As the UK welcomes in 2026, many are already looking past the festive season to plan their next break. Knowing the official bank holiday dates is key to strategically booking annual leave and maximising your time away from work.
Maximising Your Annual Leave in 2026
By cleverly booking days off around the public holidays, you can significantly extend your breaks. For instance, a few days of annual leave either side of a bank holiday weekend can create a lengthy getaway. This forward planning is especially appealing as the glow of Christmas and New Year celebrations begins to fade.
The AA has also issued a timely warning for the first working Monday back, January 5, 2026. They predict it will be a 'manic Monday' for breakdowns, with over 22 million car journeys expected. Last year saw a 27% spike in breakdown requests on the equivalent day.
AA expert Shaun Jones advised: "A bit of planning and preparation can avoid simple problems like flat tyres or a dead battery. Checking your car over the weekend before you head back to work can save a lot of stress and frustration on what is already a challenging day."
The Complete 2026 Bank Holiday Calendar
The bank holidays differ slightly across the nations of the UK. Here is the full schedule to help you plan.
England and Wales
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Friday, January 2 - 2nd January
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 3 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday, November 30 - St Andrew's Day
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland
- Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
- Tuesday, March 17 - St Patrick's Day
- Friday, April 3 - Good Friday
- Monday, April 6 - Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 - Early May Bank Holiday
- Monday, May 25 - Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, July 13 - Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- Monday, August 31 - Summer Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
- Monday, December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day)
Plan Ahead for a Better Year
With the full list of dates now available, 2026 is your canvas for planning memorable holidays and well-deserved rest. Mark these key dates in your diary, consider how to use your annual leave most effectively, and ensure a smoother return to work in January by giving your vehicle a quick check. A little organisation now can pave the way for a more enjoyable and relaxed year ahead.
