How to learn about today is a bank holiday

The fastest way is to check the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the current and next year. The page updates annually and shows the exact date of each holiday.

If you need to know right now, you can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" (depending on the current year) and cross-reference today's date against the list. Bank holidays in the UK are fixed dates — they do not move around like Easter does in some years, though a few holidays do shift if they fall on a weekend.

Your bank's website or app may also display bank holidays, since they affect payment processing and branch opening hours. Many UK employers post the bank holiday calendar in their staff handbook or on their internal system.

Key Takeaways

  • The official UK government website gov.uk/bank-holidays shows all bank holidays for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
  • Bank holidays vary by country within the UK — Scotland observes different holidays than England, and Northern Ireland has its own calendar.
  • If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the government usually moves the holiday to the following Monday, called a "substitute bank holiday".
  • Banks, post offices, and many businesses close on bank holidays, but not all shops or services do — check with your specific provider.

Bank holidays that differ by region

England and Wales share most bank holidays, but Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own separate calendars. For example, Scotland observes a bank holiday on 2 January (New Year's Day substitute) that England does not. Northern Ireland observes St. Patrick's Day on 17 March as a bank holiday, while the rest of the UK does not.

If you live or work across a border, or if you bank with an institution that operates in multiple regions, check which calendar applies to your location. The gov.uk/bank-holidays page lets you select your country and shows only the holidays that apply there.

When holidays move to Monday

If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the government typically moves it to the following Monday. This is called a substitute bank holiday or bank holiday in lieu. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the substitute holiday is observed on Monday 27 December instead.

The substitute date is announced in advance and appears on the official gov.uk calendar. This means the actual date you get the day off may not match the traditional date of the holiday — so always check the government calendar rather than relying on a fixed date you remember from previous years.

What closes and what stays open on bank holidays

Banks, post offices, and government offices close on bank holidays. Most schools close as well. However, supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, and many other businesses stay open, though some may have reduced hours. There is no legal requirement for all businesses to close on bank holidays.

If you need a specific service on a bank holiday, contact the organisation directly to check their opening hours. Many post offices and banks publish their bank holiday hours in advance on their websites or in branches.

Bank holidays and your pay or time off

If you work on a bank holiday, your employer is not legally required to pay you extra or give you a day off in lieu — that depends on your employment contract. Some employers pay time-and-a-half or double time for bank holiday work; others give you a day off later in the week or month instead. Check your contract or ask your HR department what applies to you.

If a bank holiday falls on a day you normally work and you do not work that day, you are still may have access to to be paid as normal if you are a salaried employee. Hourly workers may need to check their contract, as the rules vary.

Planning around bank holidays

If you need to send post, pay a bill at the post office, or visit your bank, plan ahead on or around bank holidays. Post offices and banks close completely, so transactions cannot be processed. If a payment is due on a bank holiday, it may be processed the next working day instead — but check with your bank or service provider to be sure.

For travel, transport services often run on a reduced or modified schedule on bank holidays. Check with your train operator, bus company, or airline before you travel to confirm their bank holiday timetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all shops close on bank holidays in the UK?

No. Supermarkets, shopping centres, and many retail shops stay open on bank holidays, though some may have shorter hours. Post offices and banks close completely. Check with your specific shop or service before visiting.

What happens if I need to pay a bill on a bank holiday?

If the due date falls on a bank holiday, contact your provider to confirm when the payment will be processed. Most organisations accept payments the next working day without penalty, but do not assume — ask first.

Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?

Yes, if your contract allows it. Your employer is not legally required to give you the day off or pay you extra, though many do. Check your employment contract or ask your HR department what your workplace policy is.

Why do bank holidays differ between Scotland and England?

Each country within the UK sets its own bank holidays. Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have slightly different calendars reflecting their own traditions and history. Always check the calendar for your specific region.

How far in advance are bank holidays announced?

Bank holidays for the current and next year are published on gov.uk/bank-holidays. The government usually announces any changes or substitute dates well in advance, but check the official page to be certain.