Complete List of UK Bank Holidays for 2025

The advent of a new year signals the arrival of bank holidays, each falling on distinct dates. Although one holiday, New Year’s Day, has already occurred, several others remain. For residents of England and Wales, the standard number of bank holidays is eight annually, while Scotland has nine, and Northern Ireland boasts ten. In exceptional cases, additional holidays can be introduced to commemorate significant events, such as the King’s coronation in 2023.

These bank holidays are ideal for maximizing vacation time, especially if you plan your leave strategically. For instance, in spring 2025, one could potentially enjoy 18 days off by only taking nine days of leave, making it an excellent opportunity for extended trips. Therefore, here are the key bank holiday dates to keep in mind for 2025.

Possibility of an Additional Bank Holiday in 2025

There are rumors about the UK possibly introducing an extra bank holiday in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

May 8, recognized as Victory in Europe Day, is a strong candidate for this bank holiday, suggesting that either Friday, May 9, or Monday, May 12, could create a long weekend. Alternatively, August 15, which marks the day Japan surrendered, could also be a potential date for the extra holiday, with Friday, August 22, creating another extended weekend.

Despite reports in November 2024 from the Prime Minister’s spokesperson ruling out such plans and indicating that commemorative events would take precedence, the push for an additional bank holiday continues.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in the UK

The upcoming bank holiday varies based on your location within the UK. In England, Wales, and Scotland, the next bank holiday will be Good Friday on April 18.

Total Number of Bank Holidays in the UK for 2025

The UK comprises four nations, each with a different number of bank holidays. Both England and Wales will observe eight bank holidays, Scotland will have nine, and Northern Ireland will feature ten.

Special occasions may introduce additional bank holidays, similar to the extra one granted for the King’s coronation in 2023.

Bank Holiday Schedule for England and Wales in 2025

In 2025, the following bank holidays will be observed in England and Wales:

• Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Friday, April 18 – Good Friday
• Monday, April 21 – Easter Monday
• Monday, May 5 – Early May bank holiday
• Monday, May 26 – Spring bank holiday
• Monday, August 25 – Summer bank holiday
• Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day

Bank Holiday Dates in Scotland and Northern Ireland

In 2025, Scotland will recognize the following bank holidays:

• Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Thursday, January 2 – 2nd January
• Friday, April 18 – Good Friday
• Monday, May 5 – Early May bank holiday
• Monday, May 26 – Spring bank holiday
• Monday, August 4 – Summer bank holiday
• Monday, December 1 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
• Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day

Northern Ireland shares most bank holidays with England and Wales, with the addition of two extra days: St Patrick’s Day and the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day). The 2025 dates for Northern Ireland will be as follows:

• Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Monday, March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
• Friday, April 18 – Good Friday
• Monday, April 21 – Easter Monday
• Monday, May 5 – Early May bank holiday
• Monday, May 26 – Spring bank holiday
• Monday, July 14 – Battle of the Boyne
• Monday, August 25 – Summer bank holiday
• Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
• Friday, December 26 – Boxing Day