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Holiday calendar

Public holidays in United Kingdom

dates, names and what's closed

United Kingdom
Reviewed & updated by יהב עטיה · About the team

It's worth planning around United Kingdom's holiday calendar: attractions, museums and banks close, public transport switches to a holiday timetable, and flight and hotel prices around long weekends jump. On the upside — festivals, parades and markets you won't see on an ordinary day.

Coming up

Upcoming public holidays in United Kingdom

All 2026 holidays in United Kingdom
Not days off — but they change the city

Notable days & festivals in United Kingdom

Festivals, parades and observances that don't close the banks — but do fill the hotels, close the streets and change the mood entirely. Worth planning around (or avoiding).

  • Thursday 5 NovemberGuy Fawkes Night
  • Friday 6 August 2027Edinburgh Festival Fringe
  • Monday 30 August 2027Notting Hill Carnival
If you're timing a trip to a holiday

Flights & hotels for United Kingdom

Long weekends around a holiday fill up early and prices climb. Check dates around Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) now.

Check flight prices to United Kingdom, every airline at once.

Rates in United Kingdom shift daily. See what your night costs now.

Q&A

Answers to your questions

What's the next public holiday in United Kingdom?
Christmas Day — Friday 25 December.
How many public holidays does United Kingdom have?
United Kingdom has 11 public holidays in 2026. Government offices and banks close, and some attractions and shops may be closed or on reduced hours.
What's closed on public holidays in United Kingdom?
Banks, government offices and post offices close. Many supermarkets and shops close or run reduced hours, especially in smaller towns. Public transport usually shifts to a weekend timetable, and museums and attractions vary — check ahead.
Is it worth visiting United Kingdom during a holiday?
It depends on the holiday. Ones with a public tradition — markets, parades, fireworks — are an experience in themselves. Ones where everything shuts and locals stay home are less convenient. The list above flags what to expect on each date.
Which festivals are coming up in United Kingdom?
Guy Fawkes Night (Thursday 5 November); Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Friday 6 August 2027); Notting Hill Carnival (Monday 30 August 2027).
Are shops open on Sundays in United Kingdom?
Some European countries restrict Sunday and holiday trading by law; others don't. In big cities and tourist areas something is always open, but don't count on a big shop run on a Sunday or holiday.
← Full United Kingdom guideHolidays worldwide

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Dates: date-holidays

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