The 2026 bank holidays in England and Wales are straightforward for most of the year, with the main substitute-day detail arriving at the end of December.
Key facts
- Total standard bank holidays: 8
- Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026, so the substitute bank holiday is Monday, 28 December
Full 2026 bank holiday list
- Thursday, 1 January: New Year’s Day
- Friday, 3 April: Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April: Easter Monday
- Monday, 4 May: Early May bank holiday
- Monday, 25 May: Spring bank holiday
- Monday, 31 August: Summer bank holiday
- Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day
- Monday, 28 December: Boxing Day substitute bank holiday
What changes on those dates?
Bank holidays usually affect banks, many offices, public services, and some transport timetables. Retail and hospitality can stay open, but opening hours often change, especially at Easter and Christmas.
How to plan around it
The most efficient way to use this list is to spot the Monday and Friday holidays first, then decide which single PTO days create four-day breaks. Easter and the Christmas period are the strongest opportunities if you want longer time away with fewer booked days.