As 2026 gets underway, smart holiday planning can help you make the most of your annual leave. Bank holidays are ideal for squeezing in long weekends or extended breaks without dipping too heavily into your allowance. They’re also a prime time for group getaways with friends or family.
When everyone’s off, it’s easier to coordinate a trip, but it can also mean accommodation and attractions are more expensive, so make sure to book early! If you’re booking accommodation, look for portals that allow you to book direct with owners like GroupAccommodation.com to get the best rates.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There In 2026?
The number of bank holidays differs in the UK and Ireland per country. Wales and England share the same bank holidays, whilst Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland have different dates.
- England and Wales: 8 bank holidays in 2026
- Scotland: 9 bank holidays in 2026 (including St. Andrew’s Day)
- Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays in 2026 (including St. Patrick’s Day)
- Ireland: 10 bank holidays in 2026 (including St. Brigid’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day)
Bank Holidays in 2026 by Country
2026 Bank Holidays in England 🏴
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
2026 Bank Holidays in Wales 🏴
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
2026 Bank Holidays in Scotland 🏴
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Friday | 2nd January |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 30 November | Monday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
2026 Bank Holidays in the Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 February | Monday | St Brigid’s Day |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | May Day |
| 1 June | Monday | June Bank Holiday |
| 3 August | Monday | August Bank Holiday |
| 26 October | Monday | October Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | St Stephen’s Day |
2026 Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 13 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Substitute) |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
Maximising Your Time Off in 2026
To make the most of your annual leave:
- Easter Break: Take leave from Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April. With the bank holidays on 3 April (Good Friday) and 6 April (Easter Monday), you’ll enjoy a 10-day break using only 4 days of leave.
- Early May: Book off 5–8 May to get a 9-day holiday, thanks to the Early May Bank Holiday on 4 May.
- Christmas: By taking leave from 29–31 December, you can have a continuous break from 25 December to 1 January 2027, utilising just 3 days of annual leave.
Bank Holiday FAQs
Bank holidays in 2026 vary by region. England and Wales have 8, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has 10. Major shared holidays include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday (not in Scotland), Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, and Christmas Day.
Yes. Good Friday (3 April) is a bank holiday across the UK. Easter Monday (6 April) is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday (usually the following Monday) is given instead. For example, Boxing Day in 2026 falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 December will be the official substitute holiday.
No. While there is some overlap, Ireland has different holidays, such as St Brigid’s Day (2 February) and a different summer bank holiday (first Monday in August vs. last Monday in the UK). Easter dates do align.
There are 10 public holidays in Ireland in 2026, including St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day. The newest addition, St Brigid’s Day, falls on Monday 2 February.
The Early May Bank Holiday is on Monday 4 May 2026 across the UK and Ireland (where it’s also called May Day).
England, Wales & Northern Ireland: Monday 31 August
Scotland: Monday 3 August
Ireland: Monday 3 August
Many businesses, government offices, and schools close on bank holidays, but shops, restaurants, and attractions often remain open—especially in tourist areas. Public transport may run reduced services.
Absolutely. With most people off work, bank holidays are perfect for short breaks and group trips. Popular destinations book up quickly, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Yes, but expect heavier traffic on roads and public transport, especially around major cities or holiday hotspots. Booking travel and accommodation early is strongly advised.
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