Annual leave planning depends on precise public holiday scheduling. The United Kingdom observes between eight and ten bank holidays annually, with the exact total determined by which of the three jurisdictions—England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland—applies.
For 2025, England and Wales share eight statutory days. Scotland observes nine, incorporating additional commemorative dates. Northern Ireland maintains ten holidays, reflecting distinct cultural observances. Calendar specialists confirm no additional royal commemorative days have been announced beyond these statutory provisions.
The following breakdown examines the distribution, dates, and regional variations confirmed for 2025 through 2027.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2025?
The total count varies by nation. England and Wales observe eight days, Scotland observes nine, and Northern Ireland observes ten. This differential stems from devolved legislative authority over public holiday designation.
| Region | Total 2025 | Key Dates | Distinctive Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 8 | 1 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 5 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec | Standard UK set |
| Scotland | 9 | Above plus 2 Jan, 1 Dec | 2nd January, St Andrew’s Day |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | Above plus 17 Mar, 14 Jul | St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne |
Key distinctions shape annual leave calculations:
- England and Wales share identical schedules, including Easter Monday
- Scotland substitutes Easter Monday with 2nd January and adds St Andrew’s Day (30 November, observed 1 December 2025)
- Northern Ireland includes both Easter Monday and two exclusive commemorations
- Easter dates shift annually: Good Friday falls 18 April 2025
- Summer bank holiday occurs 25 August 2025 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Scotland observes this on 4 August
- No substitute Monday holidays are required for New Year 2025 (Wednesday) or Christmas 2025 (Thursday)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| England & Wales | 8 holidays |
| Scotland | 9 holidays |
| Northern Ireland | 10 holidays |
| New Year’s Day 2025 | Wednesday 1 January |
| Christmas Day 2025 | Thursday 25 December |
| Boxing Day 2025 | Friday 26 December |
| Bank Holiday Source | gov.uk |
For comprehensive regional breakdowns, consult How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland in 2025
Northern Ireland maintains the highest annual count across the United Kingdom. The ten-day calendar accommodates specific historical and cultural observances unique to the region.
Additional Commemorations
St Patrick’s Day is observed on Monday 17 March 2025. The Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) falls on Saturday 12 July 2025, with the substitute holiday occurring on Monday 14 July.
Northern Ireland also observes a second Summer bank holiday on 25 August, creating a longer August holiday period than Scotland.
When a fixed-date holiday falls on a weekend, the corresponding bank holiday transfers to the following Monday. In 2025, Christmas Day (Thursday) and Boxing Day (Friday) require no substitution.
Scotland’s Distinct Calendar
Scotland observes 2nd January as a statutory holiday, extending the New Year period. St Andrew’s Day on 30 November moves to Monday 1 December 2025 as a substitute. Notably, Scotland does not universally recognize Easter Monday as a bank holiday, though many employers observe it.
UK Bank Holidays in 2026
The 2026 calendar maintains identical holiday counts to 2025 across all regions. England and Wales again observe eight days, Scotland nine, and Northern Ireland ten.
Key Date Shifts
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday 5 April, placing Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April. The Summer bank holiday shifts to Monday 31 August for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday 25 December, with Boxing Day observed on Saturday 26 December. The substitute Boxing Day holiday moves to Monday 28 December.
Northern Ireland Specifics
Northern Ireland’s 2026 schedule places St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday 17 March. The Battle of the Boyne observance appears on Monday 13 July in some provisional listings, though variations between 13 and 14 July remain noted in banking calendars.
Comparative analysis is available via How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region.
Upcoming Bank Holidays in 2027
Forecasts for 2027 indicate stable holiday counts with significant calendar adjustments. Published projections show Easter falling exceptionally early, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March.
The March 2025 Easter creates a concentrated first quarter. New Year’s Day falls on Friday 1 January 2027, followed relatively quickly by the Easter block. Workers may benefit from booking annual leave between these dates.
Scotland’s 2nd January 2027 falls on Sunday 3 January, prompting a substitute holiday on Monday 4 January. St Andrew’s Day falls on Tuesday 30 November 2027, requiring no substitution. Northern Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day falls on Wednesday 17 March, while the Battle of the Boyne is scheduled for Monday 12 July.
When Are the Bank Holidays Throughout 2025?
The complete chronological sequence for England and Wales:
- – New Year’s Day
- – Good Friday
- – Easter Monday
- – Early May bank holiday
- – Spring bank holiday
- – Summer bank holiday
- – Christmas Day
- – Boxing Day
Source: Bank Holidays UK registry
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
Official sources provide definitive clarity on fixed dates, though provisional data requires monitoring.
Established Information
- All 2025 dates confirmed by UK Government
- Easter dates calculated per lunar calendar (Western tradition)
- Christmas 2025 falls Thursday 25 December
- No additional royal commemorative days announced
- Regional counts stable (8/9/10) across 2025-2027
Information Awaiting Confirmation
- Precise Battle of the Boyne 2026 date (13 or 14 July variant)
- Potential 2027 substitute day adjustments for Northern Ireland summer holidays
- Any late announcements for national commemorations
Why Do Bank Holiday Counts Vary Across the UK?
The differential stems from the United Kingdom’s devolved administrative framework. The Scottish Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly possess statutory authority to designate additional public holidays reflecting national heritage.
Scotland traditionally observes 2nd January to extend Hogmanay celebrations, alongside St Andrew’s Day on 30 November. Northern Ireland recognizes St Patrick’s Day and the historical Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day), reflecting distinct community traditions.
England and Wales follow the minimum provision established by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, as amended by royal proclamation. No additional England-specific holidays have been legislated, meaning London observes the same eight days as the broader England and Wales jurisdiction.
Where Do These Dates Come From?
The Department for Business and Trade maintains the definitive register. Royal proclamations establish dates for variable holidays, while the UK Government website provides the authoritative public listing.
“If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.”
— GOV.UK
Key Takeaways for 2025
The 2025 calendar provides eight bank holidays for England and Wales, nine for Scotland, and ten for Northern Ireland. Workers planning leave around Easter should note the April 18-21 period, while the Summer bank holiday falls on 25 August for most of the UK. No additional royal commemorations have been announced. Comprehensive regional listings are available in the How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays are left in 2025?
Eight bank holidays remain in the 2025 calendar for England and Wales, distributed from January through December.
What is the August bank holiday 2025 date?
The Summer bank holiday falls on Monday 25 August 2025 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland observes this holiday on Monday 4 August 2025.
When is the May bank holiday 2025?
Two May holidays occur: the Early May bank holiday on Monday 5 May, and the Spring bank holiday on Monday 26 May.
Why does Scotland have more bank holidays than England?
Scotland observes 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day as additional statutory holidays, reflecting devolved authority over public holiday designation.
Does London have extra bank holidays?
London follows the England and Wales schedule of eight bank holidays. No additional London-specific public holidays exist.
Will there be a bank holiday for the King’s birthday in 2025?
No official bank holiday is designated for the King’s birthday in 2025. The monarch’s official birthday is marked ceremonially but does not trigger a public holiday.
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.