UK Bank Holidays 2026 to 2028 in England and Wales
In this guide
Quick answer: The next bank holidays in England and Wales are 25 December 2026 (Christmas Day) and 28 December 2026 (Boxing Day, substitute day). Dates for 2027 and 2028 are below, from GOV.UK. Bank holidays differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Bank holidays in England and Wales
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Fri 25 December 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Mon 28 December 2026 | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
| Fri 1 January 2027 | New Year’s Day |
| Fri 26 March 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 March 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Mon 3 May 2027 | Early May bank holiday |
| Mon 31 May 2027 | Spring bank holiday |
| Mon 30 August 2027 | Summer bank holiday |
| Mon 27 December 2027 | Christmas Day (substitute day) |
| Tue 28 December 2027 | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
| Mon 3 January 2028 | New Year’s Day (substitute day) |
| Fri 14 April 2028 | Good Friday |
| Mon 17 April 2028 | Easter Monday |
| Mon 1 May 2028 | Early May bank holiday |
| Mon 29 May 2028 | Spring bank holiday |
| Mon 28 August 2028 | Summer bank holiday |
| Mon 25 December 2028 | Christmas Day |
| Tue 26 December 2028 | Boxing Day |
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Their schedules differ. GOV.UK says the next bank holiday in Scotland is 30 November (St Andrew’s Day) and that Scotland’s schedule includes 2 January. The next in Northern Ireland is 25 December, and its schedule includes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day).
What bank holidays mean for work
Employers do not have to give bank holidays as paid leave, and may count them as part of statutory annual leave. Check your contract and read our holiday entitlement guide.
Common mistakes
- Assuming bank holidays are extra paid days off.
- Forgetting that banks and offices may be closed when you need documents processed.
FAQ
What is a substitute day?
When a holiday falls on a weekend, GOV.UK lists a weekday substitute, as in the table above.
Key takeaways
- Dates differ by UK nation.
- Check your contract for how holidays count.
- Plan paperwork around closures.
Related guides
- First 90 days in a new country
- UK holiday entitlement
- UK employment contract basics
- Open a UK bank account
Last updated: October 2026. Dates can change, so check the official page.
Sources
- GOV.UK: UK bank holidays