Bank Holiday Dates and School Holidays for 2025-2026

Knowing the key dates is essential for making the most of your year. This year, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. Whether you need to know the school holidays to plan your year as a family, or want to know the bank holidays to make as many memories as possible. Here is the full list of bank holidays and school holidays to help you organise the year ahead.

What Are The Bank Holidays For 2025?

  • Friday 18 April: Good Friday
  • Monday 21 April: Easter Monday
  • Monday 5 May: Early May Bank Holiday
  • Monday 26 May: Spring Bank Holiday
  • Monday 25 August: Summer Bank Holiday
  • Thursday 25 December: Christmas Day
  • Friday 26 December: Boxing Day

What Are The School Holidays For 2025?

  • Half term holiday: 17 February 2025 – 21 February 2025
  • Easter holiday: 7 April 2025 – 21 April 2025
  • Half term holiday: 26 May 2025 – 30 May 2025
  • Summer holiday: 24 July 2025 – 2 September 2025
  • Start of new term: 3 September 2025
  • Half term holiday: 27 October 2025 – 31 October 2025
  • Christmas holiday: 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026

Make sure to check with your local council for any potential changes in school holiday dates.

Is there an extra Bank Holiday in 2025?

There were rumours of an extra bank holiday in 2025 for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in May. This would have included commemorations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day or Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. With two bank holidays in May already, a third bank holiday would have made May the month to look forward to.

Unfortunately, the government has announced that there won’t be an extra bank holiday due to worries about the impact on the economy. Instead there will be commemorative events on the existing 5th May bank holiday. But don’t worry, the government has confirmed their budget includes £10m for funding events for the 5th May celebrations, making the May bank holiday something to look forward to.

Dates to Book Off to Make the Most of the Bank Holidays

Knowing the bank holiday dates and using your annual leave wisely can turn 24 days of annual leave into 61 days away from your desk. Here are the dates to book off.

Easter –Friday 18 April to Tuesday 6 May

The Easter bank holidays are Friday 18 April and Monday 21 April. This is shortly followed by the Early May bank holiday on Monday 5 May. Book off the nine days between these bank holiday dates to enjoy 18 days off.

May – Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May | Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June

There are two ways you can use four days of annual leave to enjoy nine days off in May. To get the Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May off, book off the rest of weekdays after the Early May Bank Holiday. To enjoy Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June away from work, book off the weekdays after the May Spring Bank Holiday.

August – Saturday 23 August to Sunday 31 August

With the summer bank holiday on Monday 25 August, make sure to book off the remaining weekdays after the monday so you can enjoy nine days off by only booking off four.

December – Saturday 20 December to Monday 5 January 2026

Make sure you enjoy the end of the year and can jump into the festivities by booking off the three days leading to Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and the days leading up to the New Year’s Day bank holiday. This will turn seven days off into 16.

What Should I Do On Bank Holidays and School Holidays?

The Bank Holidays and School Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy a holiday within the UK, Europe or abroad. It’s also an excellent time to try out new activities and experiences. Check out our discounts and offers on half term breaks and bank holiday activities.

Half Term Breaks | Things To Do Over May Bank Holiday | May Bank Holiday in Newcastle | May Bank Holiday in Glasgow