UK bank holidays 2026

How to use this calendar

1. Check the table: date, weekday, and the real date when a substitute day applies.
2. Spot the possible long weekends to plan time off ahead of it.
3. Download the .ics file and import it into your calendar app.

What you're owed for working a bank holiday

There's no automatic legal right to extra pay for working a bank holiday in England and Wales — it depends entirely on your contract. Many employers count bank holidays as part of your statutory 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave, so working one may mean taking the day back another time rather than being paid more.

Check your contract or staff handbook for the specific rule at your workplace: some sectors (retail, hospitality, healthcare) negotiate a premium rate or guaranteed time off in lieu through their agreements.

Bank holidays and substitute days

This table covers England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own bank holiday calendars with some different dates (such as St Andrew's Day or St Patrick's Day).

When New Year's Day, Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, GOV.UK moves the bank holiday to the nearest working day — that substitute date is what this table shows.

Planning long weekends

Early May, Spring and Summer bank holidays are always set on a Monday, giving a 3-day weekend by default. Easter's Good Friday and Easter Monday bracket the weekend the same way.

For shift workers, checking these dates months ahead makes it easier to arrange shift swaps with colleagues before the rota is finalised.