Bank holidays in the United Kingdom can often cause confusion due to regional differences. Whether you’re planning a trip, managing a business schedule, or simply looking forward to a long weekend, understanding when and where bank holidays fall is essential.
One commonly asked question is whether Monday 4th August is a bank holiday across England, Scotland, and Wales. The answer varies depending on the region.
What is a Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom?
A bank holiday in the UK is a public holiday when banks, government offices, and many businesses close for the day.
These holidays are designated by the UK government or relevant devolved governments. They may align nationally or vary by region.
Bank holidays offer individuals time for rest, personal errands, or travel. Most workers benefit from these breaks depending on employment terms, although statutory entitlement to paid leave on these days is not guaranteed.
Why Do Bank Holidays Vary Between England, Scotland, and Wales?
The UK is composed of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each has the authority to set its own bank holiday schedule. This leads to differences in public holidays across regions. While many holidays are shared across the UK, a few are region-specific due to local traditions and legislative decisions.
For example:
- Scotland celebrates the 2nd of January and St Andrew’s Day
- Northern Ireland observes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne
- England and Wales share most public holidays, but their schedules differ from Scotland’s
This variation reflects the UK’s diverse cultural and historical context.
Is Monday 4th August 2025 a Bank Holiday in England?
In 2025, Monday 4th August is a normal working day in England. It is not listed among the statutory bank holidays.
England’s Summer Bank Holiday is scheduled for the last Monday of August, which is 25 August in 2025.
Employees, businesses, schools, and public services will operate as usual on 4 August in England. Therefore, planning regular business and personal activities on that date poses no conflict with the public holiday calendar.
Is Monday 4th August 2025 a Bank Holiday in Wales?
Wales shares the same bank holiday calendar as England. As a result, 4 August 2025 is not a public holiday in Wales either.
Wales observes the Summer Bank Holiday on 25 August 2025. Individuals working or living in Wales should not expect closures of banks or public institutions on 4 August. Regular weekday operations are expected throughout the country on that date.
Is Monday 4th August 2025 a Bank Holiday in Scotland?
Yes, Scotland observes the Summer Bank Holiday on Monday 4th August 2025. This is distinct from England and Wales, which observe it later in the month.
The earlier date for Scotland has been a long-standing tradition, often tied to local civic holidays and historical labour patterns. Public institutions including banks and some local government offices may close for the day in Scotland, and many workers will have the day off.
What Are the Official UK Bank Holidays for 2025?
The UK Government publishes an annual list of official bank holidays. Below is a regional breakdown of public holidays across England, Wales, and Scotland in 2025.
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Scotland Bank Holidays 2025
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January | Thursday | Second Day of New Year |
| 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a bank holiday but includes the 2nd of January and the August bank holiday on the first Monday.
How Do Regional Bank Holidays Affect Businesses and Services?
Businesses operating across multiple UK regions need to consider the differing bank holiday schedules to avoid service interruptions. For example, a customer service centre based in Scotland may be closed on 4 August while teams in England and Wales remain operational.
Other impacts include:
- Slower customer support response times
- Post and courier services delayed in Scotland
- Local events and travel congestion due to public activities
For national businesses, planning staff availability and client communication in advance helps avoid inconvenience.
What Are the Past and Upcoming Bank Holidays in England and Wales?
Reviewing past and upcoming dates is helpful for payroll planning, employee leave, school calendars, and public events.
Past Bank Holidays in England and Wales (2024–2025)
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 2024 | 1 January | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 2024 | 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 2024 | 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 2024 | 6 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 2024 | 27 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2024 | 26 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 2024 | 25 December | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 2024 | 26 December | Thursday | Boxing Day |
| 2025 | 1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| 2025 | 18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 2025 | 21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 2025 | 5 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 2025 | 26 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2025 | 25 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 2025 | 25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 2025 | 26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Future Bank Holidays in England and Wales (2026–2027)
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 2026 | 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2026 | 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 2026 | 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 2026 | 4 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 2026 | 25 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2026 | 31 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 2026 | 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 2026 | 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
| 2027 | 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 2027 | 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 2027 | 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 2027 | 3 May | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 2027 | 31 May | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 2027 | 30 August | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 2027 | 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (Substitute) |
| 2027 | 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (Substitute) |
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the next available weekday becomes the substitute bank holiday, ensuring that employees still benefit from the day off.
Do Employers Have to Provide Paid Leave on Bank Holidays?
There is no legal obligation for employers in the UK to provide paid leave on bank holidays. This depends entirely on the employment contract and workplace policies. Some businesses offer paid leave, while others may require staff to work and provide compensatory leave or additional pay.
Employees should consult their contract terms to confirm entitlements regarding bank holidays. Industries such as retail, healthcare, and public services often continue operations and compensate employees accordingly.
How Do Substitute Days Work When Bank Holidays Fall on Weekends?
Substitute days ensure that a public holiday is still observed when it falls on a weekend. The UK Government automatically assigns a substitute weekday, usually the following Monday.
For instance:
- In 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) is on a Saturday
- The substitute holiday is given on Monday, 28 December
This policy maintains the total number of public holidays in a given year and provides consistent expectations for both employers and employees.
Why Is the Summer Bank Holiday Date Different in Scotland?
Scotland’s earlier Summer Bank Holiday, held on the first Monday in August, stems from civic tradition and local authority scheduling. Historically, the earlier holiday was designed to benefit workers in agriculture and industries that demanded earlier seasonal breaks.
Over time, Scotland retained this timing, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland adjusted the date to late August. As a result, different UK nations enjoy their summer breaks at different times, aligning with local cultural and economic considerations.
What Should You Know About Planning Around Bank Holidays?
Planning ahead for bank holidays can help businesses and individuals avoid scheduling conflicts, service delays, and overbooking. Consider the following:
- Review local calendars to account for regional differences
- Schedule customer service and delivery timelines around closures
- Confirm school term times to avoid travel clashes
Preparation allows for smoother operations across regions with different bank holiday schedules.
Conclusion
In summary, Monday 4th August 2025 is a bank holiday in Scotland only. It is not observed as a bank holiday in England or Wales, where the Summer Bank Holiday occurs on Monday 25 August 2025.
This distinction reflects the UK’s diverse regional calendars and highlights the importance of checking holiday dates by location. If you’re in Scotland, enjoy the extended weekend. If you’re in England or Wales, you’ll have to wait a few more weeks for yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bank holiday on 4 August in the UK every year?
No, the first Monday in August is only a bank holiday in Scotland. England and Wales observe the Summer Bank Holiday on the last Monday in August.
Can businesses remain open during bank holidays in Scotland?
Yes, while many businesses close or reduce hours, it’s not mandatory. Retail shops and essential services often remain open with adjusted timings.
What happens if I’m scheduled to work on a bank holiday?
This depends on your employment contract. Some roles include bank holiday work, often with enhanced pay or time off in lieu.
Do schools in Scotland close on 4 August 2025?
Most Scottish schools are still on summer break during early August, but local authority calendars should be consulted for specific closures.
How do I know which bank holidays apply to my region?
Check the official UK Government website or your local council’s public holiday list to confirm region-specific dates.
Can I claim overtime pay on bank holidays?
This is not required by law. However, many employers offer overtime or bonus pay as part of their company policy.
Do public transport services operate normally on bank holidays?
Transport often runs on a reduced or Sunday schedule during bank holidays. Always check with your local provider in advance.
