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Bank Holidays 2023: Your Ultimate Guide Across the UK
Ready to plan your days off? Here’s the full rundown of 2023 bank holiday dates across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland — plus the special day marking King Charles III’s coronation.
2023 Bank Holidays: England and Wales
- New Year’s Day (substitute) – Monday, January 2
- Good Friday – April 7
- Easter Monday – April 10
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 1
- Coronation Bank Holiday – Monday, May 8
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 29
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, August 28
- Christmas Day – Monday, December 25
- Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26
Note: England and Wales share the same bank holiday schedule after changes in 1971 moved the summer bank holiday to the end of August.
Scotland’s Dates Slip Differently
- New Year’s Day (substitute) – Monday, January 2
- January 3 (substitute for January 2)
- Good Friday – April 7
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 1
- Coronation Bank Holiday – Monday, May 8
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 29
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, August 7
- St Andrew’s Day – Thursday, November 30
- Christmas Day – Monday, December 25
- Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26
Northern Ireland’s Unique Dates
- New Year’s Day (substitute) – Monday, January 2
- St Patrick’s Day – Friday, March 17
- Good Friday – April 7
- Easter Monday – April 10
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 1
- Coronation Bank Holiday – Monday, May 8
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 29
- Orangemen’s Day (Battle of the Boyne) – Wednesday, July 12
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, August 28
- Christmas Day – Monday, December 25
- Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26
King Charles III’s Coronation: A Royal Bank Holiday
The big day hits on Saturday, May 6. But the following Monday, May 8, is a special bank holiday across the UK to celebrate the new monarch’s crowning. Expect pomp, pageantry, and plenty of pub openings.
The government is consulting on letting pubs in England and Wales stay open until 1am across the coronation weekend – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a “unique moment for the country,” while Oliver Dowden described it as a “moment of constitutional significance” that will showcase the best of the UK.
Thousands of foreign dignitaries and large public participation are expected in this “massive” planning event led by Buckingham Palace.
How to Maximise Your 2023 Annual Leave
Spring Break: With Easter Sunday on April 9, take just four days off (April 3–6) to enjoy a full 10-day holiday, including weekends and bank holidays on April 7 and 10.
Coronation Long Weekend: Book four days off between May 2 and 5 to snag another 10-day break, thanks to the May 1 early May bank holiday and May 8 coronation holiday.
Stretch it further by taking May 9–12 off to enjoy a whopping 16 days off for just eight days of annual leave.
Late Spring: After the May 29 spring bank holiday, add a day or two of leave to make the most of a long weekend. Just watch out for school holidays (May 29–June 2) if you want to dodge busy crowds and soaring travel costs.
Summer Sun: Use four days off after the August 28 bank holiday and bag a full week off. Perfect for a big summer getaway or some family time during school holidays. No need to go abroad—Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Pembrokeshire, and Whitby in Yorkshire offer some of the best UK beach escapes.
Winter Warmers: Christmas falls on a Monday with Boxing Day on Tuesday, giving you a perfect chance for extra time off by taking December 27–29 as annual leave. Disconnect from work and enjoy the festive season properly.
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