The August Bank Holiday 2025 is one of the most anticipated long weekends of the year in the UK. It marks the unofficial finale of summer, a last chance to enjoy festivals, seaside trips, barbecues, and family gatherings before schools reopen and autumn slowly creeps in. But the exact date, what’s open, where to go, and how busy it gets can vary depending on where you live in the UK – so it’s worth planning properly.
In 2025, the main August Bank Holiday (Summer Bank Holiday) falls on Monday 25 August 2025 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, however, the August bank holiday is earlier, on Monday 4 August 2025, because Scotland keeps the traditional “first Monday of August” date.
When Is the August Bank Holiday 2025?
To avoid any confusion, here’s how the dates look in 2025:
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England & Wales: Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25 August 2025
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Northern Ireland: Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25 August 2025
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Scotland: Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 4 August 2025
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the August Bank Holiday is always on the last Monday of August. In Scotland, it stays on the first Monday of August, a tradition rooted in the original Bank Holidays Act of 1871.
For most people, this means a three-day weekend:
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Saturday 23 – Monday 25 August 2025 (long weekend in England, Wales, NI)
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Saturday 2 – Monday 4 August 2025 (long weekend in Scotland)
What Actually Is the August Bank Holiday?
The August Bank Holiday, often called the Summer Bank Holiday, is a public holiday that gives workers an extra day off, with many businesses and services either closed or operating reduced hours. It was originally introduced to give bank workers a day off to attend events and enjoy late-summer leisure, but over time it has become a nationwide tradition for:
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Short breaks and staycations
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Music festivals and cultural events
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Family days out, barbecues, and picnics
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Last big trip to the beach before school resumes
Unlike Easter or Christmas, this holiday isn’t tied to a religious festival; it’s purely about rest, leisure, and summer fun.
Travel and Traffic: What to Expect on August Bank Holiday 2025
The August Bank Holiday is famous for busy roads and packed trains, and 2025 is no exception. Estimates suggest that around 18 million leisure trips are expected to take place over the bank holiday weekend, with drivers in England and Wales alone planning more than 17 million journeys between Friday and Monday.
Busiest Travel Times
Based on current predictions for the 2025 August Bank Holiday:
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Friday: Peaks between 10am and 7pm
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Saturday: Heavy traffic from 9am to 5pm
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Monday (Bank Holiday): Congestion likely from 11am to 6pm
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Sunday: Usually the quietest day on the roads
Major hotspots are expected on routes to popular coastal and holiday destinations, especially:
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M5 between Bristol and the South West (Devon, Cornwall)
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M20 in Kent for Channel crossings to Europe
On the rail network, engineering works and reduced services are also planned around the August bank holiday weekend, particularly on key lines such as parts of the East Coast Main Line and certain Avanti West Coast routes. Passengers are strongly advised to check timetables and service updates before travelling.
Smart tip: If you can be flexible, travel after 7pm on Friday, before 9am on Saturday, or before 11am on Monday to dodge the worst of the traffic.
What’s Open on the August Bank Holiday?
One of the biggest questions people have is: “Will shops be open on the August Bank Holiday 2025?” The answer is generally yes, but hours are often reduced.
Supermarkets and Shops
For Monday 25 August 2025, large UK supermarket chains such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Co-op, Iceland, M&S and Waitrose plan to open, but mostly with shortened hours. Typical patterns for England and Wales include:
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Aldi: Around 8am–8pm
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Sainsbury’s (supermarkets): Usually 8am–8pm
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Sainsbury’s Local / convenience: Often 7am–11pm
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Tesco large stores: Commonly 8am–6pm in England & Wales
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Tesco Express: Largely close to normal opening hours
Exact times vary by location and store type, so it’s always best to check each supermarket’s online store locator closer to the date.
Banks, Post Offices and Public Services
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Banks and most offices: Closed on the bank holiday Monday.
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Post and deliveries: No regular Royal Mail deliveries on the day; many couriers also adjust schedules and warn of delays around the bank holiday period.
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GP surgeries and some healthcare services: Often closed except for out-of-hours and emergency care; pharmacies may run Sunday-style or reduced hours.
Tourist attractions, museums, theme parks, zoos and coastal resorts usually stay open, and in many cases are at their busiest of the year.
Ideas for Making the Most of August Bank Holiday 2025
Because this is the final big summer break, many people use the August Bank Holiday to squeeze in one last memorable outing.
1. Short City Breaks
Cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff and Belfast remain lively and full of events across the weekend. Expect:
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Outdoor food markets and pop-up events
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Museum exhibitions, galleries and cultural festivals
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West End or local theatre shows
If you’re planning a city break, book hotels and trains well in advance, as prices usually climb towards late August.
2. Seaside Escapes
Traditional seaside destinations – Brighton, Bournemouth, Blackpool, Whitby, Cornwall, Devon, Llandudno, Portrush and more – are classic August Bank Holiday choices. Pack for:
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Busy beaches and full car parks by midday
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Longer queues for ice cream, fish and chips, and attractions
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A very British mix of sunshine, clouds and surprise showers
Arrive early, especially on the Monday, to secure parking and a good spot on the sand.
3. Festivals and Events
Across the UK, the August Bank Holiday often coincides with:
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Music festivals (from huge national events to smaller local ones)
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Food and drink festivals celebrating regional produce
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Carnivals and parades in some cities and towns
Some events sell out months ahead, so it’s wise to look up what’s happening near you and book tickets in advance.
Planning Tips: Work, School and Weather
Work and Pay
Employees in the UK don’t automatically get bank holidays off by law, but most full-time workers either:
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Get the day off as part of their annual leave package, or
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Are paid extra or given time off in lieu if they work it.
The exact rules depend on your employment contract, so it’s worth checking the wording early if you want to plan a long trip.
Schools and Term Dates
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the late August bank holiday usually lands just before the new school year begins in early September. That’s why many families use this weekend for a final family holiday before term starts again.
Weather
UK weather in late August is famously unpredictable. Historically, it can range from glorious sunshine to heavy showers, sometimes in the same day. A sensible bank holiday packing list includes:
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Light clothing and sunscreen
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A waterproof jacket or umbrella
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Comfortable walking shoes
Checking the local weather forecast a few days before the holiday can help you decide whether to aim for the beach, countryside walks, or indoor attractions like museums.
How to Prepare Now for August Bank Holiday 2025
Even though August might feel far away, a bit of advanced planning can make a big difference:
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Book accommodation early in popular areas (coastal towns, national parks, major cities).
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Keep an eye on train timetables and roadworks updates, especially if you’re using major routes like the M5, M6, M1, or travelling to/from London.
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Check attraction opening times and tickets – some venues now require pre-booked entry slots.
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Budget for slightly higher prices during the peak weekend.
Related: 2025 Bank Holidays: The Complete Guide to Every Major Closure & Long Weekend
Conclusion
The August Bank Holiday 2025 whether that’s 4 August in Scotland or 25 August in the rest of the UK, is far more than just a day off. It’s a turning point in the year: the last major celebration of summer, a chance to reset before autumn routines begin, and a shared moment when the whole country slows down just a little.
With the right planning choosing the right travel times, checking what’s open, and booking ahead. You can turn this long weekend into a relaxed mini-holiday, a lively festival escape, or simply a peaceful few days at home with friends and family.