Planning a trip, booking a staycation, or simply trying to get your errands done? Then you’ll want to know exactly when the UK public holidays fall in 2025—and how they can seriously affect your schedule. Whether you live in the UK or are visiting, knowing the holiday calendar helps you avoid last-minute surprises, closed shops, and fully booked trains. Here’s everything you need to know about UK public holidays in 2025, how they vary by country, and what impact they might have on your travel, work, or daily plans.
Full List of UK Public Holidays in 2025
Public holidays in the UK are often referred to as bank holidays. But they’re not the same across the whole country—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all have a slightly different list.
Â
England and Wales Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Â
Scotland Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | 2nd January Holiday |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) |
| 30 November | Sunday | St Andrew’s Day |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Â
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 17 March | Monday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 12 July | Saturday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
For official updates, always refer to the UK government’s bank holidays page which lists country-specific dates.
How Public Holidays Can Affect Your Plans in 2025
1. Travel Disruptions & Busy Roads
Planning a UK road trip or taking a train over the long weekend? Expect packed stations, higher fares, and traffic congestion—especially during Easter, May bank holidays, and Christmas. If you can, book tickets early (especially on National Rail or coach services) and avoid peak departure times like Friday evenings.
Insider tip: Check live traffic and train service updates using National Rail Enquiries or Traffic England.
Â
2. Closed Shops & Limited Opening Hours
Most major supermarkets and stores remain open during public holidays, but their hours are reduced—and many smaller shops or local services may shut altogether. On Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, nearly all retail outlets are closed.
Plan grocery shopping and essentials a day in advance to avoid being caught off guard.
Â
3. Higher Hotel and Flight Prices
Long weekends in the UK are prime time for travel. Hotels, Airbnb rentals, and even flights (especially domestic and to Europe) often surge in price during bank holiday periods. If you’re planning a holiday around these times, it’s smart to:
Book accommodation early
Look for flexible or refundable options
Avoid travelling on the actual holiday dates if possible
Â
4. School & Office Closures
Most schools, banks, post offices, and government services are shut on public holidays. If you’re a parent, plan ahead for school breaks—especially Easter holidays, half terms, and Christmas. Many businesses also close or operate with limited staff, so expect delays in services.
Â
5. Holiday Hours for NHS & GP Services
During bank holidays, GP surgeries and NHS clinics may be closed or operate on reduced hours. Pharmacies also have limited openings. If you need non-emergency medical help, dial 111 in England, Scotland, and Wales—or visit 111.nhs.uk for online triage.
For emergencies, always call 999.
Planning Tips to Make the Most of 2025 Holidays
Use long weekends wisely: Turn a 3-day weekend into a 4- or 5-day break by taking one or two extra leave days.
Explore offbeat destinations: Avoid the crowds by skipping tourist hotspots and heading to hidden gems in the UK.
Watch local events: Many cities host public celebrations, music festivals, or local fairs during holidays—especially Easter, May Day, and Christmas.
Final Thoughts
Public holidays are great opportunities for a break—but only if you plan smart. Whether you’re booking a holiday, managing work, or coordinating family schedules, having the 2025 UK public holiday calendar at your fingertips is essential.
Be flexible, plan ahead, and always check the official dates for your part of the UK.
Bookmark the official UK Bank Holidays page for up-to-date info throughout the year.
FAQs About UK Public Holidays 2025
Are UK public holidays the same across all four nations?
No. England and Wales share the same dates, but Scotland and Northern Ireland have unique holidays like St Andrew’s Day and St Patrick’s Day, respectively.
Â
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
It usually gets a substitute weekday, most often the next Monday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, the UK typically observes a public holiday on the following Tuesday.
Â
Do public transport services run on holidays?
Yes—but with reduced timetables. Check schedules on National Rail, TfL, or local bus operators for updates.
Related Post you may like:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
