UK 2026 Bank Holidays Revealed with Special Addition for Scotland
The full schedule of bank holidays across the United Kingdom for 2026 has been published, highlighting both shared national dates and key regional variations. This year's calendar includes a notable extra holiday in Scotland, commemorating a historic sporting milestone.
National and Regional Variations in 2026
While many bank holidays are consistent across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, several differences reflect each nation's unique traditions and celebrations. All four nations will observe New Year's Day on Thursday, January 1, and Good Friday on Friday, April 3.
However, Easter Monday on April 6 is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland. The Early May bank holiday on Monday, May 4, and the Spring bank holiday on Monday, May 25, are shared by all UK nations.
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, with a substitute bank holiday for Boxing Day on Monday, December 28, as Boxing Day itself is a Saturday in 2026.
Unique Holidays Across the Nations
Northern Ireland has its own distinctive holiday, marking the Battle of the Boyne with a bank holiday on Monday, July 13. Scotland observes its Summer bank holiday earlier than other nations, on Monday, August 3, compared to Monday, August 31 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Additionally, Scotland celebrates St Andrew's Day with a bank holiday on Monday, November 30, a date not observed elsewhere in the UK.
Extra Bank Holiday for Scotland in 2026
A significant addition to the 2026 calendar is an extra bank holiday in Scotland on Monday, June 15. This special date has been officially appointed to honor Scotland's men's football team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
Buckingham Palace confirmed this decision, stating it recognizes the team's achievement and promotes national celebration. The announcement follows the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, ensuring the holiday is legally recognized.
Complete List of 2026 Bank Holidays
England and Wales:
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, August 31 - Summer bank holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland:
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, January 2 - 2nd January
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, June 15 - World Cup bank holiday
- Monday, August 3 - Summer bank holiday
- Monday, November 30 - St. Andrew's Day
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland:
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Tuesday, March 17 - St Patrick's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, July 13 - Battle of the Boyne (substitute day)
- Monday, August 31 - Summer bank holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
This comprehensive overview ensures residents across the UK can plan ahead for the 2026 public holidays, taking into account both common dates and nation-specific celebrations.
