The fastest way to check if today is a bank holiday

The UK government publishes the official bank holiday calendar on gov.uk/bank-holidays. That page lists every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland separately — they do not all observe the same days. You can check today's date against the list in under a minute.

If you need to know right now without leaving this page: England observes New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. If today matches one of those dates, it is a bank holiday. If you are in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the list differs slightly.

Bank holidays in England mean most banks, post offices, and government offices close. Many businesses close too, though shops and restaurants often stay open. If you need to reach a government office, a bank, or the post office today, check their individual hours first — some may open on certain bank holidays even if they are officially closed.

Key Takeaways

  • The official list is on gov.uk/bank-holidays, separated by country within the UK.
  • England has eight fixed bank holidays per year, though the exact dates of some move annually.
  • Banks, post offices, and most government services close on bank holidays, but many shops and restaurants remain open.
  • If you need a service today, check the specific organisation's hours rather than assuming closure.
  • Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland observe different bank holidays, so the calendar varies by region.

England's bank holidays and when they fall

England has eight bank holidays each year. New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December) fall on fixed dates or are tied to Easter. The other three — Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, and Summer Bank Holiday — move each year because they are set to specific Mondays.

Early May Bank Holiday is always the first Monday in May. Spring Bank Holiday is the last Monday in May. Summer Bank Holiday is the last Monday in August. Because these dates shift, the gov.uk calendar is the only reliable source for the exact date each year. A date that was a bank holiday last year may not be this year.

If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes a substitute bank holiday, called a "bank holiday in lieu". For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day moves to the following Monday. The gov.uk calendar shows these substitute dates, so you do not have to calculate them yourself.

What closes and what stays open on bank holidays

Banks, building societies, and post offices close on all bank holidays. Most government offices and courts close as well. If you need to pay a bill, withdraw cash, or send a parcel, you will need to do it on a working day. Some banks offer limited services through their apps or ATMs on bank holidays, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to staff.

Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants usually stay open on bank holidays, though some reduce their hours. Petrol stations typically remain open. Schools and universities close. Public transport often runs on a reduced or Sunday schedule. If you are planning to visit a specific place or business, call ahead or check their website for bank holiday hours.

If a bank holiday falls on a day you were expecting to work, your employer decides whether you work or get the day off. If you work on a bank holiday, you may be paid extra or given a day off in lieu, depending on your contract. This is not set by law — it depends on your employment agreement.

The difference between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

The UK does not have a single bank holiday calendar. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each observe different days. For example, Scotland celebrates 2 January as a bank holiday, but England does not. Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July), which England does not.

If you live or work across a border, or if you are dealing with a business in a different part of the UK, check which country's calendar applies. The gov.uk page lists all four calendars side by side, so you can compare them quickly. If you are unsure which one applies to you, use the calendar for the country where the business or office is located.

How to plan around bank holidays

If you need to use a bank, post office, or government service and today is a bank holiday, you will need to wait until the next working day. If you are planning ahead, the gov.uk calendar shows all bank holidays for the year, so you can mark them in your own calendar or set reminders.

Many people use bank holidays to plan time off work or holidays. If you want to take a long weekend, you can see which bank holidays fall near weekends and plan around them. Some employers let you swap bank holidays or take them on different days, so check your contract or ask your manager.

If you are self-employed or run a business, you do not get automatic bank holidays off — you decide whether to close. Many small businesses close on the main bank holidays (Christmas, Boxing Day, Easter Monday, and the summer bank holiday) but stay open on others. Your choice depends on your customers and your industry.

What to do if you need a service on a bank holiday

If you need cash and today is a bank holiday, use an ATM. Most ATMs work 24 hours, even on bank holidays. If you need to send a parcel, some supermarkets and convenience stores offer post office services and may be open. Check the Royal Mail website to find a location near you that is open today.

If you need to contact a government office, check their website for bank holiday hours. Some offices open on certain bank holidays or offer online services. The NHS is always open — hospitals and emergency services do not close on bank holidays. If you have a medical question, you can call 111 or visit a walk-in centre.

If you are locked out of your bank account or need urgent banking help, call your bank's customer service number. Most banks have a phone line open on bank holidays for emergencies. If it is not an emergency, you can usually sort it online or wait until the next working day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shops close on bank holidays in England?

Most shops stay open on bank holidays, though some reduce their hours. Large supermarkets almost always open. Small independent shops may close. Call ahead or check the shop's website if you need to visit today.

Can I use my bank on a bank holiday?

Bank branches close on bank holidays, but ATMs work 24 hours. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money online through your bank's app or website. If you need to speak to someone, you will have to wait until the next working day.

What happens if a bill is due on a bank holiday?

Most bills are set up to process automatically, so they go through even if the bank holiday falls on the due date. If you are paying by cheque or bank transfer and the bank is closed, the payment will process the next working day. Check with your provider if you are unsure.

Do schools close on bank holidays?

Yes, schools close on all bank holidays in England. Universities also close, though some facilities may stay open. If your child's school is open when you expected it to be closed, check their calendar — some schools use bank holidays differently or have their own closure dates.

Is there a bank holiday tomorrow?

Check gov.uk/bank-holidays and look at tomorrow's date. The page lists every bank holiday for the year, so you can see what is coming up. You can also search for "bank holidays 2024" or "bank holidays 2025" to see the full year's calendar.