UK Bank Holidays 2026: Official Dates and the Ultimate “Leave Hack” Guide (Updated Feb 2026)
If you feel like you’ve been at your desk since the dawn of time, don’t worry—the UK bank holidays 2026 schedule is actually quite generous. While we’ve already toasted the New Year, the bulk of our “bridgeable” UK bank holidays are still to come.
⏰ Next Bank Holiday Alert
Good Friday – April 3, 2026 (58 days away)
This is the next bank holiday for England, Wales, and Scotland. Northern Ireland gets an earlier break with St Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2026.The big news for 2026? Scotland gets a special one-off World Cup bank holiday on Monday, June 15th, bringing their total to 10 days and making Scotland the UK’s “holiday capital” this year.
The 2026 “Easter Hack”: 16 Days Off for 8 Days of Leave
🎯 The absolute highlight of the 2026 calendar is the Easter period. Because Good Friday falls on April 3rd and Easter Monday on April 6th, you can exploit the calendar like a professional.
Here’s the exact formula:
- Book leave: Monday, March 30 – Thursday, April 2 (4 days)
- Enjoy: Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) as bank holidays
- Book leave: Tuesday, April 7 – Friday, April 10 (4 days)
The Result: A massive 16-day spring break from Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 12, using only 8 days of your annual leave entitlement.
This is hands-down the best value holiday hack in 2026. Book it now before your colleagues catch on.
Visual planning: Check out our March 2026 Calendar UK and April 2026 Calendar UK to mark your leave dates and visualize this epic break.
England and Wales UK Bank Holidays 2026
England and Wales enjoy 8 standard UK bank holidays this year. The standout feature is the late December “substitute” day, ensuring our Christmas celebrations aren’t cut short by the weekend.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) |
Total: 8 bank holidays
Summer planning: If you’re organizing your summer getaway for the August break, check the August 2026 Calendar UK to ensure you beat the flight price hikes.
Scotland UK Bank Holidays 2026: The World Cup Bonus
Scotland leads the way with 10 UK bank holidays in 2026. The big addition is the special one-off bank holiday on Monday, June 15th to celebrate the national team’s involvement in the World Cup. This is the first time Scotland has granted a bank holiday specifically for a sporting event.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2nd January |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 15 June | Monday | World Cup Special Holiday ⚽ |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (Substitute Day) |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) |
Total: 10 bank holidays (the most in the UK for 2026!)
🏴 Scotland’s World Cup Bank Holiday: The 2026 Spotlight
Monday, June 15, 2026 – A Historic First
This is the first time Scotland has granted a bank holiday specifically for a sporting event. The Scottish Government announced this special one-off bank holiday to celebrate the national team’s appearance in the football World Cup.
Key Facts:
- Date: Monday, June 15, 2026
- Applies to: Scotland only (not England, Wales, or Northern Ireland)
- Status: One-off special bank holiday
- Employer obligations: Check your contract—not all employers are required to give paid time off
Why it matters: This brings Scotland’s 2026 total to 10 UK bank holidays, matching Northern Ireland and exceeding England/Wales by two full days. If you’re planning a World Cup viewing party or a mid-June getaway, book early!
Pro tip: Coordinate with our June 2026 Calendar UK to see how this Monday fits into your plans for maximum weekend extension.
About the World Cup Holiday
The Scottish Government announced this special bank holiday to mark Scotland’s appearance in the football World Cup. It’s a one-off celebration and doesn’t apply to England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Whether your employer will give you paid time off depends on your contract, so check with HR early.
Northern Ireland UK Bank Holidays 2026
Northern Ireland maintains its traditional 10 days of UK bank holidays, including unique regional celebrations like St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 13 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) |
Total: 10 bank holidays
Planning a long weekend? View our March 2026 Calendar UK to see how St Patrick’s Day falls mid-week, or check our July 2026 Calendar UK to manage the mid-summer Battle of the Boyne long weekend.
What is a “Substitute Day”?
Quick Answer: When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, you get a substitute weekday off instead—usually the following Monday. You don’t lose your entitled time off.
You might notice that Monday, December 28th, is listed as a bank holiday across all UK nations. This is because Boxing Day (December 26) falls on a Saturday in 2026.
In the UK, when a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday—normally the following Monday. This ensures you don’t lose out on your entitled time off.
The 2026 substitute days:
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December (all UK nations)
- St Andrew’s Day substitute: Monday, 30 November (Scotland only, as Nov 29 is a Sunday)
Since Christmas Day is on a Friday, we get a natural four-day Christmas weekend from Friday, December 25 through Monday, December 28. Perfect for extended family time or a festive getaway.
Pro-Tips for 2026 UK Bank Holidays Planning
1. Book Early
Now that you have all the UK bank holidays dates, get your annual leave requests into HR before your colleagues do. The Easter hack in particular will be popular.
2. The May Double-Dip
With two bank holidays in May (the 4th and the 25th), it’s the cheapest time for a Mediterranean “shoulder season” trip. Flights and hotels are significantly cheaper than summer peak season, and the weather is already glorious.
Planning tool: Use our May 2026 Calendar UK to plot your escape between the two bank holidays.
3. Check School Terms
Bank holidays often align with school half-terms, meaning prices for travel will spike. If you don’t have kids, try to travel the week after a bank holiday when families have returned and prices drop.
4. Scotland’s June Jackpot
If you’re in Scotland, the June 15th World Cup holiday creates another long weekend opportunity. Book June 16-17 off to create a 5-day break.
5. The Christmas Super Weekend
With Christmas on a Friday and the substitute Boxing Day on Monday, you automatically get a 4-day weekend. No leave required. Just enjoy.
See the full festive period: View our December 2026 Calendar UK to see how that four-day block lines up perfectly.
Coordinating UK Bank Holidays with School Holidays 2026
For parents planning family time, here’s how UK bank holidays align with typical school breaks:
Easter Holidays (Early April)
The Easter UK bank holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday) fall during the standard two-week Easter break. Perfect for the family trip you’ve been planning.
May Half-Term (Late May)
The Spring UK bank holiday (Monday, May 25) typically coincides with the one-week May half-term. Expect higher prices for popular destinations.
Summer Holidays (Late July – August)
The Summer UK bank holiday (Monday, August 31) falls near the end of the summer break. England/Wales schools usually return early September, while Scottish schools return earlier in mid-August.
Note: School term dates vary by local authority. Always check your council’s specific dates when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Bank Holidays 2026
When is the next UK bank holiday in 2026?
Following New Year’s Day in January, the next bank holiday for the entire UK is Good Friday on April 3, 2026.
Northern Ireland has an earlier one: St Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2026.
Is there an extra UK bank holiday in 2026?
Yes! Scotland has a special one-off UK bank holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026 to celebrate the national team’s World Cup appearance. This is unique to Scotland and doesn’t apply to other UK nations.
Why is Monday, December 28, 2026 a bank holiday?
Since Boxing Day (December 26) falls on a Saturday, Monday, December 28 is designated as a substitute bank holiday. This ensures workers receive their entitled day off during the working week.
How many bank holidays does each UK nation get in 2026?
- England and Wales: 8 bank holidays
- Scotland: 10 bank holidays (including the World Cup special)
- Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays
Are bank holidays automatically paid days off?
No. There’s no automatic legal right to paid time off on bank holidays in the UK. Your entitlement depends on your employment contract. However, most full-time employees receive bank holidays as paid leave, or they’re included in your minimum annual leave entitlement (5.6 weeks including bank holidays).
Part-time and shift workers should check their contracts—holiday entitlement is usually calculated proportionally.
Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?
Yes, unless your contract specifically guarantees bank holidays off. Many sectors (retail, hospitality, healthcare, emergency services) operate on bank holidays.
If you’re required to work, some employers offer enhanced pay rates or alternative days off, though this isn’t a legal requirement—it depends on your contract.
Quick Reference: 2026 UK Bank Holidays Count
| UK Nation | Total UK Bank Holidays | Unique Days |
|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 8 | None |
| Scotland | 10 | 2nd January, World Cup Holiday (June 15), St Andrew’s Day, Summer BH on Aug 3 (not Aug 31) |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne |
Planning Your 2026 UK Bank Holidays: Final Checklist
✅ Mark the Easter hack dates (March 30 – April 2, April 7-10)
✅ Submit leave requests early (before colleagues do)
✅ Check your employment contract for UK bank holiday entitlements
✅ Coordinate with school terms if you have children
✅ Book travel early for popular UK bank holiday weekends
✅ Consider shoulder seasons (May) for better value holidays
✅ Download the Full 2026 UK Calendar to see all holidays at a glance
📊 Article Enhancement Summary
This guide has been optimized to help you maximize your 2026 bank holidays:
| Enhancement | Purpose | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Hack Callout | Increases user engagement and bookmarks | 16 days off for 8 days leave |
| Substitute Day Explanation | Reduces bounce rate by answering “Why is Dec 28 a holiday?” | Clear understanding |
| Regional Breakdown | Targets localized search terms (Scotland, NI, Wales bank holidays) | Regional relevance |
| School Term Alignment | Captures parent demographic search intent | Family planning |
| Next Holiday Alert | Immediate actionable information | Quick reference |
| World Cup Spotlight | Trending 2026 keyword targeting | Scotland-specific value |
Official Resources & Authoritative Links
For the most up-to-date information on official UK bank holidays, always refer to these trusted sources:
- GOV.UK Bank Holidays – Official UK government source for all confirmed bank holiday dates
- Scottish Government News – For Scotland-specific announcements including the World Cup bank holiday confirmation
- NI Direct – Northern Ireland-specific bank holiday information and regional observances
For complete year planning: Download our Full 2026 UK Calendar to see all bank holidays, weekends, and optimal leave booking windows at a glance.
🎯 Visual Planning Aid
Pro Tip: For the Easter hack to work seamlessly, we recommend printing or bookmarking a visual calendar. Our Easter 2026 Leave Planner shows the exact 16-day bridge in color-coded format, making it easier to:
- Submit accurate leave requests to HR
- Avoid booking the wrong dates
- Visualize weekends vs. bank holidays vs. leave days
- Share the plan with family or travel companions
This visual aid significantly increases your “time on page” understanding and helps avoid costly booking mistakes.
Make the Most of Your 2026 UK Bank Holidays
2026 offers excellent opportunities to maximize your time off, particularly with the Easter period where strategic booking can yield 16 consecutive days off for just 8 days of annual leave.
Scotland enjoys an exceptional year with the special World Cup UK bank holiday, bringing the total to 10 days. Whether you’re planning family holidays, organizing getaways, or simply want those precious long weekends, start planning your 2026 UK bank holidays now to make the most of this vibrant year.
The early bird gets the beach chair. Book your leave today!Last updated: February 2026
Next update: December 2026 (for 2027 bank holiday dates)
