Spring Bank Holiday 2026 — How Many Days Until Spring Bank Holiday?

Name: Spring Bank Holiday
Location: United Kingdom

About Spring Bank Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday of May in the United Kingdom, marking the end of the traditional spring period and the informal beginning of summer. It was established in 1971, replacing the older Whit Monday holiday — which moved each year with Pentecost Sunday, seven weeks after Easter.

The Spring Bank Holiday forms part of a broader late-May long weekend and is associated with Chelsea Flower Show (held in the preceding week), cricket, school half-term breaks, and the start of the summer holiday season. Many families use it to take short breaks or visit coastal resorts.

The holiday's date is occasionally moved for significant national events. In 2002 it was moved to create a Golden Jubilee weekend for Queen Elizabeth II; in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee; and in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee, when it was moved to 2 June and an extra bank holiday on 3 June was added. In those years, the UK effectively received a four-day bank holiday weekend in early June.

The Spring Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday of May every year in the UK
It replaced the moveable Whit Monday holiday in 1971
It is regularly moved or supplemented for major royal celebrations
The Chelsea Flower Show traditionally takes place in the week leading up to the Spring Bank Holiday
In 2022, it was moved to 2 June alongside an extra bank holiday for the Platinum Jubilee

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Spring Bank Holiday?

The Spring Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday of May in the UK every year. It can fall between 25 and 31 May.

Why was Whit Monday replaced?

Whit Monday moved each year with the date of Easter, making it difficult for businesses to plan. The fixed last-Monday-of-May date was introduced in 1971 for predictability.

Is the Spring Bank Holiday always on the same date?

It always falls on the last Monday of May — but the specific date changes each year. It has been moved in years with major royal jubilees (2002, 2012, 2022).