The quickest way to check today's bank holiday status
The simplest method 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 by date and name. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full year at a glance.
If you need to know right now, your bank's website or app usually displays a banner on bank holiday dates. Many banks also send notifications the day before a holiday closes their branches and online services.
Bank holidays in the UK are not uniform across all four nations. England and Wales share most dates, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own additional holidays. If you live or work across a border, check the specific region's list.
Key Takeaways
- The UK government's bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the official dates for each nation.
- Bank holidays vary by region — Scotland and Northern Ireland have different dates than England and Wales.
- Banks typically close on bank holidays, but some services like ATMs and online banking may remain available.
- If you need to contact your bank or complete a transaction, check their holiday schedule before assuming they are closed.
Which days are bank holidays in England and Wales
England and Wales observe the same bank holidays. The standard dates are New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December).
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday. For example, if Christmas Day is a Saturday, the bank holiday moves to Monday 27 December. The government announces substitute dates in advance on the bank holidays page.
Which days are bank holidays in Scotland
Scotland has a different calendar. It observes New Year's Day, 2 January (an additional holiday unique to Scotland), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday in the same way England does — instead, it has 2 January as a dedicated holiday. If you work or bank in Scotland, always cross-check the Scottish bank holidays list rather than assuming the English dates apply.
Which days are bank holidays in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's bank holidays include New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day (17 March), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Battle of the Boyne (12 July), Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
The main difference is St. Patrick's Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July), which are not bank holidays in England, Wales, or Scotland. If you bank with a Northern Ireland institution, these dates will affect branch closures and payment processing.
What stays open and what closes on bank holidays
Most bank branches close on bank holidays, and post offices close as well. However, ATMs remain available 24/7, and online banking platforms do not shut down. Payments you make online may not process until the next working day, depending on your bank's systems.
Cheques and standing orders may be delayed if they fall due on a bank holiday. If you need to make a time-sensitive payment, do it before the holiday begins. Some banks process overnight transactions during holidays, but this varies by institution — contact your bank directly to confirm their policy.
Supermarkets, shops, and most businesses remain open on bank holidays, though some may have reduced hours. Public transport usually runs on a Sunday schedule rather than closing entirely.
How to plan around bank holidays for payments and deadlines
If a payment or deadline falls on a bank holiday, treat it as if it falls on a weekend. Most organisations and government bodies recognise bank holidays as non-working days and will not process transactions or count them toward deadlines.
If you have a bill due on a bank holiday, pay it the working day before. If you are waiting for a payment to arrive, it may take an extra day if the bank holiday falls in the processing window. For example, a payment due on a Friday that falls on a bank holiday may not clear until Tuesday.
Government deadlines for tax returns, benefit claims, and other official submissions usually extend automatically if they fall on a bank holiday. Check the specific deadline notice to confirm, as some organisations set their own rules.
Where to find the official bank holidays list
The gov.uk/bank-holidays page is the authoritative source. It shows the dates for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in separate sections, and you can download the full calendar as an ICS file to add to your own calendar application.
Your bank's website will also list the dates they observe. Some banks may close on additional days beyond the official bank holidays, so always check your own bank's schedule if you need to visit a branch or expect a payment to process.
The Bank of England and the UK Treasury set the official bank holidays, and these dates do not change year to year — they follow the same pattern unless Parliament passes new legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all UK banks close on the same bank holidays?
Most do, but some banks may observe additional holidays or have different rules for online services. Check your specific bank's website to confirm which dates their branches close and whether online banking remains available.
What happens if I need to make a payment on a bank holiday?
Online banking platforms remain open, so you can initiate a payment. However, it will not process until the next working day. If the deadline is the bank holiday itself, make the payment the day before to be safe.
Do bank holidays affect standing orders and direct debits?
Standing orders and direct debits usually process on schedule, but if the due date falls on a bank holiday, the transaction may be delayed by one working day. Contact your bank if you are unsure about a specific payment.
Is there a different bank holiday calendar for Scotland?
Yes. Scotland observes 2 January as a bank holiday and does not observe Easter Monday in the same way. Always check the Scottish section of gov.uk/bank-holidays if you bank in Scotland.
Can I find bank holidays for future years in advance?
Yes. The gov.uk/bank-holidays page shows dates for the current and future years. Bank holidays follow a predictable pattern — for example, the Early May Bank Holiday is always the first Monday in May — so you can plan ahead.