Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by Cody Livingston
The calendar in the United Kingdom is littered with numerous public bank holidays and school vacations. These holidays give us a much-needed break from our everyday schedules and an opportunity to unwind and spend time with our loved ones. Understanding the UK’s public bank holidays and school holidays for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026 is crucial if you’re organizing a vacation, seeking some rest and relaxation, or simply want to make the most of your free time. This blog will guide you through the dates of Public holidays UK and help you plan your activities accordingly.
UK National Holiday Highlights: A Year of Celebrations and Leisure
From religious reflections to springtime adventures, explore the key moments that define the UK public holidays from 2024 to 2026 in different regions.
England and Wales
Wales and England both observe the same set of holidays. They are rich in history and tradition, and their public holidays and school breaks give their citizens plenty of chances to unwind, celebrate, and spend time with friends and family.
Public Bank Holidays England 2024, 2025, and 2026
- New Year’s Day: The year begins with a bang as England and Wales welcome each New Year on the 1st of January. It’s counted as one of the public holidays England and Wales, so you can look forward to joyous celebrations on the 1st of January in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Good Friday: A significant Christian holiday, Good Friday is observed on the 10th of April in 2024, the 29th of March in 2025, and 17th of April in 2026. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a solemn day marked by church services and reflection.
- Easter Monday: Following Good Friday, Easter Monday, celebrated on the 13th of April in 2024, 5th of April in 2025, and 29th of March in 2026, offers a perfect occasion to enjoy time with family. It’s a day filled with Easter egg hunts and festivities.
- Early May Bank Holiday: The Early May Bank Holiday marks the beginning of spring in England and Wales. People will have an extra day off on May 6 in 2024, May 5 in 2025, and May 4 in 2026, giving them the opportunity to relax or take in the beauty of the English countryside.
- Spring Bank Holiday: The Spring Bank Holiday, which falls on May 27, 2024, May 26, 2025, and May 25, 2026, is the ideal time to organize outdoor activities or go on a weekend trip as the days get longer and the weather heats up.
- Summer Bank Holiday: The end of August is marked by the Summer Bank Holiday, celebrated on the 26th of August in 2024, 25th of August in 2025, and 31st of August in 2026. One of the most enjoyed England public holidays.
- Christmas Day: Christmas is celebrated in England and Wales on December 25th, which is a day of joy, family get-togethers, and gift-giving. You might anticipate seeing “home” in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Boxing Day: Boxing Day is the day following Christmas, falling on December 26 in 2024, December 27 in 2025, and December 25 in 2026. It’s a time for rest, sporting activities, after-Christmas sales shopping, and eating leftovers from the holiday meal.
- Autumn Term: Early September marks the start of the school year, which lasts until mid-December. After a protracted summer break, students return to school and focus on their coursework and extracurricular pursuits.
- Spring Term: The year starts afresh in early January and carries on until late March. Spring term is a time for academic progress and preparing for various examinations.
- Summer Term: The academic year ends with the summer term, which lasts from mid-April to mid-July. It’s a time when academic work is completed, triumphs are recognized, and preparations are made for the lengthy summer break.
Throughout the school year, there are additional breaks and holidays such as half-term breaks and shorter holidays for Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions, providing students and educators with well-deserved respites from their routines.
You may like to read it: Guide to Thailand in January 2024
Scotland
Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, celebrates a series of public bank holidays and school holidays throughout the year. These Scotland bank holidays play a significant role in the lives of the Scottish people, offering moments of rest, reflection, and celebration.
Public Bank Holidays Scotland 2024, 2025, and 2026
- New Year’s Day (1st January): The year begins with a bang in Scotland, as the Scots celebrate New Year’s Day with grand festivities known as “Hogmanay.”
- Hogmanay (2nd January): In addition to New Year’s Day, the 2nd of January is also celebrated as Hogmanay in Scotland. This unique tradition involves various customs and events and is one of the major bank holidays in Scotland.
- Good Friday: Falling on the 10th of April 2024, 29th March 2025, and 17th April 2026,
- Easter Monday: Easter Monday, celebrated on the 13th of April 2024, 5th April 2025, and 29th March 2026.
- Early May Bank Holidays Scotland: Occurring on the 6th of May 2024, 5th May 2025, and 4th May 2026.
- Spring Bank Holiday: Falling on the 27th of May 2024, 26th of May 2025, and 25th of May 2026.
- St. Andrew’s Day (30th November): This day, celebrated on the 30th of November in 2024, 2025, and 2026, is dedicated to Scotland’s patron saint, Saint Andrew, and is marked as one of the Scotland Public Holidays.
- Christmas Day: 25th of December in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Boxing Day: Boxing Day is observed on the 26th of December in 2024, the 27th of December 2025, and the 25th of December 2026.
School Holidays in Scotland
- Autumn Term: The Autumn Term runs from mid-August to mid-December. This period includes the excitement of starting a new school year and culminates with the Christmas holidays, allowing students to celebrate the festive season with their families.
- Spring Term: The Spring Term commences in early January and continues until early April. This term includes holidays like Easter Monday, offering students and teachers a well-deserved break.
- Summer Term: The Summer Term runs from late April to late June, concluding the school year. This term also encompasses public holidays like the Early May and Spring Bank Holidays, providing additional opportunities for students and families to enjoy their time off.
Students and educators also enjoy additional breaks and holidays during half-term breaks, Easter, Christmas, and other United Kingdom public holidays.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, a region within the United Kingdom, enjoys a diverse range of public holidays that showcase the culture, heritage, and history of the area. Here is an extended overview of upcoming UK bank holidays, along with some information about school holidays.
Public Holidays 2024, 2025, and 2026
- New Year’s Day: 1st January 2024, 2025 and 2026
- St. Patrick’s Day: 17th March 2024, 2025, and 2026, St. Patrick’s Day is a significant cultural and religious holiday. It honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is marked by parades, green-themed celebrations, and traditional Irish food.
- Good Friday: Good friday falls on: 10th April 2024, 29th March 2025, and 17th April 2026
- Easter Monday: Easter falls on 13th April 2024, 5th April 2025, and 29th March 2026. It makes a perfect summer bank holiday.
- Early May Bank Holiday: 6th May 2024, 5th May 2025, and 4th May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: 27th May 2024, 26th May 2025, and 25th May 2026
- Twelfth of July (12th July): The Twelfth of July, also known as Orangemen’s Day, is a major cultural and historical holiday in Northern Ireland. It is one of the most famous public holidays UK.
- Christmas Day: 25th December 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Boxing Day: 26th December 2024, 27th December 2025, and 25th December 2026.
School Holidays
- Summer Holidays: Typically, the summer holidays in Northern Ireland start in late June or early July and run until late August or early September, providing students with an extended break to enjoy the warm weather and engage in various summer activities.
- Half-Term Breaks: Schools in Northern Ireland often have a half-term break in the middle of each term, allowing students and teachers a short respite from their studies.
- Christmas Holidays: The Christmas holidays usually start around mid to late December and extend into the first week of January, aligning with the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
- Easter Holidays: The Easter holidays, as mentioned earlier, include Good Friday and Easter Monday, which offer students a long weekend off from school.
Plan Your Holidays with Crystal Travel
Now that you have the dates for the upcoming bank holidays in the UK, it’s time to plan your holidays with Crystal Travel. We understand the importance of making the most out of these holidays. Whether you’re looking for a short city break or a relaxing beach holiday, Crystal Travel has got you covered.
Book Flights with Crystal Travel
Why wait? Start planning your next public holiday UK today and book your flights with Crystal Travel. We offer a wide range of flight options to suit your preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy economy seat or a luxurious business-class experience, we have it all.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to book your flights early and secure the best deals for your dream holiday. Plan ahead and make the most of your time off during the bank holidays.
Hotel Deals with Crystal Travel
Alongside flights, Crystal Travel offers fantastic deals on hotels across various destinations in the UK and around the world. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious resort, we have the perfect accommodation options for you.
By booking your flights and hotels with Crystal Travel, you can enjoy the convenience of a one-stop shop for all your travel needs. Choose from a plethora of options to enjoy public holidays in Great Britain.
Considerations for Planning Your Holidays
- Popular Destinations: Plan your travel early, especially if you’re eyeing a popular tourist destination. These places tend to get crowded during public holidays.
- Travel Budget: Set a budget for your trip and ensure your flights and accommodations fit within it. Crystal Travel offers a variety of options for every budget.
- Travel Itinerary: Draft an itinerary that aligns with the number of days you have off. Optimize your time to make the most of your holiday.
We hope the following information will help you make the most of the long weekends, family trips, or a break from work or school. You should always double-check with your local authorities as some UK national holidays may differ by region. Make the most of these holidays to relax, recharge, and create wonderful memories with your loved ones.