AS many of us struggle back to work and school after the Christmas break, thoughts might well be turning to any positive news on the horizon.

Well, now is the time to check the calendar for the bank holidays in 2026, when you might be able to look forward to an extra day off work.

Some workplaces, of course, might not automatically grant a day off for bank holidays, but could offer double pay – a consolation for those having to work.

Either way, below is the current projected calendar of bank holidays in 2026 (not including New year’s Day, which has already passed):

England & Wales Bank Holidays 2026

• Friday, April 3 – Good Friday
• Monday, April 6 – Easter Monday
• Monday, May 4 – Early May Bank Holiday (May Day)
• Monday, May 25 – Spring Bank Holiday
• Monday, August 31 – Summer Bank Holiday
• Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Monday, December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day because 26 Dec is a Saturday)

Scotland Bank Holidays 2026

• Friday, April 3 – Good Friday
• Monday, May 4 – Early May Bank Holiday
• Monday, May 25 – Spring Bank Holiday
• Monday, June 15 – In celebration of Scotland appearing at the World Cup
• Monday, August 3 – Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only)
• Monday, November 30 – St Andrew’s Day
• Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Monday, December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026

• Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Tuesday, March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
• Friday, April 3 – Good Friday
• Monday, April 6 – Easter Monday
• Monday, May 4 – Early May Bank Holiday
• Monday, May 25 – Spring Bank Holiday
• Monday, July 13 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day, substitute)
• Monday, August 31 – Summer Bank Holiday
• Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Monday, December 28 – Boxing Day (substitute day)

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