UK Bank Holidays 2025: A Complete Guide to Dates, Planning Tips, and Regional Differences
Planning ahead for your time off in 2025? Whether you're an employee, business owner, or just trying to make the most of your annual leave, understanding the UK's bank holiday calendar is key. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the official bank holidays for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, explore how they impact your time off and pay, and share top tips for maximising your holiday time.
How Many UK Bank Holidays Are There in 2025?
In 2025, the number of bank holidays varies slightly by region:
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England and Wales: 8 bank holidays
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Scotland: 9 bank holidays
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Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays
These dates include a mix of fixed holidays (like Christmas Day) and movable ones (like Easter Monday).
Full List of UK Bank Holidays 2025
England & Wales
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1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
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18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
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21 April (Monday) – Easter Monday
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5 May (Monday) – Early May Bank Holiday
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26 May (Monday) – Spring Bank Holiday
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25 August (Monday) – Summer Bank Holiday
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25 December (Thursday) – Christmas Day
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26 December (Friday) – Boxing Day
Scotland
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1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
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2 January (Thursday) – 2nd January Holiday
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18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
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5 May (Monday) – Early May Bank Holiday
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26 May (Monday) – Spring Bank Holiday
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4 August (Monday) – Summer Bank Holiday
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30 November (Sunday) – St Andrew’s Day
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25 December (Thursday) – Christmas Day
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26 December (Friday) – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland
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1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
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17 March (Monday) – St Patrick’s Day
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18 April (Friday) – Good Friday
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21 April (Monday) – Easter Monday
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5 May (Monday) – Early May Bank Holiday
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26 May (Monday) – Spring Bank Holiday
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12 July (Saturday) – Orangemen’s Day
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25 August (Monday) – Summer Bank Holiday
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25 December (Thursday) – Christmas Day
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26 December (Friday) – Boxing Day
Are Most UK Bank Holidays on a Monday?
Yes, the majority fall on Mondays. When a bank holiday lands on a weekend, a 'substitute day' (usually the following Monday) ensures you still get a day off. This helps create long weekends, ideal for short breaks and family time.
How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2025
Make your leave work harder by combining it with bank holidays. Here are a few top tips:
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Bridge holidays: Turn a 4-day weekend into a 9-day break by booking the days around Easter or the Early May bank holiday.
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Travel smart: Avoid peak-season costs by planning ahead around holiday weekends.
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Use tools: Plan your leave with free tools like Gov.uk bank holiday calendar or sync dates with Outlook/iCal calendar downloads.
Why Do Bank Holidays Vary Across the UK?
Each nation in the UK observes certain unique holidays:
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Scotland adds 2 January and St Andrew’s Day.
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Northern Ireland includes St Patrick’s Day and Orangemen’s Day.
This reflects the UK’s cultural diversity and historic traditions.
FAQs About UK Bank Holidays in 2025
1. What’s the difference between a bank holiday and a public holiday?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, "bank holidays" are specifically designated by the government. Public holidays may include regional observances that are not official bank holidays.
2. Do employers have to give time off on bank holidays?
Not always. There’s no legal right to paid leave on a bank holiday unless it’s written into your employment contract.
3. Do I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
This depends on your employer. Many offer time-and-a-half or a day off in lieu, but it’s not a legal requirement.
4. Can bank holidays affect benefit payments?
Yes. When a benefit payment is due on a bank holiday, it may be paid early. Check with GOV.UK for updates.
5. How are bank holidays decided?
They’re set by UK government legislation, influenced by history, tradition, and occasionally, national events (like royal celebrations or state funerals).
6. What about payroll and business planning?
Employers should:
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Adjust payroll schedules around holidays
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Communicate changes clearly to employees
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Use tools like HMRC payroll calendar to stay compliant
Summary: Why UK Bank Holidays Matter in 2025
With eight to ten holidays per region, bank holidays are a welcome opportunity to rest, recharge, or make memories. Whether you're planning holidays in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, getting to know these dates helps you make smarter work and travel decisions.
From early May bank holidays to festive December breaks, 2025 offers multiple chances to pause and enjoy life beyond the 9-to-5.
Start planning today - your future self will thank you.
For more details, visit Gov.uk's official bank holiday page.
Bank Holiday Offers and Perks: Sock Geeks Discounts
Looking to add a little extra joy to your long weekends? Sock Geeks, the UK's premium sock subscription brand, regularly runs exclusive discount codes during bank holidays perfect for treating yourself or gifting something fun and practical. From Easter to the August Bank Holiday, keep an eye out for seasonal sales, multi-pair bundles, and limited-edition collections. Whether you're planning a staycation or relaxing at home, slipping into a fresh pair of colourful, high-quality socks can be the small delight that sets the tone for your day. Visit sockgeeks.co.uk around the holidays for the latest deals and sign up for their newsletter to never miss a promotion.
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