The United Kingdom will observe between eight and ten public holidays in 2025, with the exact count depending on the nation. England and Wales share eight bank holidays, Scotland observes nine, and Northern Ireland has ten, with each region maintaining distinct statutory dates confirmed by royal proclamation.
The 2025 calendar creates several extended weekends, most notably around Easter from 18 to 21 April and the Christmas period, where 25 December falls on Thursday and Boxing Day on Friday. Unlike years that occasionally add royal commemorative days, the 2025 schedule follows the standard annual pattern without provisional additions.
Bank holidays differ fundamentally from statutory annual leave. While financial institutions and most businesses close on these dates, employers retain discretion over paid time off unless specific contracts or collective agreements mandate otherwise.
What are the bank holidays in the UK in 2025?
8 holidays
9 holidays
10 holidays
1 Jan – 26 Dec
- Scotland recognizes 2nd January as a distinct statutory holiday
- Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne in addition to the UK standard
- Easter Monday is excluded from Scotland’s nationwide bank holiday list
- Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday falls on 4 August, earlier than other regions
- All 2025 dates fall on weekdays, eliminating substitute day confusion
- No additional royal commemorative holidays announced for 2025
| Date | Holiday | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2nd January | No | Yes | No | |
| St Patrick’s Day (substitute) | No | No | Yes | |
| Good Friday | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Easter Monday | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Battle of the Boyne (substitute) | No | No | Yes | |
| Summer Bank Holiday | No | Yes | No | |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Yes | No | Yes | |
| St Andrew’s Day (substitute) | No | Yes | No | |
| Christmas Day | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Boxing Day | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What are the bank holiday dates for England and Wales in 2025?
UK Holidays Info confirms England and Wales observe eight synchronized public holidays. The calendar begins with New Year’s Day on Wednesday, 1 January, and concludes with Boxing Day on Friday, 26 December.
What is the Easter bank holiday 2025 UK?
Easter 2025 creates a four-day weekend starting with Good Friday on 18 April, followed by Easter Monday on 21 April. Flair HR notes these dates are determined by the lunar calendar and remain consistent across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. For 2025, this places Good Friday on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April.
Early May bank holiday 2025
The Early May Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 5 May. This statutory holiday traditionally occurs on the first Monday of May, providing a spring break for workers across England and Wales.
What are the bank holidays in Scotland in 2025?
Scotland’s calendar includes nine bank holidays according to Timeout UK, beginning with a two-day New Year celebration. The 2nd of January is a statutory holiday exclusive to Scotland, creating an extended opening to the year.
Is there a bank holiday on 26 May 2025?
Yes. Monday, 26 May marks the Spring Bank Holiday across all UK regions, including Scotland. This holiday falls on the last Monday of May and provides a consistent mid-year break for the entire nation.
Scotland’s calendar includes the 2nd of January and substitutes St Andrew’s Day on 1 December. The Summer Bank Holiday occurs earlier in Scotland (4 August) than in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
What are the bank holidays in Northern Ireland in 2025?
Northern Ireland observes ten bank holidays, the highest count among UK regions. Good Tuesday confirms the region shares standard UK holidays while adding two distinct commemorations.
The calendar includes St Patrick’s Day on 17 March and the Battle of the Boyne on 14 July, both observed as substitute days in 2025. These additions reflect specific cultural and historical significance within Northern Ireland.
Personio confirms bank holidays are not statutory paid leave. Workers receive paid time off only if employment contracts specifically include bank holidays, or if covered by collective agreements.
When is the next bank holiday in 2025 UK?
The chronological progression of bank holidays varies by region. Timekeeper provides the following sequential breakdowns:
England and Wales Timeline
- : New Year’s Day (Wednesday)
- : Good Friday
- : Easter Monday
- : Early May Bank Holiday
- : Spring Bank Holiday
- : Summer Bank Holiday
- : Christmas Day
- : Boxing Day
Scotland Timeline
- : New Year’s Day
- : 2nd January
- : Good Friday
- : Early May Bank Holiday
- : Spring Bank Holiday
- : Summer Bank Holiday
- : St Andrew’s Day (substitute)
- : Christmas Day
- : Boxing Day
Northern Ireland Timeline
- : New Year’s Day
- : St Patrick’s Day (substitute)
- : Good Friday
- : Easter Monday
- : Early May Bank Holiday
- : Spring Bank Holiday
- : Battle of the Boyne (substitute)
- : Summer Bank Holiday
- : Christmas Day
- : Boxing Day
Are the 2025 bank holiday dates officially confirmed?
The UK Government has formally confirmed all 2025 bank holiday dates through royal proclamation and publication on gov.uk. These dates are fixed and closed to further amendment.
| Established Information | Information Remaining Unclear |
|---|---|
| All 2025 dates confirmed by UK Government proclamation | No additional royal commemorative holidays announced |
| Easter dates fixed by lunar calendar (18–21 April) | Specific business closure policies vary by employer |
| Substitute days confirmed for 1 December (St Andrew’s) and 17 March (St Patrick’s) | Substitute arrangements for future years not yet determined |
Why do UK regions have different bank holidays?
The variation in bank holidays across the United Kingdom reflects historical and cultural distinctions predating modern parliamentary union. Scotland preserved distinct New Year traditions and Reformation-era observances, while Northern Ireland’s calendar acknowledges specific historical events significant to its communities.
The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 established the modern framework, but devolution allows Scotland and Northern Ireland to set additional days. How Many Bank Holidays in 2024 – UK Regional Counts and Dates provides historical comparison showing these patterns remain consistent year-to-year.
For travelers planning movement between regions during these periods, Hop On Hop Off London – Best Tours, Prices, Routes 2025 offers guidance on navigating the capital during holiday weekends when transport schedules alter.
What sources confirm the 2025 bank holiday dates?
The UK Government’s official website serves as the primary authoritative source, listing bank holidays by nation with exact dates confirmed through royal proclamation.
Bank holidays are set by the UK Government and confirmed by royal proclamation.
— gov.uk
Additional verification comes from HR specialists and regional calendar publishers. Sources include employment law documentation, Scottish-specific reporting, and comprehensive UK calendar references.
What is the complete bank holiday schedule for 2025?
The 2025 UK bank holiday calendar spans eight to ten days depending on region, running from 1 January to 26 December. England and Wales observe eight holidays, Scotland nine with its distinctive 2nd January and earlier August date, and Northern Ireland ten including St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne. All dates are confirmed by government proclamation.
Frequently asked questions about UK bank holidays 2025
What are the differences between England and Scotland bank holidays 2025?
Scotland observes 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day, and holds its Summer Bank Holiday on 4 August rather than 25 August. Scotland does not recognize Easter Monday as a statutory bank holiday.
Are bank holidays paid days off in the UK?
There is no statutory right to paid time off on bank holidays. Paid leave depends on employment contracts or collective agreements. Part-time workers have pro-rata entitlements.
Why does Northern Ireland have ten bank holidays?
Northern Ireland recognizes St Patrick’s Day on 17 March and the Battle of the Boyne on 14 July, creating two additional holidays beyond the England and Wales standard.
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend in 2025?
All 2025 bank holidays fall on weekdays. Substitute days apply when holidays like St Andrew’s Day or St Patrick’s Day fall on weekends in other years.
Is the Spring Bank Holiday on 26 May 2025 nationwide?
Yes, Monday 26 May is the Spring Bank Holiday across all UK regions including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.