Planning your time off work can be tricky, especially when trying to make the most of bank holidays. For those in the UK looking ahead to 2025, it’s helpful to know when these extra days off will fall.
| Date | Day of Week | Bank Holiday | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year's Day | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 2 Jan | Thursday | 2nd January | Scotland |
| 17 Mar | Monday | St Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
| 18 Apr | Friday | Good Friday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 21 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 14 Jul | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day) | Northern Ireland |
| 4 Aug | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday | Scotland |
| 25 Aug | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday | England, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| 1 Dec | Monday | St Andrew's Day (substitute day) | Scotland |
| 25 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Day | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| 26 Dec | Friday | Boxing Day | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
The UK will have eight bank holidays in 2025. Dates will vary slightly between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Bank holidays in the UK often coincide with important religious and cultural events. The first bank holiday of 2025 will be New Year’s Day on Wednesday, 1 January. Other key dates include Good Friday on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April.
The Early May Bank Holiday will fall on Monday, 5 May, followed by the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 26 May.
Knowing these dates in advance can help you plan your annual leave more effectively. By strategically booking time off around bank holidays, you can maximise your time away from work.
It’s worth noting that some employers may require staff to work on bank holidays, so it’s always best to check your contract or speak with your manager.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The UK has eight bank holidays scheduled for 2025
- Bank holiday dates can differ between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
- Planning annual leave around bank holidays can help maximise time off work
Overview of UK Bank Holidays in 2025
Bank holidays in the UK vary by region, with some days off shared across the nation and others unique to specific areas. These special days provide workers with paid time off and often mark important cultural or historical events.
Significance of Bank Holidays
Bank holidays give people a chance to relax, spend time with family, and take part in local events. Many shops and businesses close, though some remain open with reduced hours. These days often boost tourism and retail sales as people use the extra time for short trips or shopping.
In 2025, the UK will have several bank holidays spread throughout the year. New Year’s Day kicks off the calendar on 1 January. Easter brings Good Friday on 18 April. Early May bank holiday falls on 5 May, followed by the Spring bank holiday on 26 May.
The Summer bank holiday on 25 August offers a final long weekend before autumn. Christmas Day and Boxing Day round out the year on 25 and 26 December, respectively.
Differences Across UK Regions
While England and Wales share most bank holidays, Scotland and Northern Ireland have some unique dates. Scotland celebrates 2 January as an extra holiday after Hogmanay. Northern Ireland marks St Patrick’s Day on 17 March.
Scotland also observes St Andrew’s Day on 2 December, though banks may choose to close on a different day. The Battle of the Boyne or Orangemen’s Day is a holiday in Northern Ireland on 12 July.
These regional differences reflect the distinct cultural heritage of each nation within the UK. They allow for celebration of local traditions and history alongside the shared national holidays.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a significant bank holiday in the UK, marking the start of the calendar year. It falls on 1 January each year and is celebrated across the country.
Significance and Observance
New Year’s Day holds special meaning for many Britons as a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. In 2025, New Year’s Day falls on Wednesday, 1 January. Most businesses, schools, and government offices close for the day, allowing people to relax and recover from New Year’s Eve festivities.
Some UK traditions on this day include making resolutions, watching fireworks displays, and enjoying a special meal with family. In Scotland, the holiday extends to 2 January, giving Scots an extra day off.
If New Year’s Day falls on a weekend, a substitute day is typically observed on the following Monday. This ensures workers don’t miss out on the bank holiday. However, this won’t be necessary in 2025 as the holiday falls mid-week.
Spring Bank Holidays
The UK celebrates several important bank holidays during the spring season. These holidays provide time off work and school for many people across the country. Let’s look at the key spring bank holidays for 2025.
Good Friday
Good Friday falls on 18 April in 2025. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is an important Christian observance. Many businesses and schools close on this day.
Good Friday traditions include:
• Hot cross buns
• Church services
• Fish meals
Some people use the day for quiet reflection. Others enjoy the start of a long weekend with family and friends.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday. In 2025, it’s on 21 April. This holiday extends the Easter weekend for many workers.
Popular Easter Monday activities include:
• Easter egg hunts
• Family gatherings
• Short breaks or day trips
Some areas hold special events like egg rolling competitions or morris dancing displays.
Early May Bank Holiday
The Early May Bank Holiday is on 5 May 2025. It’s also known as May Day in some parts of the UK.
May Day has roots in ancient spring festivals. Today, it often features:
• Maypole dancing
• Morris dancing
• Village fêtes
In some places, people crown a May Queen as part of local celebrations. The holiday gives many a chance to enjoy the warmer spring weather and blooming flowers.
Summer Bank Holidays
The UK has one main summer bank holiday in 2025. This day off gives people a chance to enjoy the warm weather and take part in fun activities.
August Bank Holiday
The Summer bank holiday in 2025 falls on Monday, 25 August. This date is set for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland celebrates its summer bank holiday earlier in the month.
Many Brits use this long weekend for short trips or outdoor events. Popular activities include:
• Beach outings
• Festivals and fairs
• Family barbecues
• DIY home projects
Some shops may have shorter hours on this day. Banks and many offices will be closed. Public transport often runs on a reduced schedule.
The August bank holiday marks the unofficial end of summer for many people. It’s a last chance to relax before autumn arrives. Schools typically start again shortly after this holiday.
Autumn Bank Holidays
The UK has two notable autumn bank holidays that occur in Northern Ireland and Scotland. These holidays honour important historical and cultural events.
Battle of the Boyne
The Battle of the Boyne is commemorated in Northern Ireland on 12 July. This bank holiday marks the victory of Protestant King William III over Catholic King James II in 1690.
The day is also known as “Orangemen’s Day” or “The Twelfth”. Many people celebrate with parades, bonfires, and decorating streets with flags and bunting. Some businesses and services may close or have reduced hours.
It’s a significant day in Northern Irish history and culture. The holiday can be contentious due to its ties to historical religious and political divisions.
St Andrew’s Day
St Andrew’s Day falls on 30 November and is a bank holiday in Scotland. It celebrates Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew.
While not a mandatory day off, many Scottish businesses and schools close. People mark the day with traditional Scottish food, music, and dance. Some wear kilts or display the Scottish flag.
The holiday promotes Scottish culture and heritage. It’s also used to showcase Scottish products and tourism. In recent years, there’s been a push to make St Andrew’s Day a more prominent celebration across Scotland.
Winter Bank Holidays
The UK has two bank holidays during the winter season. These festive days provide time off work for many people to celebrate with family and friends.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a bank holiday celebrated on 25 December. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a special time for Christians. Many non-religious people also take part in Christmas traditions.
Shops, businesses and public transport often have reduced hours or close completely. Families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals and take part in holiday activities.
Christmas dinner typically includes roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes and vegetables. Christmas crackers, paper hats and bad jokes are popular table additions. The Queen’s Christmas message is broadcast at 3pm.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day falls on 26 December, the day after Christmas. It’s a time to relax after the festivities or visit more family and friends. Some people attend sporting events or go shopping for bargains in the sales.
The origins of Boxing Day are unclear. One theory is that it was when employers gave Christmas boxes of gifts or money to their staff. Another suggests it’s when churches opened alms boxes to give to the poor.
Many shops reopen on Boxing Day with special deals. Some hold traditional Boxing Day hunts, though hunting with dogs is now banned. Football matches and horse racing events are popular activities.
Planning Annual Leave around Bank Holidays
Smart scheduling of annual leave can lead to extended breaks without using too many holiday days. Combining leave with bank holidays allows workers to enjoy longer periods away from work.
Maximising Long Weekends
Bank holidays in 2025 offer plenty of chances to create long weekends. By taking off the Friday before or Monday after a bank holiday, workers can enjoy a four-day break using just one day of annual leave.
For even longer breaks, employees can book time off around Easter. In 2025, Good Friday falls on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April. Taking the four days after Easter Monday results in a 10-day holiday using only four leave days.
The May bank holidays also present opportunities. With holidays on 5 May and 26 May, booking the days in between creates a nine-day break for just four days of leave.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When planning leave around popular dates, it’s crucial to book early. Many colleagues may have the same idea, so submitting requests promptly helps secure desired days off.
Workers should check their company’s policies on annual leave. Some employers have blackout periods or limits on consecutive days off.
It’s wise to spread leave throughout the year. Using all holiday time for one extended break might leave workers without options for rest later in the year.
Employees should also consider work responsibilities when planning leave. Avoiding busy periods or important deadlines ensures smoother time off for both the worker and their team.
Further Information
Bank holidays in the UK come with certain legal rights for workers, but employers have some discretion in how they handle these days off. There are also helpful resources available for those seeking more details about bank holidays.
Legal Rights and Employer Discretion
Workers in the UK have no automatic right to paid leave on bank holidays. Employers can choose to include bank holidays as part of statutory annual leave. Some may give paid time off for bank holidays on top of yearly holiday allowance.
Employment contracts often spell out how bank holidays are treated. Employers can require staff to work on bank holidays, but this should be clearly stated in the contract. Some jobs, like retail and hospitality, commonly operate on bank holidays.
If employees must work, employers might offer extra pay or time off in lieu. However, this is not legally required unless specified in the employment contract.
Resources for More Details
For up-to-date information on UK bank holidays, the official GOV.UK website is a reliable source. It lists confirmed dates for upcoming years and explains regional differences.
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides guidance on employment rights related to bank holidays. Their website offers free advice for both employers and employees.
Local council websites often list area-specific events happening on bank holidays. These can be useful for planning activities during time off.
Trade unions and professional bodies may offer tailored advice on bank holiday entitlements for specific industries or job roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bank holidays in the UK for 2025 vary across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These public holidays include traditional dates and special occasions, with some differences between the nations.
What dates are the bank holidays in the United Kingdom for the year 2025?
The UK has several bank holidays in 2025. These include New Year’s Day on 1 January, Good Friday on 18 April, and Easter Monday on 21 April.
Other dates are the Early May bank holiday on 5 May and the Spring bank holiday on 26 May.
Are there additional bank holidays in 2025 due to special occasions?
As of now, no additional bank holidays have been announced for 2025. The UK government occasionally declares extra bank holidays for special events, such as royal weddings or jubilees.
What are the scheduled school holiday periods coinciding with bank holidays in 2025?
School holidays often align with bank holidays, especially around Easter and Christmas. The exact dates can vary by region and school, so it’s best to check with local education authorities for specific schedules.
Which days are designated as bank holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2025?
England and Wales share most bank holidays. Scotland has some unique dates, like 2 January. Northern Ireland celebrates St Patrick’s Day on 17 March. Each nation may have slight variations in their holiday calendar.
Will there be a bank holiday for Easter in April 2025, and what are the dates?
Yes, Easter bank holidays are scheduled for 2025. Good Friday falls on 18 April, and Easter Monday is on 21 April. These dates are observed across the UK.
Can you provide the dates for the May and August public holidays in the UK for 2025?
The May bank holidays in 2025 are the Early May bank holiday on 5 May and the Spring bank holiday on 26 May. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Summer bank holiday is set for 25 August.
