📅 UK Bank Holidays Checker 2026/2027

Bank holidays are public holidays in the United Kingdom where banks, government offices, and most businesses close. They were first established by the Bank Holidays Act 1871 and are now regulated under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. The term 'bank holiday' is used because, historically, these were days on which banks were legally required to close, preventing any financial transactions from being processed. Today, while many retail and hospitality businesses remain open, bank holidays are recognised as public holidays where most workers have the right to a day off or enhanced pay rates.

The UK does not have a single unified set of bank holidays. Instead, the four constituent nations each set their own public holiday dates. England and Wales share the same schedule with 8 bank holidays per year, managed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Scotland has 9 bank holidays per year, including unique days such as 2 January and St Andrew's Day, with dates set by the Scottish Government. Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays per year, including St Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day), determined by the Northern Ireland Executive.

The timing of bank holidays is tied to both fixed calendar dates and movable feasts. Fixed-date holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). If these fall on a weekend, a substitute day is typically given on the following Monday (or Tuesday if Christmas Day falls on a weekend). Movable holidays are tied to the Christian liturgical calendar: Good Friday and Easter Monday are determined by the date of Easter, which varies each year. The Early May Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday of May, the Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday of May, and the Summer Bank Holiday on the last Monday of August (except in Scotland, where it is the first Monday of August).

When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday becomes the bank holiday. There is no legal requirement for employers to give staff bank holidays off, although many employment contracts include them as part of annual leave entitlement. Workers in Scotland often observe local holidays in addition to national bank holidays, as Scottish local authorities set their own additional public holidays that vary by region. Bank holidays are also significant for consumer spending, with retail sales, hospitality bookings, and domestic tourism all peaking during these periods.

It is worth noting that while the dates listed in this checker are accurate for 2026 and 2027 based on current government publications, the UK government occasionally designates additional one-off bank holidays for special occasions, such as royal jubilees, weddings, or state funerals. Always verify with official GOV.UK sources for the most up-to-date information.

This tool displays all official bank holidays for your selected UK nation and year. Below is a summary of the number of holidays by nation:

Substitute Day Rules

If a fixed-date bank holiday (New Year's Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day) falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute weekday is designated:

1. Select your UK nation: England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
2. Choose the year you want to view: 2026 or 2027.
3. Click Show Holidays to display all bank holidays for that nation and year.
4. Review the list, with upcoming holidays highlighted automatically.
5. Check the next bank holiday countdown from today's date.

Are bank holidays the same across the UK?

No. England and Wales share the same 8 holidays, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has 10. Each nation sets its own dates with some unique holidays.

What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?

A substitute weekday (usually the following Monday) becomes the bank holiday. If Christmas Day and Boxing Day both fall on a weekend, you get the following Monday and Tuesday off.

Does Scotland have the Summer Bank Holiday in August?

Yes, but Scotland's Summer Bank Holiday is on the first Monday of August, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland observe it on the last Monday of August.

Are employers required to give staff bank holidays off?

There is no automatic legal right to time off on bank holidays. Your employment contract determines whether you get bank holidays as paid leave or must work them.

What is the difference between a bank holiday and a public holiday?

In practice, the terms are used interchangeably in the UK. Bank holidays are legally defined days when banks close, while public holidays are days of general observance.

Can extra bank holidays be added?

Yes. The UK government can declare additional one-off bank holidays for special national events, such as royal jubilees or coronations.

Bank holidays are a great opportunity to plan trips, spend time with family, or catch up on personal projects, but they also come with practical considerations. If you are employed, check your contract to see whether bank holidays are included in your annual leave entitlement or given as additional days off. Some employers require you to work bank holidays, especially in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. If you do work, you may be entitled to enhanced pay rates or a day in lieu. When planning travel, book early as trains, flights, and accommodation are significantly more expensive and busier during bank holiday weekends. GP surgeries, dentists, and many administrative offices are closed, so plan ahead for any medical or administrative needs. Scottish residents should be aware that local councils set additional public holidays specific to each area, so check your local authority website for dates beyond the national bank holidays. Finally, remember that bank holiday dates can occasionally change or be supplemented by one-off national holidays for royal events, so always verify with GOV.UK.