Bank Holidays in the UK 2025 are an essential concern for many people. These special public holidays with rich history have been deeply woven into the daily life of the British people. This blog introduces the UK bank holidays 2025 in detail and offers a comprehensive guide to understanding these festivals. Check out this list and plan your holiday now.
What Are Bank Holidays UK 2025?
In the United Kingdom, alternative names of public holidays defined by statute are bank holidays when banks, schools, and most businesses close. Established by the 1871 Bank Holidays Act, these days provide statutory time off for people to enjoy leisure. Many bank holidays in the 2025 UK fall on Mondays, creating more extended weekends for all British. Traditionally, for rest, the holidays now feature family gatherings, festivals, or travel.
List of Bank Holidays 2025
Although many bank holidays overlap across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, some are region-specific. UK bank holidays 2025 differ in diverse regions, so in this part, we’ll present you three forms, which offer detailed information in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
| 2025 Bank Holidays – England and Wales | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Holiday | Day of the week |
| 01 January 2025 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | Friday |
| 21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 05 May 2025 | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 August 2025 | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | Thursday |
| 2025 Bank Holidays – Scotland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Holiday | Day of the week |
| 01 January 2025 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| 02 January 2025 | 2nd January | Thursday |
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | Friday |
| 05 May 2025 | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 04 August 2025 | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 01 December 2025 | St Andrew’s Day (substitute day) | Monday |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | Thursday |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | Friday |
| 2025 Bank Holidays – Northern Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Holiday | Day of the week |
| 01 January 2025 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| 17 March 2025 | St Patrick’s Day | Monday |
| 18 April 2025 | Good Friday | Friday |
| 21 April 2025 | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 05 May 2025 | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 14 July 2025 | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day) | Monday |
| 25 August 2025 | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | Thursday |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | Friday |
How Many Days are UK Bank Holidays in 2025?
Bank Holidays UK 2025 varies across the nation, and the amount of bank holidays in different regions are as follows:
- England and Wales: 8 bank holidays
- Scotland: 9 bank holidays
- Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays
The number of 2025 bank holidays in the UK will be the same as in 2024, ensuring everyone gets the break they deserve. While the total count differs, the UK’s bank holiday system provides regular breaks throughout the year.
Differences between 2025 UK Bank Holidays
Though England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have the same traditional holidays, such as New Year, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, the dates of UK 2025 bank holidays vary across the UK. But St Patrick’s Day, the death day of St. Patrick, Ireland’s most vital Catholic saint, on May 17 is the Bank Holiday endemic to Northern Ireland. Similarly, St Andrew’s Day is a holiday unique to Scotland, set in honor of St Andrew.
Substitute Day for Bank Holiday 2025 UK
In addition, the 2025 calendar UK with bank holidays also follows a principle: never replace the weekend days off. If the holidays are on weekends, it will move to Substitute Day the following week. For example, St Andrew’s Day is 30 November, which is precisely Sunday in the week. So, the holiday is directly moved to the following Monday, 1 December, a Substitute Day.
Bank Holidays UK 2025 for Students
For students in the UK, there are two UK bank holidays in 2025 you should note: the Easter break in April and the Christmas break in December. Most universities have a 2-week Easter break and a 3-week Christmas break. For example, the University of Manchester’s Christmas break for the 2024/25 academic year is Monday, 16/12/2024, to Wednesday, 8/1/2025, and the Easter break is Monday, 14/4/ 2025, to Sunday, 27/4/2025. The exact dates can be found on the relevant pages of the university’s website. These long breaks between semesters allow students to rest; many will use this time to travel or visit family. However, facilities within the university, such as libraries and laboratories, may be closed during the Bank Holiday, requiring students to plan their study schedules.
History of Bank Holidays 2025 UK
Do you want to explore the meaning of 2025 Bank Holidays UK? The term, Bank Holiday, comes from when the bank was closed. It often indicates suspending business activity, and people can enjoy a holiday. These holidays are long-awaited moments, whether used for travel, spending time with family, or participating in celebrations and social gatherings. The historical origin of Bank Holiday is quite interesting. It is said that the British Sir John Lubbock first proposed this concept. In the era of cricket, matches were often held on weekdays. This is a problem for cricket fans who work in banks. Many people are unhappy that bank employees cannot take leave on weekdays. When Sir John, an ardent fan, learnt of the difficulties of bank clerks, he made an application to Parliament, which was eventually successful. Since then, Bank Holiday has become an essential part of British life.
How Can uhomes.com Help during Bank Holidays UK 2025
Our online platform, uhomes.com, offers people during the bank holiday 2025 UK accredited student accommodation in the UK, with guaranteed tenancy agreements that comply with local laws, covering the academic year, short stays and summer term accommodation, and flexible tenancy periods to suit different arrangements. During Bank Holiday and other holidays, you can easily book short-term flats without worrying about cumbersome utility bills or high deposits, and all properties on uhomes.com are rigorously vetted to ensure safety and compliance, helping students plan their accommodation in the UK efficiently.
Conclusion of Bank Holidays 2025 UK
Overall, bank holidays UK 2025 are crucial rest times when people can take this opportunity to relax, enjoy life, and participate in various activities. Mixed festivals, music festivals, art performances and sports events are usually held during the Bank Holiday, bringing people endless fun and entertainment options. It is also a busy time for British business and tourism, and many people choose to travel or visit attractions. Some cities, such as London and Manchester, may be overcrowded. It’s best to start early planning if you’re intending to travel.
FAQ about Bank Holidays UK 2025
In 2025, the UK has eight bank holidays. But different areas may have different arrangements. There are 8 holidays in England and Wales, 9 bank holidays in Scotland and 10 days in Northern Ireland.
The number of bank holidays in the UK is not fixed. While England and Wales have traditionally had eight bank holidays, Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different numbers. Furthermore, special occasions such as critical royal or national celebrations may lead to additional bank holidays.
No, the UK government confirmed there will be no additional bank holiday for the 80th anniversary of VE Day (May 8, 2025). Existing holidays, like the Early May Bank Holiday (May 5), will host commemorative events instead.
St Brigid’s Day (February 1) is only a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, introduced in 2023. It is not observed as a bank holiday in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).
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