Bank Holidays 2026

Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the UK bank holidays in 2026, perfect for planning travel, time off, or just marking your calendar.


Bank Holidays 2026 — At a Glance

Here’s the full list of statutory public/bank holidays that most people and organisations recognise:

📅 England & Wales (8 Bank Holidays)

Thursday 1 January 2026 — New Year’s Day
Friday 3 April 2026 — Good Friday
Monday 6 April 2026 — Easter Monday
Monday 4 May 2026 — Early May Bank Holiday (May Day)
Monday 25 May 2026 — Spring Bank Holiday
Monday 31 August 2026 — Summer Bank Holiday
Friday 25 December 2026 — Christmas Day
Monday 28 December 2026 — Boxing Day (Substitute Day)

Boxing Day normally falls on 26 December, but in 2026 this is a Saturday, so the bank holiday is observed on Monday 28 December instead.

📌 What “Substitute Days” Mean
When a public holiday (like Christmas Day or Boxing Day) falls on a weekend, the official bank holiday is often given on a weekday instead — usually the next Monday.

This is why Boxing Day’s holiday is observed on 28 December in 2026.

🗓 Tips for Planning Your Year

Easter Weekend gives a long break from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April in many parts of the UK.

The two May bank holidays can make for a nice spring break — one at the start of May and another at the end.