The quickest way to find out
The fastest way to know if today is a bank holiday in England is to check the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. The page lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately—they are not all the same day. You can also search "bank holidays England 2024" or "bank holidays England 2025" to see the full year at a glance.
If you need to know right now, your phone's calendar app may already have bank holidays marked. Most calendar applications in the UK include them by default. You can also text a friend or check your bank's website—most UK banks display the current day's status on their homepage or app.
Bank holidays in England are days when most banks, government offices, and many businesses close. They are not the same as public holidays in other countries, and England's list differs from Scotland's and Wales's.
Key Takeaways
- The UK government website gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the official list for England and updates it each year.
- England has nine bank holidays per year, but Scotland and Wales have different dates and different numbers.
- Most banks and government offices close on bank holidays, but not all businesses do—check with your employer or service provider.
- If you need to know whether a specific service is open today, contact them directly rather than relying on the bank holiday calendar alone.
England's bank holidays and when they fall
England observes nine bank holidays each year. The dates are fixed for some and vary for others. New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day fall on the same calendar date every year. Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, and Summer Bank Holiday change dates each year because they are tied to Easter or specific weeks in the calendar.
The Early May Bank Holiday is always the first Monday in May. The Spring Bank Holiday is the last Monday in May. The Summer Bank Holiday is the last Monday in August. Easter Monday falls on the day after Easter Sunday, which changes each year based on the lunar calendar.
The other fixed dates are New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). When Christmas or Boxing Day falls on a weekend, the bank holiday moves to the following Monday or Tuesday.
What actually closes on a bank holiday
Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. The Stock Exchange closes. Courts do not sit. Many schools close, though some may open for childcare or specific events.
Shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities often stay open, especially in city centres and tourist areas. Supermarkets usually open but may have shorter hours. Public transport runs, though often on a reduced or Sunday-style timetable. Hospitals and emergency services operate normally.
Your employer is not required by law to give you the day off on a bank holiday unless your contract says so. Many employers do close or offer the day as paid leave, but some—particularly in retail, hospitality, and healthcare—operate normally. If you are unsure whether you work on a bank holiday, check your contract or ask your manager.
Differences between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Scotland has nine bank holidays but on different dates than England. Scotland does not observe Easter Monday or the Spring Bank Holiday. Instead, Scotland has a New Year's Day holiday on 2 January and two additional local holidays that vary by region.
Wales has the same nine bank holidays as England and on the same dates. Northern Ireland has ten bank holidays per year, including both Easter Monday and an additional holiday for the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July.
If you work across borders or deal with services in multiple nations, check the specific list for each country. A day that is a bank holiday in England may not be one in Scotland, and vice versa.
What to do if you need a service on a bank holiday
If you need to use a bank, post office, or government service on a bank holiday, plan ahead. Most will be closed. Some banks offer limited services through their app or online banking. Post offices may have extended hours on the day before a bank holiday.
If you need to contact a government department, check their website for bank holiday opening hours. Some services—like the HMRC helpline—may have reduced staffing or longer wait times on or just after a bank holiday.
For private services like utilities, insurance, or customer support, contact them directly to ask about their bank holiday hours. Many large companies operate 24/7 or have online support available even when offices are closed.
Bank holidays and your pay
If you work on a bank holiday, your pay depends on your contract and your employer's policy. There is no legal requirement to pay extra or to give you the day off. Some employers pay time-and-a-half or double time. Others offer a day off in lieu—you take a different day off instead. Some pay your normal rate with no extra compensation.
Check your employment contract or staff handbook for your employer's bank holiday policy. If it is not clear, ask your HR department or manager before a bank holiday arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all UK bank holidays fall on the same day?
No. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different bank holiday calendars. Some dates are the same across all four nations, but others differ. Always check the list for the specific nation where you need the information.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
When a fixed bank holiday like Christmas or Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday or Tuesday. The government announces substitute dates in advance. Check gov.uk for the current year's dates.
Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?
Yes, unless your contract says otherwise. There is no legal right to time off on a bank holiday. Many employers close or offer paid leave, but retail, hospitality, healthcare, and emergency services often operate normally. Check your contract or ask your employer.
Will my bank be open on a bank holiday?
Most physical bank branches close on bank holidays. However, you can usually access your account through online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs. If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line—some operate on bank holidays, though wait times may be longer.
How do I know if my child's school is closed on a bank holiday?
Most schools close on bank holidays, but some stay open for childcare or specific events. Check your school's term dates or contact them directly. Local authority websites also publish school holiday calendars for your area.