United Kingdom public holidays 2026
In 2026, United Kingdom has 8 public holidays – 7 of them fall on a weekday. With long weekends and all dates to print.
Public holidays United Kingdom 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Applies in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2026 | Thursday | New Year's DayFirst day of the year – a day off in almost every country. | nationwide |
| 01/02/2026 | Friday | January 2nd | Scotland |
| 03/17/2026 | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
| 04/03/2026 | Friday | Good FridayCommemorates the crucifixion of Jesus; a quiet day in many countries. | nationwide |
| 04/06/2026 | Monday | Easter MondayThe day after Easter Sunday, a holiday in much of Europe. | Alderney, England, Northern Ireland, Wales |
| 05/04/2026 | Monday | Early May bank holidayBank holiday on the first Monday in May. | nationwide |
| 05/25/2026 | Monday | Spring bank holidayBank holiday on the last Monday in May. | nationwide |
| 07/12/2026 | Sunday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) | Northern Ireland |
| 07/13/2026 | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day) | Northern Ireland |
| 08/03/2026 | Monday | Summer bank holidayBank holiday on the last Monday in August. | Scotland |
| 08/31/2026 | Monday | Summer bank holidayBank holiday on the last Monday in August. | England, Northern Ireland, Wales |
| 11/30/2026 | Monday | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland |
| 12/15/2026 | Tuesday | Homecoming Day | Alderney |
| 12/25/2026 | Friday | Christmas DayCelebration of the birth of Jesus. | nationwide |
| 12/26/2026 | Saturday | Boxing DaySecond day of Christmas (St. Stephen’s Day). | nationwide |
| 12/28/2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) | nationwide |
Long weekends 2026: more days off with less leave
Make the most of your vacation days in United Kingdom in 2026 – leave days needed and consecutive days off:
| Period | Holiday | Leave days | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01 – 01/04/2026 | New Year's Day | 1 | 4 |
| 03/28 – 04/05/2026 | Good Friday | 4 | 9 |
| 05/02 – 05/10/2026 | Early May bank holiday | 4 | 9 |
| 05/23 – 05/31/2026 | Spring bank holiday | 4 | 9 |
| 12/19 – 12/28/2026 | Christmas Day | 4 | 10 |
United Kingdom 2026 in numbers
- Public holidays
- 8
- on weekdays
- 7
- on weekends
- 1
- Weekday holidays 2025
- 7
- Working days (United Kingdom)
- 254
Other observances 2026
| 03/15/2026 | Sunday | Mother's Day |
| 04/05/2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 06/21/2026 | Sunday | Father's Day |
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does United Kingdom have in 2026?
United Kingdom has 8 public holidays in 2026. 7 of them fall on a weekday (Monday to Friday).
What is the first public holiday of 2026 in United Kingdom?
The first public holiday of 2026 in United Kingdom is New Year's Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
When are the best long weekends in United Kingdom in 2026?
We found 5 worthwhile long weekends. The best value is January 1, 2026 – January 4, 2026.
Are there more weekday holidays in 2026 than in 2025?
In 2026, 7 holidays fall on a weekday, compared with 7 in 2025.
Other years
United Kingdom holidays 2027United Kingdom holidays 2028United Kingdom holidays 2029United Kingdom holidays 2030United Kingdom holidays 2031United Kingdom holidays 2032United Kingdom holidays 2033United Kingdom holidays 2034United Kingdom holidays 2035United Kingdom holidays 2036United Kingdom holidays 2037United Kingdom holidays 2038United Kingdom holidays 2039United Kingdom holidays 2040