Bank holidays are a big part of the UK’s calendar, we all need a break throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a day of doing nothing or just curious about the dates, you need to know these holidays. This article has the UK bank holidays for 2025, what they mean and how to make the most of them.
What are Bank Holidays?
Bank holidays are public holidays where most businesses and schools shut and people get a day off work. They were first introduced in 1871 with the Bank Holidays Act. Over time they’ve become synonymous with rest and celebration. Not all workplaces shut on these days but many do, especially banks, which is where the name comes from.
UK Bank Holidays 2025
Here are the official bank holidays in the UK for 2025:
England and Wales
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January
- Good Friday – Friday, 18 April
- Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5 May
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26 May
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 25 August
- Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December
Scotland
Plus:
- 2 January – Thursday, 2 January
- St. Andrew’s Day – Monday, 1 December
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland also has:
- St. Patrick’s Day – Monday, 17 March
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – Saturday, 12 July
Don’t Miss Out On : Is New Year’s Eve a Federal Holiday?
What do Bank Holidays mean?
Each bank holiday has its own history and meaning. For example:
- Christmas Day: Celebrates the birth of Christ and is a day for family, feasting and present giving.
- Easter Monday: Tied to Christian traditions of resurrection and renewal, it’s also a day for community events.
- Early May Bank Holiday: Recognised as International Workers’ Day in many countries, celebrating labour and workers’ rights.
How to make the most of your Bank Holidays
- Book in Advance: Booking trips or events early can save you money and get you the best options. Long weekends are perfect for mini breaks.
- Add to Annual Leave: By adding annual leave days around bank holidays you can make the most of your time off. For example 4 days off around Easter can give you 10 days off.
- Don’t Leave it to the Last Minute: Popular destinations and activities get booked up quickly on bank holidays. Plan early to avoid disappointment.
- Stay Local: Not every bank holiday needs to be a big trip. Use these days to visit local attractions or spend time with loved ones.
How Bank Holidays Affect Businesses
Bank holidays can disrupt normal business operations, especially for retail and hospitality industries. Some businesses see an increase in demand, others close temporarily. Employers need to ensure proper scheduling to avoid workforce issues.
For employees bank holidays are a chance to rest and recharge, which in turn boosts productivity and wellbeing.
Learn More About : Imagesize:地藏王菩薩 1920×1080
UK Bank Holidays Facts
- Dates Change: Bank holidays dates can change. For example the Early May Bank Holiday was moved to 8th May in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
- Scotland’s Extra Holiday: Scotland has an extra bank holiday on 2nd January to reflect their different cultural traditions.
- Not Compulsory: Employers don’t have to give employees a day off on bank holidays but many do as part of their contracts.
Conclusion
Bank holidays in 2025 are a great chance to rest, celebrate and make memories. Knowing these dates and what they mean will help you plan better for work, travel or relaxation. Get ahead and book early and make the most of these precious days off.
FAQs
Q1: How many bank holidays are there in 2025?
A: 8 in England and Wales, 10 in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland.
Q2: Can bank holidays be carried over if they fall on a weekend?
A: Yes, if a bank holiday falls on a weekend a “substitute day” is given, usually the following Monday.
Q3: Are bank holidays the same across the UK?
A: No, Scotland and Northern Ireland have extra bank holidays than England and Wales.
Q4: Do I get extra pay for working on a bank holiday?
A: This depends on your contract. Some employers offer extra pay or time off in lieu.
Q5: Are shops open on bank holidays?
A: Many, especially retail and tourism, are open but hours may vary.
He is an innovative news editor passionate about delivering timely, impactful stories while encouraging creative idea-sharing. With a keen eye for detail and a collaborative spirit, [he/she/they] transforms complex topics into engaging content, inspiring fresh perspectives and driving dynamic discussions to shape the future of news.