Shop now:

15 clearance sales worth scrolling through this week

Bank Holidays 2021: When Are The UK Bank Holidays This Year?

Ata Owaji Victor
·3-min read
Photo credit: Giorgio Fochesato - Getty Images
Photo credit: Giorgio Fochesato - Getty Images

After the turbulent year that was 2020 (and, from the feel of it, 2021 so far), making annual leave plans for the UK's bank holidays this year may be at the bottom of your to-do list today.

However, one poignant lesson the last 12 months taught us is the importance of rest, relaxation and restoration. Whether you're crossing your fingers for a sunny holiday or have had a UK coastal cottage bookmarked on your Instagram page for what feels like years, one thing that's a surety this year is the list of key bank holiday dates in 2021.

With the easing of lockdown restrictions as of April 12, which allows for overnight stays - provided you remain within your household or support bubble, and Covid-19 vaccines continuing to roll out; there has never been a better time to look ahead to summer and the chance of safely seeing loved ones on much-needed breaks.

Here is everything you need to know about the bank holidays in 2021, from the dates to how many bank holidays we're getting in 2021, according to .Gov:

Photo credit: Paper Boat Creative - Getty Images
Photo credit: Paper Boat Creative - Getty Images

When is the May bank holiday 2021?

May Day usually takes place on the first Monday in May to mark the start of spring. Last year, however, the day was moved back to Friday May 8, 2020 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

This year, normal proceedings will resume and the UK will celebrate the first May bank holiday (also known as the early May bank holiday) on Monday May 3.

We'll also have the chance to enjoy a second bank holiday that month on Monday May 31.

Here is a list of all the UK bank holidays 2021:

  • New Year’s Day: Friday January 1

  • New Year’s Holiday: Monday January 4 (2nd January substitute day)(Scotland only)

  • St Patrick’s Day: Wednesday March 17 (Northern Ireland only)

  • Good Friday: Friday April 2

  • Easter Monday: Monday April 5

  • Early May bank holiday: Monday May 3

  • Spring bank holiday: Monday May 31

  • Battle of the Boyne: Monday July 12 (Northern Ireland only)

  • Summer Bank Holiday: Monday August 2 (Scotland only)

  • Summer Bank Holiday: Monday August 30

  • St Andrew’s Day: Tuesday November 30 (Scotland only)

  • Christmas Day: Monday December 27

  • Boxing Day: Tuesday December 28

If you're yet to put in requests for annual leave, here's a top tip: maximise your Christmas break by taking off the time between December 25 2020 and January 3 2022 (two days annual leave on December 29 and December 30) in order to get a 10-day holiday.

You didn't hear it from us...

Other key dates to remember for 2021:

Burns Night: Monday January 25

Chinese New Year: Friday February 12

Valentine’s Day: Sunday February 14

Shrove Tuesday: Tuesday February 16

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday February 17

St David’s Day: Monday March 1

Mother’s Day: Sunday March 14

Palm Sunday: Sunday March 28

Holi: Monday March 29

Ramadan: Tuesday April 13

Father’s Day: Sunday June 20

Eid ul Adha: Tuesday July 20

Muharram: Tuesday August 10

Rosh Hashanah: Tuesday September 7

Yom Kippur: Thursday September 16

Daylight saving time ends: Sunday October 31

Halloween: Sunday October 31

Guy Fawkes Night: Friday November 5

Remembrance Day: Sunday November 14

Diwali (TBC): Saturday November 14

Hanukkah begins: Monday November 29

St Andrew’s Day: Tuesday November 30

Winter Solstice: Tuesday December 21

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE's print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE


You Might Also Like

Latest stories

  • 10 simple steps to being more sustainable

    If you don't think you have the time or the money to make a difference with your clothing choices, think again

  • This John Lewis egg chair is finally back in stock

    Picture this: book in one hand, Aperol Spritz in the other, swinging on your egg chair.

  • 84 of the best horror movies to scare you silly

    <p>You&#39;ve been warned...</p>

  • From David Hockney to Paula Rego – the art exhibitions to see when art galleries and museums reopen

    With lockdown restrictions slowly lifting, Roisin O’Connor picks some of the highlights of forthcoming exhibitions

  • This timeless £29.50 M&S tote will see you through summer

    It's under £30.

  • Simon Calder’s ‘Ask me Anything’: the Independent’s Travel Correspondent will answer your questions live

    As travellers gear up for summer holidays from Monday, Simon Calder will be taking all your travel questions

  • Did divisive Gillette ad persuade Harry and Meghan to work with P&G?

    Gillette, run by P&G, changed its tagline to 'the best men can be' to discuss the MeToo movement.

  • Baileys Colada has launched in the UK just in time for summer

    It's limited edition so you may want to add it to your basket ASAP.

  • "I did nothing but Barre classes for six weeks... here's how my body changed"

    Could six weeks of the ballet-inspired workout really give me a dancer's physique?

  • Greece races to vaccinate its islands in boost for summer holidays

    Greece reopens to mass tourism from 14 May

  • Lockdown date night ideas: How to plan a night in with your partner, even if you’re living separately

    From planning dinner to the outfits, this is how to avoid local lockdowns becoming a buzzkill for your relationship

  • 13 best plastic-free tea bags to make your brew better for the planet

    Be kind to the environment – without sacrificing the most important drink of the day

  • Taylor Swift confirms boyfriend Joe Alwyn worked on Folklore

    He received two writing credits under a pseudonym

  • Dress of the day: Flattering, forgiving and fashionable

    Meet the dress that's ready for anything.

  • Harrods has a new-look chocolate hall and it's delicious

    It’s a chocolate lover’s dream.

  • Holly Willoughby's new summer dress is perfect for any occasion

    'It’s so flattering and good for everything'

  • Demi Lovato’s New TV Show Is Truly So Unexpected

    When you think of Demi Lovato, your mind probably immediately goes to music, but the pop star’s latest professional endeavour might have you connecting her with something a little more…paranormal: UFOs. Decades after making her Disney debut, Lovato is returning to television in a totally new way, starting with a project that no one saw coming. In the developing series Unidentified With Demo Lovato, the Lovato will be tackling the unsolved mystery that is the existence of UFOs on earth. Joined by her little sister Dallas and her best friend Matthew Scott Montgomery, Lovato will seek out the expertise of paranormal scientists, scholars, and people who say they’ve been in direct contact with aliens as they “investigate recent eyewitness encounters, uncover secret government reports, and conduct tests at known UFO hot spots.” The conspiracy-driven series will be released on NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock in four episodes (no word on whether it’ll be released in the UK yet), which Lovato will also executive produce. It’s hard to say exactly what her qualifications to do this kind of scientific work are besides being a “true believer” in the existence of UFOs, but if this project sounds a little too out of this world for you, there’s more Demi content coming. Lovato’s television deal with NBCUniversal also includes a scripted series called Hungry which she will star in and executive produce. First announced in April, Hungry will focus on a food issues group that grows closer as its members experience life (and love) side by side. The project is kind of a full-circle moment, marking Lovato’s official return to television and her first lead role in a series since the Disney days of Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance. It also hits close to home because Lovato has been open about her challenging personal history of disordered eating for years. Neither Unidentified nor Hungry have official release dates because they’re still in the works, but in addition to the release of her latest album, the NBCUniversal projects hint that the next chapter of the pop star’s career will keep her very, very booked. The Demissance isn’t over just yet. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Demi Lovato Relives The Trauma Of Her OverdoseNew Music To Know: Demi Lovato, AJA, & MoreDemi Lovato Opens Up About The Roots Of Her Body-I

  • Fendi celebrates traditional Italian craftsmanship with new project

    Featuring special-edition versions of the brand's most iconic bag, the Baguette

  • Absolutely No One Wants An “Instagram For Kids”

    Surprise, surprise: The man best known for inventing a hotspot for political misinformation, privacy violations, and countless data leaks had a terrible idea. On Monday, May 10, 44 attorneys general penned a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, urging Facebook to halt its plans for a new business venture: “Instagram for kids.” The letter brings up the many, many psychological and safety-related reasons it would be harmful to launch a version of the app for children under the age of 13. Zuckerberg, however, seems adamant about doing it anyway. “Use of social media can be detrimental to the health and well-being of children, who are not equipped to navigate the challenges of having a social media account. Further, Facebook has historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms,” wrote the National Association of Attorneys General. “The attorneys general have an interest in protecting our youngest citizens, and Facebook’s plans to create a platform where kids under the age of 13 are encouraged to share content online is contrary to that interest.” Many of us were unaware of Instagram for kids (thankfully), which was actually announced around two months ago. Zuckerberg confirmed the plan during a March 25 congressional hearing, and the same month, a Facebook spokesperson told USA Today that the app was “in its very early stages” and would hopefully “help kids keep up with their friends, discover new hobbies and interests, and more.” The spokesperson likened it to Messenger Kids, a similar Facebook-esque app designed for children. It’s worth noting that Messenger Kids was also extremely controversial when it started, and only became more concerning after a bug allowed thousands of children to enter group chats with unknown adults of all ages. (Facebook has said that the glitch was resolved.) During the congressional hearing, Zuckerberg said that an Instagram for children could help kids “stay connected” and “learn about different content online.” Instagram spokesperson Stephanie Otway cited the growing number of children attempting to use Instagram by lying about their ages; a new app designed for kids is a “practical solution,” the company argued. But along with the obvious safety concerns, AGs, other political leaders, and mental health professionals all worry this venture could negatively impact children’s development and self-esteem. In April, a coalition led by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood slammed Instagram’s “relentless focus on appearance, self-presentation, and branding,” and wrote in a letter to Zuckerberg that children under 13 are less equipped than adults to handle the pressures, challenges, and anxiety related to the app. Those who would lie about their age, the signatories argued, would likely still choose to join “adult” Instagram over “a new site that seems babyish.” Sens. Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal and Reps. Lori Trahan and Kathy Castor also wrote a letter to Zuckerberg in April, requesting that he outline a detailed plan to protect user safety and prevent the proliferation of sponsored content, edited and filtered photos, and more. “Should Facebook fail to provide adequate responses to the questions above or otherwise fail to demonstrate that a future version of Instagram for children would meet the highest standards of user protection, we would advise you to abandon your plans to launch this new platform,” wrote the lawmakers. Experts agree that social media — in particular, Instagram — can have adverse effects on children and teenagers’ mental health, body image, self-esteem, and sleep schedule. Instagram breeds an obsession with “likes,” popularity, and missing out on events that a user may or may not have been invited to. According to McLean Hospital, the app is designed to be addictive, because tools like “Likes” and push notifications can make the brain release dopamine. Researchers have found that young people who spend more time on apps are more likely to have depression and anxiety. A 2017 study from the U.K.’s Royal Society for Public Health showed that, compared to Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube, Instagram has the largest mental health impact. “There’s a good amount of research suggesting that Instagram is among the most toxic social media platforms because of its emphasis on image and followers,” said psychologist Jean Twenge, according to NBC News. “My view is that there’s really no way to make it completely safe for young kids.” Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?What Instagram Hiding Likes Could Mean For Your MeBlack Women’s Mental Health Is Often InvalidatedChris Evans Responded To Lizzo's Drunk DMs

  • Michelle Obama Knitted Tops For Malia and Sasha During Lockdown

    For everyone who took up knitting during the pandemic, only to be mocked by their close ones — think: jokes about Meredith Grey celibacy knitting and becoming a grandma at 25 — joke’s on them. Thanks to Michelle Obama, you’ve been vindicated, finally. On Monday, the former First Lady joined TV host Gayle King on CBS This Morning to talk about her Waffles + Mochi campaign, life after being the First Lady, and, yes, knitting during lockdown. “I have freedom to do the things that I want — I’m knitting now,” Obama told King. “No disrespect, but that sounds very old lady,” King replied. “It’s not old lady,” Obama insisted. “I don’t want you to come for my knitting community, Gayle.” The former First Lady then proudly shared all of her knitting accomplishments: “I made Barack a sweater — a crewneck sweater — that he loves.” Though he hasn’t yet worn it, given the current nice weather, Obama maintained that he will eventually. Another feat? Making knitted halter tops — a huge trend across TikTok and spring runways, alike — for her two daughters, Malia and Sasha. “There’s something special about that,” King said. “To know that Mom made this for me.” We couldn’t agree more. If you were looking for a push to embrace knitting, you just got it. Haters begone! Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?During The Pandemic, Hobbies Became A LifestyleRoller Skating: Summer's Underdog Pandemic Hobby13 Of The Best Cosy & Classic Cashmere Knits