UK households are being alerted to upcoming changes in the official bank holiday schedule for 2026 and 2027, with key dates moving and additional 'substitute days' being introduced.
2026 Bank Holiday Calendar: A Familiar Line-Up With One Key Change
For the most part, the 2026 bank holiday roster will mirror that of 2025. The year begins with New Year's Day on January 1, followed by the Easter weekend with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6.
Subsequent holidays include the May Day Bank Holiday on May 4, the Late May Bank Holiday on May 25, the Late August Bank Holiday on August 31, and Christmas Day on December 25.
The significant alteration comes with Boxing Day. As December 26 falls on a Saturday in 2026, it will not be observed as a bank holiday. Instead, an official substitute day off has been confirmed for Monday, December 28.
2027 Brings Further Adjustments and a Double Substitute
The following year sees another reshuffle, as outlined on the government website. New Year's Day on January 1 is followed by Easter holidays on March 26 (Good Friday) and March 29 (Easter Monday).
Other confirmed dates are the Early May Bank Holiday on May 3, the Spring Bank Holiday on May 31, and the Summer Bank Holiday on August 30.
A notable double shift occurs at Christmas. Because December 25 (Christmas Day) lands on a Saturday and December 26 (Boxing Day) on a Sunday in 2027, the bank holidays will roll over. This grants two substitute days off on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28.
The Evolution of the UK's Public Holidays
The modern, standardised system of bank holidays is a relatively recent development. Historically, institutions like the Bank of England and public offices would close for numerous days each year to mark Christian festivals, saints' days, and royal events.
At one point, banks could take around 40 days off annually, with no national consistency. Individual towns and cities often celebrated completely different dates. The current framework brings uniformity, allowing the whole nation to plan for these shared periods of rest.
Residents are advised to mark these new dates in their diaries early to help with planning holidays, family gatherings, and business closures for the coming years.
