What are the public holidays in the United Kingdom (UK)?

In the UK, public holidays—often referred to as "bank holidays"—vary slightly depending on the country within the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Below is a general overview of the public holidays observed in the UK:

England and Wales

New Year's Day (January 1st)
Good Friday (Date varies, usually in March or April)
Easter Monday (Date varies, usually in March or April)
Early May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May)
Spring Bank Holiday (Last Monday in May)
Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday in August)
Christmas Day (December 25th)
Boxing Day (December 26th)

Scotland

In addition to the holidays observed in England and Wales, Scotland also observes:

2nd January (January 2nd)
St. Andrew's Day (November 30th or the nearest Monday)

Note: Easter Monday is not a public holiday in Scotland, but other holidays such as St. Andrew's Day are observed.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland observes the holidays in England and Wales with the addition of:

St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)
Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) (July 12th)

Substitute Holidays

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday (usually the following Monday) becomes the public holiday.

Regional Variations

Some regions or local councils may observe additional holidays or have slight variations in holiday dates. It’s advisable for employees to check with their employer or local council for any specific holidays in their area.

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