The August bank holiday 2026 falls on Monday, 31 August 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and on Monday, 3 August 2026 in Scotland. These are 2 entirely separate dates — a 28-day gap — for what is officially called the Summer Bank Holiday on GOV.UK.
The August bank holiday 2026 is notable for 2 additional reasons. Notting Hill Carnival runs from Saturday, 29 August to Monday, 31 August 2026, placing Europe’s largest street festival directly on the bank holiday weekend in England and Wales.
AEW All In: London takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 30 August 2026, drawing more than 80,000 attendees to northwest London the day before the bank holiday Monday.
Understanding which date applies to your nation — and what that means for DWP payments, travel, and annual leave — is the primary purpose of this guide.
Table of Contents
When Is the August Bank Holiday 2026?
The August bank holiday in 2026 is on Monday, 31 August 2026, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it is Monday, 3 August 2026.
| Nation | August Bank Holiday 2026 | Day |
|---|---|---|
| England | Monday, 31 August 2026 | Monday |
| Wales | Monday, 31 August 2026 | Monday |
| Northern Ireland | Monday, 31 August 2026 | Monday |
| Scotland | Monday, 3 August 2026 | Monday |
The August bank holiday always falls on the last Monday of August in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it always falls on the first Monday of August. In 2026, those 2 rules produce dates that are 28 days apart — the widest regional split of any UK bank holiday.
Both dates are confirmed on GOV.UK has the Summer Bank Holiday for its respective nations.
Why Does Scotland Have a Different August Bank Holiday Date?
Scotland’s August bank holiday falls on the first Monday of August because Scotland has maintained its own regional public holiday traditions since the Bank Holidays Act 1871. That legislation gave Scotland autonomy over its holiday calendar — reflecting its distinct legal and civic institutions, which predate the union with England.
Scotland’s academic and trade fair calendar historically ran on a different cycle from England and Wales. August represented a mid-summer break in Scotland’s traditional holiday structure, while the rest of the UK treated late August as the end-of-summer period. The result has remained unchanged for over 150 years: Scotland observes its Summer Bank Holiday 4 weeks earlier than England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The practical consequences of this split in 2026 are significant:
- When Scotland’s bank holiday falls on Monday, 3 August 2026, it is a normal working day in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- When England’s bank holiday falls on Monday, 31 August 2026, it is a normal working day for Scottish workers under their statutory entitlement
- The 28-day gap creates scheduling complexity for UK-wide businesses, payroll teams, and families with members in different nations
One additional nuance: some Scottish banks and businesses close on Monday, 31 August, as well as Monday, 3 August, to align operationally with England and Wales. This is not a legal requirement — it is a commercial decision. Scottish workers should check directly with their employer to determine if their company observes the English bank holiday date informally.
August Bank Holiday 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
The Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, 31 August 2026, creating a 3-day long weekend from Saturday, 29 August to Monday, 31 August 2026.
This is the final bank holiday of the summer for workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The next bank holiday after Monday, 31 August 2026, is Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December 2026 — a gap of nearly 4 months. This makes the August bank holiday one of the most significant leave-planning dates of the year for workers in those nations.
Annual Leave Planner: 9 Days Off for 4 Days of Annual Leave
Book Tuesday, 1 September to Friday, 4 September 2026 (4 days of annual leave) to achieve 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 29 August to Sunday, 6 September 2026.
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 29 August 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 30 August 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
| Monday, 31 August 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| Tuesday, 1 September 2026 | Tuesday | Annual leave (Day 1) |
| Wednesday, 2 September 2026 | Wednesday | Annual leave (Day 2) |
| Thursday, 3 September 2026 | Thursday | Annual leave (Day 3) |
| Friday, 4 September 2026 | Friday | Annual leave (Day 4) |
| Saturday, 5 September 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 6 September 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
An alternative option is to book Tuesday, 25 August to Friday, 28 August 2026 (4 days of annual leave), which produces an 8-day break from Saturday, 22 August to Monday, 31 August 2026.
The Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays in December are the next opportunity after August to extend a break using bank holidays as an anchor for England and Wales workers.
August Bank Holiday 2026 in Scotland
Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 3 August 2026 — the first Monday of the month.
Annual Leave Planner: Scotland’s August Bank Holiday
Book Tuesday, 4 August to Friday, 7 August 2026 (4 days of annual leave) to achieve 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 1 August to Sunday, 9 August 2026.
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 1 August 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 2 August 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
| Monday, 3 August 2026 | Monday | Scotland Summer Bank Holiday |
| Tuesday, 4 August 2026 | Tuesday | Annual leave (Day 1) |
| Wednesday, 5 August 2026 | Wednesday | Annual leave (Day 2) |
| Thursday, 6 August 2026 | Thursday | Annual leave (Day 3) |
| Friday, 7 August 2026 | Friday | Annual leave (Day 4) |
| Saturday, 8 August 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 9 August 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
Scotland’s early-August bank holiday falls during the peak summer season, when European travel prices and UK domestic accommodation prices are at their highest. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe typically runs from late July through late August — Scotland’s bank holiday on Monday, 3 August 2026, falls in the early Fringe period, while the English bank holiday on Monday, 31 August, aligns with the final weekend of the Fringe.
Scotland’s Next Bank Holiday After August
Scotland’s next bank holiday after Monday, 3 August 2026, is Monday, 30 November 2026 — St Andrew’s Day, which is a bank holiday in Scotland only. After that comes Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December 2026.
Notting Hill Carnival 2026: August Bank Holiday Weekend
Notting Hill Carnival 2026 takes place across the bank holiday weekend, running from Saturday, 29 August to Monday, 31 August 2026. The carnival has taken place annually in the Notting Hill area of Kensington since 1966. It is one of the world’s largest street festivals and the largest in Europe, attracting approximately 1 to 2 million attendees across the weekend.
Notting Hill Carnival 2026 Schedule
The carnival runs across 3 days, with each day serving a distinct purpose.
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 29 August 2026 | Saturday | Panorama — steelpan band competition (ticketed) |
| Sunday, 30 August 2026 | Sunday | Children’s Day and family parade |
| Monday, 31 August 2026 | Monday | Main adult parade — free to attend |
The adult parade on bank holiday Monday is the centrepiece of the carnival. Costumed performers, sound systems, and steel bands move along the main route through the W10 and W11 postcode areas, centred on Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park Road.
Getting to Notting Hill Carnival on Bank Holiday Monday
Public transport is the only practical way to reach Notting Hill Carnival on Monday, 31 August 2026. All roads in the W10 and W11 postcode areas are closed across the full carnival weekend. Driving to the carnival zone is not possible.
Recommended transport options and journey times:
| Often, the most reliable option to avoid platform congestion | Journey Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Line | Baker Street to Wembley Park: 12 minutes (for AEW) / Baker Street to Ladbroke Grove: walk | Westbourne Park station recommended for carnival |
| Jubilee Line | Direct from Central London and South Bank | Avoid Notting Hill Gate on Monday — often exit-only |
| Overground | From Euston or Clapham Junction | Less crowded than Tube options |
| Walking from Paddington | Approximately 25 minutes on foot | Often the most reliable option to avoid platform congestion |
Transport for London (TfL) typically runs enhanced services on carnival weekend. Check the TfL Journey Planner and the official Notting Hill Carnival website for confirmed road closures and travel advisories published closer to August 2026.
Tips for Attending Notting Hill Carnival 2026
The following practical information applies to the carnival event on bank holiday Monday:
- Arrive before midday — by early afternoon, crowd density near Ladbroke Grove becomes very high
- The main street carnival is free to attend — no ticket is required for the outdoor parade route
- Wristbands may be required for specific sound system areas — check the official carnival website for confirmed arrangements
- Carry only what you need — bag searches take place at entry points to the carnival route
- Wear comfortable footwear — the route covers several miles of road surface
- Book accommodation in West London months in advance — hotels in W10, W11, W2, and W9 postcodes command significant premium pricing across the carnival weekend and sell out quickly
AEW All In: London 2026 at Wembley Stadium
AEW All In: London 2026 takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 30 August 2026 — the day before the bank holiday Monday. The event is expected to draw more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest professional wrestling events in UK history.
AEW All In 2026: Key Event Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 30 August 2026 |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London |
| Doors Open | 4:30 PM |
| Curfew | 10:00 PM |
| Ticket Sale | General sale from Friday, 20 March 2026 at 10:00 AM via Live Nation and Ticketmaster |
| Pre-Sale | From Sunday, 16 March 2026 |
| Under-5s | Not permitted |
| Under-14s | Must be seated and accompanied by an adult |
| Standing Areas | Age 14 and over only |
Wembley Stadium is a cashless venue. All payments for merchandise, food, and beverages must be made by card or contactless device.
Getting to Wembley Stadium for AEW All In 2026
Wembley Stadium is designed as a public transport destination. Car parking is limited and must be booked in advance through the official Wembley parking service. All 3 of the following public transport options are viable.
| Route | Journey Time | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Line (Tube) | 12 minutes | Baker Street to Wembley Park station |
| Jubilee Line (Tube) | Varies | Direct from Central London and Canary Wharf |
| Chiltern Railways (Train) | 9 minutes | London Marylebone to Wembley Stadium station |
| London Overground (Train) | Varies | From Euston or Watford Junction to Wembley Central |
| National Express Coach | Varies by origin | Event-specific services from more than 55 UK locations |
The National Express coach option is particularly useful for fans travelling from outside London who want to avoid peak hotel pricing in the capital over the bank holiday weekend.
Where to Eat and Drink Near Wembley Stadium
4 key food and drink options are near Wembley Stadium for AEW All In 2026:
- Boxpark Wembley: Located on Olympic Way. More than 20 street food vendors and multiple large bars. Suitable for extended pre-show time. No reservation required for most traders.
- The White Horse: A Fuller’s pub on Olympic Way. Table service and a sit-down menu. Book well in advance for event days — tables fill within days of tickets going on sale.
- Estadio Lounge: Located opposite the venue. Offers a dedicated event-day menu designed for faster service before shows.
- Sky Bar, Hilton London Wembley: Rooftop bar with views across Olympic Way. Cocktails and table service. Reservation recommended.
Accommodation Near Wembley for the Bank Holiday Weekend
Wembley Stadium hotels sell out within days of major event ticket sales. Book accommodation for Sunday, 30 August, and the surrounding bank holiday weekend as soon as event tickets are confirmed.
| Approximately 30% cheaper than Wembley; a short Uber or bus journey | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hilton London Wembley | On-site; typically sells out first |
| Novotel London Wembley | Adjacent to the venue; premium pricing over bank holiday |
| Premier Inn Wembley Stadium | Budget-friendly on-site option; limited rooms |
| Hotels near Baker Street or Marylebone | 12 minutes from venue by Tube or train; often 20–30% cheaper than Wembley hotels |
| Premier Inn Hendon | Approximately 30% cheaper than Wembley; short Uber or bus journey |
Wembley Venue: Practical Requirements
- Bag policy: Maximum bag size is A4 (21cm × 29.7cm). Larger bags are not permitted inside the stadium.
- Cashless payments: Wembley Stadium operates a fully cashless payment system. Cards and contactless payment are required for all in-venue purchases.
- Sensory support: KultureCity provides sensory bags for guests who require them. These are available from the venue’s accessibility team on event day.
Things to Do on August Bank Holiday Weekend 2026
Events and Festivals
August bank holiday 2026 is the most event-dense bank holiday weekend of the year, combining Notting Hill Carnival (Saturday, 29 August to Monday, 31 August) and AEW All In: London (Sunday, 30 August) in the same city on the same weekend.
Beyond London, the August bank holiday traditionally sees village fetes, country shows, summer fairs, and outdoor concerts across England and Wales. Regional events that typically fall on the late August bank holiday weekend include:
- Summer agricultural shows in Cornwall, Devon, and Yorkshire
- Outdoor cinema and theatre events at National Trust properties across England and Wales
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe final weekend — the bank holiday Monday, 31 August, aligns with the closing days of the Fringe, making it a significant date for Scottish cultural tourism
UK Domestic Breaks
The August bank holiday is one of the most competitive weekends for UK domestic accommodation. Coastal and countryside destinations book out months in advance. The following destinations are among the most searched for the late August long weekend.
| Destination | Key Draws |
|---|---|
| Cornwall | Beaches, Trebah and Trelissick gardens, coastal walks |
| Devon | Dartmoor, Jurassic Coast, family holiday parks |
| Northumberland | Bamburgh Castle, empty beaches, Hadrian’s Wall |
| Lake District | Windermere, Scafell Pike, Ullswater Steamers |
| Pembrokeshire | Coastal Path, Skomer Island, St Davids Cathedral |
| Yorkshire Dales | Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, market towns |
Travelling on Tuesday, 1 September, rather than Monday, 31 August, typically reduces road and rail congestion significantly. Bank holiday Monday return travel is consistently one of the busiest road travel days of the year, according to AA and RAC traffic data.
Overseas Travel in Late August 2026
Late August is the tail end of peak European summer. Prices at Mediterranean destinations remain high but begin to ease after the main school summer holiday window closes. Sea temperatures in southern Europe average 23°C to 26°C in late August, the warmest of the year at most destinations.
Popular short-haul destinations for the August bank holiday weekend include Barcelona, Lisbon, the Algarve, Lanzarote, Palma, and Dubrovnik. Book flights and accommodation several months in advance, as the August bank holiday is one of the UK’s peak outbound travel weekends.
What Is Open on the August Bank Holiday 2026?
Banks
High street banks are closed on Monday, 31 August 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and on Monday, 3 August 2026 in Scotland. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain fully operational on both dates.
BACS and CHAPS transfers due on bank holiday Mondays may be delayed to the following working day. Faster Payments may process on the day. Confirm processing timelines with your bank if you have time-sensitive transfers due on either date.
Supermarkets and Retail
Major supermarkets open on both August bank holidays with reduced hours. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Lidl, and Aldi all operate on bank holidays — confirm your local store’s specific hours before travelling, as these vary by branch.
Royal Mail and Post Offices
Royal Mail does not deliver post on bank holiday Mondays. Post offices are closed on Monday, 31 August 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Monday, 3 August 2026 (Scotland). Normal services resume on the following Tuesday.
Public Transport
Most UK rail and bus services run a reduced Sunday-equivalent timetable on bank holiday Mondays. In London on Monday, 31 August 2026, additional disruption applies due to Notting Hill Carnival road closures across the W10 and W11 postcode areas. All roads in the carnival zone are closed — TfL issues specific travel advisories for the carnival weekend each year, which are published on the TfL website and Journey Planner.
Check National Rail Enquiries for rail timetables and your regional transport authority for bus schedules before travelling on either August bank holiday dates.
DWP Benefits and Payment Dates: August Bank Holiday 2026
Any DWP benefit payment due on Monday, 31 August 2026, will be paid early — on Friday, 28 August 2026. This applies to claimants in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scottish claimants with payments due on Monday, 3 August 2026, will receive their payment early on Friday, 31 July 2026.
The following benefits are affected when payment dates fall on bank holidays:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Pension Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
The payment amount is unchanged — only the date moves forward. Plan budgets accordingly, as the earlier payment means a slightly longer gap before the next scheduled payment arrives on its usual date.
Direct debits and standing orders scheduled for bank holiday Mondays may process on the preceding Friday or the following Tuesday, depending on the payment type and your bank’s processing schedule. Confirm specific timelines with your bank if you have scheduled payments due on Monday, 31 August or Monday, 3 August 2026.
DWP jobcentres and phone lines are closed on bank holiday Mondays. Normal services resume on the following Tuesday. The GOV.UK online portal and Universal Credit journal remain accessible throughout both bank holiday weekends.
August Bank Holiday Pay and Employment Rights
There is no statutory legal right to paid time off on the August bank holiday. Entitlement to bank holiday leave — paid or unpaid — depends entirely on your employment contract under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
3 contractual arrangements are most common across UK workplaces:
- Bank holidays included within the 28-day statutory minimum: The bank holiday is deducted from the worker’s annual leave entitlement. Workers have no additional leave beyond the 28-day total.
- Bank holidays are provided in addition to the statutory 28 days: Workers receive their full annual leave allocation plus each bank holiday as a separate paid day.
- Time off in lieu for bank holiday working: Workers required to work on the bank holiday receive an alternative day off agreed in advance with their employer.
There is no automatic legal right to enhanced pay for working on the August bank holiday. Whether a worker receives time-and-a-half, double time, or standard pay is determined by their employment contract. Part-time workers receive bank holiday entitlement on a pro-rata basis calculated against their normal contracted days.
Frequently Asked Questions: August Bank Holiday 2026
When is the August bank holiday 2026 in England?
Monday, 31 August 2026, is the Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It falls on the last Monday of August.
When is the August bank holiday 2026 in Scotland?
Monday, 3 August 2026, is Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday. It falls on the first Monday of August, 28 days before England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Why is Scotland’s August bank holiday on a different date?
Scotland has observed its summer bank holiday on the first Monday of August since the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which gave Scotland autonomy over its public holiday calendar, reflecting its distinct legal traditions.
Is Notting Hill Carnival on the August bank holiday weekend 2026?
Yes. Notting Hill Carnival 2026 runs from Saturday, 29 August to Monday, 31 August 2026 — directly aligned with the bank holiday weekend in England and Wales. The main adult parade is on bank holiday Monday and is free to attend.
When is AEW All In: London 2026?
AEW All In: London 2026 takes place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 30 August 2026, the day before the bank holiday Monday. Doors open at 4:30 PM. General ticket sale opens Friday, 20 March 2026, via Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Will DWP benefits be paid early on the August bank holiday 2026?
Yes. Payments due on Monday, 31 August 2026, will be paid early on Friday, 28 August 2026. Scottish claimants with payments due Monday, 3 August, will be paid early on Friday, 31 July 2026.
How can I get 9 days off for the August bank holiday with 4 days of leave?
Book Tuesday, 1 September to Friday, 4 September 2026 (4 days of annual leave) for 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 29 August to Sunday, 6 September 2026.
Are supermarkets open on the August bank holiday 2026?
Yes. Major supermarkets open on both bank holiday dates with reduced hours. Banks and post offices are closed on both Monday, 3 August (Scotland) and Monday, 31 August (England, Wales, Northern Ireland).
Is the August bank holiday always on a Monday?
Yes. It is always fixed to a Monday — the last Monday of August in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the first Monday of August in Scotland.
How many bank holidays remain after the August bank holiday in England in 2026?
2 bank holidays remain after Monday, 31 August 2026 in England and Wales: Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December 2026, and the substitute Boxing Day bank holiday on Monday, 28 December 2026.
All August bank holiday dates are confirmed on GOV.UK. DWP payment date changes are published by the Department for Work and Pensions on GOV.UK ahead of each bank holiday.
AEW All In: London details are sourced from Live Nation and Wembley Stadium’s official event listings. Transport information is subject to confirmation by TfL and National Rail closer to the event dates.
