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When is the next bank holiday? Full list of 2023 dates

There were three bank holidays in the UK in May (Getty Images)
There were three bank holidays in the UK in May (Getty Images)

In the UK, we usually have about eight bank holidays a year to celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

However, last year, the British public received an extra two bank holidays: one for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June and another for her funeral.

This year, the additional day (May 8) to celebrate King Charles’ coronation on May 6 took 2023’s total to nine.

The bank holidays can be on different days or dates every year, particularly when a holiday such as Christmas falls on a weekend, for example.

Therefore, it's important to know when you can expect a day off work so you can plan ahead and book your holidays.

If planned correctly, workers can take advantage of bank holidays to enjoy long holidays while booking only a few days’ annual leave.

From the summer bank holiday to the new year, these are the important dates you need to put in your diary for the rest of the year.

When is the next bank holiday?

The public has to wait a couple of weeks for the next bank holiday in England and Wales, as it doesn’t come until Christmas Day, on Monday, December 25.

The following day, Tuesday, December 26, is also a bank holiday, known as Boxing Day.

Those in Scotland had one recently, as they observed St Andrew’s Day on Thursday, November 30.

After Christmas and Boxing Day, there won't be another bank holiday for months. So make the most out of your weekends and ensure you’ve booked holidays for when you need them.

Which bank holidays are changing this year?

New Year’s Day 2023 fell on a Sunday, therefore the New Year’s Day bank holiday was on Monday, January 2, 2023.

Good Friday fell late in 2022, on April 15, but in 2023 it returned to the first week of April, on April 7.

The UK also got an extra bank holiday for King Charles III’s coronation on May 8.

Full list of bank holidays in 2023

  • Monday, January 2 – New Year’s Day (substitute day)

  • Friday, March 17 – St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland)

  • Friday, April 7 – Good Friday

  • Monday, April 10 – Easter Monday

  • Monday, May 1 – Early May bank holiday

  • Monday, May 8 – King Charles III’s coronation

  • Monday, May 29 – Spring bank holiday

  • Monday, August 28 – Summer bank holiday

  • Thursday, November 30 – St Andrew’s Day (Scotland)

  • Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day

  • Tuesday, December 26 – Boxing Day

Why do we have bank holidays?

Bank holidays originated in the UK in 1871, when banks and financial institutions would take days off.

As time went on, businesses, schools, and the government joined in, and now bank holidays are celebrated by everyone.

While key workers and people who work in retail, hospitality, and the media may have to work bank holidays, they are often offered an extra day off in lieu.