Spring bank holiday 2026
Do you get the day off?
- The date, and why
- Spring Bank Holiday 2026 falls on Monday, May 25 — the last Monday of May. This creates a 3-day long weekend (Sat May 23 – Mon May 25).
- What kind of holiday
- Spring Bank Holiday is a statutory bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. It replaced the traditional Whit Monday in 1971 to create a fixed late-May holiday.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Nationwide (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). All government offices, banks, and schools close. This is the second May bank holiday after the Early May Bank Holiday.
- Long weekend
- May 2026 calendar: Sat May 23 – Sun May 24 – Mon May 25 (Spring Bank Holiday). Often called the "late May bank holiday" or "Whitsun," it marks the traditional start of the summer holiday season.
- What closes
- Banks, government offices, and most businesses close. The Chelsea Flower Show typically takes place the week before. Many schools have a half-term break around this time.
- Where the name comes from
- Spring Bank Holiday replaced the moveable Whit Monday (50 days after Easter) with a fixed date to aid business planning. It remains popular for outdoor activities, DIY projects, and short trips.