The Complete Ultimate Guide to UK Bank Holidays (2025 Edition)

Every year, millions of Brits eagerly anticipate the upcoming bank holidays—the rare, sweet moments when time stretches, plans flourish, and the nation takes a collective pause.

Whether you're trying to make the most of a long weekend, wondering which shops are open, or simply curious about the history behind days off, this guide covers everything you need to know about UK Bank Holiday 2025, tailored to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Is a Bank Holiday?

2025’s Bank Holiday Calendar by Region

The Fascinating Origins of UK Bank Holidays

Planning Your Leave—Smart Tips for Extra Days Off

What Stays Open (and What Doesn’t)? Shops, Traffic, Banks & More

Beyond the Day Off: Why Bank Holidays Matter Culturally

Quick FAQ

1. What Exactly Is a Bank Holiday?

Let’s start with the basics. A bank holiday is a public holiday in the UK where banks and many businesses remain closed, based on statutory law. The term originated in the Bank Holidays Act 1871, introduced by Sir John Lubbock—hence the name

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, some holidays like Good Friday and Christmas Day were already established by custom before being codified into law

2. UK Bank Holidays 2025 — Dates by Region

England & Wales (8 Holidays)

1 January (Wed) – New Year’s Day

18 April (Fri) – Good Friday

21 April (Mon) – Easter Monday

5 May (Mon) – Early May Bank Holiday

26 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Holiday

25 August (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday

25 December (Thu) – Christmas Day

26 December (Fri) – Boxing Day

GOV.UK

Good Tuesday

Business Wales

Your Company Formations

Scotland (9 Holidays)

1 January (Wed) – New Year’s Day

2 January (Thu) – 2nd January Bank Holiday

18 April (Fri) – Good Friday

5 May (Mon) – Early May

26 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Hol.

4 August (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday (early August)

1 December (Mon) – St Andrew’s Day (substitute)

25 December (Thu) – Christmas Day

26 December (Fri) – Boxing Day

GOV.UK

Northern Ireland (10 Holidays)

1 January (Wed) – New Year’s Day

17 March (Mon) – St Patrick’s Day

18 April (Fri) – Good Friday

21 April (Mon) – Easter Monday

5 May (Mon) – Early May

26 May (Mon) – Spring Bank Holiday

14 July (Mon, substitute) – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)

25 August (Mon) – Summer Bank Holiday

25 December (Thu) – Christmas Day

26 December (Fri) – Boxing Day

3. The Fascinating History of UK Bank Holidays

Origins in the 19th Century

Before 1871, only a few holidays like Good Friday were widely observed. The Bank Holidays Act 1871 introduced designated days off to give workers breakpoints beyond religious observance

Shifting the August Holiday

Originally, Spring or Whitsun holidays fluctuated. The August Bank Holiday used to fall earlier in the month but was moved to the last Monday in August (in England, Wales & NI) in 1971 for consistency

Additional Holidays in the Union

Scotland and Northern Ireland have unique holidays like St Andrew’s Day and St Patrick’s Day, which reflect cultural identity and were added over time

4. Planning Your Leave: Stretch That Annual Vacation

Bank holidays are your secret weapon to longer breaks — here’s how UK workers are making the most of them in 2025:

Easter: Take leave 17–20 April and 22–24 April for an 18-day break using just 9 leave days.

Early May: Use four days off around 5 May to stretch a 9-day break.

Spring Bank Holiday (26 May): Four days around gives another 9-day stretch.

Summer (25 Aug): Similar strategy applies for 9 days off.

Christmas/New Year: Taking 7 days off between Dec 22 and Jan 5 gives a 16-day holiday.

5. What’s Open and Closed on Bank Holidays?

Banks & Government Service

All major banks close. Govt offices, the Post Office, and council services are generally shut too.

Stock Market

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is closed on Spring Bank Holiday (26 May), Summer Bank Holiday (25 August), and Christmas/Boxing Day. It also operates half-days on 24 & 31 December

Supermarkets & Retail

Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, M&S, and others operate with reduced hours on August Bank Holiday. Usually open midday but close early—check local listings

Sainsbury’s shut over 500 branches early (8pm) on Early May Bank Holiday (VE Day). Others like Asda, Waitrose, Aldi adjusted hours

Pubs & Hospitality

Wetherspoons stays open through Bank Holiday Mondays, offering budget meals and drinks—with most pubs running 7:30/8 am to midnight

The Sun

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Transport & Travel

Expect delays and busy roads. For example, over a bank holiday weekend, 17.6 million journeys were expected, with disruptions from rail strikes and road congestion

The Sun

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6. More Than Just a Day Off: Cultural Significance

Community Celebration: Bank holidays are when festivals, carnivals, and local events spring to life—think reading, music, community gatherings.

Cultural Identity: Patron saint days like St Patrick’s and St Andrew’s reinforce regional pride and traditions.

Social Life: From barbecues to mini-vacations, these free days shape memories and routines.

7. Quick FAQs

Question Answer

How many bank holidays in 2025? England/Wales: 8; Scotland: 9; NI: 10

Givver

Rippling

Why do holidays differ by region? Reflects cultural and historical differences (e.g. Saint Patrick’s Day, St Andrew’s Day).

If a holiday falls on a weekend, what happens? A substitute weekday (usually Monday) becomes the bank holiday

GOV.UK

Business Wales

Any plans for extra holidays in 2025? No additional holidays to mark WWII’s 80th anniversary—celebrations occur within existing bank holidays

The Sun

For Employers: Business Impact & FAQ

Annual Leave Policy: Legal to exclude bank holidays from voluntary leave, but many employers include them.

Payroll: Some have “holiday pay enhancements” for bank holidays—check employee contracts.

Scheduling: Expect reduced staffing, limited transport, and supply chain delays during this time.

Final Thoughts

Bank holidays are far more than days off—they’re anchors in our calendar, weaving together history, families, rest, and national identity.

Whether you're planning strategic leave, wondering if your favorite store opens, or craving context behind each date, understanding UK bank holidays makes you more informed, intentional—and ready to enjoy your next break.