Summer Bank Holiday
Last Monday in August — England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Summer Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday in August in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It represents the traditional end of the British summer holiday period and is the last bank holiday before Christmas in these nations. The holiday was created by the Bank Holidays Act 1871 — one of the original four bank holidays introduced by Sir John Lubbock. It originally fell on the first Monday in August; the 1971 Banking and Financial Dealings Act moved it to the last Monday in August for England and Wales. Note: Scotland observes its Summer Bank Holiday on the first Monday in August — a different date.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, 31 August 2026 |
Monday, 31 August 2026
Last Monday in August — England, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| 2027 | Monday, 30 August 2027 |
Monday, 30 August 2027
Last Monday in August — England, Wales and Northern Ireland |
| 2028 | Monday, 28 August 2028 |
Monday, 28 August 2028
Last Monday in August — England, Wales and Northern Ireland |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
Last Monday in August — England, Wales and Northern Ireland