Holidays (Bank Holidays)
British holidays are called Bank Holidays — because banks are closed (and with them many shops). England/Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have partly different holidays!
| Date | Holiday | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day | All |
| January 2 | 2nd January | Scotland only |
| March 17 | St Patrick's Day | Northern Ireland only |
| Variable | Good Friday | All |
| Variable | Easter Monday | Eng./Wales/NI (not Scotland) |
| 1st Mon in May | Early May Bank Holiday | All |
| Last Mon in May | Spring Bank Holiday | All |
| July 12 | Battle of the Boyne | Northern Ireland only |
| 1st Mon in August | Summer Bank Holiday | Scotland only |
| Last Mon in August | Summer Bank Holiday | Eng./Wales/NI |
| November 30 | St Andrew's Day | Scotland only |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | All |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | All |
On Bank Holidays: Many shops closed or reduced hours. Tourist attractions, pubs, and restaurants usually remain open. Public transport runs on a Sunday schedule. Hotels and popular places (Cotswolds, Lake District) are very busy — book in advance!
💡 Tipp
Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) in Edinburgh is one of the largest street festivals in the world — three days of partying, fireworks over the castle, and the famous Loony Dook (New Year's swim in the icy Firth of Forth). Book tickets for the main event (Princes Street Party) months in advance!
