Spring bank holiday
Spring bank holiday 2027 falls on Monday 31 May. In 2028, Spring bank holiday falls on Monday 29 May.
The dates of Spring bank holiday, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Spring bank holiday?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, 26 May 2025 |
| 2026 | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 29 May 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, 28 May 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, 27 May 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, 26 May 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays. More about our sources
What is the spring bank holiday?
The spring bank holiday falls on the last Monday in May and applies in all parts of the UK. It replaced Whit Monday, the day after Pentecost, which used to be a bank holiday. Because Whit Monday moved with Easter, it was replaced by a fixed Monday at the end of May, which makes planning easier for schools and businesses.
As it is always on a Monday, there is never a substitute day.
In 2027 the spring bank holiday falls on Monday 31 May.
Moved for royal jubilees
The spring bank holiday has been moved several times to mark royal jubilees. For the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II it was moved to early June and combined with an extra bank holiday, creating a four-day weekend. The table above shows the date that actually applies.
Half term and the end of May
In England and Wales, the spring bank holiday usually falls at the start of or in the middle of the May half term, so many schools are closed that week. That makes it a busy time for days out, short breaks and traffic on the roads.
Some traditional events take place on this weekend, such as cheese rolling on Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, where competitors chase a round of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep slope.
Frequently asked questions
When is Spring bank holiday 2027?
In 2027, Spring bank holiday falls on Monday 31 May.
Is Spring bank holiday a day off?
Yes, Spring bank holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom.
Is the spring bank holiday the same as Whit Monday?
Not any more. It replaced Whit Monday, which moved with Easter, with a fixed date: the last Monday in May.
Does the spring bank holiday fall in half term?
Usually, in England and Wales the May half term is built around the spring bank holiday. Check your school or council for exact dates.
Am I entitled to a day off on a bank holiday?
There is no statutory right to time off on a bank holiday. Whether you have the day off, and whether you are paid extra if you work, depends on your contract. Employers may include bank holidays in your statutory annual leave.