Planning ahead for your time off in 2026? Here’s a full reference to all the bank holidays in the UK in 2026, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We’ll also provide helpful tips on how to make the most of these holidays, a monthly breakdown, and insights into how Barclays Bank aligns with the official UK bank holiday schedule.
England and Wales 2026 Bank Holidays
| 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 Day) |
Overview
In England and Wales, 2026 offers 8 official bank holidays. These dates provide ample opportunities for long weekends, making it easier for families, travelers, and professionals to plan their vacations.
Tips for England and Wales
- Easter Break: With Good Friday on 3rd April and Easter Monday on 6th April, you’ll get a four-day weekend—ideal for a quick holiday or some springtime relaxation.
- Summer Break: The 31st August Summer Bank Holiday falls at the end of summer, allowing you to enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities before autumn sets in.
- Christmas Period: 2026 offers a long break over Christmas, with both Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling at the end of the week, making it perfect for an extended family celebration.
Scotland 2026 Bank Holidays
| 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 Day) |
Overview
Scotland in 2026 enjoys 9 bank holidays, including traditional holidays like 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day, providing extra time off for Scots to celebrate local cultural events.
Tips for Scotland
- New Year’s Extended Break: Thanks to the 2nd January holiday, you can enjoy a prolonged celebration of the New Year, making it a popular time for festivities across Scotland.
- St Andrew’s Day: Celebrated on 30th November, this holiday is a key date in Scotland’s calendar, honoring its patron saint with parades, festivals, and special local events.
- Summer Bank Holiday: Falling on the first Monday of August, Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday is perfectly timed to take advantage of the long summer days.
Northern Ireland 2026 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day | Holiday |
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Monday | 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 |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) |
Overview
Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2026, including unique cultural dates like St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne on 13th July.
Tips for Northern Ireland
- St Patrick’s Day: On 17th March, expect vibrant celebrations with parades, music, and cultural events marking the island’s most significant holiday.
- Battle of the Boyne: On 13th July, this historical holiday commemorates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and is celebrated with parades, especially in Northern Ireland.
Republic of Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
| 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 | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 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 |
Disclaimer: We haven’t covered Republic of Ireland bank holidays in detail, as Ireland does not fall under the United Kingdom.
Barclays UK Bank Holidays for 2026
As a renowned financial firm, Barclays UK observes the statutory bank holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Customers should note that Barclays branches will be closed on all the standard holidays listed above, making it essential to plan financial transactions accordingly.
How Many Holidays in 2026?
- 8 bank holidays in England and Wales
- 9 bank holidays in Scotland
- 10 bank holidays in Northern Ireland
These dates ensure there are ample opportunities to enjoy time off across the UK, with specific holidays tailored to each region’s traditions and history.
Monthly Breakdown of Bank Holidays
| Month | Date | Holiday | Details |
| January | 1 January (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | Kicks off the year with a fresh start. |
| 2 January (Friday) | 2nd January (Scotland only) | Exclusive to Scotland, prolongs celebrations. | |
| March | 17 March (Monday) | St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland only) | Celebrated with grand parades. |
| April | 3 April (Friday) | Good Friday | Begins the long Easter weekend. |
| 6 April (Monday) | Easter Monday | Completes the four-day Easter break. | |
| May | 4 May (Monday) | Early May Bank Holiday | The first public holiday of spring. |
| 25 May (Monday) | Spring Bank Holiday | Great for outdoor activities. | |
| July | 13 July (Monday) | Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland only) | Historical parades and events. |
| August | 3 August (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) | Ideal for summer travel in Scotland. |
| 31 August (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday | Perfect for a late-summer vacation. | |
| November | 30 November (Monday) | St Andrew’s Day (Scotland only) | Celebrates Scotland’s patron saint. |
| December | 25 December (Friday) | Christmas Day | A time for family gatherings. |
| 28 December (Monday) | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) | Post-Christmas relaxation day. |
Additional Observances and Notes
- 1 March: St David’s Day in Wales (not an official bank holiday)
- 23 April: St George’s Day in England (not an official bank holiday)
- 31 October: Halloween
- 15 June: Father’s Day
While not official holidays, these observances offer opportunities to engage in local traditions and cultural celebrations.
2026 Year Planner
To help you schedule your time off and make the most of your vacations in 2026, here is a month-by-month guide:
| Month | Date | Holiday/Tip | Details/Notes |
| January | 1 January (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | Start the year off with a relaxing break. |
| 2 January (Friday) | 2nd January (Scotland only) | Ideal for winter adventures in Scotland. | |
| February | No bank holidays | Tip: Take a personal break | Great month to plan a short getaway. |
| March | 17 March (Monday) | St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland only) | Enjoy local festivities and parades. |
| April | 3 April (Friday) | Good Friday | Plan a long Easter weekend trip. |
| 6 April (Monday) | Easter Monday | Perfect for family time or a short vacation. | |
| May | 4 May (Monday) | Early May Bank Holiday | Embrace spring with outdoor activities. |
| 25 May (Monday) | Spring Bank Holiday | Time for a mini-summer getaway. | |
| August | 3 August (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) | Explore Scotland’s natural beauty. |
| 31 August (Monday) | Summer Bank Holiday (rest of the UK) | Ideal for beach trips or family gatherings. | |
| December | 25 December (Friday) | Christmas Day | Time for family celebrations. |
| 28 December (Monday) | Boxing Day (Substitute Day) | Relax and enjoy the post-Christmas calm. |
References
This complete guide ensures you can plan your time off strategically in 2026, using the bank holidays for trips, celebrations, and much-needed rest.
