In the United Kingdom public holidays are called "bank holidays" and are not identical across the country: Scotland and Northern Ireland have some that differ from England and Wales.
In 2026, United Kingdom has 14 official public holidays. The month with the most holidays is January, with 2. 3 months have no public holiday at all.
There are 12 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. No holiday falls on a weekend, so none are "lost".
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Summer Bank Holiday (August 31) to Saint Andrew's Day (November 30): 91 days.
The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day (January 1) and the last is St. Stephen's Day (December 28).
Long weekends in 2026
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
2 January
January 2 · Friday
Good Friday
April 3 · Friday
Easter Monday
April 6 · Monday
Early May Bank Holiday
May 4 · Monday
Spring Bank Holiday
May 25 · Monday
World Cup Bank Holiday
June 15 · Monday
Battle of the Boyne
July 13 · Monday
Summer Bank Holiday
August 3 · Monday
Summer Bank Holiday
August 31 · Monday
Saint Andrew's Day
November 30 · Monday
Christmas Day
December 25 · Friday
St. Stephen's Day
December 28 · Monday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does United Kingdom have in 2026?+
United Kingdom has 14 official public holidays in 2026, with January being the busiest month (2).
What is the first public holiday of 2026 in United Kingdom?+
The first public holiday of 2026 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in United Kingdom in 2026?+
12 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.