How to learn about today is a bank holiday in England

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 separately — they are not all the same day. The page shows the date, the name of the holiday, and whether it is a substitute day (when the actual holiday falls on a weekend).

If you need to know right now, search "bank holidays England 2024" or "bank holidays England 2025" depending on the current year. The gov.uk page updates annually and is the source used by banks, government offices, and employers across the country.

Bank holidays in England are days when most banks, government offices, and many businesses close. Not all businesses close — supermarkets, hospitals, and some service industries stay open. If you need to reach a specific organisation, call them directly rather than assuming they are closed.

Key Takeaways

  • England has nine fixed bank holidays per year, plus one additional day that varies by region and year.
  • The gov.uk/bank-holidays page shows the exact date for each holiday and whether it has been moved to a different day that year.
  • Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different bank holiday dates, so check the correct region on the gov.uk page.
  • Banks and government offices close on bank holidays, but many retail and service businesses remain open.
  • When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the substitute day is usually the following Monday or Tuesday.

England's bank holidays and when they fall

England observes nine bank holidays that occur on the same date every year, plus one additional holiday that changes. The nine fixed holidays are New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday (varies, late March or early April), Easter Monday (varies, late March or early April), 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).

The tenth holiday is the Platinum Jubilee or Coronation holiday, which was added in 2022 and 2023 but does not occur every year. When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the substitute day is usually observed on the following Monday or Tuesday instead. The gov.uk page shows which days have been moved in the current year.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own bank holiday calendars. Scotland has different dates for some holidays and does not observe Easter Monday. Wales and Northern Ireland also have variations. Always check the correct region on gov.uk before assuming a day is a bank holiday.

Which organisations close on bank holidays

Banks, building societies, and government offices (including HMRC, the Post Office, and local councils) close on bank holidays. Stock exchanges and financial markets also close. Most schools close, though some may open for specific events or summer holiday clubs.

Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, hospitals, emergency services, and utilities remain open on bank holidays. Many retail businesses have reduced hours rather than closing completely. If you need to contact a specific organisation, check their website or call their customer service line — they will state their bank holiday hours.

Employers are not required by law to give bank holidays as paid time off, though most do. Some industries (healthcare, transport, hospitality) require staff to work bank holidays and offer a different day off in exchange. Check your employment contract or ask your employer about their bank holiday policy.

How bank holidays affect payments and deadlines

If a payment deadline falls on a bank holiday, the deadline usually moves to the next working day. This applies to tax payments, mortgage payments, and other financial obligations. However, you should not assume this — check the specific deadline notice or contact the organisation collecting the payment.

Bank transfers sent on a bank holiday may not clear until the next working day, even if you send them before midnight. Standing orders and direct debits usually process as scheduled, but confirm with your bank if the payment date falls on a bank holiday.

If you are waiting for a refund or payment from the government (tax refund, child benefit, or other payment), bank holidays can delay processing. Payments scheduled to arrive on a bank holiday typically arrive on the next working day instead. Track your payment status through the relevant government portal rather than assuming a delay means something has gone wrong.

Checking bank holiday status for other UK regions

The gov.uk/bank-holidays page has a dropdown menu to switch between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each region has a different calendar. For example, Scotland does not observe Easter Monday, and Northern Ireland has different dates for some holidays.

If you work across multiple regions or live near a border, check the calendar for each region you need to know about. Some organisations with offices in multiple regions may observe all regional bank holidays, so ask your employer or the organisation directly.

If you are looking for bank holidays in other countries (not the UK), search for that country's official government website. Bank holidays vary widely by country and are not standardised across Europe or internationally.

What to do if you need to contact a bank or government office on a bank holiday

Most banks and government offices have online services available 24 hours, even on bank holidays. You can check your bank balance, make transfers, and access government services through their websites or apps without waiting for the office to reopen.

If you need to speak to someone, call the organisation's customer service line. Many have dedicated phone lines that operate on bank holidays, though wait times are often longer. Check the organisation's website for their bank holiday hours before calling.

If your issue is urgent and the office is closed, look for an emergency contact number on their website. Banks have emergency lines for fraud or security issues. Government offices may have emergency services for urgent matters like housing or benefits crises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all shops close on bank holidays in England?

No. Supermarkets, many high street shops, and restaurants stay open on bank holidays, though some have reduced hours. Only banks, government offices, and some professional services close completely. Check the specific shop's website or call ahead if you are unsure.

What happens if my payment deadline is on a bank holiday?

The deadline usually moves to the next working day, but do not assume this. Check the deadline notice or contact the organisation collecting the payment. Some deadlines are firm and do not move, so confirm before the bank holiday arrives.

Are bank holidays the same in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

No. Each UK region has its own bank holiday calendar. Scotland does not observe Easter Monday, and the dates for some holidays differ. Use the gov.uk/bank-holidays page and select your region to see the correct dates.

Will my bank transfer clear on a bank holiday?

Transfers sent on a bank holiday may not clear until the next working day. Standing orders and direct debits usually process as scheduled. Contact your bank if you are unsure whether a specific payment will clear on a bank holiday.

Can I access my bank account on a bank holiday?

Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs work 24 hours on bank holidays. Phone lines and in-person services at bank branches close, but you can handle most tasks online without waiting for the office to reopen.