The UK has between 8 and 10 bank holidays each year, depending on which country you live in

England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each observe a different number of bank holidays. England and Wales have 8 fixed bank holidays per year. Scotland has 9. Northern Ireland has 10. The variation happens because each nation sets its own calendar, and some holidays are specific to that country — for example, Scotland observes two additional holidays that England does not.

Bank holidays matter to you because banks, post offices, and most government offices close on these days. If you need to process a payment, deposit a cheque, or contact your bank by phone, you will not be able to do so on a bank holiday. Knowing which days are coming helps you plan ahead, especially if you have time-sensitive transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • England and Wales observe 8 bank holidays per year; Scotland observes 9; Northern Ireland observes 10.
  • The dates change slightly each year because some holidays move to the nearest Monday when they fall on a weekend.
  • Banks, post offices, and most government services close on bank holidays, so plan ahead for any urgent transactions.
  • You can find the exact dates for your nation on the UK government website or your bank's website.
  • Some businesses and services remain open on bank holidays, but you cannot assume yours will — check ahead.

The bank holidays in England and Wales

England and Wales share the same 8 bank holidays. They are: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday. This is called a "substitute bank holiday". For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday moves to Monday 27 December. This means the actual date of the holiday can shift from year to year, so you need to check the calendar for the specific year you are planning around.

The bank holidays in Scotland

Scotland observes 9 bank holidays. It has all the same holidays as England and Wales, except it does not observe Easter Monday. Instead, Scotland observes 2 January (New Year's Day holiday) and Early May Bank Holiday. Scotland also observes a different spring holiday called Spring Bank Holiday, which falls on the last Monday in May, the same as England and Wales.

The two additional holidays unique to Scotland are 2 January and a second bank holiday in early May. This means if you live in Scotland and your bank is based there, you will have different closure dates than someone banking in England, even if you use the same bank.

The bank holidays in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland observes 10 bank holidays, the most of any UK nation. It has all the holidays that England and Wales observe, plus two additional ones: St Patrick's Day (17 March, or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July, or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend).

Because Northern Ireland has the most bank holidays, if you bank with a Northern Ireland-based institution, you may find your bank closed on dates when banks in other parts of the UK are open.

What actually closes on bank holidays

Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. The Stock Exchange also closes. However, not everything shuts down — supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and many other businesses stay open, though some may have reduced hours.

If you need to do something that requires a bank or post office, you cannot do it on a bank holiday. Cheques will not clear. Transfers may not process when ready. Phone lines to government services will not be staffed. If you have a time-sensitive payment or deposit, you need to plan around the bank holiday calendar.

How to find the exact dates for your area

The UK government website publishes the bank holiday calendar for each nation. You can search "UK bank holidays" and find the official list with all dates for the current and upcoming years. Your own bank's website will also list the dates when it will be closed.

If you are unsure which nation's calendar applies to you, check where your bank is registered. If you bank with a Scottish bank, use the Scotland calendar. If you bank with a Northern Ireland bank, use the Northern Ireland calendar. Some banks operate across multiple nations and may close on all bank holidays across all four nations, which means they close more often than the minimum for any single nation.

Planning around bank holidays for payments and transfers

If you have a payment due on or near a bank holiday, send it a day or two early. Cheques take longer to clear around bank holidays because post offices close and processing backs up. Standing orders and direct debits usually process on schedule even if the bank holiday falls on the processing date, but it is worth checking with your bank if you are uncertain.

If you are expecting a payment — a salary, a refund, or a transfer from someone else — assume it will arrive the working day after the bank holiday, not on the bank holiday itself. This is especially important if you are relying on that money to cover a bill or expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all UK banks close on the same bank holidays?

Most do, but not all. Banks registered in England close on English bank holidays. Banks registered in Scotland close on Scottish bank holidays. Some larger banks operate across all four nations and may close on more bank holidays than the minimum for any single nation. Check your bank's website for its specific closure dates.

What happens to my direct debit or standing order on a bank holiday?

Direct debits and standing orders usually process on their scheduled date even if that date is a bank holiday. However, if the payment is due to be received by you — such as a salary or benefit payment — it may arrive a day later. Contact your bank or employer if you are unsure about a specific payment.

Can I use an ATM or online banking on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs and online banking services run 24/7, including on bank holidays. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make transfers online at any time. The closure only affects services that require staff, such as phone support, in-branch services, and cheque processing.

Why do different parts of the UK have different bank holidays?

Each nation in the UK sets its own bank holiday calendar. Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have different cultural and historical holidays that matter to them. Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne, for example, which are not bank holidays in other parts of the UK.

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

That depends on your employment contract and your employer's policy. There is no legal requirement to pay extra for working on a bank holiday. Some employers offer time off in lieu or extra pay; others do not. Check your contract or ask your employer.