How Public Holidays in the UK work?
On public holidays in Britain, the majority of companies, educational institutions, and government offices are not open. However, there are a few exceptions, like food markets, which might have shortened operating hours. Modes of public transportation frequently run on a limited timetable on holidays, so it is crucial to verify schedules ahead of time. To find the most precise and current details on public holidays in the United Kingdom, you should refer to official government sites or other trustworthy resources.Dates of Public Holidays
| Public Holiday | 2023 | 2024 |
| New Year | 2nd January, Monday (substitute day) | 1st January Monday |
| Good Friday | 7th April, Friday | 29th March, Friday |
| Easter Monday | 10th April, Monday | 1st April, Monday |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 1st May, Monday | 6th May, Monday |
| Coronation of King Charles III | 8th May, Monday | |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 29th May, Monday | 27th May, Monday |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 28th August, Monday | 26th August, Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25th December, Monday | 25th December, Wednesday |
| Boxing Day | 26th December, Tuesday | 26th December, Thursday |
Common Holidays in the United Kingdom
2 January – New Year’s Day, Monday
Sunday is the first day of the year 2023. To compensate for the fact that the first day falls on a Sunday, the UK, like most other countries, declares the next day a public holiday. If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK, keep in mind that the first Monday in January is also a public holiday. This is a day to relax and reconnect with loved ones before welcoming the New Year with hope and joy. In Scotland, a custom known as ‘first footer’ is observed, in which it is believed that the first person to visit someone’s home on New Year’s Day will bring good luck to the home. Moreover, there are plenty of places to celebrate New Year in London.
7 April – Good Friday
Good Friday falls in April in 2023 and Christians around the world spend the day remembering Jesus Christ’s sacrifices. This public holiday in the UK is relatively quiet as people prepare to attend church sermons and Mass. Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are fall on the following days. Restaurants do not serve meat on Good Friday because it is not eaten by the locals. On this day, you would mostly find Brit’s favourites like fish and chips and hot cross buns on restaurant menus.Easter Holidays
On Easter Sunday, by law large stores must close. Smaller shops, pharmacies, and shops located in airports and train stations are permitted to remain open. Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule over the Easter holiday weekend. Most tourist attractions stay open during Easter holidays in UK.1st April – Easter Monday – except Scotland
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Monday following Easter is a public religious holiday known as Easter Monday. This is the fourth and final day of a four-day holy observance for the Christian community. This is typically a busy day as people return to their regular lives after visiting loved ones or enjoying a short vacation.
6th May – Early May Bank Holiday
The first of May is celebrated in the UK to welcome spring and is regarded as a day of rebirth of nature and all that is good in life. On this day, many traditional customs are observed, such as the lighting of massive bonfires known as Beltane Bonfires in Scotland. Parades, and carnivals with Maypole dancing and Morris dancing are also held in many regions.8 May – King Charles III’s Coronation, Monday
The United Kingdom will have an extra holiday this year when the new King is crowned on May 6, 2023. To mark the occasion of King Charles III’s coronation, next Monday – 8 May has been declared a public holiday. Being an extended weekend, you can expect huge crowds on the roads as people gather to see their New King. Overall, the UK will be buzzing with excitement on this day as the UK’s throne welcomes a new King.27th May – Spring Bank Holiday, Monday
The last Monday of May is a public holiday in the United Kingdom known as the Spring Bank Holiday. Since the next public holiday is only in August, most people use this opportunity to go on quick relaxing getaways or trips to see their loved ones. This holiday offers an extended weekend for workers and service providers.
26th August – Summer Bank Holiday, Monday
The Summer Bank Holiday, the final holiday of the British summer, is a public holiday during which people can enjoy the last few sunny days before the winter chill sets in. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place on this day in London. Although this is not a holiday in Scotland, banks close to coincide with the rest of the country’s financial working hours. In Scotland, this day is observed on the first Monday of August. This is the final summer holiday for England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, as the next set of holidays occurs only in wintry December, thus making it an ideal time to head on to some close by summer holiday destination in UK.Activities to Engage in while in London during a Bank Holiday Weekend
A bank holiday weekend in London is the perfect time to explore more of the city. You can discover top attractions, family-friendly activities, and new neighbourhoods. Pick up a pass for sightseeing to visit several of London’s famous sights in merely one weekend. Also, check the special events happening over the holiday.- Usher the New Year with entertaining activities on New Year
- Enjoy an action-packed Easter weekend in the capital
- Celebrate spring during the early May bank holiday and the later spring bank holiday
- Soak up the summer sun and festive carnival atmosphere over the summer bank holiday weekend
- Later in the year, get into the holiday spirit with fun Christmas activities, including unique things to do on Christmas Day itself
25 December – Christmas Day, Wednesday
The next major public holiday is Christmas Day, which falls on December 25th. However, the holiday spirit begins to take hold weeks before this date, with major cities decked out in massive Christmas trees, mistletoe and berry wreaths, fairy lights, nativity scene installations, and other spectacular displays of illuminations. This is the best time to visit the UK, especially London because the entire city is aglow with excitement. The iconic white Christmas can be enjoyed in all nooks and corners of the UK with incredible experiences such as visiting castles, shopping at Christmas Markets, and even taking the Polar Express with Santa Claus on board. This is one of the busiest public holidays in the UK, and if you are here for Christmas, you will enjoy every minute of it.
26th December – Boxing Day, Thursday
Boxing Day is the day following Christmas. Traditionally, employers would give their employees clothes, money, or gifts on this day. However, in modern times, it is widely regarded as a day to unwind and recover from the excitement of Christmas week, and to spend time with family and friends. The day is also popular for attending sporting events.Read More: The Offbeat UK Staycation Locations
Holiday Transport
London’s public transportation system frequently utilizes the less busy weekends to perform maintenance tasks. As a result, certain underground lines and railways may be closed. You can always verify any travel disruptions on the Transport for London website, and they will provide replacement bus services if no appropriate local train service is available. Bus routes are very seldom impacted by weekend closures.Additional Holidays in Scotland
30 November – St Andrew’s Day, Thursday
St Andrew’s Day, also known as Scottish flag day, is an official public holiday in Scotland. Scottish flags , the Saltire, are raised on prominent buildings and structures, and the day is filled with traditional Scottish celebrations such as Scottish music, feasting, and traditional ceilidh dancing events.Additional Holidays in Ireland
17 March – St Patrick’s Day, Friday
Apart from Christmas, one of the most important holiday celebrations in the UK is St. Patrick’s Day, which is primarily observed in Northern Ireland. This is a national holiday commemorating St. Patrick. Northern Ireland celebrates it with zeal— and organizes parades, massive feasts, and performances by Irish musicians.
12 July – Battle of the Boyne, Wednesday
The Battle of Boyne is another holiday celebrated specifically in Northern Ireland. This regional holiday commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, which was fought on July 1st, 1690 by King William of Orange against King James II. It is also known as Orangemen’s Day, Orange Day, or the Twelfth. On this day, the Orange Order marches across Northern Ireland dressed in black suits, bowler hats, and white gloves to commemorate the battle.School Holidays
The dates when school terms start and end vary from year to year and differ between schools. Schools run by local authorities and independent schools sometimes have different term dates. Traditionally, the school year is divided into three terms, with short breaks in the middle of each term (half-terms) and a longer break over the summer:- Summer vacation: late July to early September
- Autumn half-term: last week of October
- Christmas break: late December to early January
- Spring half-term: one week in mid-February
- Easter vacation: two weeks around Easter Sunday
- Summer half-term: one week at the end of May or start of June