Monday, August 31, 2020

UK Public Holidays (Bank Holidays) for 2020-2021

Public holidays, or "bank holidays" as they are known, are spread throughout the year and mark religious, historical and special events.

Many of the shops, attractions and businesses in the UK, including its capital, London, stay open throughout the public holidays. Make sure to check opening times before travelling to or visiting the UK on these days, as some only open for reduced hours and others might not open at all.

Public transport may also be affected, with reduced services. Plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website.

Public holiday dates

Public holiday20202021
New Year's DayWednesday 1 JanuaryFriday 1 January
Good FridayFriday 10 AprilFriday 2 April
Easter MondayMonday 13 AprilMonday 5 April
Early May bank holidayFriday 8 MayMonday 3 May
Spring bank holidayMonday 25 MayMonday 31 May
Summer bank holidayMonday 31 AugustMonday 30 August
Christmas DayFriday 25 DecemberMonday 27 December (substitute day)
Boxing DayMonday 28 December (substitute day)Tuesday 28 December (substitute day)

Christmas holidays and closures

The one time of year when the UK feels quiet is on Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December).

There is no public transport on Christmas Day, and a reduced service on Boxing Day and the Christmas bank holidays.

Most UK attractions and shops, as well as and many restaurants, are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Easter holidays

On Easter Sunday, large shops have to close by law. Small shops, pharmacies, airport and train station shops are allowed to open.

There may be reduced public transport over the Easter bank holidays. Most attractions are open over Easter.

School holidays

School term dates change from year to year and differ from school to school. There are sometimes differences between term dates for local authority-run schools and independent schools.

Traditionally, there are three school terms, with short mid-term (half-term) breaks and a longer break over the summer:
  • Summer holiday: late July to early September
  • Autumn half-term: final week of October
  • Christmas holidays: late December to early January
  • Spring half-term: one week in mid-February
  • Easter holidays: two weeks either side of Easter Sunday
  • Summer half-term: one week at end of May/early June
There are further differences with many local authorities now adopting a standard school year. This is made up of six terms, each of a similar length. Find out more about school holidays and half term in London.

Things to do in the UK on a bank holiday weekend

Spending bank holidays in London?

A bank holiday in London provides the perfect chance to discover more of the city, from its top attractions and family activities, to exploring new areas of the capital. Pick up a sightseeing pass to see many of London's top sights in one weekend and keep a look out for special events.

Start the year on a high with activities on New Year's Day in London, enjoy an action-packed Easter weekend in the capital, celebrate spring during the early May bank holiday and the spring bank holiday later in the month, or soak up the sun and carnival atmosphere over the summer bank holiday weekend in London. Towards the end of the year, there are many fun Christmas activities, including unique things to do on Christmas Day.

Spending bank holidays outside of London?

Explore the fun things to do if you are spending your holiday in:

Planning all your journeys within the UK

If you will be in London, plan all your journey in advance on the Transport for London website. If outside London, then plan your journeys ahead of time as below:
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