How Many Bank Holidays in 2025 – Full UK List by Region
The United Kingdom will observe between eight and ten bank holidays in 2025 depending on the nation, with England and Wales sharing eight statutory dates while Scotland and Northern Ireland retain additional regional observances. The 2025 calendar follows the traditional pattern of New Year’s Day, Easter, and seasonal Monday holidays, with no additional coronation or jubilee dates scheduled beyond the standard statutory entitlement.
Employers and employees should note that regional variations affect annual leave calculations, particularly for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. Confirmed dates indicate that most holidays fall on Mondays, creating predictable long weekends throughout the year.
This comprehensive breakdown examines the confirmed dates across all four UK nations, explains substitute day rules, and clarifies which holidays trigger statutory entitlement changes.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2025?
The total number varies by jurisdiction. England and Wales share eight bank holidays, Scotland observes nine, and Northern Ireland has ten. These figures include substitute dates allocated when fixed holidays fall on weekends.
Key Insights for 2025
- Easter falls on 18 April (Good Friday) and 21 April (Easter Monday)
- All Monday holidays except Christmas, Boxing Day, Good Friday, and New Year’s Day
- Scotland adds 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day to the base calendar
- Northern Ireland includes St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne
- Summer Bank Holiday dates differ: 4 August (Scotland) versus 25 August (England/Wales/NI)
- No extra bank holidays announced beyond standard statutory dates
- Substitute days apply when fixed dates fall on weekends
Complete 2025 Comparison
| Holiday | Date 2025 | England/Wales | Scotland | N. Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2nd January | 2 Jan | No | Yes | No |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 Mar | No | No | Yes |
| Good Friday | 18 Apr | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easter Monday | 21 Apr | Yes | No | Yes |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 26 May | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battle of the Boyne | 14 Jul | No | No | Yes |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 4 Aug / 25 Aug | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| St Andrew’s Day | 1 Dec | No | Yes | No |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boxing Day | 26 Dec | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bank Holiday Dates for England and Wales in 2025
The Official UK bank holidays page confirms that England and Wales share identical calendars for 2025. Wales follows the exact same list as England, with no additional national observances.
Spring and Summer Observances
The Early May Bank Holiday falls on Monday 5 May, followed by the Spring Bank Holiday on 26 May. The Summer Bank Holiday arrives on 25 August, marking the final extended weekend before the Christmas period.
Easter Period
Good Friday on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April bookend the Easter weekend. These dates are consistent across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a statutory bank holiday.
England and Wales maintain identical bank holiday schedules for 2025, simplifying multi-site business planning across both jurisdictions.
Bank Holidays in Scotland and Northern Ireland 2025
Scotland’s Additional January Holiday
Scotland observes 2nd January as a statutory bank holiday, creating a two-day New Year break. The Summer Bank Holiday falls earlier on 4 August rather than late August, a distinction dating from historical Public holidays in the United Kingdom traditions.
St Andrew’s Day Substitute
St Andrew’s Day shifts to Monday 1 December 2025 after falling on Saturday 30 November. This substitute ensures Scottish workers retain their full entitlement when the traditional date lands on a weekend.
Northern Ireland’s Unique Observances
Northern Ireland adds two culturally significant dates. St Patrick’s Day moves to Monday 17 March 2025, while the Battle of the Boyne shifts to Monday 14 July. These substitute dates provide extended weekends for historically significant occasions.
Extra or Substitute Bank Holidays in 2025
Weekend Shift Rules
When fixed-date holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays, the observance shifts to the following Monday. This affects St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne, and St Andrew’s Day in 2025. Official guidance confirms that Boxing Day on 26 December requires no substitute as it falls on a Friday.
2025 contains no extra bank holidays beyond the standard statutory entitlements. The total matches previous non-jubilee years, with eight to ten days depending on jurisdiction.
Boxing Day 2025 falls on Friday 26 December, requiring no substitute. However, Northern Ireland records this as a substitute in some official lists where the 25th falls on Thursday.
When Do the 2025 Bank Holidays Fall?
The chronological order reveals clustering in spring and late summer, with isolated dates in March, July, and December for specific regions.
- New Year’s Day — Wednesday 1 January (all regions)
- 2nd January — Thursday 2 January (Scotland only)
- St Patrick’s Day — Monday 17 March (Northern Ireland substitute)
- Good Friday — Friday 18 April (all regions)
- Easter Monday — Monday 21 April (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Early May Bank Holiday — Monday 5 May (all regions)
- Spring Bank Holiday — Monday 26 May (all regions)
- Battle of the Boyne — Monday 14 July (Northern Ireland substitute)
- Summer Bank Holiday — Monday 4 August (Scotland); Monday 25 August (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- St Andrew’s Day — Monday 1 December (Scotland substitute)
- Christmas Day — Thursday 25 December (all regions)
- Boxing Day — Friday 26 December (all regions)
Established Facts and Remaining Variables
While statutory dates are fixed, practical application varies by employment contract and sector.
Established Information
- All 2025 dates confirmed by legislation
- Easter dates calculated per ecclesiastical calendar
- Regional totals fixed at 8/9/10
- No additional royal commemorations scheduled
Uncertain Variables
- Private sector entitlement varies by contract
- Substitute dates for 2026 remain unconfirmed
- Potential for last-minute additions (unlikely)
- Part-time worker pro-rata calculations
The Historical Context of UK Bank Holidays
The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 established the modern framework, replacing the 1871 legislation that originally created bank holidays. Scotland retained distinct traditions under earlier Acts, while Northern Ireland’s pattern reflects both religious and political history.
The 2025 calendar represents the standard baseline without exceptional national events. Unlike 2023’s coronation addition, this year maintains the statutory minimum established by the 1971 Act and subsequent devolved administrations.
Official Sources and Government Confirmation
The UK government confirms bank holidays for England and Wales, with Scotland and Northern Ireland observing additional dates under devolved arrangements.
— Official UK bank holidays
Public holidays in the United Kingdom include substitute days when the original date falls on a weekend, ensuring workers retain their statutory entitlement.
— Public holidays in the United Kingdom
Key Takeaways on 2025 Bank Holidays
The 2025 calendar offers eight bank holidays for England and Wales, nine for Scotland, and ten for Northern Ireland. All dates are confirmed, with substitute days allocated for weekend occurrences. Employers should reference the Official UK bank holidays page for statutory guidance, while employees should verify contractual terms regarding extra pay or day-in-lieu arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday a bank holiday in 2025?
Yes. Good Friday on 18 April is a bank holiday across all UK nations including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
How many bank holidays does England have in 2025?
England has eight bank holidays in 2025. Wales observes the same eight dates as England.
Why does Scotland have more bank holidays than England?
Scotland observes 2nd January, an earlier Summer Bank Holiday on 4 August, and St Andrew’s Day, adding three dates to the base calendar for a total of nine.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
The holiday shifts to the following Monday. In 2025, this affects St Patrick’s Day, Battle of the Boyne, and St Andrew’s Day.
Are there any extra bank holidays in 2025 for the King’s coronation?
No. 2025 contains no extra bank holidays beyond the standard statutory entitlements. The coronation occurred in 2023.
Do I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
There is no statutory right to extra pay. Enhanced rates depend entirely on individual employment contracts and workplace policies.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?
No. While Good Friday is a bank holiday across the UK, Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland, though it is observed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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