UK Bank Holidays 2025 & 2026

Get ready for an unforgettable escape in 2025 with cottages.com! With plenty of bank holidays on the calendar, it’s the perfect opportunity to maximise your holiday days. Imagine yourself relaxing in a charming cottage during those long weekends. Why wait? Explore our wide range of available cosy retreats and start planning your dream holiday today!

England and Wales Bank Holidays 2024, 2025 & 2026

Bank Holidays in 2024

• New Year’s Day – Monday 1st January

• Good Friday – Friday 29th March

• Easter Monday – Monday 1st April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 6th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 27th May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 26th August

• Christmas Day – Wednesday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Thursday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2025

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday 1st January

• Good Friday – Friday 18th April

• Easter Monday – Monday 21st April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25th August

• Christmas Day – Thursday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Friday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2026

• New Year’s Day – Thursday 1st January

• Good Friday – Friday 3rd April

• Easter Monday – Monday 6th April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 4th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 25h May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 31st August

• Christmas Day – Friday 25th December

• Boxing Day (Substitute) – Monday 28th December

Bank Holidays Northern Ireland 2024, 2025 & 2026

Bank Holidays in 2024

• New Year’s Day – Monday 1st January

• St Patrick’s Day – Monday 18th March (substitute day)

• Good Friday – Friday 29th March

• Easter Monday – Monday 1st April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 6th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 27th May

• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – Friday 12th July

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 26th August

• Christmas Day – Wednesday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Thursday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2025

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday 1st January

• St Patrick’s Day – Monday 17th March

• Good Friday – Friday 18th April

• Easter Monday – Monday 21st April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May

• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – Monday 14th July (substitute day)

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25th August

• Christmas Day – Thursday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Friday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2026

• New Year’s Day – Thursday 1st January

• St Patrick’s Day – Tuesday 17th March

• Good Friday – Friday 3rd April

• Easter Monday – Monday 6th April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 4th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 25th May

• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – Monday 13th July (substitute day)

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 31st August

• Christmas Day – Friday 25th December

• Boxing Day (substitute) – Monday 28th December

Bank Holidays Scotland 2024, 2025 & 2026

Bank Holidays in 2024

• New Year’s Day – Monday 1st January

• 2nd January Bank Holiday – Tuesday 2nd January

• Good Friday – Friday 29th March

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 6th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 27th May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 26th August

• St Andrew’s Day – Monday 2nd December (substitute day)

• Christmas Day – Wednesday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Thursday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2025

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday 1st January

• 2nd January Bank Holiday – Thursday 2nd January

• Good Friday – Friday 18th April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25th August

• St Andrew’s Day – Monday 1st December (substitute day)

• Christmas Day – Thursday 25th December

• Boxing Day – Friday 26th December

Bank Holidays in 2026

• New Year’s Day – Thursday 1st January

• 2nd January – Friday 2nd January

• Good Friday – Friday 3rd April

• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 4th May

• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 25th May

• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 31st August

• St Andrew’s Day – Monday 30th November

• Christmas Day – Friday 25th December

• Boxing Day ( substitutue) – Monday 28th December

UK Bank Holiday FAQ

How many bank holidays are there for 2025

For England and Wales, there are eight, for Northern Ireland there are ten and for Scotland there will be nine bank holidays.

Why is Monday always a bank holiday?

Have you ever wondered why bank holidays always seem to fall on a Monday? It's a question that has puzzled many of us, but fear not! There is a logical explanation behind this seemingly random choice of day. One of the main reasons why bank holidays are typically scheduled for Mondays is to create long weekends for workers. By having a bank holiday on a Monday, employers can give their employees a three-day weekend, allowing them to relax and recharge before heading back to work on Tuesday. This extra day off can also lead to increased productivity and morale in the workplace.

Origins of Bank Holidays

The origins of bank holidays in the UK can be traced back to the 19th century. These holidays were established to give workers a day off and to celebrate special occasions. The idea was to give people a break from their daily routine and allow them to relax and spend time with their families.

The Bank Holidays Act of 1871 introduced the first bank holidays in the UK. This act designated four special days as bank holidays: Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day. These holidays were meant to give employees of banks and other businesses a day off to rest and recharge.

Over the years, the number of bank holidays in the UK has increased. Today, there are eight official bank holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and the early May and late August bank holidays. These holidays are an important part of British culture and are celebrated with events, parades, and festivals throughout the country.

UK bank holidays hold significant importance not only as days off but also as opportunities for people to come together and celebrate. They provide a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allow for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, attending a local event, or simply taking a day to unwind, bank holidays are a time to pause and appreciate the moments that matter most.

So next time a bank holiday rolls around, take the opportunity to embrace the spirit of celebration and make the most of your day off. Whether you choose to explore a new place, indulge in some delicious food, or simply relax at home, bank holidays are a time to enjoy and appreciate the moments that bring joy and happiness into our lives.

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