Planning your time off in 2025? Knowing the UK bank holiday schedule can transform a simple day off into a rejuvenating long weekend. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside escape, a city adventure, or just some quality time with loved ones, these public holidays offer the perfect opportunity to recharge.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the confirmed 2025 bank holidays across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, share tips to maximize your annual leave, and highlight key long weekend opportunities. Let’s dive in and make 2025 a year of unforgettable breaks!
Why Bank Holidays Matter in 2025
Bank holidays in the UK are more than just days off—they’re a chance to pause, celebrate, and create memories. From religious observances like Easter to cultural moments like St Andrew’s Day, these holidays vary across the UK’s regions, reflecting their unique histories. In 2025, the calendar aligns to offer several bonus long weekends, especially in spring and summer. By planning strategically, you can stretch your annual leave into extended breaks without exhausting your holiday allowance.
A Quick Overview of UK Bank Holidays
The UK typically observes eight to ten bank holidays annually, depending on the region. England and Wales usually have eight, Scotland nine, and Northern Ireland ten, with regional differences like St Patrick’s Day or the Battle of the Boyne. If a holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day (usually the following Monday) ensures workers still get their break. Below, we’ll break down the 2025 dates and highlight opportunities for extended weekends.
Bank Holidays in 2025: Full List by Region
Let’s explore the 2025 bank holiday calendar for each UK region. The tables below provide a clear snapshot of the dates, days of the week, and potential for long weekends.
England and Wales: 8 Bank Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Day | Long Weekend Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Wednesday | Midweek break, extend with 2–3 January |
| 18 April | Good Friday | Friday | 4-day weekend (18–21 April) |
| 21 April | Easter Monday | Monday | 4-day weekend (18–21 April) |
| 5 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (3–5 May) |
| 26 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (24–26 May) |
| 25 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (23–25 August) |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Thursday | Extend with 26 December for a long weekend |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | Friday | 4-day weekend possible (25–28 December) |
Key Tip: Book 14–17 April and 22–25 April around Easter to secure 16 consecutive days off using just eight leave days. Similarly, taking 22–24 and 29–31 December can yield 13 days off with six leave days.
Scotland: 9 Bank Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Day | Long Weekend Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Wednesday | Midweek break, extend with 2–3 January |
| 2 January | 2nd January | Thursday | Combine with 1 January for a longer break |
| 18 April | Good Friday | Friday | 4-day weekend (18–21 April) |
| 5 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (3–5 May) |
| 26 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (24–26 May) |
| 4 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (2–4 August) |
| 1 December | St Andrew’s Day (substitute) | Monday | 3-day weekend (29 November–1 December) |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Thursday | Extend with 26 December for a long weekend |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | Friday | 4-day weekend possible (25–28 December) |
Note: Scotland’s 2nd January and St Andrew’s Day add unique opportunities for breaks. Taking 6–9 May after the Early May Bank Holiday can give you nine days off with four leave days.
Northern Ireland: 10 Bank Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Day | Long Weekend Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Wednesday | Midweek break, extend with 2–3 January |
| 17 March | St Patrick’s Day | Monday | 3-day weekend (15–17 March) |
| 18 April | Good Friday | Friday | 4-day weekend (18–21 April) |
| 21 April | Easter Monday | Monday | 4-day weekend (18–21 April) |
| 5 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (3–5 May) |
| 26 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (24–26 May) |
| 14 July | Battle of the Boyne | Monday | 3-day weekend (12–14 July) |
| 25 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday | 3-day weekend (23–25 August) |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Thursday | Extend with 26 December for a long weekend |
| 26 December | Boxing Day | Friday | 4-day weekend possible (25–28 December) |
Highlight: Northern Ireland’s extra holidays, like St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne, make it the region with the most bank holidays. Book 26–29 August for nine days off with four leave days.
Maximizing Your 2025 Annual Leave
With a standard UK annual leave entitlement of 28 days, strategic planning around bank holidays can turn short breaks into extended vacations. Here are some top tips to stretch your time off:
- Bridge the gaps: Take a few days before or after a Monday or Friday bank holiday to create a week-long break. For example, booking 6–9 May after the Early May Bank Holiday yields nine days off with four leave days.
- Leverage Easter: The Easter weekend (18–21 April) is a golden opportunity. Book eight days around it (14–17 and 22–25 April) for a 16-day break.
- Plan Christmas early: Taking 22–24 and 29–31 December can give you 13 days off, perfect for a festive getaway or family time.
- Book early for travel: Bank holiday weekends are popular, so secure flights, trains, or accommodations in advance to avoid inflated prices.
- Check regional differences: If you work across UK regions, align leave with your region’s holidays to avoid missing out.
By using just 25–31 days of annual leave, you could enjoy up to 55–65 days off in 2025, depending on your region and planning.
Bonus Long Weekends to Watch in 2025
The 2025 calendar is kind to those craving long weekends. Here are the standout opportunities:
- Easter Weekend (18–21 April): A four-day weekend across all regions, ideal for a spring getaway.
- Early May Bank Holiday (3–5 May): A three-day weekend to kick off summer plans.
- Spring Bank Holiday (24–26 May): Another three-day break, perfect for festivals or countryside retreats.
- Summer Bank Holiday (23–25 August, or 2–4 August in Scotland): A late summer long weekend for beach trips or BBQs.
- Christmas and Boxing Day (25–28 December): With Boxing Day on a Friday, you can extend this into a four-day weekend or longer with strategic leave.
Pro Tip: There’s been speculation about an extra bank holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, but the government has confirmed no additional holiday. Instead, the Early May Bank Holiday (5 May) may include commemorative events.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Workplace policies: Employers aren’t legally required to provide paid leave on bank holidays, so check your contract. Essential workers (e.g., healthcare, police) may receive extra pay for holiday shifts.
- School holidays: Schools typically close on bank holidays, but term dates vary. For example, Easter holidays run from 11–28 April in many areas, aligning with the bank holidays.
- Public services: Expect reduced public transport, especially on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Many shops and attractions may close or have limited hours, particularly on Easter Sunday.
Conclusion
The 2025 UK bank holiday calendar is brimming with opportunities to create memorable long weekends and extended breaks. Whether you’re in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, a little planning can transform your annual leave into a year of adventure and relaxation.
From the vibrant springtime Easter break to the festive cheer of Christmas and Boxing Day, these holidays are your chance to explore, unwind, and make every moment count. Mark your calendar, book your leave early, and get ready to make 2025 a year of unforgettable escapes!
FAQs
When is the next bank holiday in the UK in 2025?
The next bank holiday after 1 January 2025 is Good Friday, 18 April 2025, followed by Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, creating a four-day weekend.
How many bank holidays are there in 2025?
- England and Wales: 8 bank holidays
- Scotland: 9 bank holidays
- Northern Ireland: 10 bank holidays
Can I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
There’s no legal right to extra pay, but many employers, especially in essential services like healthcare or emergency services, offer enhanced pay rates. Check your employment contract.
How can I maximize my annual leave in 2025?
Book leave around bank holidays to create longer breaks. For example, taking 14–17 and 22–25 April around Easter can give you 16 days off with eight leave days. Similarly, 22–24 and 29–31 December can yield 13 days off with six leave days.
Are there any new bank holidays in 2025?
No new bank holidays are confirmed for 2025. Speculation about an extra holiday for the 80th anniversary of World War II was dismissed, but the Early May Bank Holiday (5 May) may feature commemorative events.
