Bank Holidays in the UK: How Many Are There?
Picture this: it’s a grey Monday morning, your alarm’s blaring, and then bam you remember it’s a bank holiday. The kettle’s on, the duvet’s winning, and the world can wait. But wait how many of these glorious lie-ins holidays do you actually get in the UK? And why does your mate in Edinburgh seem to get more than you in London?
Let’s break it down with zero fluff and maximum excitement.
The Magic Numbers: 8, 9, or 10?
Here’s the headline:
- England & Wales: 8 bank holidays
- Scotland: 9 bank holidays
- Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays
Yes, you read that right. If you live in Belfast, you’re basically winning the holiday lottery. If you’re in Birmingham… well, you’re still doing okay.
But why the difference? And what happens when a holiday falls on a weekend? (Spoiler: the government doesn’t just steal your day off.)
Your 2025 Bank Holiday Hit List
Let’s get into the juicy details your full cheat sheet for 2025, complete with dates, vibes, and regional flexes.
England & Wales: 8 Days of Freedom
| Date | Day | Holiday | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year’s Day | Hangover recovery mode |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Long weekend loading… |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | Chocolate coma |
| 5 May | Mon | Early May | BBQ weather? Maybe. |
| 26 May | Mon | Spring Bank | Peak picnic season |
| 25 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank | Last hurrah of summer |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | Turkey. Tinsel. Chaos. |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | Sales. Leftovers. Nap. |
No substitutes needed in 2025—every single one lands on a weekday. Lucky us!
Scotland: 9 Days (Because Hogmanay Rules)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year’s Day | Still recovering from Hogmanay |
| 2 Jan | Thu | 2nd January | Scotland says: “One day isn’t enough” |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | See above |
| 5 May | Mon | Early May | Same |
| 26 May | Mon | Spring Bank | Same |
| 4 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank | Earlier than England—cheeky! |
| 1 Dec | Mon | St Andrew’s Day (sub) | 30 Nov was a Sunday—boom, Monday off! |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas | Same chaos |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | Same nap |
Scotland doesn’t mess about. Two New Year days? Iconic.
Northern Ireland: 10 Days (The Ultimate Flex)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year’s | Standard |
| 17 Mar | Mon | St Patrick’s Day | Green everything |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Long weekend |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | Chocolate |
| 5 May | Mon | Early May | BBQ |
| 26 May | Mon | Spring Bank | Picnic |
| 14 Jul | Mon | Battle of the Boyne (sub) | 12 Jul was a Saturday—Monday off! |
| 25 Aug | Mon | Summer Bank | Last summer fling |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas | Family |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | Sales |
TEN. That’s right—Northern Ireland sneaks in St Patrick’s and Orangemen’s Day. Living their best life.
Why the Extra Days?
It’s not random, it’s heritage.
- Scotland: Hogmanay is sacred. One day off? Please. Plus, St Andrew’s Day = national pride.
- Northern Ireland: St Patrick’s for the Irish soul, Battle of the Boyne for history. Balance.
Meanwhile, England and Wales keep it classic: Christmas, Easter, and a few “because the weather might be nice” days.
Pro Tips for Bank Holiday Bosses
- Weekend clash? No panic. If a holiday lands on Saturday/Sunday, you get Monday off (substitute day).
- Travel chaos incoming. Trains run Sunday service, shops open late (or not at all).
- Extra holidays? Rare, but epic—like the King’s Coronation in 2023. Watch this space.
Final Score: Who Wins?
| Region | Days Off | Crown? |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 10 | 👑 Holiday Royalty |
| Scotland | 9 | 🏴 Close second |
| England & Wales | 8 | 🏴 Still winning at life |
So, there you have it—8 to 10 bank holidays, depending on your postcode. Mark your calendar, book that cheeky Friday off, and make 2025 the year of the long weekend.