The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday

The UK government publishes an official list of bank holidays each year on gov.uk/bank-holidays. That page shows you every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately—because the dates differ between nations. You can check today's date against that list in under a minute.

If you need to know right now without looking it up, the answer depends on which UK nation you're in. England, Wales, and Scotland observe different bank holidays on different dates. Northern Ireland has its own separate calendar. The most reliable way is to check the official government page, but the section below lists what's coming up this year so you can see the pattern.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank holidays in the UK vary by nation—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland do not all observe the same dates.
  • The official list is published on gov.uk/bank-holidays and shows the exact dates for each nation.
  • Most bank holidays fall on the same dates across all four nations, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional holidays that England and Wales do not.
  • If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually a substitute day off, called a "substitute bank holiday".

Which bank holidays are the same across all four nations

New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day occur in all four nations. These are the dates most people think of when they hear "bank holiday".

The exact dates change each year because some are tied to Easter. Good Friday and Easter Monday move between late March and late April depending on the lunar calendar. If you need to plan around these, the gov.uk page shows the dates for the next several years in advance.

Bank holidays that differ by nation

Scotland observes New Year's Day twice—on January 1 and January 2. It also celebrates St Andrew's Day on November 30. Northern Ireland marks St Patrick's Day on March 17 and observes an additional bank holiday on July 12 (the Twelfth). England and Wales do not have these days off.

This matters if you work across borders or deal with businesses in different parts of the UK. A bank in Edinburgh will be closed on January 2, but a bank in London will be open. The gov.uk page breaks this down by nation so you can see which holidays explore where you are.

What happens 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) a substitute bank holiday instead. This is called a "substitute bank holiday" or "in lieu" day. You get the day off, just not on the original date.

For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day moves to Monday. The gov.uk page shows substitute dates clearly, so you will not miss them. This is set by the government each year and can vary, so checking the official list is the only way to be certain.

How bank holidays affect banks, post offices, and businesses

On a bank holiday, most high street banks and post offices close. Some supermarkets and shops stay open with reduced hours. Hospitals, emergency services, and utilities run normally. If you need to do banking on a bank holiday, you will need to use an ATM or online banking instead.

Businesses are not required by law to close on bank holidays, but most do. If you work in retail, hospitality, or healthcare, you may work on bank holidays and receive extra pay or a day off in lieu instead. Check your employment contract or ask your employer what applies to you.

Where to find the complete list for your nation

Visit gov.uk/bank-holidays and select your nation from the dropdown menu. The page shows all bank holidays for the current and next few years. You can also read the list as an iCalendar file (.ics) to add to your phone or computer calendar if you want reminders.

If you are checking for a specific business or service—a bank, post office, or government office—that organisation may have its own closure dates. Some close on additional days or have different hours. It is worth checking their website or calling ahead if you need to visit on or near a bank holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all shops close on bank holidays in the UK?

No. Supermarkets, petrol stations, and many shops stay open on bank holidays, though hours are often shorter. Small independent shops are more likely to close. Check the specific shop's website or call ahead if you are unsure.

What if I work on a bank holiday—do I get paid extra?

That depends on your employment contract. Some employers pay extra (often time-and-a-half or double time), others give you a day off in lieu, and some do neither. Check your contract or ask your employer what the policy is.

Can the government change bank holiday dates?

Yes. The government can move a bank holiday to a different date or declare an extra one for special occasions (like a royal jubilee). The gov.uk page is updated when this happens, so checking there is the most reliable way to stay current.

Are bank holidays the same in the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories?

No. Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and British Overseas Territories have their own bank holiday calendars. If you need to know about those, check the government website for the specific territory.