UK Public Holidays 2023: The Complete Guide to Bank Holidays and Time Off

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here. I know y’all are curious about how many days off you’ll get in 2023 across the UK, so let’s break it down real simple.

First things first – in 2023, England and Wales have 8 standard public holidays (what we call “bank holidays”), Scotland gets 9 days off, and Northern Ireland scores 10 public holidays. Not too shabby, right? But wait till I explain why these numbers differ across the UK!

What Counts as a Public Holiday in the UK?

Here’s where it gets interesting – the UK doesn’t actually have “national holidays” the way other countries do. Instead, we’ve got this cool system called “bank holidays” that started way back in 1871. These are days when banks close (hence the name) and most folks get time off work.

The exact dates vary across different parts of the UK because Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own special celebrations. For example, Scotland gets an extra day off for St Andrew’s Day, while Northern Ireland celebrates the Battle of the Boyne with an additional holiday.

Full List of 2023 UK Bank Holidays

For my friends in England and Wales, here’s your 2023 holiday lineup:
• New Year’s Day – January 2 (observed)
• Good Friday – April 7
• Easter Monday – April 10
• Early May Bank Holiday – May 1
• Spring Bank Holiday – May 29
• Summer Bank Holiday – August 28
• Christmas Day – December 25
• Boxing Day – December 26

Scottish pals get an extra one – St Andrew’s Day on November 30. And over in Northern Ireland, they’ve got St Patrick’s Day (March 17) and the Battle of the Boyne (July 12) adding to their holiday count.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

Here’s something most people don’t realize – employers aren’t actually required to give you these days off! Wild, right? It’s all down to your work contract. Most full-time jobs do include bank holidays as paid leave, but it’s always good to check your paperwork.

Pro tip: If a holiday falls on a weekend, you usually get the following Monday off instead. That’s why New Year’s Day 2023 is observed on January 2 – because January 1 is a Sunday. Smart planning can help you maximize your time off by combining holidays with annual leave!

Special Notes for 2023

This year was extra special because we got an additional bank holiday for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June. But remember – that was a one-time thing for 2022 only. For 2023, we’re back to the regular schedule.

Also worth noting: If you’re planning travel around bank holidays, expect higher prices and bigger crowds. But on the flip side, these long weekends are perfect for staycations and exploring local spots!

Alright friends, that’s the full scoop on UK public holidays for 2023. Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, I hope this helps you plan your year of well-deserved breaks. Remember, these days off are about more than just sleeping in – they’re a chance to recharge, celebrate, and make memories with loved ones.

Thanks for reading! If you’ve got more questions about holidays in the UK or anywhere else, your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help. Now go mark those dates in your calendar and start planning some fun!