NatWest Announces Further 32 Bank Branch Closures Across the UK in 2026
NatWest Group has confirmed plans to close an additional 32 bank branches throughout the United Kingdom during 2026, marking another significant reduction in its physical network. The banking group, which includes NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank, described the decision as "difficult" but necessary in response to evolving customer preferences.
Changing Banking Habits Drive Closure Decisions
A spokesperson for NatWest explained that while branches remain important, customer behaviour is shifting dramatically toward digital and alternative banking methods. "Our branch network is a central part of how we serve customers, and we continue to invest in this for the future," the representative stated. "However, how our customers choose to bank with us is changing, and our network and services need to reflect customer demand."
The bank emphasised its commitment to maintaining access through various channels, including:
- Mobile banking branches that travel to communities
- Community Banking Hubs shared with other financial institutions
- Partnerships with Post Office locations for basic banking services
- The largest free-to-use ATM network of any UK bank
Historical Context of UK Bank Branch Closures
This latest announcement continues a long-term trend of bank branch reductions across the United Kingdom. According to data from consumer organisation Which?, banks and building societies have closed 6,660 branches since January 2015 alone. Within this broader context, NatWest Group has been particularly active in reducing its physical presence, having closed 1,536 branches to date—more than any other banking group in the country.
These new closures come on top of previously announced plans to close 39 branches over the next two years, meaning NatWest customers will see a total of 71 branch closures across the 2025-2026 period.
Full List of Affected NatWest Branches
The 32 branches scheduled for closure in 2026 are located across England, with particular concentrations in London and the North West. The complete list includes:
- Aldershot
- Ashford (Middlesex)
- Barnet
- Boston
- Brentwood
- Eastcote
- Godalming
- Grays
- Halifax
- Harlow
- Hartlepool
- Hemel Hempstead
- Herne Bay
- Hornchurch
- Hove
- Kirkby Lonsdale
- London – Fulham Broadway
- London – Spitalfields
- London – Sydenham
- London – Tooting
- London – West End
- Loughton – Old Station Road – Sainsburys
- Manchester – Cheetham Hill
- Manchester – Chorlton
- Orpington
- Palmers Green
- Pontefract
- Sheffield – Attercliffe – Attercliffe Road
- South Shields
- Southall
- Waltham Cross
- Welwyn Garden City
The bank has stated that it will carefully assess each closure to "minimise the impact any change may have on our customers and colleagues." This includes providing support for affected customers to transition to alternative banking methods and ensuring staff are offered appropriate redeployment opportunities within the organisation.
