Summer bank holiday

The last bank holiday of the summer

The summer bank holiday falls on the last Monday in August in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the summer bank holiday is on the first Monday in August instead.

In 2027 it falls on Monday 30 August.

Originally the summer bank holiday fell on the first Monday in August across the UK. It was moved to the end of the month in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in the same reforms that replaced Whit Monday with the spring bank holiday. As it is always on a Monday, there's never a substitute day.

Last weekend of the school holidays

For many families in England and Wales it is the last long weekend before the new school year, which usually starts in the first week of September. That makes it one of the busiest weekends of the year for travel, with crowded roads, airports and seaside resorts.

In Northern Ireland, schools usually go back around the start of September too, so the bank holiday often falls in the last days of the summer break.

Carnivals and festivals

The weekend is known for its events. The Notting Hill Carnival in London, one of the largest street festivals in Europe, takes place on the Sunday and Monday. Many towns also hold fairs, music festivals and other outdoor events before the summer ends.