Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2025: Planning your time off work is one of the smartest things you can do for your health, productivity, and happiness. Whether you’re dreaming of a European getaway, family reunion, or just a lazy day at home, aligning your plans with the UK bank holidays for 2025 can make all the difference. By mapping out your holiday strategy early in the year, you can turn standard weekends into long breaks without exhausting your annual leave.
What makes UK bank holidays a bit more complex is that they differ across regions. The UK is made up of four countries—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—each of which observes slightly different public holidays. Let’s dive into the full list of UK bank holidays in 2025, followed by expert tips on how to maximise your time off.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2025
| Country | Total Bank Holidays in 2025 | Unique Holidays | Useful Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | 8 | Early May, Spring, Summer Bank Holidays | gov.uk |
| Scotland | 9 | 2nd January, St Andrew’s Day | gov.uk |
| Northern Ireland | 10 | St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne | gov.uk |
The UK bank holidays in 2025 are packed with opportunities to unwind, travel, and make memories—if you plan wisely. Whether you’re in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, understanding your region’s public holiday calendar is the first step toward mastering your time off. Pair these dates with well-timed annual leave, and you’ll unlock extended breaks that keep you refreshed all year long.
So grab a calendar, talk to your manager, and secure your ideal time off before everyone else does. Here’s to a well-balanced, well-planned 2025.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2025
The following eight dates apply to England and Wales:
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
These holidays are spread fairly evenly throughout the year, giving multiple opportunities for long weekends. Don’t forget, if any of these holidays fall on a weekend, a substitute day (usually the following Monday) will apply. (Source)
Scotland Bank Holidays 2025
Scotland enjoys a few additional holidays compared to England and Wales. Here’s the full list for 2025:
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Thursday, 2 January – 2nd January Holiday
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 4 August – Summer Bank Holiday (first Monday in August)
- Monday, 1 December – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
With nine holidays in total, Scottish residents have an extra chance to relax, particularly in January and December. Some regions may observe local holidays too, so always check with your local council. (Source)
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2025
Northern Ireland includes some holidays not observed elsewhere in the UK. The full list includes:
- Wednesday, 1 January – New Year’s Day
- Monday, 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 14 July – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)
- Monday, 25 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
Residents in Northern Ireland enjoy the most bank holidays, with ten days off. This includes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne, which reflect the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage. (Source)
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2025 Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2025
You don’t need to be a magician to make your annual leave stretch further—just a bit of planning. Below are smart ways to use only 4 days of leave to get 9–10 days off:
Easter (England, Wales & NI)
- Take Tuesday 22 April to Friday 25 April off
- Get 10 days off from Saturday 19 April to Monday 28 April
Early May Bank Holiday
- Take Tuesday 6 May to Friday 9 May off
- Get 9 days off from Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May
Spring Bank Holiday
- Book Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May
- Enjoy 9 days off from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June
Summer Bank Holiday
- Book Tuesday 26 August to Friday 29 August
- Get 9 days off from Saturday 23 August to Sunday 31 August
Christmas-New Year Break
- Book Monday 29 December to Wednesday 31 December
- With bank holidays on 25–26 December and 1 January, this strategy gives you 10 days off from 24 December to 2 January 2026
These clever hacks are especially useful if you have a limited number of leave days. Planning ahead also makes it easier to coordinate with your colleagues or family.
Why Do Bank Holidays Matter?
Bank holidays are more than just a day off. Here’s how they can impact your life and career:
- Work Planning: Many companies experience slowdowns during public holidays. It’s a good time to schedule deep-focus work or team retreats.
- School Closures: Schools often shut down on bank holidays, affecting parents and caregivers.
- Transportation & Travel: Train and bus services may run on reduced timetables. Book travel early to avoid peak costs.
- Healthcare & Public Services: GP surgeries and some government offices may close, so plan ahead for renewals, prescriptions, and appointments.
For employers, bank holidays are also an opportunity to boost employee morale. Offering flexibility around these dates can lead to increased job satisfaction.
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Special Notes for 2025
Victory in Europe (VE) Day – 80th Anniversary
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. While there is no additional bank holiday, the Early May Bank Holiday (Monday, 5 May) will host national celebrations. Keep an eye out for:
- Historic reenactments
- Public parades and memorials
- Community street parties
It’s a great opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate with your community.
Local and Substitute Holidays
Not all holidays are universal. For example, if Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a weekend, a substitute day (usually Monday or Tuesday) is granted. Additionally, local council areas may observe their own traditions, such as Glasgow Fair or Belfast Day. Always check with your employer or local authority.
Expert Tips for Booking Time Off
- Submit Early: Request your holiday dates well in advance—many workplaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pair Leave with Quiet Work Periods: Avoid busy project seasons to increase the chances of approval.
- Use Tools: Online planners like Timetree, Notion, or Google Calendar can help visualise your time off.
- Be Flexible: If you can travel mid-week or off-peak, you’ll save money and avoid crowds.
FAQs On Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2025
Q1. Are bank holidays the same across the UK?
No. While many are shared, countries like Scotland and Northern Ireland have unique public holidays.
Q2. Are all employees entitled to bank holiday pay?
Not automatically. It depends on your employment contract. Some employers include it in annual leave; others provide it as an additional benefit.
Q3. Can I be made to work on a bank holiday?
Yes, depending on your contract. In many sectors—such as retail or healthcare—staff may be required to work. Compensation is usually offered as time in lieu or enhanced pay.
Q4. How do I find official updates on UK bank holidays?
Check the UK government’s official bank holidays page for up-to-date and region-specific information.
Q5. Can I take unpaid leave around a bank holiday?
Yes, if your employer agrees. It’s a great option if you’re out of paid leave but still want time off.
