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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Independent Reporters

The dates of the May Bank Holidays – and how to maximise your annual leave

Bank Holiday England United Kingdom Wales

  • The next Bank Holiday in the UK falls on Monday, 4 May before the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May.
  • Employees in England and Wales can maximise their 2026 annual leave, potentially gaining 63 days off by strategically combining 28 days of leave with bank holidays and weekends.
  • Looking ahead to 2027, taking just three days of annual leave on 29, 30 and 31 of December could result in a 10-day break.
  • As Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day in 2027/2028 fall on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute bank holiday will be observed on 27 and 28 of December, and 3 January.
  • This extended break would run from Christmas Day 2027 until 3 January 2028.

IN FULL

Every UK bank holiday to add to your calendar in 2026

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