Bank Holidays 2025 & 2026 UK – Student Guide
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays during which banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed. For students especially international students, knowing these dates is essential to plan assignments, part-time work, travel, and university schedules.
This guide covers all bank holidays for 2025 and also provides 2026 updates to help students stay organized.
Table of Contents
UK Bank Holidays 2026 (Current Year)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thu | New Year’s Day | UK |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | UK |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Mon | Easter Monday | England & Wales |
| 4 May 2026 | Mon | Early May Bank Holiday | UK |
| 25 May 2026 | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday | UK |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales & NI |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | UK |
| 28 Dec 2026 | Mon | Boxing Day (Substitute) | UK |
Note: Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional holidays such as 2 Jan (Scotland) or St Patrick’s Day (NI). Always check local calendars.
UK Bank Holidays 2025 (Reference Year)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2025 | Wed | New Year’s Day | UK |
| 18 Apr 2025 | Fri | Good Friday | UK |
| 21 Apr 2025 | Mon | Easter Monday | England & Wales |
| 5 May 2025 | Mon | Early May Bank Holiday | UK |
| 26 May 2025 | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday | UK |
| 25 Aug 2025 | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales & NI |
| 25 Dec 2025 | Thu | Christmas Day | UK |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Fri | Boxing Day | UK |
Keeping 2025 for reference helps students compare and check historical dates or plan retroactive schedules.
Tips for Students Around Bank Holidays
- Plan Long Weekends Wisely – Many students use holidays for short trips or vacations. Booking early saves money and ensures availability.
- Check University Closures – Libraries, student support offices, and campus facilities may close. Confirm dates with your university.
- Manage Part-Time Work – Some businesses may be closed or offer extra pay on holidays. Plan shifts and check your contract.
- Travel & Transportation – Train and bus services can be busier or reduced. Always book tickets in advance.
How Bank Holidays Change Each Year
- Fixed holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Christmas) remain the same each year.
- Movable holidays (e.g., Easter, Good Friday) shift annually.
- Substitute days are applied when a holiday falls on a weekend (e.g., Boxing Day 2026 is observed on Monday, 28 Dec).
Bookmark this guide each year to stay updated with current and future bank holidays.
Conclusion
UK bank holidays affect study, work, and travel plans for students. Using this guide, you can plan ahead for both 2025 (reference) and 2026 (current year). Stay organized and make the most of long weekends, part-time work, and university breaks.
We update this guide annually — check back next year for the latest UK bank holidays.
FAQs – UK Bank Holidays 2025 & 2026
1. What are the bank holidays in the UK for 2025 and 2026?
Bank holidays are public holidays when banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed.
- 2025: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Good Friday (Apr 18), Easter Monday (Apr 21), Early May Bank Holiday (May 5), Spring Bank Holiday (May 26), Summer Bank Holiday (Aug 25), Christmas Day (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26).
- 2026: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Good Friday (Apr 3), Easter Monday (Apr 6), Early May Bank Holiday (May 4), Spring Bank Holiday (May 25), Summer Bank Holiday (Aug 31), Christmas Day (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 28).
(See the main article tables for regional variations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.)
2. Do bank holidays fall on the same dates every year?
No. Fixed holidays like Christmas and New Year stay on the same date each year. Movable holidays such as Good Friday and Easter Monday change annually. If a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday may be observed.
3. Are bank holidays the same across the UK?
Not exactly.
- England & Wales: Most standard bank holidays.
- Scotland: Includes additional days like 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day.
- Northern Ireland: Includes St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne.
Always check local calendars for exact dates.
4. How should students plan around bank holidays?
- Check university closures for libraries and student services.
- Plan part-time work schedules to avoid conflicts.
- Book transport and trips in advance to avoid long weekend crowding.
- Use long weekends to rest, travel, or catch up on assignments.
5. Where can I check official UK bank holiday dates?
Official dates are published on GOV.UK Bank Holidays. This is the most reliable source for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
6. Will these bank holidays affect public transport?
Yes. Trains, buses, and flights may have limited schedules on bank holidays, especially long weekends. Booking early is recommended to avoid last-minute issues.
7. Can this article help me plan for future years?
Absolutely! The article includes 2025 for reference and 2026 for current planning. You can use this same guide to anticipate trends in future UK bank holidays, as the structure remains largely consistent.