A bank holiday is a national public holiday in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Most of the population has a day off from work, but currently there is no legal right not to work. Obviously, those employees in essential services must work (for example, police, fire, health, etc.). Many employees in the tourism and retail industries also work these days as they are popular for family outings and shopping. The only day that everything is closed is Christmas Day (December 25).
Holidays get their name because they are days when banks are closed and therefore traditionally no other businesses can operate.
Open business
In central London, almost everything stays open, but farther from the center, more shops give their staff a day off. Remember, banks will be closed, but the facilities of the Exchange Office and ATMs will still be available.
Public transport
The tubes and buses still operate on public holidays, although the service is less frequent (generally a Sunday schedule).
Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transportation.
Bank holidays in the UK
The number of public holidays in the UK is relatively small compared to the number in many other European countries (only 8).
Most happen on a Monday. Check out this list to help you plan your trip:
- January 1: New Years Day
- Friday before Easter Sunday: Good Friday
- The day after Easter Sunday: Easter Monday
- First Monday in May: May holiday
- Last Monday in May: Spring Bank Holiday (Whitsun) * Whitsun is the British name for Pentecost, a Christian festival 49 days after Easter.
- Last Monday in August: summer holiday
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26 or December 27: Boxing Day (first day of the week after Christmas Day)
