The fastest way to know right now

The simplest method is to check the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland by date and name. You can also search "bank holidays England 2024" or "bank holidays England 2025" to see the full year at a glance.

If you need to know whether a specific business is open today, call them directly rather than relying on the holiday calendar — some shops, banks, and services stay open on bank holidays, while others close. Post offices and most government offices close on bank holidays, but supermarkets and many retail stores remain open with reduced hours.

England observes eight bank holidays per year that are fixed by law, plus one additional bank holiday that changes each year (the Spring bank holiday, which moves to accommodate special occasions like jubilees). Scotland and Northern Ireland have different calendars with different dates and numbers of holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The UK government website gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the exact dates for all bank holidays in England, updated annually.
  • England has eight fixed bank holidays each year plus one moveable Spring bank holiday, for a total of nine.
  • Not all businesses close on bank holidays — supermarkets, restaurants, and many shops stay open, though hours may be shorter.
  • If you need a specific service today, call ahead rather than assuming closure, because bank holiday rules vary by business type.

The eight fixed bank holidays in England

These dates do not change year to year. If one falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a bank holiday instead (called a "substitute bank holiday"). The eight fixed holidays are: New Year's Day (January 1), Good Friday (varies, but always in March or April), Easter Monday (the day after Easter Sunday), Early May bank holiday (first Monday in May), Summer bank holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).

When Christmas or Boxing Day falls on a weekend, the substitute holiday is observed on the following weekday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, both December 26 (Boxing Day) and December 27 (substitute) become bank holidays. The government announces substitute dates in advance on the bank holidays page.

The Spring bank holiday and when it moves

The Spring bank holiday normally falls on the last Monday in May, but the government can move it to mark special occasions. In 2022, it moved to June 2 to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. In 2023, it moved to May 29 for the King's Coronation. In regular years with no special event, it stays on the last Monday in May.

The government announces any changes to the Spring bank holiday date well in advance — usually several months ahead. Check gov.uk/bank-holidays at the start of each year to confirm the date, or search for "Spring bank holiday [year]" to see whether it has been moved.

What actually closes on a bank holiday

Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. Schools close. Most factories and offices close. However, the following usually stay open: supermarkets and grocery stores (often with shorter hours), restaurants and cafes, petrol stations, pharmacies in supermarkets, and many retail shops.

Public transport runs on a reduced or modified schedule — buses and trains may run less frequently or on a Sunday timetable. Museums, galleries, and tourist attractions often stay open but may have different hours. If you need a service that is not on the "definitely open" list, phone ahead rather than making a trip.

How bank holidays affect pay and working hours

If you work on a bank holiday, you are may have access to to pay for that day under UK law. Whether you receive extra pay (such as time-and-a-half or double time) depends on your employment contract — the law does not require it, but many employers offer it. Some employers give you a day off in lieu instead of extra pay.

If a bank holiday falls on a day you would normally work and you do not work, you are still may have access to to be paid your normal wage for that day. If you are self-employed or a contractor, bank holidays do not automatically may have access to you to paid time off unless your contract states otherwise.

Bank holidays in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Each nation has its own bank holiday calendar. Scotland observes nine bank holidays but on different dates than England — for example, it has January 2 as a bank holiday instead of the Early May bank holiday. Wales has the same eight fixed holidays as England plus the Spring bank holiday, but some dates differ. Northern Ireland has ten bank holidays, including some that are specific to the region.

If you live or work across borders, or if you need to contact a service in a different nation, check that nation's bank holiday page. The UK government website lets you select England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland separately to see the correct dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?

The following Monday becomes a bank holiday instead, called a substitute bank holiday. If two holidays fall on consecutive weekends (like Christmas on Saturday and Boxing Day on Sunday), both the Monday and Tuesday following become bank holidays. The government announces these in advance on the bank holidays page.

Do I have to work on a bank holiday?

Your employer can require you to work on a bank holiday. You are may have access to to pay for that day, but the law does not require extra pay — your contract determines whether you receive time-and-a-half, double time, or a day off in lieu. Check your employment contract or ask your employer what the policy is.

Will the post office be open today if it is a bank holiday?

No, post offices close on bank holidays. If today is a bank holiday, you will need to visit on the next working day. Some supermarket post offices have different hours, so it is worth calling ahead if you need a service urgently.

Are supermarkets open on bank holidays in England?

Yes, most supermarkets stay open on bank holidays, though hours are often shorter than usual. Large supermarkets may open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of their normal hours. Call your local store to confirm opening times before you travel.

How do I know if a business is open on a bank holiday?

Call the business directly or check their website — bank holiday hours vary widely by type of business and location. Do not assume closure just because it is a bank holiday. Many shops, restaurants, and services stay open with modified hours.