Bank holidays are national public holidays which have been recognized by the UK government. The term originates from banks typically closing on these days, a tradition dating back to saints' days.
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The bank holidays within UK has are the following.
Bank Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | Monday |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | Monday |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day (substitute) | 28 December | Monday |
Dates are the same across the UK except where noted. Scotland also has 2 January (Friday), Summer Bank Holiday (3 August, Monday) and St Andrew's Day (30 November, Monday). Northern Ireland adds St Patrick's Day (17 March, Tuesday) and Battle of the Boyne (13 July substitute, Monday).
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.
| Date | Holiday | England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | ● | ● | ● |
| 2 January | 2nd January | ● | ||
| 17 March | St Patrick's Day | ● | ||
| The Friday before Easter Sunday | Good Friday | ● | ● | ● |
| The Monday after Easter Sunday | Easter Monday | ● | ● | |
| First Monday in May | Early May Bank Holiday | ● | ● | ● |
| Last Monday in May | Spring Bank Holiday | ● | ● | ● |
| 12 July | Battle of the Boyne (observed) | ● | ||
| First Monday in August | Summer Bank Holiday | ● | ||
| Last Monday in August | Summer Bank Holiday | ● | ● | |
| 30 November | St Andrew's Day | ● | ||
| 25 December | Christmas Day | ● | ● | ● |
| 28 December | Boxing Day (substitute) | ● | ● | ● |
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Discover the calendar of public holidays across the world and the holiday entitlement calculator.