2026 Public Holidays and School Holidays Calendar

In 2026, the UK offers a range of public holidays, school breaks, and opportunities to extend time off. Learn how to plan your holidays around key dates and enjoy longer breaks by combining bank holidays with company leave.

UK Bank Holidays Calendar for 2026

In 2026, public holidays in the UK may vary across different regions. While England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland share some common holidays, each region also has its own unique holidays. This means the dates and observances can differ depending on where you are in the UK. Below is the full list of public holidays in each region for 2026.

How to Maximise Your Time Off: Combining Bank Holidays and Company Leave

Brits have several opportunities to make the most of their time off by combining public holidays with company leave. Here’s how to take advantage of long weekends and extend your holidays:

1. Early May Bank Holiday (4 May, Monday)

• Maximise your time off: Take Friday, 1 May off, and enjoy a four-day weekend.
• Long break potential: Combine it with the Spring Bank Holiday (25 May) and take the week off in between for a 9-day holiday.

2. Spring Bank Holiday (25 May, Monday)

• Maximise your time off: Take the Friday before (22 May) off for a four-day weekend.
• Long break potential: With the Early May Bank Holiday just a few weeks before, you can plan a 2-week break by combining both.

3. Summer Bank Holiday (31 August, Monday)

• Maximise your time off: Take Friday, 28 August off and enjoy an extended four-day weekend.
• Long break potential: If your workplace offers flexibility, you could also use this holiday to extend your break into early September.

4. Christmas and New Year (25 December, Friday, and 1 January, Friday)

• Maximise your time off: Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on Fridays, which makes it easy to take a long holiday. By taking the days between off (28 December to 31 December), you’ll get a full 10-day break.
• Bonus: Boxing Day (28 December) is a substitute holiday on Monday, so use this to your advantage if you work in a company that observes this holiday.

Plan Around Half-Term and School Holidays

If you have kids or family to consider, it’s worth noting the school holiday dates, which often align with bank holidays:

• Easter break: Combine Good Friday and Easter Monday for an extended break.
• Summer holidays: With the Summer Bank Holiday at the end of August, you could plan a long summer break from the end of July into early September.

Make the Most of Company Leave

• Many companies offer extra leave days around major holidays, so check with your HR department to plan ahead.
• Consider taking half-days or using flexible hours for shorter trips or weekend getaways.

Key School Holidays and Term Dates in 2026

In 2026, school holidays in the UK vary by region, but there are some common breaks throughout the year. These include half-term holidays in February, May, and October, as well as the longer breaks for Easter, Summer, and Christmas. Below is a general overview of school holidays for England and Wales. Please note that school dates can differ by region (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and are set by local councils, so always check with your school or local authority for the exact dates.

2026 School Holidays Overview

Note: School term and holiday dates vary across the UK. Always check with your school or local council for precise dates, especially for INSET days (teacher training days).

Major Public Holidays and Celebrations in 2026

Here are the key public holidays and special events across the UK in 2026. These celebrations reflect both cultural and religious significance, often with local festivals, parades, and events to enjoy.

1. New Year's Day (1 January) 🎉

The first day of the year marks the beginning of the new calendar year. Celebrations include fireworks, parties, and gatherings to usher in the new year. It’s a global holiday that everyone celebrates, no matter where you are.

2. Good Friday & Easter Monday (3 & 6 April) 🐣

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Good Friday and Easter Monday offer a long weekend for many, often spent with family or taking a short holiday. The Easter holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with church services and seasonal events, such as Easter egg hunts.

3. Early May Bank Holiday (4 May) 🌸

Early May Bank Holiday 2026 in the United Kingdom

The first Monday in May brings a public holiday to welcome spring. Many people use this long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities, attend festivals, or relax with family and friends as the warmer weather starts to settle in.

4. Summer Bank Holiday (31 August) 🌞

Summer Bank Holiday 2026 in the United Kingdom

The last Monday of August (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) is a perfect time for a final summer break before the autumn sets in. Scotland enjoys its version earlier in the month. Parades, music festivals, and outdoor events make this an exciting time to be outdoors.

5. Christmas Day (25 December) & Boxing Day (26 December) 🎄🎁

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is the biggest holiday of the year. It’s a day for family, giving gifts, and enjoying festive meals. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is traditionally for giving to those in need and enjoying post-Christmas sales. If these holidays fall on a weekend, substitute days are provided.

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