Guide to UK bank holidays | Simply Owners

2026 UK Bank Holiday Dates

England and Wales Bank Holidays 2026

• New Year’s Day - Thursday 1st January
• Good Friday - Friday 3rd April
• Easter Monday - Monday 6th April
• Early May Bank Holiday - Monday 4th May
• Spring Bank Holiday - Monday 25th May
• August Bank Holiday - Monday 31st August
• Christmas Day - Friday 25th December
• Boxing Day - Monday 28th December (sub day)

Maximise your 2026 annual leave!

Turn 28 days (4 weeks) of leave into 63 days (9 weeks) of holiday by booking the following dates:

New Year
Book off one day (Friday 2 January) for four days off 

Easter
Book off eight days (Monday 30 March - Thursday 2 April and Tuesday 7 April - Friday 10 April) to get 16 days off 

Early May bank holiday
Book off four days (Tuesday 5 May - Friday 8 May) to get nine days off 

Spring bank holiday
Book off four days (Tuesday 26 May - Friday 29 May) to get nine days off 

August bank holiday
Book off four days (Tuesday 1 September - Friday 4 September) to get nine days off 

Christmas
Book off seven days (Monday 21 December - Thursday 24 December and Tuesday 29 December - Thursday 31 December) to get 16 days off

Now you know how to maximise your time off in 2026, start planning your next holiday today.

Scotland Bank Holidays 2026

Scottish Bank Holidays 2026

• New Year's Day - Thursday 1 January
• 2nd January bank holiday - Friday 2 January
• Good Friday - Friday 3 April
• Early May bank holiday - Monday 4 May
• Spring bank holiday - Monday 25 May
• August bank holiday - Monday 3 August
• St Andrew's Day - Monday 30 November
• Christmas Day - Friday 25 December
• Boxing Day - Monday 28 December (substitute day)

Ireland Bank Holidays 2026

Irish Bank Holidays 2026

• New Year's Day - Thursday 1 January
• St Brigid’s Day - Monday 2 February
• Saint Patrick's Day - Tuesday 17 March
• Easter Monday - Monday 6 April
• May Day - Monday 4 May
• June bank holiday - Monday 1 June
• August bank holiday - Monday 3 August
• October bank holiday - Monday 26 October
• Christmas Day - Friday 25 December
• St Stephen’s Day - Monday 28 December (substitute day)

2027 UK Bank Holiday Dates

England and Wales bank holidays 2027

• New Year's Day - Friday 1 January
• Good Friday - Friday 26 March
• Easter Monday - Monday 29 March
• Early May bank holiday - Monday 3 May
• Spring bank holiday - Monday 31 May
• August bank holiday - Monday 30 August
• Christmas Day - Monday 27 December (substitute day)
• Boxing Day - Tuesday 28 December (substitute day)

Scotland Bank Holidays 2027

Scottish Bank Holidays 2027

• New Year's Day - Friday 1 January
• 2nd January bank holiday - Monday 4 January (substitute day)
• Good Friday - Friday 26 March
• Early May bank holiday - Monday 3 May
• Spring bank holiday - Monday 31 May
• August bank holiday - Monday 2 August
• St Andrew's Day - Tuesday 30 November
• Christmas Day - Monday 27 December (substitute day)
• Boxing Day - Tuesday 28 December (substitute day)

Ireland Bank Holidays 2027

Irish Bank Holidays 2027

• New Year's Day - Friday 1 January
• St Brigid’s Day - Monday 1 February
• Saint Patrick's Day - Wednesday 17 March
• Easter Monday - Monday 29 March
• May Day - Monday 3 May
• June bank holiday - Monday 7 June
• August bank holiday - Monday 2 August
• October bank holiday - Monday 25 October
• Christmas Day - Monday 27 December (substitute day)
• St Stephen’s Day - Tuesday 28 December (substitute day)

Why should I use my annual leave wisely?

Using your leave wisely isn’t just about taking a break - it’s about working smarter, staying healthy, and making the most of your earned time off. Here are 7 reasons why you should plan your leave carefully. 
 

Improves mental health -Taking breaks from work helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and boost your overall mood.
 

Boosts productivity - Time away from work allows you to recharge. You often return with more focus, creativity, and energy, which can make you more efficient and effective.
 

Enhances work-life balance - Using your leave allows you to spend quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, or simply relax, helping maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
 

Prevents unused leave from going to waste - Many companies have “use it or lose it” policies. Planning your leave ensures you actually benefit from the time off you’ve earned.
 

Encourages long-term health benefits - Regular breaks can lower the risk of stress-related health issues, like high blood pressure or heart problems.
 

Promotes better career performance - Employees who take leave strategically are often more engaged and motivated, which can positively impact career growth and workplace relationships.
 

Maximises holiday value - Planning your leave around holidays or long weekends can give you longer stretches of rest without using excessive leave days.

Where should I go for my Easter 2026 holiday?

Suggestions for fun things to do at Easter

Young families: A great time to try Easter egg hunts, farm visits, or maybe even a nature trail with picnic spots in the Peak District.
 

Couples: Enjoy relaxing countryside walks, or a long weekend in the Lake District, Cotswolds, or Cornwall.
 

Working adults: The perfect time to take a short trip to a scenic coastal town like Whitby or book a spring festival/event in a city like London.

Where should I go for Early May Bank Holiday 2026?

Suggestions for fun things to do at May Bank Holiday

Young families: How about visiting a new garden, zoo, or theme park to enjoy the spring weather. Lots to choose form in South Devon. 

Couples: Romantic mini-breaks in the countryside or a city with lots of outdoor cafes and events are perfect for the warmer weather. Try France for that romantic vibe. 

Working adults: How about a hiking trip or a spa retreat to recharge mid-year? Cornwall. has some fabulous options. 

Where should I go for Spring Bank Holiday 2026?

Suggestions for fun things to do at Spring Bank Holiday

Young families: Countrywide there are numerous National Trust properties with open spaces for kids to run around.

Couples: Relax at a countryside or coastal retreat; perhaps a weekend of cycling or coastal walks in Norfolk, would fit the bill. 

Working adults: Staycations near lakes, rivers, or small towns for hiking, biking, or cultural tours are good in May when the UK weather starts to improve. Cumbria has lots to offer for all budgets.

Where should I go for August Bank Holiday 2026?

Suggestions for fun things to do at August Holiday

Young families: Beach trips, seaside towns with fun attractions, or waterparks. Anywhere in the South West is bound to be a hit to burn off some energy and get away from their screens. 

Couples: Perhaps explore less touristy areas to avoid crowds. Scotland is a stunning location to enjoy some winter sunshine. 

Working adults: Blue seas, blue skies and golden sands will be the perfect summer relaxation. Try Greece for the beautiful views and sunshine. 

Where should I go for Christmas/New Year 2026?

Suggestions for fun things to do at Christmas/New Year Holiday

Young families: Christmas markets, festive light displays, or Santa-themed events are all fun things to do at this time of year. How about taking the whole family away in one of our larger, multi-generational properties? 

Couples: Skiing and winter walks in the snow are the perfect antidote to Christmas stress. 

Working adults: Short festive getaways and cultural trips are a fantastic way to spend Christmas. Experience Christmas enveloped in another culture, we'd recommend a relaxing break in  Italy.