Below is a quick look at key public dates and UK Public Holidays in 2025 across England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, along with a brief note on why each holiday is celebrated. Dates can vary by region, so keep in mind the differences if you live or work across borders.
England & Wales
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025About: Marks the start of the new calendar year, often celebrated with fireworks and gatherings.
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025About: A significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025About: The Monday after Easter Sunday, continuing the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection.
- Bank Holiday in Early May: Monday, 5 May 2025About: It is historically tied to the labour movement and the start of spring festivities.
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025About: Another spring break that many use for local events and family trips.
- Summer Bank Holiday Monday 25 August 2025About: Signals the tail end of summer, often coinciding with festivals and last-minute holidays.
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025About: Major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus; a time for family gatherings and gift-giving.
- Boxing Day: Friday 26 December 2025About: The day after Christmas, traditionally associated with charity and sporting events.
Scotland
In addition to many of the same holidays as England & Wales, Scotland also observes:
- 2 JanuaryDate: Thursday, 2 January 2025About: Continuing New Year celebrations: Scots often have extended festivities known as Hogmanay.
- Summer Bank Holiday Date: Monday 4 August 2025 (different from England & Wales)
About: Marks a mid-summer break, often used for leisure and local fairs. - St Andrew’s DayDate: Sunday, 30 November 2025 (public holiday arrangements may vary)About: Honours Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew, and celebrates Scottish heritage.
Northern Ireland
Alongside many of the holidays in England & Wales, Northern Ireland also observes:
- St Patrick’s DayDate: Monday, 17 March 2025About: Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, known for parades and cultural festivities.
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025 (public holiday typically observed on the following Monday if it falls on a weekend)About: Commemorates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and has particular historical and cultural significance in Northern Ireland.
Who are we?
Do you want to know who we are and why you should trust us to help you with concerns such as overstaying your UK Visa? Read more about who we are and our team here.
