Did you know that there are eight bank holidays in the UK each year? Understanding these dates is crucial for planning a well-deserved break. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or a family man, taking advantage of a bank holiday can be a game-changer for your mental and physical health.
With so much to see and do in the UK, it’s essential to plan ahead. From the vibrant streets of London to the picturesque countryside of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences waiting for you. Knowing the bank holiday dates in advance can help you make the most of your time off.
In 2025, the UK will observe the following bank holidays:
- Monday, 6 January
- Friday, 19 April
- Friday, 25 April
- Monday, 26 May
- Monday, 25 August
- Monday, 27 October
- Wednesday, 25 December (substitute day for Christmas Day)
- Tuesday, 26 December (substitute day for Boxing Day)
Plan your break wisely and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
Maximise Your Break: 5 Essential Bank Holidays to Plan Around

If you’re planning to take a break in 2025, I recommend you consider UK bank holidays, which can greatly impact travel plans and accommodation bookings. According to the UK government’s official website, there are nine bank holidays in 2025.
Bank Holiday Dates 2025:
| Date | Day of the Week | Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2025 | Tuesday | New Year's Day |
| 19 April 2025 | Friday | Good Friday |
| 22 April 2025 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 25 May 2025 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 26 May 2025 | Tuesday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 27 May 2025 | Wednesday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 December 2025 | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December 2025 | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
I recommend you maximise your breaks by planning around the following five essential bank holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day (1 January 2025): Kick-start the year with a bang by taking a short break to unwind and recharge. I suggest visiting nearby cities or taking a short weekend getaway to a nearby town.
- Easter Holidays (19-22 April 2025): Easter is a great time to plan a family holiday. I recommend taking a trip to a theme park, a beach resort, or a city break to make the most of the long Easter weekend.
- Spring Bank Holiday (25-27 May 2025): With three consecutive days off, you can plan a longer break to explore the UK’s countryside, visit historic sites, or take a relaxing weekend in a spa town.
- Summer Bank Holiday (not listed, but in August 2025): If you’re planning a summer break, I suggest taking a trip to a coastal town, a national park, or a city with a vibrant cultural scene.
- Christmas and New Year (25-26 December 2025): End the year on a high note by taking a festive break to enjoy the holiday season. I recommend visiting cities with festive markets, taking a winter wonderland break, or planning a family holiday to create lasting memories.
By planning your breaks around these essential bank holidays, you can make the most of your time off and create unforgettable experiences in 2025.
The Truth About UK Bank Holidays in 2025: What You Need to Know

Plan Your Break: UK Bank Holiday Dates 2025
If you’re planning a holiday in the UK, you’ll want to know when the bank holidays are so you can make the most of your time off. There are eight bank holidays in 2025, and I recommend checking the dates below to avoid any last-minute planning.
Bank Holidays 2025 Calendar:
| Date | Day of the Week | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2025 | Friday | New Year's Day |
| 19 April 2025 | Saturday | Good Friday |
| 22 April 2025 | Tuesday | Easter Monday |
| 5 May 2025 | Thursday | Early May Bank Holiday |
| 26 May 2025 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 August 2025 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 27 December 2025 | Wednesday | Boxing Day |
| 28 December 2025 | Thursday | Christmas Day (substitute bank holiday) |
I’ve made a list of practical tips to help you plan your break:
- Book your accommodation early: Popular destinations can fill up quickly, especially during bank holiday weekends.
- Check for events and festivals: Many UK towns and cities host events and festivals during bank holidays, so it’s worth checking what’s on near your destination.
- Plan ahead for travel: If you’re planning to travel to a popular destination, check for road closures and plan your route in advance.
Popular Bank Holiday Destinations:
- Cornwall: With its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, Cornwall is a popular destination for bank holiday makers.
- Lake District: If you prefer the great outdoors, the Lake District is a great choice, with its stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
- Edinburgh: If you’re looking for a city break, Edinburgh is a great choice, with its rich history and culture.
Remember to check the weather forecast before you go, and pack accordingly. With these tips and dates, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic bank holiday break in the UK.
Why You Should Plan Your UK Break Around Bank Holidays in 2025

I recommend planning your UK break around bank holidays in 2025 for a more enjoyable and stress-free trip. With eight bank holidays, you can make the most of your time off and create unforgettable memories.
Bank Holidays in 2025: A Sneak Peek
| Date | Bank Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2025 | New Year's Day |
| 19 April 2025 | Good Friday |
| 22 April 2025 | Easter Monday |
| 25 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday |
| 26 May 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday is on a Monday, but you could take a long weekend from Friday 23 May to Monday 26 May. |
| 25 August 2025 | Summer Bank Holiday |
| 27 October 2025 | Halloween is near but October Half Term is 27 October. |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day |
Long Weekends in 2025
If you can, I suggest taking a long weekend around the bank holidays. Here are some examples:
- New Year’s Long Weekend (1-4 January): Escape the cold and visit Scotland or northern England for a festive atmosphere.
- Easter Long Weekend (18-22 April): Head to the Lake District or Wales for stunning natural beauty.
- Spring Bank Long Weekend (23-26 May): Visit the historic city of Bath or enjoy the beaches in Devon.
- Summer Bank Long Weekend (23-26 August): Explore the scenic coastline of Cornwall or take a city break in Edinburgh.
Practical Tips
Before planning your trip, consider the following:
- Book your accommodation and flights in advance to avoid high prices.
- Research local events and festivals to ensure they don’t clash with your plans.
- Check the weather forecast to pack accordingly.
- Plan your itinerary around popular attractions to avoid crowds.
By taking these tips into account and planning your break around the UK bank holidays in 2025, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable experience and make the most of your time off.
Unlock Hidden Gems: 5 X Ways to Make the Most of UK Bank Holidays in 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, I recommend making the most of the UK bank holidays. With eight long weekends to enjoy, you can explore hidden gems in the country or take a well-deserved break.
2025 UK Bank Holidays:
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | New Year's Day |
| April 21, 2025 | Easter Monday |
| May 4, 2025 | Early May Bank Holiday |
| May 25, 2025 | Spring Bank Holiday |
| August 25, 2025 | Summer Bank Holiday |
| December 25, 2025 | Christmas Day |
| December 26, 2025 | Boxing Day |
| December 27, 2025 | Additional Bank Holiday (Scotland only) |
To make the most of these bank holidays, I recommend considering the following five ways to explore the UK.
1. Visit Iconic Landmarks
- Take a trip to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wiltshire, and witness the sunrise on the summer solstice.
- Explore the historic city of Bath, famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
- Visit the iconic Buckingham Palace in London and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
2. Discover Coastal Towns
- Head to St Ives, a charming seaside town in Cornwall, known for its artistic community and stunning beaches.
- Visit the picturesque fishing village of Whitby, famous for its connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Explore the vibrant city of Brighton, with its iconic pier and lively cultural scene.
3. Enjoy Outdoor Activities
- Go hiking in the beautiful Lake District National Park, with its stunning lakes and mountains.
- Visit the scenic Peak District National Park, perfect for hiking and cycling.
- Take a scenic drive along the Northumberland Coast, with its stunning beaches and historic castles.
4. Explore Cultural Events
- Attend the Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s most famous music festivals.
- Visit the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, a spectacular display of hot air balloons.
- Explore the vibrant arts scene in Edinburgh, with its numerous galleries and museums.
5. Take a City Break
- Visit the historic city of Oxford, famous for its university and iconic Bodleian Library.
- Explore the vibrant city of Manchester, with its rich industrial heritage and lively cultural scene.
- Take a trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, with its stunning castle and festival atmosphere.
By considering these five ways to explore the UK, you can make the most of the bank holidays in 2025 and discover some of the country’s hidden gems.
Plan Your Dream Break: How to Make the Most of UK Bank Holidays in 2025

Plan Your Dream Break: How to Make the Most of UK Bank Holidays in 2025
As we look forward to the upcoming year, I recommend making the most of the eight UK bank holidays in 2025. These breaks provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore new destinations, or catch up with loved ones.
UK Bank Holiday Dates 2025:
| Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|
| 1st January 2025 | Monday |
| 19th April 2025 | Monday |
| 25th May 2025 | Monday |
| 26th May 2025 | Tuesday |
| 25th August 2025 | Monday |
| 27th August 2025 | Tuesday |
| 22nd December 2025 | Wednesday |
| 25th December 2025 | Thursday |
Bank Holidays are a great time to plan a short break, whether it’s a city getaway, a beach vacation, or a countryside retreat. I recommend considering the following destinations for your 2025 bank holiday breaks:
Top 5 UK Cities to Visit in 2025:
- London: Discover the city’s iconic landmarks, museums, and cultural events.
- Edinburgh: Explore the Scottish capital’s rich history, castle, and festivals.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs.
- Cardiff: Enjoy the Welsh capital’s vibrant atmosphere, castles, and cultural attractions.
- Manchester: Experience the Northern Quarter’s street art, music scene, and sports events.
For a more relaxed break, consider booking a cottage or hotel in the countryside, where you can enjoy peaceful walks, scenic views, and local amenities.
Practical Tips:
- Book early: Reserve your accommodations and flights well in advance to avoid high prices and availability issues.
- Plan ahead: Research your destination, and make a list of activities and attractions to visit.
- Travel smart: Consider eco-friendly transport options, and pack essentials like sunscreen and a portable charger.
By planning ahead and making the most of your UK bank holidays in 2025, you’ll create unforgettable memories and experiences to cherish throughout the year.
As you plan your break in the UK, make sure to mark down these essential bank holiday dates for 2025 in your calendar. From Easter Monday to Spring Bank Holiday, and from Summer Bank Holiday to Boxing Day, these holidays offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you choose to explore the UK’s stunning countryside, visit its vibrant cities, or simply enjoy a relaxing staycation, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to plan ahead, book your accommodations and activities early to avoid last-minute stress. A final tip: consider visiting popular destinations outside of the peak bank holiday periods for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. As we look to 2026, which bank holiday dates will you be keen to explore?



