As workers across the United Kingdom trickle back into offices after the festive season, one question seems to be echoing in break rooms and inboxes everywhere: when’s the next bank holiday? The start of 2026 brings with it not only the return of early alarms and crowded commutes, but also an eagerness to pencil in those precious days off. While the calendar may not offer any unexpected surprises this year, there’s still plenty to look forward to—if you know where to look.
Last year’s August bank holiday was a scorcher, with the village of Hawarden in Flintshire recording a record-breaking 29.1 degrees Celsius. According to The Independent, this temperature set a new bar for late-summer heat, prompting sunseekers to flock to parks and beaches across the country. For many, the memory of that balmy weekend is a reminder of just how much a well-timed day off can brighten up the work calendar.
Some had hoped for an extra bank holiday in 2025, especially after the Lionesses’ thrilling victory at the Euros. The government, however, decided against granting another day off, despite the national team’s achievement. The squad did get their moment in the spotlight, though, with a warm reception at Downing Street—a gesture that, while appreciated, didn’t quite match the public’s appetite for a bonus holiday. As The Independent put it, “Although we didn’t get to enjoy that extra day off, the trophy-hoarding squad received a warm welcome with a reception at Downing Street.”
So, what’s on the horizon for 2026? While there’s no sign of a surprise bank holiday like the one granted in 2023 for King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, the year is packed with major international events. The men’s football World Cup is set to take place in the United States, promising to capture the attention of fans across the UK. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will unfold in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Alps. These global spectacles may not bring an extra day off, but they’re sure to provide plenty of watercooler conversation as the year unfolds.
But let’s get down to brass tacks: when are the confirmed bank holidays for 2026? The answer, as always, depends on where you live in the UK. Each nation has its own set of dates—some shared, some unique—so it pays to check the list carefully before planning that long weekend getaway or family gathering.
For those in England and Wales, the first break comes with Good Friday on April 3, followed closely by Easter Monday on April 6. The Early May bank holiday falls on Monday, May 4, offering a welcome respite as spring gets underway. Later in the month, the Spring bank holiday lands on Monday, May 25. The long summer days are capped off with the Summer bank holiday on Monday, August 31. As the year winds down, Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, and Boxing Day (observed as a substitute day) on Monday, December 28, round out the calendar.
Scotland’s bank holiday lineup shares many of the same dates, but with a few important differences. Good Friday is observed on April 3, followed by the Early May bank holiday on May 4 and the Spring bank holiday on May 25. However, Scotland’s Summer bank holiday arrives a bit earlier, on Monday, August 3. St Andrew’s Day, a uniquely Scottish celebration, is marked on Monday, November 30. As with the rest of the UK, Christmas Day falls on December 25 and Boxing Day is observed on December 28 as a substitute day.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, enjoys a few additional holidays. St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17, kicks off the year’s festivities. Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6 are both observed, as are the Early May (May 4) and Spring (May 25) bank holidays. The Battle of the Boyne—also known as Orangemen’s Day—is marked with a substitute day on Monday, July 13. The Summer bank holiday aligns with England and Wales on August 31, and, like elsewhere, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (substitute) are set for December 25 and 28, respectively.
These dates, confirmed by The Independent, provide a roadmap for the year ahead. While the absence of an extra bank holiday in 2026 may disappoint some—especially those still reminiscing about the unexpected day off for the King’s coronation—the regular lineup still offers ample opportunity for rest and celebration.
It’s worth noting that the tradition of bank holidays in the UK dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which first established these special days as a means to give workers a break from the grind. Over the years, the list has evolved, with new holidays added and others shifted to accommodate changing customs and royal events. The 2023 coronation holiday, for instance, was a one-off—a rare treat that’s unlikely to be repeated in the near future, according to multiple reports.
Of course, there’s always a bit of wishful thinking when it comes to bank holidays. After the Lionesses’ historic win, there was a flurry of social media campaigns and petitions urging the government to mark the occasion with a national day off. But as The Independent noted, “It looks unlikely that the UK will see an extra bank holiday, after Brits received a day off in 2023 for King Charles III’s coronation ceremony.” For now, it seems, the official calendar is set in stone.
Still, the year ahead is far from lacking in excitement. With the men’s football World Cup drawing crowds to pubs and living rooms across the country, and the Winter Olympics offering a spectacle of athletic prowess, there’s plenty to celebrate—even if you have to do it on your own time. And who knows? If the weather repeats last year’s record-breaking heat, the August bank holiday could be another one for the books.
For those plotting their escapes or simply looking forward to a well-earned rest, the message is clear: mark your calendars, book your train tickets early, and make the most of the days off you do have. The UK’s bank holiday schedule for 2026 may not include any surprises, but it still offers a welcome break from the daily routine—and, if you’re lucky, a few sunny afternoons to remember.
As the year unfolds and the rhythms of work and life settle in, these dates serve as milestones—reminders to pause, celebrate, and recharge. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue, a solo hike, or simply a lie-in with a good book, there’s something to be said for the simple pleasure of a day off. And with 2026’s bank holidays already marked, the countdown to the next one has already begun.
