How to learn about today is a bank holiday in the UK

The fastest way to check is the UK government's official bank holidays page at gov.uk/bank-holidays. It shows the exact dates for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — they are not all the same. You can also search "UK bank holidays 2024" or "UK bank holidays 2025" to see the full year at once.

If you need to know right now, text your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card) or call them. They will tell you whether they are open today. Most high street banks close on bank holidays, but some branches in large cities stay open on certain days, and online banking always works.

Bank holidays in Britain are set by law and do not change year to year — the same dates return each year. The main ones are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day (first Monday in May), Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Key Takeaways

  • England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different bank holiday dates, so check the one that applies to you on gov.uk/bank-holidays.
  • Most high street bank branches close on bank holidays, but online banking and ATMs work normally.
  • If you need to reach your bank today, call the number on your card — they will tell you whether branches are open.
  • Bank holidays in Britain are fixed by law and do not move around; the same dates occur every year.

Which days are bank holidays in each part of Britain

England has eight bank holidays: New Year's Day (1 January), Good Friday (varies, March or April), Easter Monday (varies, 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 (25 December), and Boxing Day (26 December).

Scotland has nine: the same eight as England, plus an extra one on 2 January (New Year's Day bank holiday). If 2 January falls on a weekend, the bank holiday moves to the next weekday.

Wales has the same eight as England. Northern Ireland has nine: the eight English ones, plus an extra one on 17 March (St Patrick's Day). If 17 March falls on a weekend, the bank holiday moves to the next weekday.

When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday or Tuesday becomes a substitute bank holiday instead. This is called a "substitute bank holiday" or "in lieu" day. The government announces these in advance on gov.uk.

What stays open and what closes on bank holidays

Most high street bank branches close on bank holidays. Post offices close too. However, ATMs and online banking work normally — you can withdraw cash and check your balance at any time.

Supermarkets, shops, and restaurants usually stay open on bank holidays, though some may have shorter hours. Petrol stations are normally open. Public transport (buses, trains, the Underground) runs on a reduced timetable, not a full one.

Schools close on bank holidays. Government offices close. If you need to contact a government department, you will have to wait until the next working day.

What to do if you need to reach your bank on a bank holiday

Call the customer service number on the back of your bank card. They operate a phone line even on bank holidays, and staff can help you with urgent matters like a lost card, fraud, or a payment problem.

Use your bank's app or website to check your balance, move money between accounts, or set up a payment. These work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including bank holidays.

If you need to visit a branch in person and it is closed, you will have to wait until the next working day. Some large cities have a few branches that open on certain bank holidays — call ahead to check before you travel.

Planning ahead for bank holidays

If you need to make a payment or transfer money and a bank holiday is coming up, do it the working day before. Payments sent on a bank holiday may not clear until the day after the holiday, which can affect standing orders or bill payments.

If you are expecting a payment to arrive on or near a bank holiday, it may take longer than usual. Cheques take longer to clear around bank holidays because clearing banks are closed.

If you have a mortgage or rent payment due on a bank holiday, check with your lender or landlord about the deadline. Most accept payments on the working day before or after without penalty, but it is worth confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks in Britain close on the same bank holidays?

Yes, all banks close on the same dates. However, some large branches in city centres may stay open on certain bank holidays — call your branch to check. Online banking and ATMs work regardless.

What happens if I need to pay a bill on a bank holiday?

Pay it the working day before if you can. If you pay on the bank holiday itself using online banking or an app, the payment will process, but it may not clear until the next working day. Standing orders and direct debits still go out on their normal dates, even if a bank holiday falls in between.

Are bank holidays the same in Scotland as in England?

No. Scotland has nine bank holidays (one extra on 2 January), while England has eight. Wales and Northern Ireland also have different dates. Always check the date for the part of Britain where you are.

Can I withdraw cash on a bank holiday?

Yes. ATMs work 24 hours a day, including bank holidays. You can also withdraw cash at most supermarkets and petrol stations using your debit card, even if the bank branch is closed.

What if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?

The bank holiday moves to the next weekday — usually the following Monday. The government announces these substitute dates in advance on gov.uk/bank-holidays.