The fastest way to check today's bank holiday status
The UK government publishes an official list of bank holidays on gov.uk/bank-holidays. That page shows you every bank holiday for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the current and next year. You can check it right now to see whether today is a bank holiday where you are.
Bank holidays vary by nation within the UK. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own calendar — Scotland has 11 bank holidays per year, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have 8 each. If you live near a border or work across nations, check the calendar for your specific region.
The gov.uk page also lets you download the full calendar as an ICS file, which you can add to your phone or computer calendar so you never have to check manually again.
Key Takeaways
- The official UK bank holiday calendar is published on gov.uk/bank-holidays and shows which days are bank holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Each UK nation has a different number of bank holidays and different dates — Scotland observes 11, while the others observe 8.
- You can download the calendar as an ICS file to add bank holidays to your phone or computer calendar automatically.
- Bank holidays affect bank opening hours, postal services, and some government offices, but not all businesses close on bank holidays.
What actually closes on a UK bank holiday
A bank holiday does not mean everything shuts down. Banks, post offices, and most government offices close on bank holidays. Many schools close as well. But supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and most private businesses stay open — though some may have reduced hours.
If you need to use a bank or post office today, check with your specific branch first. Some branches in city centres or shopping areas may open on bank holidays, while others do not. The same applies to government services — your local council office may be closed, but you can often handle business online.
Public transport usually runs on bank holidays, though on a reduced or Sunday-like schedule. Check with your local transport provider if you are planning to travel.
The full UK bank holiday calendar for 2024 and 2025
England observes these bank holidays: 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.
Scotland has two extra bank holidays: 2 January and 30 November (St Andrew's Day). Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own variations — Wales observes the same eight as England, while Northern Ireland replaces Easter Monday with Easter Tuesday and adds 17 March (St Patrick's Day).
The dates for moveable holidays like Easter change each year. The gov.uk calendar updates annually and shows the exact dates for the next two years, so you can plan ahead.
When bank holidays fall on a weekend
If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the UK government usually moves the holiday to the following Monday. This is called a substitute bank holiday or bank holiday in lieu. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, Boxing Day is observed on the following Monday instead.
The gov.uk calendar shows you the actual day the holiday will be observed, so you do not have to calculate this yourself. This matters most for Christmas and New Year, which fall on fixed dates and sometimes land on weekends.
How to plan around bank holidays
If you work in banking, postal services, or government, your employer will tell you which bank holidays you get and whether you are expected to work. Most full-time employees in the UK get the standard bank holidays off, but this depends on your contract.
If you are self-employed or run a business, you do not get automatic bank holidays off — you work if you choose to. Many small businesses stay open on bank holidays to capture extra trade, while others close to give staff time off.
For travel, school holidays, or appointments, remember that bank holidays often mean busier roads, fuller trains, and closed offices. Plan ahead by checking the gov.uk calendar at the start of each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid extra if I work on a bank holiday?
This depends on your employment contract. Some employers pay time-and-a-half or double time for bank holiday work, while others pay normal wages or give you a day off in lieu later. Check your contract or ask your employer — there is no legal requirement to pay extra, though many do.
What if I need to use a bank or post office on a bank holiday?
Most branches close on bank holidays, but some in city centres or shopping areas may open. Call your branch or check their website before you go. You can also use online banking or post office services online on bank holidays.
Are bank holidays the same across the whole UK?
No. Scotland has 11 bank holidays, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have 8 each. Some dates differ between nations — for example, Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day on 17 March, while the others do not. Check the gov.uk calendar for your specific region.
Can my employer make me work on a bank holiday?
Yes, if your contract allows it. There is no legal right to time off on bank holidays in the UK. However, if you work a bank holiday, your employer must give you a day off in lieu or pay you extra, depending on your contract.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
The UK government moves the holiday to the following Monday, called a substitute bank holiday. The gov.uk calendar shows the actual day you get off, so you do not have to work it out yourself.