The UK runs on bank holidays rather than a formal list of public holidays, and the calendar differs across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Most of them are deliberately pinned to a Monday, so the year is shaped by three-day weekends rather than midweek breaks.

How people take the days

Because nearly every bank holiday is already a Monday, bridging is rare — the long weekend arrives without leave. The exceptions are the Easter and Christmas periods, where two or three days of leave buy a very long break, and most offices run at half strength between Christmas and New Year.

If you're visiting

Shops, pubs and attractions stay open on almost every bank holiday; Sunday trading rules apply, so large stores get six hours. Christmas Day is the genuine exception — near-total closure, and no trains at all in Great Britain.

If you live here

Bank holidays are not a statutory right to paid leave: your contract decides whether they come out of your allowance. Scotland swaps St Andrew's Day and the 2 January holiday for the late-summer English dates, and Northern Ireland adds 17 March and 12 July.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.

Saint Andrew's Day

30 Nov 2026

Regional

Observance: Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work. It applies only in certain regions rather than nationwide.
Business: Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.
Transport: Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.

Christmas Day

25 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The most complete shutdown in the British calendar — a family day, with the King's message at 3pm.
Business: Effectively everything closes, including supermarkets and almost all restaurants.
Transport: No National Rail services anywhere in Great Britain, no Tube, and almost no buses.

Written for this country

St. Stephen's Day

28 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The 26th, historically for giving boxes to servants and tradesmen, now defined by football fixtures, the sales and long walks. A bank holiday across the UK.
Business: Banks close; large retailers open early for sales, though a growing number now stay shut.
Transport: No trains at all on many routes; limited buses. Plan around it rather than through it.

Written for this country

GBUnited Kingdom · 2026

How the holiday year works in United Kingdom

The calendar