This page presents a comprehensive national calendar of all 2024 bank holidays in the United Kingdom.
Be aware that these dates are subject to modification if official adjustments are made, so we encourage you to revisit frequently for the latest updates.
You may be interested in looking specifically at England Bank Holidays, Scotland Bank Holidays. and Wales Bank Holidays.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day | National |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday | National |
| 3 Jan | Tue | New Year Holiday | Scotland |
| 17 Mar | Fri | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 10 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland |
| 1 May | Mon | May Day | National |
| 8 May | Mon | Coronation of King Charles III | National |
| 29 May | Mon | Late May Bank Holiday | National |
| 12 Jul | Wed | Battle of the Boyne | Northern Ireland |
| 7 Aug | Mon | August Bank Holiday | Scotland |
| 28 Aug | Mon | August Bank Holiday | National except Scotland |
| 30 Nov | Thu | St Andrew’s Day | Scotland |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day | National |
| 26 Dec | Tue | Boxing Day | National |
| Visit gov.uk for the original release. | |||
The history of bank holidays in the UK dates back to the 19th century.
The first official bank holidays were established by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, introduced by Sir John Lubbock.
The Act designated four days in the year as bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland.
These were Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day. In Scotland, the Act included Good Friday and New Year’s Day as bank holidays.
Over the years, the list of bank holidays has evolved.
Some holidays have been moved to create long weekends, such as the May Day bank holiday, which was moved from May 1st to the first Monday in May.
Additional holidays, such as the Christmas and New Year’s Day bank holidays, have also been established.
Today, the UK observes a total of eight bank holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and ten in Northern Ireland.
These holidays are widely anticipated and are an integral part of the country’s cultural and social calendar, providing opportunities for leisure, travel, and family time.
The history of bank holidays in the UK reflects the importance of providing designated days for rest, relaxation, and celebration throughout the year.
United Kingdom Bank Holidays FAQs
The next UK Bank Holiday is Spring Bank Holiday, which falls on the last Monday of May.
Many shops and businesses have reduced hours or are closed on Bank Holidays, especially on the actual holiday Monday.
Yes, there are often changes to public transportation schedules on Bank Holidays, so it’s important to check in advance.
Popular activities for Bank Holidays include day trips, outdoor events, and family gatherings.
Local councils may have specific rules regarding noise and public gatherings, so it’s best to check with relevant authorities.
The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, but Bank Holidays often enjoy pleasant conditions, especially during the summer months.
Yes, various events and festivals take place across the UK during Bank Holidays, including music festivals and cultural celebrations.
Family-friendly activities include visiting parks, museums, and attractions, as well as attending local fairs and community events.
Some areas may have travel restrictions or road closures due to events or maintenance, so it’s advisable to plan travel routes in advance.
On a bank holiday, there are various activities you can enjoy with your kids. Here are some ideas:
1. **Outdoor Picnic**: Plan a picnic in a local park or countryside. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun family meal.
2. **Visit a Museum or Zoo**: Take the opportunity to visit a museum, zoo, or aquarium. It can be an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.
3. **Arts and Crafts**: Set up an arts and crafts station at home and spend the day creating fun projects with your kids.
4. **Baking Day**: Have a baking day at home. Let your kids help with simple recipes, and enjoy the delicious treats together.
5. **Nature Walk**: Go for a nature walk or hike. It’s a great way to get some exercise and explore the natural beauty around you.
6. **Movie Marathon**: Have a movie marathon at home with your kids. Let them pick their favorite films and enjoy a cozy day in.
7. **Board Games**: Spend the day playing board games as a family. It’s a fun way to bond and enjoy some friendly competition.
8. **Beach Day**: If you live near the coast, consider a trip to the beach for some sandcastle building and paddling in the sea.
9. **Sports Day**: Organize a mini sports day in your local park with races, ball games, and other fun activities.
10. **Gardening**: Get your kids involved in some gardening activities, such as planting flowers or vegetables in your garden or in pots.
11. **Science Experiments**: Conduct simple science experiments at home. There are many easy and safe experiments that can be done with household items.
12. **Family Bike Ride**: Enjoy a family bike ride in a nearby park or along a scenic trail.
13. **Visit a Farm**: If there’s a local farm open to visitors, it can be an exciting and educational day out for the whole family.
14. **Storytelling Session**: Have a storytelling session where each family member takes turns creating and sharing their own stories.
15. **DIY Pizza Night**: Make homemade pizzas together. Let everyone choose their own toppings and get creative in the kitchen.
16. **Photography Challenge**: Give each child a camera or smartphone and have a photography challenge, capturing interesting things they see during the day.
17. **Local Events**: Check for any local events or fairs happening in your area that are family-friendly.
18. **Volunteer Together**: Consider spending part of the day volunteering as a family, such as helping out at a local charity or community center.
19. **Stargazing**: If it’s a clear night, spend some time stargazing with your kids and try to identify constellations.
20. **Family Game Night**: End the day with a family game night, playing classic board games or card games together.
These activities can help create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds on a bank holiday.
