How to learn about today is a bank holiday in the UK
The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday is to check the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. That page lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately, because the dates differ by nation. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full year at once.
If you need to know right now, your phone's calendar app often marks bank holidays automatically if you have the UK calendar enabled. Your employer should also have posted the bank holiday schedule somewhere — often in an employee handbook or on an internal calendar system.
Bank holidays matter because banks close, post offices close, and most government offices close. Some shops and services stay open, but many do not. If you need to do something that requires a bank or government office, checking the date first saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- The UK government website gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the official list and differs by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Bank holidays are not the same across all four nations — Scotland has different dates than England, and Northern Ireland has different dates again.
- Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays, though many shops and services remain open.
- Your phone's calendar and your employer's internal calendar usually mark bank holidays automatically, so you can check there without searching.
The difference between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Each nation in the UK observes different bank holidays. England has eight bank holidays per year. Scotland has nine. Wales has eight. Northern Ireland has ten. The dates overlap for some holidays — New Year's Day and Christmas are the same everywhere — but others are unique to each nation.
For example, the Spring Bank Holiday falls on the same date across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but Scotland does not observe it. Instead, Scotland has an Early May Bank Holiday and a Summer Bank Holiday on different dates. Northern Ireland observes both St. Patrick's Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July), which England, Scotland, and Wales do not.
If you live or work across a border, or if you deal with banks or services in multiple nations, check which nation's calendar applies to you. The gov.uk website lets you select your nation and see only the holidays that affect you.
What closes and what stays open on a bank holiday
Banks close completely on bank holidays. Post offices close. Most government offices close. Courts close. Schools close. If you need to do something that requires any of these services, you will need to wait until the next working day.
Most shops stay open, though some choose to close. Supermarkets usually stay open. Restaurants and pubs usually stay open. Transport runs, though sometimes on a reduced or Sunday schedule. Hospitals and emergency services run normally. If you are unsure whether a specific business will be open, call them or check their website before you go.
Some employers treat bank holidays as paid days off. Others require staff to work and pay extra. Your employment contract or staff handbook should say what applies to you. If you are not sure, ask your manager or HR department.
When bank holidays fall on a weekend
When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the UK government usually moves the holiday to the next weekday. This is called a substitute bank holiday or a bank holiday in lieu. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the substitute holiday is usually the following Monday.
The gov.uk website shows the actual dates you should observe, including any substitutes. Do not assume a holiday is on its traditional date if it falls on a weekend — check the official list to see where the substitute day has been moved to.
Bank holidays and your pay or time off
Whether you get paid for a bank holiday depends on your employment contract. Some contracts say bank holidays are paid days off. Others say you work and get paid extra. Some say you work and get no extra pay. A few say you work and get a day off later instead.
If your contract does not say, or if you are unsure, ask your employer in writing. Keep a copy of their answer. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, you can contact ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free information. ACAS has a phone line and a website at acas.org.uk.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need to use a bank, post office, or government service, plan ahead. Do not wait until the day before a bank holiday to sort something out. Many people try to do their banking on the last working day before a holiday, so queues are often longer.
If you are travelling, check whether the bank holiday affects transport or attractions you plan to use. Some museums and tourist sites close on bank holidays. Others stay open but charge higher prices or run reduced hours. Check before you book.
If you are self-employed or run a business, remember that your customers and suppliers may be closed on bank holidays. Plan your work schedule around the dates so you do not lose money waiting for services to reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all shops close on bank holidays in the UK?
No. Most large supermarkets and chain shops stay open on bank holidays, though some may have shorter hours. Small independent shops often close. If you need something specific, call ahead or check the shop's website to confirm they are open.
Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?
Yes, if your contract allows it. Some jobs require staff on bank holidays — hospitals, emergency services, transport, hospitality. Your contract should say whether you work bank holidays and how you are paid. If it does not, ask your employer in writing.
What happens if I need to pay a bill on a bank holiday?
Most bills can be paid online or by phone on any day, including bank holidays. If you need to pay in person at a bank or post office, you will need to wait until the next working day. Set up online or phone payments to avoid missing important date.
Are bank holidays the same in Scotland as in England?
No. Scotland has nine bank holidays, England has eight, and the dates are different for some of them. Check the gov.uk website and select Scotland to see the dates that explore to you.
If a bank holiday falls on a Sunday, do I get Monday off instead?
Usually yes, but not always. The government decides whether to move the holiday and announces it in advance. Check the gov.uk bank holidays page to see the actual dates, including any substitutes.