Summer bank holiday 2026
Do you get the day off?
England, Wales, Northern IrelandScotland: Mon, Aug 3(passed)
- The date, and why
- Summer Bank Holiday 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, August 31 — the last Monday of August. In Scotland, it is Monday, August 3 — the first Monday of August.
- What kind of holiday
- Summer Bank Holiday is a statutory bank holiday. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland observe the last Monday of August, while Scotland observes the first Monday of August.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Regional dates differ: Scotland celebrates on August 3 (first Monday), while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland celebrate on August 31 (last Monday). Check which applies to your location.
- Long weekend
- August 2026 calendar (ENG/WLS/NIR): Sat Aug 29 – Sun Aug 30 – Mon Aug 31. Scotland: Sat Aug 1 – Sun Aug 2 – Mon Aug 3. This marks the traditional end of summer for many.
- What closes
- Banks, government offices, and most businesses close on the applicable date for each region. Major summer events like the Notting Hill Carnival (London) occur over this weekend in England.
- Where the name comes from
- The August bank holiday in England and Wales was created in 1871 and originally fell on the first Monday of August, like Scotland's still does. It was moved to the last Monday in 1965 for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Summer Bank Holiday 2026 in England?
- In England (and Wales and Northern Ireland), the Summer Bank Holiday 2026 is Monday, August 31 — the last Monday of August. Scotland has a different date: Monday, August 3 (the first Monday of August).
- Why does Scotland have a different Summer Bank Holiday date?
- Scotland kept the original August bank holiday date (the first Monday of August) when England, Wales, and Northern Ireland moved theirs to the last Monday in 1965. This means Scotland celebrates on August 3, 2026, while the rest of the UK celebrates on August 31, 2026.
- Does my employer have to give me the bank holiday off?
- Not necessarily. UK employers are not legally required to give employees bank holidays off or provide extra pay for working them. Bank holidays may be included in your 5.6 weeks of statutory annual leave, or given in addition — check your employment contract.
- What closes on the Summer Bank Holiday?
- Banks, government offices, and most schools close. Many shops and supermarkets stay open but with reduced hours. Public transport typically runs on a Sunday or holiday schedule. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place in London over the August bank holiday weekend.