Key facts
- England/Wales
- 8 bank holidays
- Scotland
- 9 bank holidays
- N. Ireland
- 10 bank holidays
- Includes
- Christmas, Easter, New Year
Bank holidays are public holidays in the UK. Most workers are entitled to these days off, though some businesses remain open.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales (8 days)
- 1New Year's Day (1 January)
- 2Good Friday (March/April - date varies)
- 3Easter Monday (March/April - date varies)
- 4Early May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May)
- 5Spring Bank Holiday (Last Monday in May)
- 6Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday in August)
- 7Christmas Day (25 December)
- 8Boxing Day (26 December)
Additional in Scotland (9 days)
All the above, plus:
- 2 January (New Year holiday)
- St Andrew's Day (30 November) - instead of Easter Monday
Additional in Northern Ireland (10 days)
All the above, plus:
- St Patrick's Day (17 March)
- Orangemen's Day (12 July)
What Happens on Bank Holidays
- Most people have the day off work
- Banks and many businesses are closed
- Some shops remain open
- Public transport may run reduced services
- Special events and activities may be held
Substitute Days
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday (or nearest weekday) becomes the bank holiday.
Why it comes up in the test
Know the main bank holidays and how many there are in different parts of the UK.
Common traps
- Forgetting the number varies by country
- Not knowing substitute day rules
- Confusing which holidays are bank holidays
UK Bank Holidays: common questions
England and Wales have 8 bank holidays per year.
Related topics
Written from Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), the only official source for the test. BritPass is not affiliated with the Home Office; if anything here differs from the handbook, the handbook is right.
