Visit London - the official website for London

Public Holidays

There are a number of public holidays (also known as Bank Holidays) throughout the year.

Many of London's shops, attractions and businesses stay open throughout the public holidays. Be sure to check opening times before visiting on these days as some will open for reduced hours and others might not open at all.  

 

Holiday

2008

2009

New Year's Day

Tuesday 1 January

 Tuesday 1 January

Good Friday

Friday 21 March

Friday 10 April 

Easter Monday

Monday 24 March

 Monday 13 April

Early May Bank Holiday

Monday 5 May

 Monday 4 May

Spring Bank Holiday

Monday 26 May

 Monday 25 May

Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 25 August

Monday 31 August 

Christmas Day

Thursday 25 December

 Friday 25 December

Boxing Day

Friday 26 December

 Saturday 26 December

School Holidays

School term dates change from year to year and differ from school to school. In particular there are differences between local authority-run schools and independent schools.

Traditionally, there are three school terms, with short mid-term (half term) breaks and a longer break over the summer:

Summer holiday: late July to early September
Autumn half term: final week of October
Christmas holidays: 20 December to 6 January
Spring half term: one week in mid-February
Easter holidays: two weeks either side of Easter Sunday
Summer half term: one week end of May/early June

There are further differences with many local authorities now adopting a standard school year. This is made up of 6 terms, each of a similar length.

Holiday Fun

Not sure how to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays? Visit our Kids Love London website or our What's On section for some inspirational ideas.

 

Public Holidays Useful Links

 

  • Thomas Cook
  • Merlin Entertainments
  • Morris Visitor Publications (MVP) in Europe
  • Collins