Planning time off for 2027 is easier when you know where the bank holidays fall. This guide lists the expected bank holiday dates for England and Wales, explains why Christmas and Boxing Day move that year, and covers how holidays differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Dates are based on the usual rules and can occasionally be changed by the government for special occasions, so always confirm on the official GOV.UK bank holidays page before booking anything non-refundable.
Bank holidays in England and Wales in 2027
Based on the standard calendar, the bank holidays in England and Wales for 2027 are expected to be:
- New Year’s Day: Friday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March
- Easter Monday: Monday 29 March
- Early May bank holiday: Monday 3 May
- Spring bank holiday: Monday 31 May
- Summer bank holiday: Monday 30 August
- Christmas Day (substitute day): Monday 27 December
- Boxing Day (substitute day): Tuesday 28 December
That makes eight bank holidays in total. Easter Sunday in 2027 falls on 28 March, which is why Good Friday and Easter Monday sit where they do.
Why Christmas and Boxing Day move in 2027
In 2027, Christmas Day (25 December) falls on a Saturday and Boxing Day (26 December) on a Sunday. When a bank holiday lands on a weekend, a substitute weekday is normally given. That is why the bank holidays are expected on Monday 27 December and Tuesday 28 December. If you work in retail, hospitality or healthcare, check your rota early, as weekend dates do not always translate into time off in the way people expect.
Scotland and Northern Ireland differences
Bank holidays are not identical across the UK. Scotland has a 2 January bank holiday in addition to New Year’s Day, and its summer bank holiday is on the first Monday in August. Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday in the same way, though Good Friday is commonly observed. Northern Ireland has St Patrick’s Day on 17 March and the Battle of the Boyne holiday (often called the Twelfth) in July. Because of weekend rules, the exact dates in 2027 for these regions should be checked on GOV.UK.
Do employers have to give you bank holidays off?
Not automatically. In the UK, there is no general legal right to take bank holidays off. Whether you get the day off, and whether it is paid, depends on your contract. Many employers include bank holidays within the statutory minimum holiday entitlement, which is 5.6 weeks for most full-time workers, while others add them on top. If you work part time, your entitlement is usually calculated pro rata, so check your contract or staff handbook, or speak to your employer or an advice service such as Acas if you are unsure.
How to make the most of 2027 bank holidays
Because several 2027 bank holidays sit on Mondays or Fridays, they create natural long weekends. A few ideas for stretching your annual leave:
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- Easter: Good Friday 26 March to Easter Monday 29 March gives four days off for a small number of leave days if you extend into the weeks either side.
- May: the Early May and Spring bank holidays are four weeks apart, making them good anchors for short breaks.
- Christmas: with 27 and 28 December as holidays, taking only a few extra days around them can give you a long festive stretch.
Remember that travel and accommodation can cost more on bank holiday weekends, so book early when you can. For the festive period, our guide to planning your Christmas budget and the Royal Mail Christmas last posting dates can help you stay organised this year.
Tips for businesses and freelancers
If you run a business, put bank holiday dates into your calendar early. Tell customers about changed opening hours, expect deliveries to be slower around holidays, and plan invoice and payment dates carefully because banks do not process payments on bank holidays. Freelancers may find our invoice guide useful when setting payment terms around holiday periods.
Frequently asked questions
How many bank holidays are there in 2027?
England and Wales are expected to have eight. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own lists, so the totals can differ slightly.
When is Easter in 2027?
Easter Sunday falls on 28 March 2027, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March.
Are banks open on bank holidays?
Most high street branches are closed. Online and mobile banking usually work, but payments may not be processed until the next working day.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
A substitute weekday is normally declared, as with Christmas Day and Boxing Day in 2027.
Can the dates change?
Yes. The government can add one-off bank holidays, as has happened for royal events, so check GOV.UK before making firm plans.
Save the dates, check your contract, and plan your leave early to get the best value from the year.
