Father's Day in the UK: When is it?
Father's Day in the United Kingdom is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
2026 Father's Day will be celebrated on Sunday 21st June.
Father's Day History
Father's Day has been observed in the United Kingdom since the early 20th century, becoming an increasingly popular holiday in recent years.
It's not a public holiday, but it is a day to honor fathers and father figures, such as grandfathers and stepfathers.
Typically observed on the third Sunday of June, Father's Day is a day to celebrate fathers and to highlight the significance of the paternal figure in our lives. It is a time for children to express their love and gratitude toward their fathers, and for adults to reflect on the positive contributions that fathers make to society.
Father's Day is still a meaningful and important day of celebration in the United Kingdom, even if it is not as widely celebrated as it is in other countries, such as the United States and throughout other Catholic based countries.
It has been proposed that Father's Day is linked to St. Joseph, who is a saint in the Catholic Church. He is recognized as the patron saint of fathers, and his feast day is commemorated on March 19th. Nevertheless, Father's Day is secular in nature and is not connected to any particular religion or to the celebration of St. Joseph or any other saint.
The modern holiday is intended as a way for children to show appreciation and gratitude to their fathers for the love and support they provide. It is also a way for families to come together and celebrate the important role that fathers play in their lives.
Book for Father's Day 2026
If you enjoyed your Father's Day 2025 experience with us here at Villiers Hotel then we’d love you to consider rebooking for an equally special Father's Day lunch in 2026.
Why not contact the sales department and ask about our Father's Day 2026 rebooking offers: sales@villiershotels.com
Father's Day In The UK
For more special offers and great value packages in the South-East over Father's Day, look no further than the options available at our sister properties.
Gorse Hill Hotel for Father's Day in Surrey | Easthampstead Park for Father's Day in Berkshire
Fathers Day Buckingham | Fathers Day Milton Keynes | Fathers Day Buckinghamshire
Interesting Father's Day Facts
Did You Know?
- Father's Day in the UK is a relatively new holiday, having only been celebrated since the 1960s. It was introduced later than Mother's Day.
- The original proposed date was on March 19th, the feast day of St Joseph who was considered the fatherly Nuturer of Jesus. However, this coincided with Marie Curie's Memorial Day so the date was changed.
- While Father's Day is celebrated in June in the US, the UK celebrates it on the third Sunday of June each year. The date fluctuates but is usually close to summer solstice.
- Typical Father's Day gifts in the UK include cards, slippers, ties, cigars, electronics and DIY tools. Taking dad out for a meal or to his favorite pub is also popular.
- Statistics show that consumers in the UK spend nearly half as much on Father's Day gifts compared to Mother's Day.
- The UK Father's Day is not an official public holiday.
- Football and cricket matches on Father's Day are extremely popular in the UK. Many families opt to take their dads out to these sporting events.
- Charities in the UK have introduced 'Father's Day' badges and pins to help raise awareness and funds for issues like prostate cancer.
- Conservatives in the UK have often voiced opposition to importing Father's Day from the US, which they consider a commercialised event.