The year 2026 brings some notable changes to the UK’s bank holidays, especially for England and Wales. Families are beginning to plan their time together, as public holiday dates shift and new ones are introduced.
Significant Changes to Bank Holidays in 2026
One of the most important changes is the rescheduling of Boxing Day. In 2025, Boxing Day will be observed on December 26, but due to the day falling on a Saturday in 2026, it will be recognized on December 28 as a substitute day. This alteration is crucial for those planning holiday events.
Overview of Bank Holidays in England and Wales for 2026
In total, England and Wales will have eight bank holidays in 2026. Here is the schedule:
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday
- April 6 (Monday): Easter Monday
- May 4 (Monday): Early May bank holiday
- May 25 (Monday): Spring bank holiday
- August 31 (Monday): Summer bank holiday
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
- December 28 (Monday): Boxing Day (substitute day)
Unlike 2025, where Good Friday took place on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21, 2026 marks a shift in these holiday dates.
Holiday Policies and Employee Rights
It is essential to note that employers are not obligated to provide paid time off for substitute bank holidays like the rescheduled Boxing Day. Workers should verify their rights with their employers. Generally, if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday serves as the substitute holiday.
Bank Holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland
In contrast to England and Wales, Scotland will enjoy nine bank holidays, while Northern Ireland will have a total of ten. This variation includes additional observances such as St. Patrick’s Day and St. Andrew’s Day.
- Scotland’s Bank Holidays for 2026:
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
- January 2 (Friday): 2nd January
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday
- May 4 (Monday): Early May bank holiday
- May 25 (Monday): Spring bank holiday
- August 3 (Monday): Summer bank holiday
- November 30 (Monday): St Andrew’s Day
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
- December 28 (Monday): Boxing Day (substitute day)
- Northern Ireland’s Bank Holidays for 2026:
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
- March 17 (Tuesday): St Patrick’s Day
- April 3 (Friday): Good Friday
- April 6 (Monday): Easter Monday
- May 4 (Monday): Early May bank holiday
- May 25 (Monday): Spring bank holiday
- July 13 (Monday): Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day, substitute day)
- August 31 (Monday): Summer bank holiday
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
- December 28 (Monday): Boxing Day (substitute day)
As families begin planning for 2026, understanding these shifts in bank holidays will be vital. Looking ahead, the UK Government has already revealed the bank holiday schedule for 2027, allowing for further long-term planning.
