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, with the exact dates. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full calendar at a glance.
Bank holidays in the UK are not the same across all four nations. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own set, and some dates differ. For example, the Spring Bank Holiday falls on different dates in Scotland than in England. If you need to know whether a specific business or service is closed today, checking the gov.uk page for your nation takes less than a minute.
Your bank's own website or app will also show you whether it is closed today. Most UK banks display a banner on their homepage or in the app when a bank holiday is in effect, and they list opening hours for the day.
Key Takeaways
- The UK government's bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays shows the exact dates for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Bank holidays differ between the four nations — Scotland and England do not always observe the same dates.
- Your own bank's website or app will tell you whether branches are open or closed today.
- Most bank holidays fall on a Monday, but some are fixed to specific dates like Christmas and New Year's Day.
- If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following weekday is usually observed as a substitute day off.
The full list of UK bank holidays by nation
England observes eight bank holidays a year: New Year's Day, 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, and Boxing Day.
Scotland has nine bank holidays because it observes both New Year's Day and 2 January as separate holidays. The dates for Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May, and Spring Bank Holiday are the same as England, but Scotland does not observe Easter Monday in the same way and has different summer bank holiday dates.
Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own variations. Wales observes eight bank holidays similar to England but with some date differences. Northern Ireland observes nine bank holidays, including both New Year's Day and 17 March (St Patrick's Day). The gov.uk page breaks down the exact dates for each nation so you can see which ones apply where you are.
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend
If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (or sometimes Tuesday) becomes a substitute bank holiday. This is called a substitute day or bank holiday in lieu. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day is observed on the following Monday instead.
The substitute day is treated the same as the original bank holiday — banks close, most businesses shut, and public services run on reduced schedules. The gov.uk page shows both the original date and the substitute date so there is no confusion about when your bank will actually be closed.
How bank holidays affect your bank and services
On a bank holiday, most high street bank branches close completely. Online banking, mobile apps, and telephone banking usually remain available, but you cannot visit a branch in person or speak to someone face-to-face. Payments you send on a bank holiday may not process until the next working day.
Building societies, post offices, and other financial services follow the same pattern — they close on bank holidays. If you need to withdraw cash or deposit a cheque, plan ahead and do it before the bank holiday. ATMs and cash machines stay open, so you can still get money out.
Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants stay open on most bank holidays, though some may have reduced hours. Public transport runs on a Sunday or holiday timetable, which is usually less frequent than weekday service. If you are planning to travel or need a service today, check the specific business's website or call ahead.
Bank holidays and your pay or time off
If you work in the UK, a bank holiday does not automatically mean you get the day off or extra pay. Your contract and your employer's policy determine whether you are paid for bank holidays or whether you must take it as unpaid leave. Some employers give bank holidays as paid time off; others require you to work and pay extra; others do neither.
Check your employment contract or ask your HR department what your bank holiday entitlement is. If you are self-employed or run a business, bank holidays do not affect your working day unless you choose to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my bank's app or online banking on a bank holiday?
Yes. Online banking, mobile apps, and telephone banking stay open on bank holidays. You can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills. However, payments may not process until the next working day, and you cannot visit a branch or speak to someone in person.
What if I need to withdraw cash on a bank holiday?
ATMs and cash machines stay open on bank holidays, so you can withdraw money 24/7. If you need to deposit cash or cheques, you will have to wait until the next working day when the branch reopens.
Do I have to work on a bank holiday?
It depends on your employment contract and your employer's policy. Some employers give bank holidays as paid time off; others require you to work and pay extra; others do neither. Check your contract or ask your HR department what your entitlement is.
Are bank holidays the same in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as in England?
No. Each nation has its own set of bank holidays, and some dates differ. For example, Scotland observes 2 January as a separate bank holiday, and Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day. Check the gov.uk page for your nation to see the exact dates.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
The following Monday (or sometimes Tuesday) becomes a substitute bank holiday. Banks and most businesses close on the substitute day instead of the original date. The gov.uk page shows both the original and substitute dates.