Complete list of United Kingdom bank holidays, national holidays, and public holidays for 2026. This calendar includes all major holidays observed across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Bank holidays are public holidays when banks and many businesses close, while other holidays may be observed locally or by specific communities.
Important holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1), Good Friday (Apr 3), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26). Regional holidays like St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17) in Northern Ireland and St. Andrew's Day (Nov 30) in Scotland are also included.
| Thursday1 January | New Year's Day |
| Friday2 January | 2nd January |
| Sunday25 January | Burns Night |
| Saturday14 February | Valentine's Day |
| Tuesday17 February | Lunar New Year |
| Sunday1 March | St. David's Day |
| Tuesday17 March | St. Patrick's Day |
| Friday3 April | Good Friday |
| Monday6 April | Easter Monday |
| Thursday23 April | St. George's Day |
| Monday4 May | Early May Bank Holiday |
| Monday25 May | Spring Bank Holiday |
| Saturday20 June | King's Birthday |
| Sunday12 July | Battle of the Boyne |
| Monday13 July | Battle of the Boyne observed |
| Monday3 August | Summer Bank Holiday |
| Monday31 August | Summer Bank Holiday |
| Wednesday23 September | September Equinox |
| Saturday31 October | Halloween |
| Thursday5 November | Guy Fawkes Day |
| Sunday8 November | Remembrance Sunday |
| Monday30 November | St. Andrew's Day |
| Thursday24 December | Christmas Eve |
| Friday25 December | Christmas Day |
| Saturday26 December | Boxing Day |
| Monday28 December | Substitute Bank Holiday for Boxing Day |
| Thursday31 December | New Year's Eve |
Planning your year in advance becomes much easier when you know the official holidays. If you live in the UK, work with UK clients, or are planning a trip, this detailed guide to United Kingdom Holidays 2026 will help you stay prepared. From bank holidays to seasonal breaks, knowing the holiday calendar allows better work-life balance, smarter travel planning, and stress-free scheduling.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about UK holidays in 2026, explained in a clear, human-friendly way — perfect for personal use, business planning, or travel preparation.
In the United Kingdom, most public holidays are officially known as Bank Holidays. These are days when banks, government offices, and many businesses remain closed or operate on reduced hours. However, it’s important to note that bank holidays can vary across England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Employers are not legally required to give paid leave on bank holidays unless stated in the employment contract, but many organizations do offer time off.
The UK holiday calendar for 2026 follows a familiar pattern, with a mix of national, religious, and seasonal holidays spread throughout the year. These include:
Some holidays that fall on weekends may be observed on weekdays, known as substitute days, which is especially important for office workers and businesses.
While exact dates may differ by region, the following holidays are widely observed across the UK:
Marks the beginning of the year and is a public holiday throughout the UK. It’s a popular time for rest, celebrations, and short trips.
Easter holidays are important religious and cultural events. Many people use this long weekend for family gatherings or short vacations.
A spring holiday that often signals the start of warmer weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Usually observed in late May, this holiday is popular for festivals, travel, and community events.
Celebrated in August, this is one of the most awaited holidays, especially for families and students.
These are the most widely celebrated holidays in the UK, focused on family, traditions, and year-end celebrations.
The UK is unique because holiday observance can change depending on location:
If you’re working remotely or traveling within the UK, always check region-specific holiday lists.
Knowing holidays in advance helps you apply for leave early, plan long weekends, and manage work schedules more efficiently.
Businesses can plan staffing, project timelines, payroll schedules, and customer support around bank holidays to avoid disruptions.
Flights, hotels, and tourist destinations get booked quickly around holidays. Early planning can save money and avoid last-minute stress.
Smart planning can turn a few public holidays into memorable mini-vacations.
While many UK holidays occur around the same time each year, dates can change depending on weekends and religious calendars like Easter. That’s why checking the official holiday list for 2026 is important before finalizing plans.
Understanding the United Kingdom Holidays 2026 calendar is essential for anyone living, working, or traveling in the UK. Whether you’re planning time off, managing a business, or organizing a family trip, being aware of bank holidays ensures smoother planning and fewer surprises.
Bookmark this guide or save the holiday list so you can make the most of every break in 2026. With the right preparation, public holidays can become valuable opportunities for rest, productivity, and quality time.
• Bank holidays may vary between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Check local listings for specific regional holidays.
• Some holidays like St. Patrick's Day and St. Andrew's Day are observed primarily in specific nations of the UK.
• When Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on weekends, substitute bank holidays are given on the following weekdays.