Public Holidays

London (and the UK as a whole) has eight public holidays which can impact visitors.

They’re referred to as bank holidays, since by tradition banks aren’t allowed to open on these days. Most locals will get these days off work, but with the exception of Christmas day, shops, restaurants and places of entertainment generally stay open.  However, during bank holidays, expect public transport to run a reduced Sunday service.

NEW YEAR’S DAY
Monday, 3 January 2011
If January 1 falls on a weekend, the Monday after will become the public holiday

GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, 22 April 2011
As the actual date of Easter follows the Liturgic calendar, the time of this holiday changes from year to year

EASTER MONDAY
Monday, 25 April 2011
The Monday after Easter Sunday; again, changes from year to year

MAY DAY
Monday, 2 May 2011
The first Monday in May

SPRING BANK HOLIDAY
Monday, 30 May 2011
The last Monday in May

SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY
Monday, 29 August 2011
The last Monday in August

CHRISTMAS DAY
Saturday, December 25 2010
Monday, December 26 2011*
The one day of the year when almost everything in town will be closed
*Substitute day, given when the usual date of a public or bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday

BOXING DAY
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Tuesday, 27 December 2011*
Traditionally, a day when people go to sporting events or out shopping; many major department stores will begin sales on this day
*Substitute day, given when the usual date of a public or bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday