
- All dates published on GOV.UK are legally confirmed for the years shown.
- The next bank holiday for England and Wales – 31 August 2026 – is fixed by legislation.
- Bank holidays follow a consistent pattern: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday (except Scotland), Early May, Spring, Summer, Christmas, Boxing Day, plus region-specific days.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional statutory holidays that are not observed elsewhere.
Information that remains unclear
- Potential extra bank holidays for royal events (e.g., a coronation or jubilee) have not been announced for 2026–2028.
- Opening times on bank holidays are not mandated – each retailer and bank decides individually. Always verify with the specific branch or store.
- While 2026–2028 dates are confirmed, any change by royal proclamation (extremely rare) would alter the schedule only for that specific year.
How Are UK Bank Holidays Determined?
The framework for bank holidays in the UK comes from the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, which sets the standard days. Extra holidays can be added by royal proclamation – for example, for a monarch’s birthday or a national celebration. The concept itself dates back to the Bank Holidays Act 1871, originally intended to close banks but later adopted widely across businesses and public services.
Regional differences exist because Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own public holiday traditions codified separately. Scotland observes 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 November) as bank holidays. Northern Ireland includes St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) on 13 July (or substitute). These are not recognised in England and Wales.
For a deeper look at where the rules come from, the National Archives maintains records of royal proclamations that have created additional one-off bank holidays in the past.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information?
The next bank holiday in England and Wales is 31 August Summer bank holiday.
– GOV.UK
Confirmed UK Bank Holidays Dates for 2026 & 2027 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
– Johnsons Calendars
In addition to the official GOV.UK page, travellers can consult VisitBritain’s public holiday guide for general information. The Business Wales portal also provides a Wales-focused overview. For legislative background, the full text of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 is available online.
What’s Next After the Next Bank Holiday?
Once the 31 August 2026 Summer Bank Holiday passes, the next dates on the calendar are Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (substitute 28 December). For those planning further ahead, the 2027 calendar includes a Good Friday on 14 April and the Early May bank holiday on 3 May. Knowing your specific nation’s list helps avoid surprises, especially when crossing borders for work or travel. If you are checking eligibility for benefits or pension entitlements, you may also find the article on How Much State Pension If Never Worked – UK Guide 2025 useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bank holidays in the UK?
The UK has 8 permanent bank holidays in England and Wales: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional days.
What is the bank holiday calendar for the UK?
The official calendar is published by the UK government at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It lists dates for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
When is the Spring Bank Holiday in the UK?
In 2026, the Spring Bank Holiday in England and Wales is Monday 25 May. In 2027, it is Monday 31 May.
When is the May Day bank holiday in the UK?
The Early May bank holiday (often called May Day) is the first Monday in May. In 2026, it is Monday 4 May. In 2027, it is Monday 3 May.
Will shops be open on the next UK bank holiday?
Opening times vary. Many large supermarkets open with reduced hours, while smaller shops may close. It’s best to check individual store websites for the next bank holiday.
Why does Scotland have different bank holidays?
Scotland has its own public holiday traditions, including 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. The Summer Bank Holiday is also earlier in Scotland than in England and Wales.
What is a substitute bank holiday?
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a weekday (usually Monday) is designated as the substitute holiday. For example, in 2026, Boxing Day is on Saturday 26 December, so the substitute is Monday 28 December.
Are there any extra bank holidays planned for 2026–2028?
No additional bank holidays for royal events or other reasons have been officially announced for these years. The dates shown on GOV.UK are the complete set.
How can I check bank holiday opening times for a specific store?
Visit the store’s official website or contact the branch directly. Many chains publish holiday opening hours a few weeks before the date. Also check local variations for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What’s the next bank holiday after Summer Bank Holiday 2026?
After 31 August 2026, the next bank holiday in England and Wales is Christmas Day on 25 December 2026.
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