Late Summer August Bank Holiday in the UK – Dates, Meaning & Guide

When people talk about the August Bank Holiday — also called the Late Summer Bank Holiday — they usually mean the public holiday on the last Monday of August in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, however, the August bank holiday is observed earlier, on the first Monday of August.

This holiday is one of the most anticipated summer long weekends, often used for travel, festivals, family trips, and soaking up the last warm days before autumn sets in.

Dates of the August / Late Summer Bank Holiday (2024–2028)

YearEngland, Wales & NI DateDay of WeekScotland Date*Day of Week (Scotland)
2024Monday, 26 August 2024MondayMonday, 5 August 2024Monday
2025Monday, 25 August 2025MondayMonday, 4 August 2025Monday
2026Monday, 31 August 2026MondayMonday, 3 August 2026Monday
2027Monday, 30 August 2027MondayMonday, 2 August 2027Monday
2028Monday, 28 August 2028MondayMonday, 7 August 2028Monday

* In Scotland, the “Summer Bank Holiday” is on the first Monday in August, not the last.

As you can see, the date for England, Wales & Northern Ireland always falls on the last Monday of August, while Scotland keeps the first Monday of August tradition.

Origins and Legal Basis

  • The concept of bank holidays in the UK began with the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which designated certain days including the first Monday of August as an official public holiday for parts of the UK.
  • In 1965 a trial was begun to move the August holiday in England and Wales to the last Monday of August, aiming to give people a longer summer stretch.
  • Later, the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 made many of these bank holidays statutory, including that adjustment for August in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland retained the original date.

So the holiday as it is now is a blend of historical custom and legislative tweaking to make bank holidays more consistent and beneficial for working people.

Who Observes It?

  • England, Wales & Northern Ireland: The Late Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August) is fully observed — schools, banks, public offices close.
  • Scotland: Uses a different schedule — the Summer Bank Holiday is on the first Monday of August. The last Monday in August is not a statutory bank holiday (though banks often follow UK-wide practices in closing).
  • Some banks in Scotland may close on the last Monday in August for operational consistency, but legally it’s not the same.

Because of this regional difference, when you talk about “August Bank Holiday” in the UK, it’s helpful to clarify which part of the UK you mean.

How People Celebrate the August Bank Holiday

The August Bank Holiday weekend is one of the high points of the UK summer. Some typical ways people use it:

  • Festivals & Carnivals: Big events like Notting Hill Carnival often overlap with this long weekend.
  • Travel & Tourism: Coastal towns, campsites, national parks are popular destinations. Roads, trains, and attractions see heavy demand.
  • Outdoor gatherings: Barbecues, picnics, beach days, local fetes, fun in parks
  • Retail & Sales: Many stores run bank holiday sales, offering a final summer discount push
  • Rest and reset: For many, it’s just a welcome break before the more structured rhythms of autumn begin

Because it marks one of the final summer long weekends, people often treat it as a last hurrah before back-to-school or end-of-summer routines take over.

What to Know Before Planning

  • Transport can be very busy — book early and expect delays.
  • Some public services may run on holiday or reduced schedules
  • Businesses & shops often adjust hours — check locally, especially in smaller towns
  • In Scotland, double-check if the last Monday in August is observed by your employer, as official holiday is earlier

FAQs

1. When is the August Bank Holiday in 2027?

In 2027, the August Bank Holiday (last Monday) in England, Wales & Northern Ireland falls on Monday, 30 August. In Scotland, the holiday is observed on Monday, 2 August 2027.

2. Why is Scotland’s bank holiday different in August?

Scotland retained the tradition of the first Monday in August from older bank holiday laws, while England, Wales & Northern Ireland shifted to the last Monday for a later summer break.

3. Do banks close on that day across the UK?

In England, Wales & Northern Ireland — yes, most banks, schools, and public services close. In Scotland, banks may close but the official public holiday is the earlier August day, so closures can vary.

4. What is the difference between “Summer Bank Holiday” and “Late Summer Bank Holiday”?

They are often used interchangeably. But technically, “Summer Bank Holiday” may refer to Scotland’s early August holiday, while “Late Summer Bank Holiday” refers to the last Monday of August in the rest of the UK.

5. Does the August Bank Holiday always fall on a Monday?

Yes — by tradition and law in England, Wales & Northern Ireland, it’s the last Monday of August; in Scotland, it’s the first Monday of August.

Final Thoughts

The Late Summer / August Bank Holiday is one of the most cherished long weekends in the UK. It gives people a final chance to enjoy summer — at the coast, in the countryside, or at festivals — before routines resume. Understanding the regional differences is key: while most of the UK looks forward to the last Monday in August, Scotland has its own tradition. Use the table above when planning, and be sure to check local closures and transport when you travel.

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