How many bank holidays are there in the UK?

England and Wales have 8 bank holidays per year. Scotland has 9 and Northern Ireland has 10. The main bank holidays include New Year's Day, Easter, the early and late May bank holidays, the August bank holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Am I entitled to bank holidays off work?

There is no automatic right to bank holidays off work. Your entitlement depends on your employment contract. Most employers include bank holidays as part of your annual leave allowance. Full-time workers get at least 28 days of paid leave per year, which can include bank holidays.

What happens to shops and services on bank holidays?

Most shops remain open on bank holidays but may have reduced hours. Public transport runs on a Sunday or reduced schedule. Banks and post offices are closed. Supermarkets usually open with shorter hours. Restaurants and entertainment venues are typically open.

When are UK school holidays?

School holidays vary by region and school but generally include six weeks in summer (late July to early September), two weeks at Christmas, two weeks at Easter, and one-week half-term breaks in October, February, and May. Check your local council for exact dates.

UK Holidays and Calendar: Guide for Immigrants

The UK has 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, with variations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. School holidays follow a term system with breaks at Christmas, Easter, summer, and half-terms. This guide covers all major holidays, how they affect daily life, and key cultural events throughout the year.

Bank Holidays in England and Wales

New Year's Day — 1 January
Good Friday — March or April (date varies)
Easter Monday — March or April (date varies)
Early May Bank Holiday — First Monday in May
Spring Bank Holiday — Last Monday in May
Summer Bank Holiday — Last Monday in August
Christmas Day — 25 December
Boxing Day — 26 December

Scotland adds St Andrew's Day (30 November) and has a different summer bank holiday date. Northern Ireland adds St Patrick's Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July). Check the GOV.UK bank holidays page for exact dates each year.

School Holidays

If you have children, school holidays are a key part of planning:

Summer: Late July to early September (approximately 6 weeks)
Christmas: Around 2 weeks in late December and early January
Easter: Around 2 weeks in March or April
Half-terms: One week each in October, February, and May

Exact dates vary by local authority and school. Check your council's website or the school directly. See our education system guide for more.

Cultural Events and Celebrations

The UK celebrates a diverse range of events throughout the year:

Burns Night (25 January) — Scottish celebration
Pancake Day / Shrove Tuesday — February or March
Mother's Day — March (different date from many other countries)
Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes (5 November) — fireworks and bonfires
Remembrance Day (11 November) — honouring military service
Diwali, Eid, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah — widely celebrated in diverse communities

The UK's multicultural nature means events from many traditions are celebrated, particularly in larger cities. See our culture guide for more on social norms.

Planning Around Holidays

Practical tips for navigating UK holidays:

Travel: Bank holidays and school half-terms are peak travel times. Book early and expect higher prices and congestion.
Shops: Most remain open but with reduced hours. Supermarkets may close early on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
Healthcare: GP surgeries are closed on bank holidays. Use 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
Post and deliveries: Royal Mail does not deliver on bank holidays.
Government services: Home Office, DVLA, and other agencies are closed on bank holidays.

Check the GOV.UK bank holidays page when planning visa applications or appointments.

Work and Holiday Entitlement

Full-time workers in the UK are entitled to at least 28 days of paid annual leave per year (5.6 weeks). Employers can include bank holidays within this entitlement. Check your employment contract for your specific entitlement.

Next Steps

Mark bank holidays in your calendar and check your employer's policy on holiday entitlement. If you have children, get the school term dates from your local council and plan childcare for holiday periods.

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