The quickest way to find out

The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday in the UK 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 — and they are not all the same across all four nations.

Bank holidays in the UK are set days when most banks, offices, and many shops close. The dates are fixed by law, so they do not change year to year (though the specific day of the week does). If you need to know right now, that government page will tell you in seconds.

If you cannot access the internet, your bank's website or app will also show bank holidays — most have a calendar view or a dedicated section. Your employer should also have posted the bank holiday dates somewhere visible, usually near the payroll or HR office.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank holidays differ between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so check the version for your specific nation.
  • The UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays is the authoritative source and updates each year.
  • Most banks, post offices, and government offices close on bank holidays, but some shops and services stay open.
  • If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday (or Tuesday) is usually a substitute day off, called a "substitute bank holiday".

Why bank holidays vary by nation

England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own bank holiday calendar. England and Wales share most dates, but Scotland has different holidays — it observes New Year's Day and January 2nd as separate bank holidays, for example, while England does not. Northern Ireland has its own set as well, including some holidays tied to local history.

This matters if you live near a border or work across nations. Your employer should tell you which calendar applies to you. If you work for a UK-wide company, they usually follow the calendar for the nation where their main office is, though some larger employers give staff the bank holidays for their own region.

What actually closes on a bank holiday

Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. Many schools close too. However, shops, restaurants, hospitals, and emergency services stay open — there is no blanket shutdown across the country.

If you need to visit a bank or post office on a bank holiday, you will not be able to. If you need to post something urgently, some supermarkets and convenience stores have post office counters that may have different hours. For banking, most transactions can be done online or through an ATM, though you will not be able to speak to someone in person.

When a bank holiday falls on a weekend

If a bank holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, the UK government usually declares the following Monday (or sometimes Tuesday) as a substitute bank holiday, so workers still get a day off. This is sometimes called a "bank holiday in lieu".

For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day (December 26th) may move to Monday. The government announces these substitutions in advance, and they appear on the official bank holidays page. Your employer should tell you which day you have off if this happens.

How to plan around bank holidays

If you need to do banking, pay bills, or post something, do it the working day before a bank holiday. Post offices and banks are usually busier the day before a holiday, so arriving early helps.

If you work in a job where bank holidays affect your pay or your schedule — such as retail, hospitality, or care work — your contract should say how bank holidays are handled. Some workers get paid extra for working a bank holiday. Others get a day off in lieu (a day off at another time instead). Check your contract or ask your employer if you are unsure.

Checking bank holidays for future years

The UK government publishes bank holiday dates for the current year and the next year on its official page. If you are planning far ahead, you can usually find the dates there. Some employers also publish their own bank holiday calendars for the year ahead, often in their staff handbook or on the internal staff portal.

Bank holidays can occasionally change if Parliament passes new legislation, though this is rare. The most reliable source remains the gov.uk/bank-holidays page, which updates as soon as any changes are announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all shops close on bank holidays?

No. Most large supermarkets and many high street shops stay open on bank holidays, though they may have shorter hours. Small independent shops are more likely to close. Post offices and banks close, but some supermarkets have post office counters with different hours. Call ahead if you need a specific service.

What if I need to pay a bill on a bank holiday?

Most bills can be paid online or through your bank's app, which work on bank holidays. If you need to pay in person or speak to someone, do it the working day before. If a payment is due on a bank holiday, contact your provider — they usually accept payments on the next working day without penalty.

Do I get paid extra if I work on a bank holiday?

It depends on your contract. Some jobs pay extra (often time-and-a-half or double time). Others give you a day off in lieu instead. Some do neither. Check your employment contract or ask your employer what applies to you.

Are bank holidays the same as public holidays?

In the UK, "bank holiday" and "public holiday" mean the same thing — they are days when banks and many offices close. The term "bank holiday" is more common in the UK, while "public holiday" is used in other countries.

Where do I find the bank holidays for my specific nation?

Go to gov.uk/bank-holidays and select your nation from the dropdown menu. Each nation has its own calendar. If you live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, the page will show you the exact dates for your area.