What's the difference between bank holidays in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Each UK nation has different bank holidays. Scotland has additional days (January 2nd, St Andrew's Day). Northern Ireland has the Battle of the Boyne (July 14th). England and Wales share the same bank holidays but differ from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Is 31 December a bank holiday in the UK?

31 December is NOT a bank holiday in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, 2 January is a bank holiday but 31 December (Hogmanay) is not a statutory bank holiday, though many Scottish employers give it as a day off by custom. New Year's Day (1 January) IS a bank holiday across all UK nations.

When is the August bank holiday in England and Scotland?

The August bank holiday falls on different dates in England/Wales vs Scotland. In England and Wales it is the last Monday in August. In Scotland it is the first Monday in August — typically 4–6 weeks earlier. This means if you work across both regions, or your employer is headquartered in a different nation, check your contract carefully.

How many bank holidays are there in 2026?

In 2026, England and Wales have 8 bank holidays (including Good Friday and Easter Monday which fall in April 2026). Scotland has 9 (including 2 January and St Andrew's Day). Northern Ireland has 10 (including St Patrick's Day and Battle of the Boyne).

Calendar

UK Bank Holidays 2026 & 2027

Q: What is Holiday Model A vs Model B?

Model A (top-up): Bank holidays are given in addition to the 28 days minimum — typically 28 + 8 = 36 days total. Model B (inclusive): Bank holidays count as part of the 28 days — typically leaving 20 days for workers to book freely. Check your employment contract to know which applies.

Q: Do bank holidays count towards the 28-day entitlement?

It depends on your employment contract. Employers can choose either Model A (bank holidays included in 28 days) or Model B (bank holidays separate). There's no legal requirement for either approach — it's a contract term.

Complete bank holiday calendar for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Last Updated: April 2026

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Bank Holidays 2026

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England and Wales share the same bank holidays. Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional holidays.

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Bank Holidays 2027

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Date	Holiday	Eng & Wal	Scot	NI
1 January	New Year's Day	✓	✓	✓
2 January	New Year (substitute)	—	✓	—
14 March	Mother's Day	✓	✓	✓
26 March	Good Friday	✓	✓	✓
29 March	Easter Monday	✓	—	✓
3 May	Early May Bank Holiday	✓	✓	✓
31 May	Spring Bank Holiday	✓	✓	✓
2 August	Summer Bank Holiday (Scot)	—	✓	—
30 August	Summer Bank Holiday	✓	—	✓
30 November	St Andrew's Day	—	✓	—
14 July	Battle of the Boyne	—	—	✓
27 December	Christmas Day	✓	✓	✓
28 December	Boxing Day	✓	✓	✓

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Regional differences

England

8 bank holidays per year. Shares the same calendar as Wales.

Scotland

9 bank holidays per year, plus local holidays. Additional holidays include:

2 January (New Year substitute)
St Andrew's Day (30 November)

Wales

8 bank holidays per year. Shares the same calendar as England.

Northern Ireland

10 bank holidays per year. Additional holidays include:

17 March (St Patrick's Day, when it falls on a weekday)
14 July (Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day)

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Bank holidays and your holiday entitlement

There are two ways employers can handle bank holidays:

Model A — Top-up

Bank holidays are given in addition to your statutory entitlement.

28 days + 8 bank holidays = 36 days total

Model B — Inclusive

Bank holidays count as part of your 28 days.

28 days total, 8 are bank holidays = 20 days to book

Check your employment contract to see which model applies to you. There's no legal requirement for either approach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are UK workers entitled to bank holidays off?

There is no automatic legal right to have bank holidays off work. Entitlement depends on your employment contract. Many workers have bank holidays included in their annual leave, while some contracts give bank holidays in addition to the 28-day minimum.

What's the difference between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland bank holidays?

Each UK nation has different bank holidays. Scotland has January 2nd and St Andrew's Day (November 30th). Northern Ireland has St Patrick's Day (March 17th, when it falls on a weekday) and the Battle of the Boyne (July 14th). England and Wales share the same 8 bank holidays.

What is Holiday Model A vs Model B?

Model A (top-up): Bank holidays are given in addition to your 28-day minimum. For example, 28 days leave + 8 bank holidays = 36 days total. Model B (inclusive): Bank holidays count as part of your 28 days, leaving you fewer days to book freely.

Do bank holidays count towards the 28-day entitlement?

It depends on your contract. Your employer can choose either Model A (included) or Model B (separate). There's no legal requirement for either approach — check your employment contract.

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Bank Holidays 2026

Bank Holidays 2027

Regional differences

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Bank holidays and your holiday entitlement

Model A — Top-up

Model B — Inclusive

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does this affect your holiday entitlement?

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