UK Bank Holidays 2026: How Many Public Holidays Are There in the UK?

Disclaimer: Bank holiday dates may change. Always check the UK Government website for the latest updates: https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays

Public holidays, often referred to as bank holidays in the UK, are among the most anticipated dates of the year. Whether you’re planning a long weekend in London, a scenic escape to Scotland, or a cultural trip to Northern Ireland, knowing the 2026 bank holiday schedule helps you time your travels, family gatherings, and short trips with ease.

But here’s where the UK is unique:
England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all have different public holiday counts. So, how many public holidays are there in the UK in 2026, and when is the next UK bank holiday? Let’s break it down region by region.

UK Bank Holidays 2026 (England & Wales)

England and Wales share the same holiday calendar. These dates also influence travel schedules, major attractions, and train times in the UK.

Scotland Bank Holidays 2026

Scotland has its own public holiday calendar, and yes, Scotland is in the UK, but it observes several additional or alternative dates.

Scotland marks many of its public holidays with lively traditions, from Edinburgh’s New Year torchlight procession to summer Highland Games held across the country. If you’re looking for what to do in Scotland during a bank holiday, expect local markets, parades, and festivals. These events highlight what’s on in Scotland throughout the year and showcase the unique character behind Scotland’s holiday calendar.

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026

Northern Ireland also follows a distinct set of holidays that reflect local history and cultural identity.

Northern Ireland’s holiday pattern highlights its blend of Irish and British influences. Public holidays often come with parades, cultural gatherings, and commemorations tied to local history. If you’re checking what’s on in Northern Ireland during a bank holiday, you'll find everything from music events to community festivals that reflect the region’s traditions.

How Many Public Holidays Are There in the UK?

If you’re wondering how many public holidays in the UK there are, or specifically how many bank holidays in England, the totals depend on the region:

• England & Wales: 8 bank holidays
• Scotland: 9 bank holidays
• Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays

Each nation sets its own schedule, which is why the number of holidays varies from one place to another.

Easter Monday in the UK

Easter Monday is observed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland. Instead of simply asking what happened on Easter Monday, it helps to understand how people celebrate it. Many towns host family events, fairs, or outdoor activities, while others treat it as the relaxing end of a long weekend. It’s one of the most anticipated spring holidays in parts of the UK.

What’s Open on New Year’s Day?

Are shops open on New Year's Day? Most larger shops open but often with reduced hours, while many small businesses remain closed. Public transport runs on a holiday schedule, and museums or attractions may have limited availability.

If you're wondering what’s open in London today on a holiday like this, expect major attractions to operate with shorter hours and neighbourhood businesses following their own schedules.

Travelling During UK Bank Holidays? Here's How Eskimo Helps

Bank holidays are some of the busiest times to travel in the UK. Train stations get crowded, attractions fill quickly, and staying connected can feel less predictable.

Here’s a travel-friendly version of your Eskimo section: Make holiday travel smoother with an eSIM that just works.
Bank holiday weekends often mean heavy mobile network usage across cities like London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. With an Eskimo UK eSIM, you can activate data the moment you arrive, skip SIM card queues, and enjoy reliable coverage while exploring museums, coastal drives, or countryside towns.

If you're travelling on to Europe afterwards, consider regional or global plans to stay connected across multiple countries.

FAQs

Are there always 8 bank holidays in the UK?

No. England & Wales have 8, Scotland has 9, and Northern Ireland has 10.

How many public holidays are there in the UK?

It depends on where you are: each nation sets its own holiday list.

Is Scotland in the UK?

Yes. Scotland is part of the UK but follows its own bank holiday calendar.

Is Northern Ireland part of the UK?

Yes. It shares some UK-wide holidays and also observes region-specific dates.

Is New Year’s Day a Bank Holiday?

Yes. New Year’s Day is a bank holiday across all four nations.
Scotland also observes 2 January, giving it a slightly longer New Year break.

What happened on Easter Monday?

It’s a long-standing Christian observance, marked with local events in many parts of the UK.