There are 2 May bank holidays in 2026: the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026, and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026. Both are observed across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. No regional exceptions apply to either May bank holiday — unlike Easter, where Scotland does not observe Easter Monday.
May is the only month in the UK calendar that contains 2 guaranteed bank holidays every year. In 2026, the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May, coincides with the start of May half-term for most schools in England and Wales, creating an extended break opportunity for families.
The 3 weeks between the 2 bank holidays mean May 2026 also presents 2 separate annual leave opportunities — each capable of producing a 9-day break from just 4 days of leave.
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When is the May Bank Holiday 2026?
There are 2 May bank holidays in 2026: Monday, 4 May 2026 (Early May Bank Holiday) and Monday, 25 May 2026 (Spring Bank Holiday). Both are confirmed on GOV.UK for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
| Bank Holiday | Date | Day | Nations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 | Monday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 May 2026 | Monday | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland |
Both holidays fall on Mondays. Neither requires a substitute day in 2026 — both fall on weekdays as scheduled. The next bank holiday after both May dates is the Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, 31 August 2026 for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and Monday, 3 August 2026 for Scotland.
Why Are There Two Bank Holidays in May?
The 2 May bank holidays exist for separate historical reasons. The Early May Bank Holiday (May Day) has roots in ancient spring celebrations and International Workers’ Day. The Spring Bank Holiday replaced the movable Whit Monday holiday with a fixed date at the end of May.
The Early May Bank Holiday was introduced by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, which came into effect in 1978 under the then Employment Secretary Michael Foot. It was fixed to the first Monday of May as a compromise that acknowledged International Workers’ Day (1 May) without making 1 May itself the statutory date.
The Spring Bank Holiday replaced Whit Monday — previously a movable religious holiday tied to Pentecost Sunday and the lunar calendar. The change fixed the late May holiday to the last Monday of May, making it predictable for businesses, schools, and families. Before this change, the holiday could fall anywhere in late May or early June, depending on Easter’s position each year.
The result is that May is the only UK month with 2 fixed, guaranteed bank holidays each year. In years when they fall on Mondays, as in 2026, each creates a 3-day weekend without any annual leave required.
Early May Bank Holiday 2026: Monday, 4 May
The Early May Bank Holiday in 2026 falls on Monday, 4 May 2026. It is observed across all 4 UK nations.
Is May Day 2026 a Bank Holiday?
May Day falls on Friday, 1 May 2026 — and Friday, 1 May 2026 is not a bank holiday. The Early May Bank Holiday is tied to the first Monday of May, not to the fixed date of 1 May. In 2026, the first Monday in May is Monday, 4 May.
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of the UK May bank holiday system. Traditional May Day (1 May) and the Early May Bank Holiday are related in origin but are not the same date unless 1 May falls on a Monday, which it does not in 2026.
| Year | 1 May Day | Bank Holiday Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Wednesday | Monday, 6 May 2024 |
| 2025 | Thursday | Monday, 5 May 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday | Monday, 3 May 2027 |
Has the Early May Bank Holiday Ever Been Moved?
The Early May Bank Holiday has been moved on 2 occasions — both to commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). In 1995, it was moved to Monday, 8 May to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day. In 2020, it was again moved to Friday, 8 May, for the 75th anniversary.
In 2026, the holiday returns to its standard position: Monday, 4 May 2026. No special commemoration is scheduled that would affect the date.
May Day Traditions in the UK
May Day has been celebrated in the British Isles for over 2,000 years. Key traditions associated with the Early May Bank Holiday include:
- Maypole dancing: Communities across England erect a maypole and weave coloured ribbons around it. This tradition has pre-Christian origins and is still practised in villages across the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
- The May Queen: Traditional ceremonies crown a May Queen to mark the arrival of spring. Ceremonies take place in towns and villages across England and Wales.
- The Padstow Obby Oss: One of the oldest surviving May Day celebrations in the UK. A hobby horse leads a musical procession through the streets of Padstow, Cornwall, with singing and dancing continuing throughout the day. It takes place on Friday, 1 May 2026 — May Day itself.
- Morris dancing: Morris dancing groups perform at sunrise on May Day at ancient sites, hilltops, and village greens. A notable location is May Hill in Gloucestershire, where dancers perform as the sun rises over the River Severn and the Cotswold Hills.
- Jack in the Green: Hastings hosts an annual Jack in the Green festival on the May bank holiday weekend — a free community celebration with processions, folk music, and street performance.
Spring Bank Holiday 2026: Monday, 25 May
The Spring Bank Holiday in 2026 falls on Monday, 25 May 2026. It is the last Monday in May and is observed across all 4 UK nations. It is also referred to as the late May bank holiday.
Spring Bank Holiday History: From Whitsun to a Fixed Date
The Spring Bank Holiday replaced Whit Monday (Whitsun) as a fixed annual date in 1971. Whit Monday was tied to Pentecost Sunday — a date determined by the lunar calendar and Easter’s position each year. This made the holiday unpredictable for planning purposes, as it could fall anywhere from late May to mid-June.
The Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 fixed the late spring bank holiday to the last Monday of May. This gave businesses, schools, and local authorities a consistent and predictable date each year.
The Spring Bank Holiday has been moved twice for royal jubilees:
- 2002: Moved to Monday, 4 June 2002, alongside an additional bank holiday on Monday, 3 June 2002, creating a 4-day weekend to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
- 2012: Moved to Tuesday, 5 June 2012, for the Diamond Jubilee, with an additional day on Monday, 4 June 2012.
In 2026, it returns to its standard position: Monday, 25 May 2026.
Spring Bank Holiday 2026 and May Half Term
The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026, falls on the first day of the May half-term school holiday for most schools in England and Wales. May half-term runs from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026, with most schools returning on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
This alignment means:
- The bank holiday Monday is automatically included in the school closure period
- Workers with school-age children benefit from the Monday bank holiday without needing annual leave
- The 4 remaining school closure days (Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May) align with the standard working week
The Spring Bank Holiday, coinciding with May half term, makes the week of Monday, 25 May 2026, the most popular domestic travel period of the spring. Holiday parks, coastal accommodation, and family attractions experience peak demand during this week, typically higher than the Early May Bank Holiday weekend 3 weeks earlier.
Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Race
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling race traditionally takes place on the Spring Bank Holiday. Competitors race down a steep hill near Brockworth in Gloucestershire in pursuit of a large round Double Gloucester cheese. The hill has a gradient of approximately 1:1 in its steepest sections. The event draws competitors and spectators from across the UK and internationally.
May Bank Holiday 2026 Annual Leave Planner
May 2026 offers 2 separate annual leave opportunities, each producing a 9-day break from 4 days of leave. Both opportunities are 3 weeks apart, making it possible to use both within the same month if annual leave allows.
Early May Bank Holiday: 9 Days Off for 4 Days of Annual Leave
Book Tuesday, 5 May to Friday, 8 May 2026 (4 days of annual leave) to achieve 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 2 May to Sunday, 10 May 2026.
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 2 May 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 3 May 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
| Monday, 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | Tuesday | Annual leave (Day 1) |
| Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | Wednesday | Annual leave (Day 2) |
| Thursday, 7 May 2026 | Thursday | Annual leave (Day 3) |
| Friday, 8 May 2026 | Friday | Annual leave (Day 4) |
| Saturday, 9 May 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 10 May 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
The Early May bank holiday weekend is typically less busy than the Spring Bank Holiday. Accommodation prices and travel demand are lower, as the May half-term does not coincide with this weekend.
Spring Bank Holiday: 9 Days Off for 4 Days of Annual Leave
Book Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May 2026 (4 days of annual leave) to achieve 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026.
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 23 May 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 24 May 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
| Monday, 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | Tuesday | Annual leave (Day 1) |
| Wednesday, 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Annual leave (Day 2) |
| Thursday, 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Annual leave (Day 3) |
| Friday, 29 May 2026 | Friday | Annual leave (Day 4) |
| Saturday, 30 May 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, 31 May 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
This window aligns exactly with the May half-term school holiday (Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026). Workers with school-age children can use 4 days of annual leave to cover the full school closure period alongside their children.
Comparing the Two May 2026 Leave Opportunities
| Factor | Early May Bank Holiday | Spring Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Holiday Date | Monday, 4 May 2026 | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| Annual Leave Required | Tuesday, 5 May – Friday, 8 May (4 days) | Tuesday, 26 May – Friday, 29 May (4 days) |
| Total Days Off | 9 days (Saturday, 2 May – Sunday, 10 May) | 9 days (Saturday, 23 May – Sunday, 31 May) |
| School Half-Term Alignment | No | Yes — May half-term |
| Typical Demand Level | Lower | Higher (family travel peak) |
| Typical Accommodation Prices | Lower than Spring BH | Higher — book well in advance |
What Is Open on May Bank Holidays 2026?
Banks and Financial Services
High street banks are closed on both Monday, 4 May 2026, and Monday, 25 May 2026. Online banking platforms, mobile banking apps, and ATMs remain fully operational on both bank holiday Mondays.
BACS and CHAPS bank transfers scheduled for bank holiday Mondays may be delayed to the next working day (Tuesday, 5 May or Tuesday, 26 May respectively). Faster Payments may process on the day. Contact your bank for specific processing timelines if you have time-sensitive payments due on either date.
Post Offices and Royal Mail
Royal Mail does not deliver post on bank holiday Mondays. Collections are suspended on Monday, 4 May 2026, and Monday, 25 May 2026. Post offices are closed on both dates. Normal delivery and collection services resume on Tuesday, 5 May and Tuesday, 26 May, respectively.
Plan ahead if you are expecting important deliveries around either bank holiday weekend. Items posted in the final days of the preceding week may be delayed if they have not cleared before the bank holiday.
Supermarkets and Retail
Major supermarkets open on both May bank holidays in 2026, typically with reduced hours compared to a standard Monday. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Lidl, and Aldi all operate on bank holidays. Hours vary by store location — check your local branch’s website or app before travelling.
Most retail shops and shopping centres open on bank holiday Mondays. The Early May Bank Holiday and Spring Bank Holiday do not carry the same large-shop trading restrictions that apply to Easter Sunday under the Sunday Trading Act 1994.
Public Transport
Public transport typically runs a reduced Sunday-equivalent timetable on bank holiday Mondays. This applies to National Rail services, Transport for London, and most regional bus networks on both Monday, 4 May and Monday, 25 May 2026.
Check National Rail Enquiries, the TfL Journey Planner, or your regional transport authority’s website for confirmed timetables before travelling on either bank holiday. Motorways and major roads historically experience above-average traffic volumes on bank holiday Mondays, particularly in the afternoon as day trips end.
Schools
Schools in England and Wales are closed from Monday, 25 May 2026, for the May half-term holiday, which runs to Friday, 29 May 2026. Pupils return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in most cases. Some schools may add an INSET day on Monday, 1 June 2026 — check directly with your school.
Schools are open normally on Monday, 4 May 2026 (Early May Bank Holiday) if it is not an additional closure day.
May Bank Holiday 2026: Pay and Employment Rights
There is no statutory legal right to paid time off on bank holidays in the UK. Whether you receive the day off — paid or unpaid — depends on your employment contract. This is governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996.
3 common contractual arrangements apply:
- Bank holidays are included within the 28-day statutory entitlement: Workers use days from their annual leave allowance on each bank holiday. The 28-day minimum under the Employment Rights Act 1996 may or may not include bank holidays, depending on how the contract is written.
- Bank holidays are provided in addition to the 28-day entitlement: Workers receive their full annual leave allocation plus each bank holiday as a separate paid day. This is more generous than the statutory minimum.
- Time off in lieu: Workers who are required to work on a bank holiday may be given an alternative day off at a later date. This arrangement must be agreed in advance and documented in the company policy or the employment contract.
There is no automatic legal right to enhanced pay (for example, double time or time-and-a-half) for working on a bank holiday. Whether enhanced pay applies is determined solely by the employment contract.
Part-time workers receive bank holiday entitlement on a pro-rata basis. A worker contracted to 3 days per week receives approximately 60% of the standard full-time bank holiday entitlement.
Things to Do on the May Bank Holiday 2026
Early May Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday, 2 May – Monday, 4 May 2026)
The Early May bank holiday weekend falls during bluebell season, which peaks in late April and early May across most of England and Wales. Ancient woodland sites with notable bluebell displays include Dockey Wood in Hertfordshire (National Trust), Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, and Ryton Wood in Warwickshire.
National Trust and English Heritage properties across England and Wales run bank holiday events. The Chelsea Flower Show typically takes place in the third week of May — check the Royal Horticultural Society’s website for the confirmed 2026 dates.
The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, traditionally runs across the late May bank holiday period. Confirm 2026 dates on the Hay Festival website.
Morris dancing events take place across the Early May bank holiday weekend at locations including Thaxted in Essex, Knutsford in Cheshire, and multiple Cotswold villages. Events are typically free to watch.
Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday, 23 May – Monday, 25 May 2026)
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling race typically takes place on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend near Brockworth, Gloucestershire. The free-to-watch event attracts large crowds. No official registration exists for spectators — arrive early for positions on the hillside.
The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is the busiest domestic travel weekend of the spring. Popular UK destinations include:
- Cornwall and Devon — sea temperatures average 13°C to 14°C in late May; beaches are busier than at Easter but less crowded than in July and August
- The Lake District — Windermere, Ambleside, and the Langdale Pikes are accessible; car parks at popular trailheads fill early on bank holiday weekends
- North Wales — Snowdonia National Park, Conwy Castle, and Anglesey
- The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors — cycling and walking routes are well-established and signposted throughout both national parks
- The Scottish Highlands — Ben Nevis, Glencoe, and the Cairngorms National Park
Free Activities at Both May Bank Holidays
Free activities available across both May bank holiday weekends include:
- National museums — the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, British Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum in London; the National Railway Museum in York; and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow all offer free permanent collection entry
- Bluebell woodland walks — many National Trust sites offer access on foot, even without parking or admission fees
- Morris dancing festivals and May Day community events — free to attend at village greens and town squares across England
- RHS garden open days — some member gardens host free entry for specific events around the bank holidays
May Bank Holiday 2026 Travel Planning
UK Domestic Breaks
The Spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, 23 May to Monday, 25 May 2026) is one of the most competitive booking periods for UK self-catering accommodation. Holiday parks operated by Haven, Hoseasons, Center Parcs, and Away Resorts fill quickly for this date. Book several months in advance for the Spring Bank Holiday. The Early May Bank Holiday (Saturday, 2 May to Monday, 4 May 2026) has lower demand and more availability.
| Weekend | Typical Demand | Best Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Early May (2–5 May 2026) | Moderate | 8–12 weeks ahead |
| Spring Bank Holiday (23–26 May 2026) | Peak | 4–6 months ahead |
Overseas Breaks in May 2026
May is shoulder season across southern Europe, with warmer conditions than Easter but lower prices than peak July and August travel. Late May offers sea temperatures of approximately 19°C to 22°C in Mediterranean destinations — warmer than early April.
Short-haul destinations from UK airports for May 2026 include the Algarve in Portugal, the Costa del Sol in Spain, Crete and Rhodes in Greece, Malta, Cyprus, and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
Rail travel to Europe has grown significantly in recent years. Eurostar services from London St Pancras connect to Paris in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, Amsterdam in approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, and Brussels in approximately 2 hours. Onward connections reach Bruges, Ghent, and other European cities. The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is popular for short European city breaks — book Eurostar tickets well in advance as seats for bank holiday Mondays sell quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions: May Bank Holiday 2026
When is the May bank holiday 2026?
There are 2 May bank holidays in 2026: Monday, 4 May 2026 (Early May Bank Holiday) and Monday, 25 May 2026 (Spring Bank Holiday). Both are observed across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Is May Day 2026 a bank holiday?
No. May Day falls on Friday, 1 May 2026, which is not a bank holiday. The Early May Bank Holiday is fixed to the first Monday of May — Monday, 4 May 2026 in 2026.
Why are there two bank holidays in May?
The 2 May bank holidays have different origins. The Early May Bank Holiday (May Day) was established in 1978 and is tied to the first Monday of May. The Spring Bank Holiday replaced the movable Whit Monday in 1971 and is fixed to the last Monday of May.
Are both May bank holidays in Scotland in 2026?
Yes. Both Monday, 4 May 2026 and Monday, 25 May 2026 are bank holidays in Scotland. Unlike Easter Monday, both May bank holidays apply across all 4 UK nations.
How can I get 9 days off at the Early May Bank Holiday 2026?
Book Tuesday, 5 May to Friday, 8 May 2026 (4 days of annual leave) to achieve 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 2 May to Sunday, 10 May 2026.
How can I get 9 days off at Spring Bank Holiday 2026?
Book Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May 2026 (4 days of annual leave) for 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026. This window aligns with the May half-term school holiday.
Does the Spring Bank Holiday 2026 coincide with May half-term?
Yes. The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026, falls on the first day of May half-term for most schools in England and Wales. Half-term runs from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026.
Are supermarkets open on May bank holidays 2026?
Yes. Major supermarkets open on both Monday, 4 May and Monday, 25 May 2026, typically with reduced hours. Banks and post offices are closed on both dates.
Is the Spring Bank Holiday 2026 always the last Monday of May?
Yes, under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. The Spring Bank Holiday is fixed to the last Monday of May each year. In 2026, that is Monday, 25 May. It has been moved on 2 occasions — for the 2002 and 2012 royal jubilees — but returns to the standard last-Monday date in all other years.
Do I have a legal right to time off on the May bank holidays 2026?
No automatic legal right to bank holiday time off exists. Entitlement depends on your employment contract. The Employment Rights Act 1996 sets a statutory minimum of 5.6 weeks of annual leave per year, but does not specify that bank holidays must be given as separate additional days.
All May bank holiday dates are confirmed on GOV.UK for the 2026 calendar year. Employment rights regarding bank holiday pay are set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996. Post office and Royal Mail closures are confirmed by Royal Mail on their official website ahead of each bank holiday period.
