Bank holidays are significant dates in the UK calendar, marking occasions of national celebration, religious importance, and historical remembrance. These public holidays often mean a day off work for many employees, with banks and businesses typically closing or reducing their operating hours.

In 2025, the UK will observe several bank holidays across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. While many dates are shared nationwide, some are unique to certain regions. Here’s a complete guide to this year’s bank holidays, their significance, and tips on making the most of your annual leave.

Full List of UK Bank Holidays in 2025

The table below provides a region-by-region breakdown of the bank holidays observed in 2025:

Date	Holiday	England & Wales	Scotland	Northern Ireland
1 January (Wednesday)	New Year’s Day	Yes	Yes	Yes
2 January (Thursday)	2nd January Holiday	No	Yes	No
17 March (Monday)	St. Patrick’s Day	No	No	Yes
18 April (Friday)	Good Friday	Yes	Yes	Yes
21 April (Monday)	Easter Monday	Yes	No	Yes
5 May (Monday)	Early May Bank Holiday	Yes	Yes	Yes
26 May (Monday)	Spring Bank Holiday	Yes	Yes	Yes
4 August (Monday)	Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)	No	Yes	No
14 July (Monday)	Battle of the Boyne (Substitute)	No	No	Yes
25 August (Monday)	Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales & Northern Ireland)	Yes	No	Yes
1 December (Monday)	St. Andrew’s Day (Substitute)	No	Yes	No
25 December (Thursday)	Christmas Day	Yes	Yes	Yes
26 December (Friday)	Boxing Day	Yes	Yes	Yes

For an up-to-date list of bank holidays and any potential changes, visit the official UK government website: www.gov.uk/bank-holidays.

The Significance of UK Bank Holidays

The UK’s bank holidays date back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, which was introduced to provide workers with a break from their routine. Over time, the list has expanded to include religious, national, and historical commemorations.

Types of Bank Holidays:

• Religious Holidays:
  • Good Friday and Easter Monday are central to the Christian calendar, marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Christmas Day remains one of the most celebrated holidays in the UK.
• National Holidays:
  • New Year’s Day, Early May Bank Holiday, and Spring Bank Holiday provide general public breaks across the UK.
• Cultural and Historic Holidays:
  • St. Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland) celebrates the patron saint of Ireland.
  • Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) marks a significant 1690 battle.
  • St. Andrew’s Day (Scotland) honors the patron saint of Scotland.

Maximizing Annual Leave Around Bank Holidays

By strategically planning annual leave around bank holidays, UK employees can extend their time off while using fewer leave days.

Example 1: Easter Break

• Book leave from 14 April to 17 April, and combine it with the Easter weekend (18-21 April).
• By using just four days of annual leave, you get a 10-day holiday (12-21 April).

Example 2: Christmas and New Year 2025-26

• Take leave from 29 December to 31 December, extending the break from 25 December (Christmas) to 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day).
• This results in a nine-day holiday using only three leave days.

What Happens If a Bank Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the UK government moves it to the next available weekday (Monday or Tuesday). This is known as a substitute holiday.

For example, if Christmas Day were to fall on a Saturday, the public holiday would move to Monday, 27 December.

To check upcoming substitute holidays, refer to www.gov.uk/bank-holidays.

Will There Be Extra Bank Holidays in 2025?

There has been speculation about whether an additional bank holiday might be introduced in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, no official announcement has been made.

The UK has previously granted one-off bank holidays for historic events, such as:

• Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee (2022)
• King Charles III’s Coronation (2023)

Are Bank Holidays a Legal Right?

Employees in the UK do not automatically have a statutory right to a paid day off on bank holidays. Holiday entitlements depend on individual employment contracts.

Key Facts About Bank Holiday Pay:

• Employers can require staff to work on bank holidays.
• Many workplaces offer extra pay (e.g., time-and-a-half or double pay) for bank holiday shifts.
• If a bank holiday falls on your normal day off, your employer is not obligated to give you an alternative day off.

Conclusion

Bank holidays play an essential role in British life, providing opportunities for rest, cultural celebrations, and extended vacations. By planning around them strategically, workers can maximize their time off and enjoy well-deserved breaks.