Good Friday in the United Kingdom
View the global Good Friday guide
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a bank holiday throughout the UK.
Good Friday
Holiday
United Kingdom
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Apr
03
April 3, 2026
Good Friday Date in United Kingdom
Date
April 3, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Good Friday Dates in United Kingdom
Good Friday 2026
- Confirmed Official England & Wales bank holiday; GOV.UK.
Good Friday 2027
- Confirmed Official England & Wales Good Friday bank holiday; GOV.UK.
Good Friday 2028
- Confirmed 2028 England & Wales bank holiday derived from statutory calendar rule; verify against GOV.UK when the 2028 calendar is published.
History of Good Friday
Christian observance recalls the crucifixion of Jesus.
Importance of Good Friday
Bank holidays differ among England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A bank holiday also does not automatically create a legal right to paid leave; entitlement depends on the employment contract and statutory annual leave rules.
How Good Friday Is Celebrated in United Kingdom
Christian observance recalls the crucifixion of Jesus.
Office Impact
Many public offices close, but essential services continue. Check the relevant UK nation and organisation because the bank-holiday calendars are not identical.
Bank Impact
Bank branches generally close and payment processing may shift. Online services remain available, subject to settlement timetables.
School Impact
School terms are set locally and vary across the UK. Check the relevant council, school or education authority rather than treating the bank-holiday list as a complete school calendar.
Travel Information
Good Friday begins the Easter travel weekend. Rail engineering work and reduced local services require route-specific checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Friday in the United Kingdom a bank holiday everywhere in the UK?
Check the relevant nation. Easter Monday, for example, is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland.
Does everyone receive paid leave?
No. Employers may count bank holidays within statutory annual leave.
Where are official dates published?
GOV.UK publishes separate lists for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Regional variations
This holiday has region-specific dates or observance.