Every UK bank holiday coming in 2026 so you can book your holiday now
Today is the August bank holiday and it marks the last long weekend before Christmas in England and Wales - but what bank holiday dates are coming up in 2026?
Millions of people up and down the country will be enjoying the August summer bank holiday today.
It marks the last long weekend before Christmas in England and Wales - but for some people, the end of the summer might get them thinking about booking their holidays for next year.
You can maximise your time off by booking annual leave around the bank holidays in 2026. But when exactly are the bank holidays in 2026 taking place? We've rounded up a full list of dates below.
The latest data from the RAC reveals a massive 17.6 million getaways by car are expected to take place over the August bank holiday, with millions of people driving home today ahead of the return to work tomorrow.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “With this bank holiday being the last opportunity to enjoy a long weekend before Christmas, our study shows a real eagerness to get out and about with nearly 18million drivers planning getaway trips.
“More traffic on the roads will inevitably lead to more vehicle breakdowns, especially if the sun makes an appearance and people decide on the day to visit popular destinations.
“We’re expecting major roads to airports and coastal destinations to be extremely busy, especially the South East and South West regions which could end up bearing the brunt of most holiday hold-ups. Anyone planning routes through these areas should set off as early as possible or be prepared to spend longer in traffic.“
England and Wales
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, January 2 - 2nd January
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 3 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, November 30 - St Andrew's Day
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Tuesday, March 17 - St Patrick's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, July 13 - Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- Monday, August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
