How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region
The United Kingdom will observe varying numbers of bank holidays during 2025 depending on jurisdiction. England and Wales share eight public holidays, Scotland recognises nine, and Northern Ireland observes ten, reflecting distinct national traditions and historical observances.
New Year’s Day falls on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, marking a mid-week start to the calendar. The distribution of holidays throughout the year includes two consecutive days at Christmas, with the festive period landing on Thursday, 25 December and Friday, 26 December.
How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region provides additional detail on regional variations.
How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2025?
Official government data confirms the total counts vary by jurisdiction.
| Region | Total in 2025 | Key Dates | Distinctive Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | 8 | 1 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec | None |
| Scotland | 9 | 1 Jan, 2 Jan, 18 Apr, 5 May, 26 May, 4 Aug, 1 Dec, 25 Dec, 26 Dec | 2nd January, St Andrew’s Day |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | 1 Jan, 17 Mar, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 26 May, 14 Jul, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec | St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne |
- Seven holidays are common to all UK jurisdictions: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Early May, Spring, Summer, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day
- Scotland uniquely observes 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day
- Northern Ireland adds St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne commemoration
- Most substitute holidays fall on Mondays when original dates land on weekends
- Good Friday always falls on a Friday, with What Is Good Friday – Significance And Global Traditions explaining its significance
- August bank holiday dates differ between Scotland (4 August) and England/Wales/NI (25 August)
- Christmas 2025 creates a four-day weekend effect with Boxing Day falling on Friday
| Date | Holiday | Day | Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday | All | |
| 2nd January | Thursday | Scotland only | |
| St Patrick’s Day | Monday | Northern Ireland only | |
| Good Friday | Friday | All | |
| Easter Monday | Monday | England, Wales, NI | |
| Early May bank holiday | Monday | All | |
| Spring bank holiday | Monday | All | |
| Battle of the Boyne | Monday | Northern Ireland only | |
| Summer bank holiday | Monday | Scotland only | |
| Summer bank holiday | Monday | England, Wales, NI | |
| St Andrew’s Day | Monday | Scotland only | |
| Christmas Day | Thursday | All | |
| Boxing Day | Friday | All |
Bank holidays in England and Wales 2025
England and Wales share an identical calendar of eight bank holidays in 2025. These dates apply uniformly across both jurisdictions.
The complete 2025 calendar
marks New Year’s Day. Easter observances include and . The Early May bank holiday falls on , followed by the Spring bank holiday on . The Summer bank holiday is scheduled for . The year concludes with Christmas Day on and Boxing Day on .
When bank holidays fall on weekends, the observance shifts to the following Monday. In 2025, all dates fall on weekdays, so no substitute days are required for England and Wales.
Bank holidays in Scotland 2025
Scotland observes nine bank holidays in 2025, incorporating additional dates that reflect national heritage. Government records indicate the 2nd January holiday and St Andrew’s Day as distinctive Scottish observances.
Additional Scottish holidays
Beyond the shared UK dates, Scotland marks as a bank holiday immediately following New Year’s Day. St Andrew’s Day is observed on in 2025, functioning as a substitute day since 30 November falls on a Sunday.
The Scottish Summer bank holiday occurs earlier than in other regions, scheduled for rather than late August.
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2025
Northern Ireland maintains the most extensive bank holiday calendar with ten dates in 2025, incorporating specific cultural and historical commemorations. Northern Ireland Direct confirms these additional observances.
Distinctive Northern Irish observances
St Patrick’s Day falls on in 2025. The Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) is observed on , substituted from the 12th.
Unlike Scotland, Northern Ireland observes Easter Monday as a bank holiday, aligning with England and Wales on .
While banks close on all listed holidays, essential services and public transport may operate reduced schedules, particularly during the July commemorations.
Upcoming bank holidays in 2026 and beyond
Planning ahead reveals similar patterns for 2026, with most regions maintaining their respective holiday counts. Business Wales documentation confirms the 2026 England and Wales calendar.
- – New Year’s Day (all regions)
- – Good Friday (all regions)
- – Easter Monday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- – Early May bank holiday (all regions)
- – Spring bank holiday (all regions)
- – Summer bank holiday (all regions)
- – Christmas Day (all regions)
- – Boxing Day substitute (all regions)
Scotland will add 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day to this list, while Northern Ireland includes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne. Official sources indicate that complete 2027 and 2028 calendars remain pending full publication, though New Year’s Day 2027 falls on Friday, 1 January and New Year’s Day 2028 is substituted to Monday, 3 January.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about future bank holidays?
While 2025 and 2026 dates receive full official confirmation, subsequent years involve provisional scheduling subject to parliamentary confirmation.
| Established information | Information remaining unclear |
|---|---|
| All 2025 dates confirmed by government sources | Complete 2027 bank holiday lists not yet published in full |
| 2026 England and Wales dates confirmed | Specific additional dates for Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2027-2028 pending |
| Substitute day rules established in law | Potential special commemorative holidays not announced |
| Seven common holidays across all regions | Exact dates for variable holidays like St Andrew’s Day substitutes |
Why do bank holiday numbers vary across the UK?
The discrepancy in holiday counts stems from devolution and distinct national traditions. Scotland maintains separate banking traditions dating to the 19th century, including the distinctive 2nd January holiday that extends New Year celebrations. Historical records indicate these variations reflect the separate legal systems and cultural practices predating the 1707 Union.
Northern Ireland’s additional holidays recognise the province’s particular cultural and religious heritage. St Patrick’s Day acknowledges the island’s patron saint, while the Battle of the Boyne commemoration reflects historical Unionist traditions. These observances were retained when the Northern Ireland parliament had authority over bank holidays, creating a unique calendar that differs from both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Official sources and verification
Primary verification derives from government departments responsible for financial regulation and business affairs. The Department for Business and Trade coordinates England and Wales dates, while the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive maintain separate statutory instruments.
England and Wales: 8 bank holidays. Scotland: 9 bank holidays. Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays.
— Givver.io government data aggregation
Official confirmation for 2026 England and Wales dates comes from Business Wales government communications. Scottish and Northern Irish variations are documented through respective devolved administrations.
Summary: Planning for 2025 bank holidays
The UK will observe between eight and ten bank holidays during 2025 depending on location. England and Wales share eight dates, Scotland recognises nine including January and December observances, and Northern Ireland maintains ten holidays incorporating cultural commemorations. How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region offers comprehensive regional breakdowns for calendar planning.
Frequently asked questions
When is the August bank holiday 2025?
Scotland observes the Summer bank holiday on . England, Wales and Northern Ireland observe this holiday on .
When is the May bank holiday 2025?
The Early May bank holiday falls on . The Spring bank holiday follows on .
How many bank holidays are there in 2027?
Official complete lists for 2027 remain pending publication. However, New Year’s Day 2027 will fall on .
How many bank holidays are there in 2028?
Full 2028 calendars await confirmation. New Year’s Day falls on Saturday, 1 January, with the substitute holiday scheduled for .
Is Good Friday a bank holiday everywhere in the UK?
Yes, Good Friday on is a bank holiday across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Why does Scotland have a different August bank holiday date?
Scotland traditionally observes the Summer bank holiday on the first Monday of August (), while other regions observe it on the final Monday of August.
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