Summer bank holiday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.