When are the UK bank holidays?

Short answer: England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own list. The dates below come from GOV.UK.

Are bank holidays the same across the UK?

No. GOV.UK publishes separate lists for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; for example, St Andrew's Day is a Scottish bank holiday and St Patrick's Day is a Northern Irish one.^[1]

Are shops open on bank holidays?

Many are, but large shops in England and Wales must close on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Check opening times with each shop or attraction.^[2]

Is transport busier on bank holidays?

Travel guides note that many residents travel on bank holiday weekends, so roads and trains can be busier; if your dates are flexible, avoid travelling on those weekends.^[3]

Bank holiday dates, 1 November 2026 to 5 January 2028

From the GOV.UK bank holidays feed.^[1] Dates are as GOV.UK lists them, including any it marks as a substitute day.

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