United Kingdom (GB)
The United Kingdom — comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy of 68 million people, and one of the world's leading economies, cultural powerhouses, and global cities.
Capital: London
Region: Europe
Language: English
Currency: GBP (£)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 78)
Emergency: 999
Premium
Public Holidays 2026
12 holidays in United Kingdom. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
New Year's Day
Public holiday across the UK. New Year's Eve (Hogmanay in Scotland) is one of the world's great celebrations — Edinburgh Hogmanay festival draws over 100,000 people. In Scotland, 2 January is also a bank holiday.
Fri 2
2 January (Scotland only) Bank Holiday
2nd January (Scotland bank holiday)
Additional bank holiday in Scotland only — a legacy of Hogmanay celebrations. Not observed in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
March 2026
Tue 17
St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland only) Public Holiday
St Patrick's Day
Public holiday in Northern Ireland only. Not a public holiday in England, Scotland, or Wales. Celebrated with parades in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. Patron saint of Ireland.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Good Friday
Public holiday across the UK. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. The start of the Easter long weekend.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Easter Monday
Public holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. NOT a public holiday in Scotland (Easter Monday is not observed as a bank holiday in Scotland). The 4-day Easter weekend is a popular time for short breaks.
May 2026
Mon 4
Early May Bank Holiday Bank Holiday
Early May Bank Holiday
The first Monday of May. A bank holiday across the UK. Origin: introduced in 1978, replacing older May Day celebrations. Some years this holiday is moved to mark special occasions (e.g., VE Day 80th anniversary in 2025).
Mon 25
Spring Bank Holiday Bank Holiday
Spring Bank Holiday
The last Monday of May — a bank holiday across the UK. Marks the informal start of summer. Popular for short breaks and bank holiday weekend trips.
August 2026
Mon 3
Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) Bank Holiday
Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)
First Monday of August — a bank holiday in Scotland only. Not observed as a public holiday in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Mon 31
Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) Bank Holiday
Summer Bank Holiday
Last Monday of August — bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. NOT a holiday in Scotland (Scotland observes the first Monday of August instead). The August bank holiday marks the end of the summer holiday season.
November 2026
Mon 30
St Andrew's Day (Scotland only) Bank Holiday
St Andrew's Day
Bank holiday in Scotland only — the patron saint of Scotland's day. Not a public holiday in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Celebrated with Scottish culture, music, and events. The Saltire (St Andrew's Cross) is the Scottish flag.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Christmas Day
Public holiday across the UK. The most significant holiday of the year — family gatherings, gift-giving, Christmas dinner (turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Christmas pudding). Carols, crackers, and the Queen's (now King's) Speech on BBC at 15:00.
Mon 28
Boxing Day (substitute) Public Holiday
Boxing Day
Substitute bank holiday — Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Saturday in 2026, so the observed day off is Monday 28 December. Major sports (Premier League football, horse racing at Kempton Park), post-Christmas sales, and family continuation.
Note: Some holidays in United Kingdom apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.