Spring Bank Holiday
United Kingdom · 2026
About Spring Bank Holiday
The Spring Bank Holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom observed on the last Monday of May. It replaced the former Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) bank holiday in 1971, when the Banking and Financial Dealings Act created a fixed-date holiday instead of the moveable religious observance.
By moving from the variable Whit Monday to the fixed last Monday in May, the government provided greater predictability for businesses, schools, and families planning their half-term breaks and holidays.
The Spring Bank Holiday often coincides with school half-term in England and Wales, making it one of the most popular travel and holiday periods of the year.
Quick Facts
- Date 2026
- May 25, 2026
- Day
- Monday
- Type
- Public
- Scope
- National
- Fixed Date
- No — date changes each year
- Traditions
- Half-term family trips · Outdoor festivals and fairs · Chelsea Flower Show period · Bank holiday events
When is Spring Bank Holiday?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 26, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026This year | May 25, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 31, 2027 | Monday |
3-Day Long Weekend
Because Spring Bank Holiday falls on a Monday, it creates a 3-day long weekend from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25.
How is Spring Bank Holiday Celebrated?
The Spring Bank Holiday long weekend is one of the most popular in the UK, with many families taking short holidays in the UK or abroad. Coastal resorts, theme parks, and countryside destinations see high visitor numbers.
Many towns and cities hold Spring Bank Holiday festivals, fairs, and events. The Chelsea Flower Show traditionally falls around this period, and numerous outdoor events capitalize on the (hoped-for) spring sunshine.
Did You Know?
- •The Spring Bank Holiday replaced Whit Monday in 1971 to create a more predictable late May bank holiday.
- •The last Monday of May ranges from May 25th to May 31st.
- •The Spring Bank Holiday was moved in 2002 to June 4th to coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
- •In 2022, an additional Platinum Jubilee bank holiday was added in June to complement the Spring Bank Holiday.
- •The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is one of the UK's peak travel periods, with millions traveling domestically and internationally.