The United Kingdom observed between eight and ten bank holidays during 2024, with the exact total depending on which nation you reside in. While England and Wales shared an identical calendar of eight days, Scotland recognized nine holidays and Northern Ireland ten, reflecting distinct cultural and historical traditions.
Understanding these variations proves essential for employers calculating statutory leave, employees planning annual holidays, and travelers navigating public transport schedules. The differences stem from devolved administrative powers that permit regional governments to designate additional days beyond the standard UK-wide observances.
The following breakdown examines the complete 2024 calendar by region, highlighting where dates align and where nations diverge in their recognition of public holidays.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2024?
8 days
9 days
10 days
6 days
The 2024 bank holiday calendar reveals significant regional variation despite shared national identity. England and Wales maintained the minimum statutory provision, while Scotland preserved Hogmanay traditions and Northern Ireland accommodated both republican and unionist commemorations.
- England and Wales observe the fewest bank holidays at eight annually
- Scotland recognizes nine days, including 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day
- Northern Ireland tops the count with ten holidays, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne
- Six dates align across all four nations: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day
- No substitute holidays were required in 2024 as Christmas fell on Wednesday and Boxing Day on Thursday
- Scotland’s summer bank holiday occurs on 5 August, five weeks earlier than other regions
- Public sector offices typically close on all designated dates, while private sector observance varies by employer
| Nation | Total | Unique Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 8 | None |
| Scotland | 9 | 2nd January, St Andrew’s Day |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne |
Bank Holiday Dates in England and Wales 2024
England and Wales followed an identical calendar throughout 2024, with eight designated days off spread across the year. These dates are established under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 and confirmed by official government listings.
January to May Dates
The year commenced with New Year’s Day on Monday 1 January. The Easter period brought Good Friday on 29 March, immediately followed by Easter Monday on 1 April. The Early May Bank Holiday occurred on Monday 6 May, with the Spring Bank Holiday following on Monday 27 May.
August to December Dates
The Summer Bank Holiday landed on Monday 26 August. Christmas Day on Wednesday 25 December and Boxing Day on Thursday 26 December completed the calendar, both falling midweek without requiring substitute dates.
Workers in England and Wales are entitled to 5.6 weeks of annual leave including bank holidays, though employers may include the eight public holidays within this statutory minimum.
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2024
Scotland observed nine bank holidays in 2024, maintaining distinct traditions while sharing six dates with the rest of the UK. The Scottish calendar is governed by separate legislation that preserves New Year customs and national saint recognition, as detailed by government sources.
Unique Scottish Holidays
The 2nd January provided an extended Hogmanay recovery period, while St Andrew’s Day on 2 December honored Scotland’s patron saint using a substitute Monday. The summer holiday also differed significantly, occurring on 5 August rather than late August.
Shared UK Dates
Scottish workers also recognized New Year’s Day, Good Friday, the two May holidays, and the Christmas period dates. Notably, Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday, distinguishing its spring calendar from England and Wales.
Local authorities in Scotland may observe additional local holidays not listed in the statutory bank holiday calendar, particularly for local festivals or historical events.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2024
Northern Ireland maintained the most extensive bank holiday calendar in 2024 with ten days, reflecting its complex cultural heritage. The additional holidays accommodate both nationalist and unionist traditions, as documented by calendar records and official government listings.
St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne
St Patrick’s Day fell on Sunday 17 March, with the substitute bank holiday observed on Monday 18 March. The Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) on Friday 12 July marked a significant historical commemoration unique to Northern Ireland. These dates, combined with Easter Monday recognition, create a calendar that acknowledges both traditions.
When bank holidays fall on weekends, substitute weekdays are designated. In 2024, St Patrick’s Day required such adjustment, while Christmas midweek dates did not.
Bank Holidays 2024 Calendar
The chronological progression of bank holidays throughout 2024 varied by region, with the following dates marking statutory closures across the United Kingdom:
- — New Year’s Day (UK-wide) — Personio
- — 2nd January (Scotland only)
- — St Patrick’s Day substitute (Northern Ireland)
- — Good Friday (UK-wide)
- — Easter Monday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- — Early May Bank Holiday (UK-wide)
- — Spring Bank Holiday (UK-wide)
- — Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland)
- — Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)
- — Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- — St Andrew’s Day substitute (Scotland)
- — Christmas Day (UK-wide)
- — Boxing Day (UK-wide)
Are Bank Holidays the Same Across the UK?
Bank holidays are not uniform across the United Kingdom, with significant variations existing between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These differences reflect historical legislative decisions that permitted regional preservation of culturally significant dates.
Established Information
- England and Wales share identical calendars of eight days
- Scotland observes nine days including Hogmanay extensions
- Northern Ireland recognizes ten days reflecting dual traditions
- Six dates align across all nations
- Christmas 2024 required no substitute days
Unclear Information
- Future amendments to the 1971 Banking Act remain unannounced
- Additional royal commemorative dates are proclaimed ad hoc
- Private sector obligation to close varies by industry
- Cross-border worker entitlements in multi-site companies
Why Do UK Bank Holidays Vary by Region?
The divergence in bank holiday dates traces back to the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, which established the modern framework while allowing Scottish and Northern Irish authorities to maintain traditional observances. Scotland preserved its New Year celebrations and St Andrew’s Day recognition, while Northern Ireland retained St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne commemorations reflecting its complex historical identity.
These variations impact payroll systems, school term dates, and public transport schedules across the UK. The Hop On Hop Off London tourism sector similarly adjusts operating schedules to accommodate regional closures, particularly during Easter periods when Scotland maintains different opening arrangements.
Where Do Bank Holiday Dates Come From?
Official bank holiday dates are proclaimed by the UK government and devolved administrations, with statutory authority deriving from the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. Royal proclamations may establish additional days for national celebrations.
“The dates for bank holidays are set out in statute or proclaimed by the government.”
— UK Government, Bank Holidays Official Guidance
Scotland has nine bank holidays in 2024, including unique observances for St Andrew’s Day and 2nd January.
— Personio HR Lexicon, UK Bank Holidays 2024
Key Takeaways on UK Bank Holidays 2024
The United Kingdom maintained between eight and ten bank holidays during 2024, with England and Wales observing eight, Scotland nine, and Northern Ireland ten. Six dates aligned across all regions, while Scotland and Northern Ireland preserved additional cultural observances reflecting their distinct heritage. Those planning travel for the Brussels Christmas Market 2025 should note these calendars when scheduling annual leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bank holidays in England 2024?
England observed eight bank holidays in 2024, sharing this calendar identically with Wales.
How many public holidays UK 2024?
The UK observed between eight and ten public holidays depending on region: eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland.
Are there 8 bank holidays in 2024 UK?
Only England and Wales observed exactly eight bank holidays. Scotland had nine and Northern Ireland ten.
Bank holiday dates England 2024?
England observed holidays on 1 January, 29 March, 1 April, 6 May, 27 May, 26 August, 25 December, and 26 December.
Northern Ireland bank holidays count 2024?
Northern Ireland observed ten bank holidays, the highest count in the UK, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
Difference in bank holidays Scotland vs England 2024?
Scotland observed nine holidays compared to England’s eight, adding 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day while omitting Easter Monday.
Bank holidays 2024 calendar England?
England’s 2024 calendar comprised eight dates: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
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.