How to check if today is a UK bank holiday
The fastest way to know if today is a UK bank holiday is to check the official UK government calendar at gov.uk/bank-holidays. That page lists every bank holiday for England, Wales, Scotland, 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" and cross-reference today's date against the list.
Bank holidays vary by country within the UK. England and Wales share most holidays, but Scotland observes different dates for some, and Northern Ireland has its own calendar. If you live near a border or work across regions, check the specific calendar for your area rather than assuming all four nations observe the same day.
If you need to know whether a specific service — a bank, post office, government office, or business — is open today, call them directly. Many businesses stay open on bank holidays, and some open on different hours. The bank holiday status does not automatically close everything.
Key Takeaways
- The official UK government website lists all bank holidays by country and region, updated annually.
- England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland do not all observe the same bank holidays on the same dates.
- A bank holiday does not mean all businesses, shops, or services close — call ahead if you need a specific place to be open.
- Most banks, post offices, and government offices close on bank holidays, but supermarkets and many retail stores often remain open.
Bank holidays in England and Wales
England and Wales observe the same bank holidays. In 2024, these are: New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday (29 March), Easter Monday (30 March), Early May Bank Holiday (6 May), Spring Bank Holiday (27 May), Summer Bank Holiday (26 August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a bank holiday instead.
In 2025, the dates shift slightly because Easter moves. Good Friday falls on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April. The Early May Bank Holiday remains 5 May, the Spring Bank Holiday moves to 26 May, and the Summer Bank Holiday stays on 25 August. New Year's Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day stay on their fixed calendar dates.
When a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the government declares the following weekday as the substitute holiday. This happened in 2023 when Christmas fell on a Monday, pushing Boxing Day observance to 27 December. Check the gov.uk calendar to see which dates apply in the year you are planning for.
Bank holidays in Scotland
Scotland observes fewer bank holidays than England and Wales, and the dates differ. In 2024, Scotland's bank holidays are: New Year's Day (1 January), 2 January, Good Friday (29 March), Easter Monday (30 March), Early May Bank Holiday (6 May), Spring Bank Holiday (27 May), Summer Bank Holiday (5 August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). Note that Scotland has an extra holiday on 2 January and observes the Summer Bank Holiday in early August rather than late August.
In 2025, Scotland's calendar includes New Year's Day (1 January), 2 January, Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April), Early May Bank Holiday (5 May), Spring Bank Holiday (26 May), Summer Bank Holiday (4 August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). If you work or live in Scotland and need to know whether a service is closed, use the Scottish bank holiday dates, not the English ones.
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's bank holidays reflect its history and culture. In 2024, these are: New Year's Day (1 January), St. Patrick's Day (17 March), Easter Monday (30 March), Early May Bank Holiday (6 May), Spring Bank Holiday (27 May), Battle of the Boyne (12 July), Summer Bank Holiday (26 August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). St. Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne are unique to Northern Ireland and do not appear on English, Welsh, or Scottish calendars.
In 2025, Northern Ireland observes: New Year's Day (1 January), St. Patrick's Day (17 March), Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April), Early May Bank Holiday (5 May), Spring Bank Holiday (26 May), Battle of the Boyne (12 July), Summer Bank Holiday (25 August), Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December). If you are in Northern Ireland or dealing with a Northern Ireland-based service, use this calendar rather than the others.
What closes on UK bank holidays
Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. If you need to deposit a cheque, send a parcel, or renew a passport, plan ahead and visit before the bank holiday or after it ends. Some post offices operate from supermarkets and may have different hours, so check your local branch.
Schools close on bank holidays. Most businesses and offices close, though some retail stores, supermarkets, petrol stations, and restaurants stay open. Hospitals and emergency services operate normally. Public transport usually runs on a reduced or Sunday schedule. If you depend on a specific service, call or check their website for bank holiday hours rather than assuming they are closed.
Stock markets and financial services close on bank holidays. If you trade or manage investments, note that orders placed on a bank holiday may not process until the next working day. Utility companies and emergency services do not close.
Planning around bank holidays
If you need to complete a transaction with a bank, post office, or government department, check the bank holiday calendar before you go. Many people wait until the last day before a long weekend, which creates queues. Visiting mid-week on a regular working day is usually faster.
If you are travelling or planning an event, remember that bank holidays mean reduced public transport, closed attractions in some areas, and busier roads. Book accommodation and transport in advance if you are travelling during a bank holiday period, as prices often rise and availability drops.
For work purposes, confirm with your employer whether bank holidays are paid days off, whether you are required to work, and what the pay rate is if you do. Bank holiday pay varies by employment contract and industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all shops close on UK bank holidays?
No. Large supermarkets, petrol stations, and many retail chains stay open on bank holidays, though hours may be shorter. Small independent shops and high street stores often close. Call ahead or check the shop's website if you need a specific place to be open.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
The government moves the bank holiday to the following Monday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday is observed on Monday 27 December instead. Check the official calendar for the year you need, as the substitute date is not always obvious.
Are bank holidays the same across the whole UK?
No. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have different bank holiday calendars. Scotland has fewer holidays and different dates. Northern Ireland includes St. Patrick's Day and the Battle of the Boyne. Always check the calendar for your specific country or region.
Do I get paid if I work on a bank holiday?
That depends on your employment contract. Some contracts may provide bank holiday pay at normal or higher rates. Others require you to work bank holidays with no extra pay. Check your contract or ask your employer what the policy is.
Can I send a parcel on a bank holiday?
Post offices close on bank holidays, so you cannot send a parcel that day. Plan to post before the bank holiday or wait until the next working day. Some supermarket post offices have different hours, so check your local branch.