The UK bank holidays in 2025 offer a fantastic opportunity to plan long weekends, city breaks, or relaxing getaways throughout the year. These public holidays, observed across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, provide a chance to celebrate, unwind, or explore new destinations. In this guide, we’ll list all the UK bank holidays for 2025, highlight key dates, and offer ideas for making the most of your time off.
What Are UK Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays in the UK are public holidays when most businesses, schools, and government offices close, giving people a chance to rest or celebrate. While some holidays, like Christmas Day and Good Friday, are observed nationwide, others, such as St Andrew’s Day in Scotland, vary by region. If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day (usually the following Monday) is typically provided to ensure a day off during the week.
UK Bank Holidays 2025: Full List
Here’s the complete list of public holidays in 2025 across the UK, based on official sources:
England and Wales
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Scotland
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- 2nd January: Thursday, 2 January
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August
- St Andrew’s Day (substitute day): Monday, 1 December (as 30 November falls on a Sunday)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Northern Ireland
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
- St Patrick’s Day: Monday, 17 March
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day): Monday, 14 July (as 12 July falls on a Saturday)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Key Dates to Plan Around
The 2025 calendar offers several long weekends, especially around Easter, the Spring Bank Holiday, and the Summer Bank Holiday. For example, Easter Monday (21 April) creates a four-day weekend from Good Friday (18 April), perfect for a city break or family getaway. Similarly, the Spring Bank Holiday (26 May) and Summer Bank Holiday (25 August in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; 4 August in Scotland) provide extended weekends for relaxation or exploration.
Ideas for Your 2025 Bank Holidays
Bank holidays are a great time to plan activities, whether you’re staying local or travelling further afield. Here are some ideas to inspire your 2025 plans:
- Easter Weekend (18–21 April): Celebrate with egg hunts, cultural events, and family outings in London. For detailed suggestions, see our article, “Easter Weekend in London 2025: Activities for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday,” which covers everything from egg hunts at Hampton Court Palace to Good Friday performances in Trafalgar Square.
- Spring Bank Holiday (26 May): Enjoy the late spring weather with outdoor festivals, picnics, or a city break. Check out our guide, “Things to Do During the Spring Bank Holiday,” for ideas on events, markets, and nature escapes across the UK.
- Summer Bank Holiday (25 August / 4 August): Make the most of summer with beach trips, music festivals, or city adventures. Our article, “Things to Do During the Summer Bank Holiday,” offers suggestions for family-friendly activities, outdoor events, and more.
Regional Variations to Understand
While many bank holidays are shared across the UK, regional differences exist. Scotland observes 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day, which aren’t public holidays in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne, unique to its cultural calendar. These variations can affect travel plans, as some businesses or attractions may have different operating hours depending on the region.
Substitute Days Explained
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day is often provided. For example, in Scotland, St Andrew’s Day (30 November) falls on a Sunday in 2025, so the substitute day is Monday, 1 December. Similarly, in Northern Ireland, the Battle of the Boyne (12 July) falls on a Saturday, so the holiday is observed on Monday, 14 July. This ensures workers still get a day off during the week, making it easier to plan a break.
Practical Tips for Bank Holiday Planning
- Check Opening Hours: Many attractions remain open during bank holidays, but some may have adjusted hours, especially on Christmas Day or Good Friday. Always check venue websites in advance.
- Plan Transport: Public transport, including trains and buses, may run on reduced schedules. Use tools like the National Rail or TfL websites to plan your journey and avoid delays.
- Book Early: Popular events, hotels, and restaurants can fill up quickly during bank holidays, especially around Easter and Christmas. Early booking ensures you secure your spot.
- Weather Considerations: The UK weather varies by season—expect mild spring temperatures in May (10–15°C), warmer summer days in August (15–20°C), and colder conditions in December (5–10°C). Pack accordingly, with layers and waterproofs for spring and summer holidays.
- Also check our Easter Weekend in London 2025: Activities for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday page just for a head up about our events in advance!
Why Bank Holidays Matter
Bank holidays are more than just days off—they’re a chance to celebrate cultural traditions, spend time with loved ones, or explore new places. Whether you’re attending a Good Friday service, enjoying a summer festival, or relaxing over the Christmas break, these holidays offer a break from routine and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Plan Your Year with UK Bank Holidays 2025
With this full list of UK bank holidays in 2025, you can start planning your year ahead. Whether you’re looking forward to a spring escape during the Easter weekend, a late May getaway for the Spring Bank Holiday, or a summer adventure over the Summer Bank Holiday, there’s plenty to explore. For more inspiration, dive into our related articles: “Easter Weekend in London 2025: Activities for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday,” “Things to Do During the Spring Bank Holiday,” and “Things to Do During the Summer Bank Holiday,” to make the most of your time off in 2025.