UK Bank Holidays 2021: The Complete List of Public Holidays You Need to Know

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to Holiday Little Assistant here. I know a lot of you have been asking, “How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2021?” Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got all the details you need right here. Whether you’re planning a getaway, scheduling time off work, or just curious, this guide has got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

How Many Bank Holidays Are There in the UK in 2021?

Great question! In 2021, England and Wales had a total of 8 bank holidays. Scotland enjoyed one extra, bringing their total to 9, while Northern Ireland had 10 thanks to a couple of additional regional holidays. Here’s the full breakdown:

• New Year’s Day – Friday, 1 January 2021
• Good Friday – Friday, 2 April 2021
• Easter Monday – Monday, 5 April 2021 (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only)
• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 3 May 2021
• Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 31 May 2021
• Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 30 August 2021 (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
• Christmas Day – Monday, 27 December 2021 (substitute day, since 25 December fell on a weekend)
• Boxing Day – Tuesday, 28 December 2021 (substitute day, since 26 December fell on a weekend)

Scotland adds St. Andrew’s Day on 30 November (or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend), and Northern Ireland includes St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne (12 July).

Why Do Bank Holidays Differ Across the UK?

Not everyone realizes that bank holidays aren’t the same across all UK nations. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own cultural and historical celebrations, which means extra days off! For example, Scotland honors its patron saint, St. Andrew, while Northern Ireland observes St. Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne. England and Wales, on the other hand, stick to the standard UK holidays.

What Happens If a Bank Holiday Falls on a Weekend?

If a bank holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday, you usually get a “substitute day” on the following Monday. That’s why in 2021, Christmas Day and Boxing Day were moved to Monday and Tuesday since the 25th and 26th were a weekend.

Can Employers Make You Work on a Bank Holiday?

Technically, yes—there’s no legal right to have bank holidays off. Whether you get them as paid leave depends on your employment contract. Some businesses (like retail and hospitality) stay open, while others shut down completely. Always check your company’s policy!

How Does 2021 Compare to Other Years?

2021 was pretty standard for England and Wales—just the usual 8 days. But in 2022, the UK got an extra holiday for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. And in 2023, King Charles III’s coronation added another one! So, 2021 wasn’t the most exciting year for extra days off, but hey, any holiday is a good holiday, right?

Alright, folks, that’s the lowdown on UK bank holidays in 2021! Whether you were reminiscing about past time off or just love random holiday facts, I hope this cleared things up for you. Have a question I didn’t cover? Drop me a line—I’m always happy to help!

Faqpro Thanks for reading, and here’s to making the most of every single bank holiday! Cheers! 🎉