UK Bank Holidays 2026 Announced, Sparking Summer Gap Criticism

The UK government has officially confirmed the bank holiday schedule for 2026, setting out the days off for workers across the nation's four constituent countries. The announcement, made via a post on the social media platform X, has immediately drawn criticism for a significant gap in the summer months, with one user branding the schedule "ludicrous".

A Patchwork of Public Holidays Across the UK

The total number of bank holidays varies significantly depending on where you live. Residents of England and Wales will have the fewest, with just eight days off. Scotland fares slightly better with nine designated bank holidays. Northern Ireland tops the list with ten public holidays in 2026.

This disparity stems from national and regional celebrations. While England, Wales, and Northern Ireland all mark traditional days like Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Easter, Scotland gets an extra day off on January 2. Northern Ireland observes two additional holidays: St Patrick's Day on March 17 and a day on July 13 (a substitute for the 12th) to mark the Battle of the Boyne.

The 'Ludicrous' Summer Holiday Gap

While the confirmation of dates allows for early holiday planning, the structure of the 2026 calendar has sparked discontent. The core of the criticism focuses on a prolonged period without a break for most of the UK during the summer.

After the Spring bank holiday on May 25, there is no nationwide bank holiday until the Summer bank holiday on August 31—a gap of over three months. This is despite Scotland enjoying a break on August 3 and Northern Ireland on July 13.

Highlighting this issue on X, user Paul called for a rethink, stating: "Please arrange a bank holiday in summer. Nothing between the end of May and the end of August is ludicrous." This sentiment echoes a long-standing debate about the UK's relatively low number of public holidays compared to other nations.

Historical Context and International Comparison

Bank holidays in the UK have a history dating back to 1871, when an Act of Parliament first allowed banks to close on these days, giving the time off its name. Historically, the first Monday in August was a common holiday, but legislation in 1971 moved it to the last Monday of the month for everywhere except Scotland.

The announcement underscores that England and Wales have fewer public holidays than almost any other country in the world. According to the data, only Mexico, with seven days, offers its workers fewer annual days off.

Below are the confirmed bank holiday dates for 2026 across the United Kingdom.

2026 bank holidays in England & Wales