UK Bank Holidays: Full List for 2025

Planning your time off in 2025? Knowing the dates of UK bank holidays in advance can help you maximise your breaks and long weekends. Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all bank holidays for 2025 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Whether you're asking "When is the next bank holiday?" or comparing UK bank holidays in 2024, this guide has you covered.

Keep reading to find out how many bank holidays there are in 2025 and plan your year ahead.

When is the next bank holiday in 2025?

The first bank holiday of 2025 was New Year’s Day on Wednesday, 1 January. In Scotland, the celebrations extended to include an additional bank holiday on Thursday, 2 January.

Now, as we move forward into the year, the next bank holiday in the UK will be Good Friday on 18 April 2025. This applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Make sure to plan ahead and enjoy the long weekend!

How many UK bank holidays will there be in 2025?

In 2025, the total number of bank holidays varies by region:

• England and Wales: 8 bank holidays

• Scotland: 9 bank holidays

• Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays

These figures are consistent with the number of bank holidays in 2024, ensuring that everyone across the UK has a similar number of opportunities to take a well-deserved break.

UK Bank Holidays 2025: England & Wales

| Date         | Holiday                     | Day        |
|--------------|-----------------------------|------------|
| 1 January    | New Year’s Day              | Wednesday  |
| 18 April     | Good Friday                 | Friday     |
| 21 April     | Easter Monday               | Monday     |
| 5 May        | Early May Bank Holiday      | Monday     |
| 26 May       | Spring Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 25 August    | Summer Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 25 December  | Christmas Day               | Thursday

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UK Bank Holidays 2025: Scotland

| Date         | Holiday                     | Day        |
|--------------|-----------------------------|------------|
| 1 January    | New Year’s Day              | Wednesday  |
| 2 January    | 2nd January                 | Thursday   |
| 18 April     | Good Friday                 | Friday     |
| 5 May        | Early May Bank Holiday      | Monday     |
| 26 May       | Spring Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 4 August     | Summer Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 30 November  | St Andrew’s Day             | Sunday     |
| 25 December  | Christmas Day               | Thursday

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UK Bank Holidays 2025: Northern Ireland

| Date         | Holiday                     | Day        |
|--------------|-----------------------------|------------|
| 1 January    | New Year’s Day              | Wednesday  |
| 17 March     | St Patrick’s Day            | Monday     |
| 18 April     | Good Friday                 | Friday     |
| 21 April     | Easter Monday               | Monday     |
| 5 May        | Early May Bank Holiday      | Monday     |
| 26 May       | Spring Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 12 July      | Orangemen’s Day             | Saturday   |
| 25 August    | Summer Bank Holiday         | Monday     |
| 25 December  | Christmas Day               | Thursday   |
| 26 December  | Boxing Day                  | Friday

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Are most UK bank holidays on Monday?

Yes, the majority of UK bank holidays fall on a Monday, thanks to the 'substitute day' rule, where holidays that land on a weekend are observed on the following Monday. This pattern helps provide extended weekends throughout the year. For example, the August bank holiday in the UK traditionally falls on a Monday, offering a perfect long weekend for many.

How to Maximise Your Annual Leave for 2025

If you're looking to make the most out of your annual leave in 2025, smart planning around bank holidays is key. Here are some tips to help you stretch your vacation time:

• Plan ahead: Knowing the UK bank holidays in 2025 gives you a head start in planning your breaks.

• Bridge days: Combine your leave with bank holidays to create extended vacations without using too many leave days.

• Travel tips: Look for off-peak travel deals that coincide with bank holidays to make your trips more affordable.

For employers, it’s essential to manage employee absences effectively to maintain smooth operations during these periods.

FAQs About UK Bank Holidays in 2025

1. What is the difference between bank holidays and public holidays?
Bank holidays are official holidays when banks and many businesses close. Public holidays are a broader term that can include bank holidays but may also refer to regional or cultural holidays not officially designated as "bank holidays."

2. Can bank holidays affect my pay if I work on those days?
In the UK, there is no automatic legal entitlement to extra pay for working on a bank holiday. However, your employment contract or workplace policies may include specific terms for additional pay or time off in lieu.

3. Why does Scotland have more bank holidays than England and Wales?
Scotland observes unique holidays, like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, reflecting its distinct traditions and public holiday schedule.

4. Do all bank holidays apply across the UK?
No, some bank holidays are specific to certain regions. For example, St Patrick’s Day is observed in Northern Ireland but not in England or Scotland.

5. How can I check if my employer observes all UK bank holidays?
You should refer to your employment contract or speak to your HR department to clarify which bank holidays are observed by your workplace.

6. How are Bank Holidays Determined in the UK?
Bank holidays in the UK are determined by government legislation. Some, such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, are fixed, while others, like Easter Monday and Good Friday, are based on the lunar calendar and therefore change each year. Additionally, certain holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day and Orangemen’s Day, are specific to regions like Northern Ireland. Extra bank holidays may also be declared for special events, such as royal celebrations or national milestones. The government announces these dates well in advance to allow individuals and businesses to plan accordingly.

With a clear understanding of the UK bank holidays in 2025, you can start planning your year with confidence. Whether you're looking at the bank holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, or comparing them with bank holidays in 2024, these dates are essential for making the most of your time off.

Start marking your calendar and planning those well-deserved breaks today!