The UK Government has officially announced the complete schedule of bank holidays for the remainder of 2026. A total of 12 bank holidays will be observed across the UK, with variations depending on the nation. This announcement outlines the specific dates for each region, highlighting the unique observances in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in the UK
The upcoming Easter weekend will see two significant bank holidays. Good Friday falls on April 3, 2026, while Easter Monday is observed on April 6, 2026, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Good Friday is recognized as a bank holiday, but Easter Monday is not celebrated.
The UK Government has detailed additional bank holidays scheduled for the remainder of the year, including UK-wide holidays on Good Friday and the May bank holidays. Specifically, the Early May bank holiday will take place on May 4, followed by the Spring bank holiday on May 25.
All nations within the UK will also commemorate Christmas Day on December 25, with a substitute day for Boxing Day observed on December 28.
In Northern Ireland, the Battle of the Boyne bank holiday takes place on July 13. Meanwhile, Scotland will observe its Summer bank holiday on August 3, while the remainder of the UK will celebrate theirs on August 31. Additionally, Scotland has a unique observance for St. Andrew’s Day, which is scheduled for November 30.
New Bank Holiday for Scotland
In an exciting development, Scotland will enjoy an extra bank holiday in 2026. This decision, announced by Buckingham Palace, is intended to celebrate the achievement of Scotland’s men’s football team competing in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years. The additional bank holiday will be observed on June 15, 2026.
The announcement states, “To mark the achievement of Scotland’s men’s football team competing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, we consider it desirable that Monday, the fifteenth day of June in the year 2026 should be a bank holiday in Scotland.” This recognition reflects the importance of sporting achievements and their impact on national pride.
With these confirmed dates, residents and visitors in the UK can plan their holidays accordingly. The diverse observances across the nations highlight the cultural distinctions within the UK, ensuring that each region’s traditions are respected and celebrated. The full list of remaining bank holidays in 2026 is as follows:
**England and Wales:**
– January 1: New Year’s Day
– April 3: Good Friday
– April 6: Easter Monday
– May 4: Early May bank holiday
– May 25: Spring bank holiday
– August 31: Summer bank holiday
– December 25: Christmas Day
– December 28: Boxing Day (substitute day)
**Scotland:**
– April 3: Good Friday
– May 4: Early May bank holiday
– May 25: Spring bank holiday
– June 15: World Cup bank holiday
– August 3: Summer bank holiday
– November 30: St. Andrew’s Day
– December 25: Christmas Day
– December 28: Boxing Day (substitute day)
**Northern Ireland:**
– March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
– April 3: Good Friday
– April 6: Easter Monday
– May 4: Early May bank holiday
– May 25: Spring bank holiday
– July 13: Battle of the Boyne (substitute day)
– August 31: Summer bank holiday
– December 25: Christmas Day
– December 28: Boxing Day (substitute day)
As the year progresses, the UK Government encourages people to take note of these important dates, fostering a sense of community and celebration throughout the nation.
