This page offers a comprehensive calendar of all 2023 bank holidays specifically for England.
It serves as a guide for planning your year, from short breaks to important appointments or family gatherings around these public holidays.
It’s essential to note that while these dates are set in accordance with national schedules, they are subject to alteration following official announcements from government or relevant authorities.
Therefore, to ensure your plans remain accurate and you don’t miss out on any updates or adjustments to the bank holiday dates, we encourage you to revisit this page frequently.
You may also be interested in Scotland Bank Holidays.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 10 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Mon | May Day |
| 8 May | Mon | Coronation of King Charles III |
| 29 May | Mon | Late May Bank Holiday |
| 28 Aug | Mon | August Bank Holiday |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Tue | Boxing Day |
| Visit gov.uk for the original release. | ||
The history of bank holidays in England dates back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Sir John Lubbock, a banker and politician.
Prior to this, the Bank of England observed numerous saints’ days and religious festivals as holidays, which were later reduced to four in 1834.
The Bank Holidays Act of 1871 designated the first official bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland, including Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day. This act also introduced the concept of holidays with pay.
Over time, the list of bank holidays has evolved, and today there are eight permanent bank and public holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland, as governed by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.
The term “bank holiday” refers to the fact that banking institutions typically close for business on these days.
The history of bank holidays is intertwined with tradition, religion, historic significance, and legislative developments.
England Bank Holidays FAQs
Here are 20 popular activities to do with kids in England on a bank holiday:
1. Visit Mudchute Farm for a fun day out with animals.
2. Explore parks, which are often busy on bank holidays, weather permitting.
3. Enjoy flower shows, afternoon teas, and fairy trails.
4. Visit free or budget-friendly family-friendly attractions such as farms and museums.
5. Engage in sunflower-picking, free festivals, and kite-flying.
6. Take advantage of deals and discounts, such as two-for-one entry at various attractions.
7. Explore cultural days out, walking tours, and great outdoors activities.
8. Check out family-friendly fun activities, including playgrounds and crazy golf.
9. Visit places with novelty mini-golf courses featuring dinosaurs and other themes.
10. Explore the King’s Cross area for kid-friendly activities.
These activities offer a diverse range of options for families to enjoy a memorable bank holiday with their children in England.
Here are some indoor activities for kids on a bank holiday in England:
1. Visit museums and galleries, such as the Young V & A museum in London.
2. Enjoy creative activities like pottery painting, candle making, or chocolate making at specialised centres.
3. Explore indoor play areas and activity centers, which often offer a range of entertainment for children.
4. Consider educational outings to places like science centers or nature reserves with indoor exhibits.
5. Engage in fun and active pursuits like indoor climbing and trampolining at dedicated facilities.
6. Take a trip to interactive attractions like KidZania, where children can try out various real-life jobs in a safe environment.
These activities provide a variety of options to keep children entertained and engaged indoors on a bank holiday in England.
There are eight bank holidays a year in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland.
The common bank holidays across all jurisdictions are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, the early May bank holiday, the Spring bank holiday, the Summer bank holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
On a bank holiday in London, you can engage in various activities with your kids.
Some popular options include:
1. **Visit the London Eye**: Kids will enjoy the breathtaking views and the 4D movie experience.
2. **Explore Museums and Galleries**: London offers a wide range of family-friendly museums and galleries, such as the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.
3. **Enjoy Indoor Play Areas**: Consider visiting indoor play areas and activity centers, which provide entertainment for children.
4. **Take a Walking Tour**: Engage in a family-friendly walking tour to explore the city’s landmarks and history.
5. **Visit Kid-Friendly Attractions**: Explore attractions like the Tower of London, London Zoo, or the Shard, which offer unique experiences for children.
6. **Check for Special Events**: Look for special events happening in London during the bank holiday weekend, such as flower shows or themed activities.
These activities offer a mix of entertainment, education, and fun for families with kids visiting London on a bank holiday.
