United Kingdom calendar countdown
Summer bank holiday is getting closer.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the summer bank holiday falls on the last Monday in August. Scotland marks it earlier in the month.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Summer bank holiday
This countdown follows the England, Wales, and Northern Ireland date. Scotland's summer bank holiday is usually on the first Monday in August.
About Summer bank holiday in the United Kingdom
Bank holidays began with the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which first created an August holiday on the first Monday. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the date was moved to the last Monday in August under the 1971 Act. The weekend is famous for the Notting Hill Carnival in London, and several music festivals, such as Reading and Leeds, take place.
When is Summer bank holiday in the United Kingdom?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is the last Monday in August, giving 31 August 2026, 30 August 2027 and 28 August 2028.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Monday 31 August 2026 | Monday 30 August 2027 | Monday 28 August 2028 |
Planning around Summer bank holiday
It is the last long weekend before many schools restart, so book trains, ferries and holiday parks early and allow for long delays on coastal roads. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Summer bank holiday questions
How many days until Summer bank holiday in the United Kingdom?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Summer bank holiday in the United Kingdom, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Summer bank holiday in 2027 in the United Kingdom?
Summer bank holiday falls on Monday 30 August 2027 in the United Kingdom.
Why is Scotland's summer bank holiday on a different day?
Scotland's bank holidays are arranged separately from those in England and Wales. Its August holiday has stayed on the first Monday in August, so Scottish workers get a different date from the rest of the UK.