As the final bank holidays of 2025 fade into memory, attention turns to planning for the year ahead. For England and Wales, the 2026 calendar features eight official bank holidays, with several key dates shifting from their usual slots.
Key Changes for 2026 Bank Holidays
The most notable adjustment concerns Boxing Day. In 2026, December 26 falls on a Saturday. According to standard practice, this means the bank holiday entitlement will be observed on the following Monday. Therefore, the substitute bank holiday for Boxing Day is confirmed for Monday, December 28, 2026.
Another significant shift is driven by the variable date of Easter. In 2026, Good Friday will be observed on April 3, with Easter Monday following on April 6. This is notably earlier than the 2025 dates, offering a spring break in early April.
The Full 2026 Bank Holiday Schedule
The year's bank holidays will unfold as follows, providing several long weekends. The May bank holidays will each shift a day earlier compared to some years, maintaining the coveted extended break.
The complete list of bank holidays for England and Wales in 2026 is:
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May bank holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring bank holiday
- Monday, August 31 - Summer bank holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Planning Your Year Ahead
With the summer bank holiday falling on August 31—slightly later than in 2025—it will neatly signal the traditional end of the school summer holidays. The consistency of the May holidays ensures two guaranteed long weekends at the start of the season.
Understanding these dates is crucial for anyone planning holidays, managing business schedules, or simply looking forward to the next day off. Mark your calendars now to make the most of the eight public holidays coming in 2026.
