UK Bank Holidays 2026, 2027 and 2028: Plan Your Long Weekends and Holidays Early 

England and Wales typically have 8 bank holidays per year. Scotland has different dates such as 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day and Northern Ireland has extra holidays such as St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.​​​​​​​

England and Wales have 8 bank holidays in 2026. These dates are useful for planning Easter holidays, May breaks, late summer holidays, and Christmas travel.​​​​​​​

Scotland has different bank holiday dates from England and Wales. In 2026, Scotland also had an additional World Cup bank holiday on Monday, 15 June 2026, listed by GOV.UK.​​​​​​​

Northern Ireland has more bank holidays than England and Wales, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne. In 2026, the Battle of the Boyne falls on a Sunday, so the substitute bank holiday is Monday, 13 July.​​​​​​​

England and Wales have 8 bank holidays in 2027. Easter falls earlier in 2027, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March.​​​​​​​

Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2027, including 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day. Scotland does not usually observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday.​​​​​​​

Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2027, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.​​​​​​​

England and Wales have 8 bank holidays in 2028. New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday, so Monday 3 January becomes the substitute bank holiday.

Scotland has 9 bank holidays in 2028. New Year’s Day and 2nd January both fall on the weekend, so substitute days are observed on Monday 3 January and Tuesday 4 January.

Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2028. These include St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday and the Battle of the Boyne.​​​​​​​

Bank holidays are perfect for turning a short trip into a longer holiday. The earlier you plan, the better your chances of finding suitable flight times, lower fares and more hotel choices.​​​​​​​