2025 Bank Holidays in UK: Get 61 days off with only 24 days’ annual leave; here's how you can plan your holiday calendar now

With the new year underway, it's the perfect time to map out your holiday calendar for 2025.

For workers in the UK, Bank Holidays in the UK provide an excellent opportunity to maximise annual leave and enjoy long breaks without exhausting your holiday allowance.

By strategically aligning your leave with bank holidays and weekends, you can turn your 24 days of annual leave into a remarkable 61 days off, as mentioned in the report by Metro.

Here’s how you can plan effectively.

Maximise Your Leave: Key Holiday Periods in 2025

Easter Break: April 18 to May 6

The Easter holidays offer a golden chance to enjoy an extended vacation. Good Friday falls on April 18, followed by Easter Monday on April 21. Pair these with the early May bank holiday on May 5, and you can enjoy 18 days off by booking just 9 days of annual leave.

May Holidays: Two Opportunities for Nine Days Off

May features two bank holidays that can work in your favour:

1. May 3 to May 11: Take four days of leave and enjoy nine days off, including the early May bank holiday on May 5.
2. May 24 to June 1: Similarly, the spring bank holiday on May 26 allows for another nine-day break using just four days of leave.

August Summer Holiday: August 23 to August 31

To soak up the summer sun, book four days off in August. Thanks to the summer bank holiday on August 25, you can turn this into nine days off to enjoy a well-deserved break.

Festive Season: December 20 to January 5, 2025

End the year on a high note by taking seven days of leave in December to cover the festive season. With Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), and New Year’s Day (January 1) included, this gives you an impressive 16 days off to spend with family and friends.

List of Bank Holidays in 2025

Here’s a quick rundown of the Bank Holidays in the UK for England and Wales:

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• April 18: Good Friday
• April 21: Easter Monday
• May 5: Early May Bank Holiday
• May 26: Spring Bank Holiday
• August 25: Summer Bank Holiday
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 26: Boxing Day

Understanding Annual Leave Entitlement

In the UK, full-time employees are entitled to 28 days of paid leave annually, inclusive of bank holidays.

However, the exact number may vary depending on your employer, work patterns, or tenure.

This strategy primarily benefits Monday-to-Friday workers with bank holidays off by default.

Unfortunately, it may not apply to those in industries like retail, hospitality, or seasonal trades, where flexibility is limited.

FAQs:

How many bank holidays are there in the UK?

The UK observes approximately eight public holidays annually. On these bank holidays, some businesses and attractions in London may either remain closed or operate with reduced hours.

Which UK country has the most bank holidays?

Northern Ireland stands out for having the most bank holidays, both in 2023 and in a typical year.