Spring Bank Holiday — Date, History & Pay

Spring Bank Holiday — Monday 2026/05/25. Applies in: England, Wales & Northern Ireland.

When is Spring Bank Holiday?

Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 2026/05/25 across England, Wales & Northern Ireland.

History & meaning

Originally Whit Monday — the Christian Pentecost holiday. Shifted to the last Monday of May in 1971 for a more reliable date.

Where it applies

Spring Bank Holiday is observed in: England, Wales & Northern Ireland

Pay rights on Spring Bank Holiday

UK law does not require employers to give workers paid leave on any bank holiday. Whether Spring Bank Holiday is a paid day off, a normal working day with no enhancement, or a day with extra pay depends entirely on your contract. The most common arrangements are:

• Bank holidays included in 28-day annual leave — you get the day off but it’s deducted from your overall allowance.
• Bank holidays on top of leave — common in office jobs; you get 28 days plus the 8 bank holidays.
• No automatic day off — common in retail, hospitality, NHS rotas; you may work the day on normal pay or on enhanced “premium” pay if your contract includes it.

Read more on bank holiday pay and your entitlement.

What’s open and closed on Spring Bank Holiday

• Banks: closed.
• Royal Mail: no delivery, no collection. More on Royal Mail.
• Big supermarkets: usually open with reduced hours.
• Shops on the high street: mostly open with shorter hours.
• Bins: usually delayed by one day.
• Schools: closed if it falls in term time.
• NHS GP surgeries: closed; A&E and 111 remain available.