England holidays 2026

England has 8 bank holidays in 2026. Dates below show the actual date and, where a holiday falls on a weekend, the day it is observed.

Per United Kingdom and England legislation.

Bank holidays observed in England

DateDayHolidayObservedNotes
Jan 1ThuNew Year's Day Bank holiday—
Apr 3FriGood Friday Bank holiday—
Apr 6MonEaster Monday Bank holiday—Bank holiday in England
May 4MonEarly May Bank Holiday Bank holiday—
May 25MonSpring Bank Holiday Bank holiday—
Aug 31MonSummer Bank Holiday Bank holiday—England: last Monday in August
Dec 25FriChristmas Day Bank holiday—
Dec 26SatBoxing Day Bank holidayMon, Dec 28

Dates computed from the governing statutes and last verified October 3, 2026. Years beyond officially published schedules are projected from the rule that sets the date.

Observances (not days off)

DateDayHolidayObservedNotes
Feb 14SatValentine's Day Observance—
Feb 17TuePancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) Observance—
Mar 15SunMother's Day (Mothering Sunday) Observance—
Apr 23ThuSt George's Day Observance—National day of England; not a bank holiday
Jun 21SunFather's Day Observance—
Oct 31SatHalloween Observance—
Nov 5ThuBonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) Observance—
Nov 8SunRemembrance Sunday Observance—

Long weekends in England, 2026

Bridge opportunity Thu, Jan 1
New Year's Day (Thursday)
Take Friday, Jan 2 off for a 4-day break.
4-day weekend Fri, Apr 3 – Mon, Apr 6
Good Friday (Friday) Easter Monday (Monday)
No leave needed.
3-day weekend Sat, May 2 – Mon, May 4
Early May Bank Holiday (Monday)
Add Tuesday, May 5 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Sat, May 23 – Mon, May 25
Spring Bank Holiday (Monday)
Add Tuesday, May 26 for a 4-day break.
3-day weekend Sat, Aug 29 – Mon, Aug 31
Summer Bank Holiday (Monday)
Add Tuesday, Sep 1 for a 4-day break.
4-day weekend Fri, Dec 25 – Mon, Dec 28
Christmas Day (Friday) Boxing Day (Monday, observed)
No leave needed.

What closes

Government offices, courts and most schools close on the public holidays above. Shops usually open with reduced hours, subject to local trading rules.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays does England have in 2026?

England has 8 public holidays in 2026: 8 bank holidays.

What is the next holiday in England?

The next holiday in England is Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026 (53 days away).

Are England holidays the same as the rest of the United Kingdom?

Mostly. England observes the bank holidays shared across the United Kingdom. Other nations have different regional days, so check the page for the nation you need.

Other nations