'Public holidays and celebrations are a large part of UK culture. When they come around people make the most of them - whether it's a party at New year, a carnival in May or ice cream on the beach in August.'
The UK's main public holidays are at Easter (dates vary, March/April), Christmas and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December), and New Year (January 1). There are also several bank holidays when schools, colleges, universities, banks and many work places are closed for the day.
The dates of several UK public holidays differ slightly each year and the four UK countries have different numbers of bank holidays in total – eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland.
Visit Gov.uk for a full list of public holidays in the UK.
Traditional UK celebrations
One of the best ways to experience UK traditions is to join in with one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year. Have a look at our article on festivals for some ideas.
The dates of several UK public holidays differ slightly each year and the four UK countries have different numbers of bank holidays in total – eight in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and ten in Northern Ireland.
Visit Gov.uk for a full list of public holidays in the UK.
Traditional UK celebrations
One of the best ways to experience UK traditions is to join in with one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year. Have a look at our article on festivals for some ideas.
Your institution or student union are also likely to organise activities to help you celebrate some of the major events, or you could check your local newspaper listings to find out what’s happening in the UK region you’re studying in.
The Education UK interactive calendar and map can help you explore what's on all over the UK at different times of year.
The Education UK interactive calendar and map can help you explore what's on all over the UK at different times of year.
