![\"Sarakiniko](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e46f8be7-ef54-4d0d-9625-c7fda852fb7a.jpg\")
Milos in the CycladesGetty Images<\/p>\nSir Keir Starmer has hinted that there could be an extra bank holiday if England wins the Fifa World Cup. The UK prime minister said: \u201cOn the question of a bank holiday, I think I don\u2019t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.\u201d There have been calls for an extra bank holiday if England wins every year the World Cup has been on. However, despite several instances where the nation came close to winning, it has always missed out at the final hurdle. But with England entering the quarter finals this year, things are looking promising. If the extra bank holiday does go ahead, it could land at the end of July. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tWhat are the remaining bank holiday dates in England and Wales for 2026?\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Monday, August 31 Summer bank holiday<\/p>\n
Friday, December 25 Christmas Day<\/p>\n
Monday, December 28 Boxing Day (substitute day)<\/p>\n
Milos in the CycladesGetty Images<\/p>\n
When will the extra World Cup bank holiday be?<\/p>\n
If England wins the World Cup, and if Sir Keir Starmer agrees to an extra bank holiday date, it will most likely fall at the end of July.<\/p>\n
England will be playing Norway in the quarter finals on July 11, while the final will take place a week later on July 19. While not confirmed, the most likely date for an extra bank holiday would be Friday, July 24.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worth noting that Starmer is due to hand over power to the new prime minister on July 20. If England wins the World Cup, it may be the new prime minister announcing any extra bank holiday days.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also not clear whether the extra bank holiday day will only be applicable in England or across the whole of the UK as the four nations have slightly different allowances. Scotland, for example, has already enjoyed an extra bank holiday day for qualifying for the World Cup.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tWhat are the bank holiday dates in England and Wales for 2027?\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Friday, January 1 New Year\u2019s Day<\/p>\n
Friday, March 26 Good Friday<\/p>\n
Monday, March 29 Easter Monday<\/p>\n
Monday, May 3 Early May bank holiday<\/p>\n
Monday, May 31 Spring bank holiday<\/p>\n
Monday, August 30 Summer bank holiday<\/p>\n
Monday, December 27 Christmas Day (substitute day)<\/p>\n
Monday, December 28 Boxing Day (substitute day)<\/p>\n
How to make the most of the bank holidays<\/p>\n
Making the most of bank holidays is all about taking off strategic days around them so you can tag on the weekends. This will let you take a longer chunk of time off without having to use as much of your holiday allowance.<\/p>\n
For example, for the upcoming August bank holiday, it\u2019s possible to stretch your leave by taking off the four days after the bank holiday Monday. With the weekends on either side, this gives you scope for a nine-day, sun-filled trip to the likes of a Greek<\/a> island or Lisbon<\/a>; or you could go further and consider a twin-centred African adventure \u2014 South Africa<\/a> and Namibia\u2019s spring-like flora (and exciting fauna) are irresistible at this time of year.<\/p>\n And then there\u2019s Christmas and new year. For 2026, you just need to take off the four days before Christmas and the three days of Twixmas to get 16 days off as Monday, December 28 is a substitute holiday for Boxing Day.<\/p>\n Travel newsletter<\/p>\n Our experts share the best travel inspiration, guides, hotel reviews and advice.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tSign up with one click<\/p>\n When is the next bank holiday in the UK?<\/p>\n For England<\/a> and Wales<\/a>, the next bank holiday is currently August 31. Scotland\u2019s summer bank holiday is on August 3. In Northern Ireland, July 13 will mark the Battle of the Boyne and will be the next bank holiday.<\/p>\n How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2026?<\/p>\n There are four nations in the UK and the number of bank holidays for each one is different. England and Wales each have eight bank holidays, Scotland has nine and Northern Ireland has ten.<\/p>\n In some years, there have also been additional bank holidays due to special events, such as the King\u2019s coronation in 2023. In 2026, Scotland had an additional bank holiday to mark its participation in Fifa World Cup.<\/p>\n What about bank holiday dates in Scotland?<\/p>\n![\"Beach](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/fbd2438f-36d8-4e8a-b0e1-6112e5bd0d2e.jpg\")
Southwold on the Suffolk Coast PathGetty Images<\/p>\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/246eebfa-cdda-4868-9249-4cad605c62cd.jpg\")
One of Lisbon\u2019s distinctive tramsGEtty Images<\/p>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1c10f037-2ec9-484b-bf77-59cf01893b12.jpg\")
The Shore by the Water of Leith in EdinburghAlamy<\/p>\n