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There are eight bank holidays in England and Wales in 2026. In chronological order they are New Year's Day (Thursday 1 January), Good Friday (3 April), Easter Monday (6 April), the early May bank holiday (Monday 4 May), the spring bank holiday (Monday 25 May), the summer bank holiday (Monday 31 August), Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) and the Boxing Day substitute (Monday 28 December). Scotland and Northern Ireland differ slightly.
UK bank holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday 1 January |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April |
| Early May bank holiday | Monday 4 May |
| Spring bank holiday | Monday 25 May |
| Summer bank holiday | Monday 31 August |
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December |
| Boxing Day (substitute) | Monday 28 December |
UK bank holidays 2027
| Holiday | Date 2027 |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Friday 1 January |
| Good Friday | Friday 26 March |
| Easter Monday | Monday 29 March |
| Early May bank holiday | Monday 3 May |
| Spring bank holiday | Monday 31 May |
| Summer bank holiday | Monday 30 August |
| Christmas Day (substitute) | Monday 27 December |
| Boxing Day (substitute) | Tuesday 28 December |
What closes on bank holidays in London
London keeps moving on most bank holidays. The big museums, galleries and major attractions generally open as on a Sunday, as do the parks and most shops and restaurants. Banks and many offices close, and some smaller independent shops may shut. Public transport runs to a Sunday or special timetable, so always check before you travel using our getting around London guide.
The exceptions: Christmas and Easter
The one time London genuinely shuts down is Christmas Day, when there is no Tube, no bus and no train service at all, and almost everything closes. Boxing Day and New Year's Day run reduced services. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are quieter but most attractions stay open. For seasonal planning see our seasonal guides and Christmas in London.
