If you are searching for a complete holiday list for 2026, understanding UK bank holidays and key international travel periods is essential for planning annual leave, family trips and strategic breaks. Smart timing can significantly reduce costs and maximise time off.
This guide outlines the official UK public holiday list for 2026, explains how to optimise annual leave, and highlights major global holiday periods that may affect travel pricing.
Contents
UK Bank Holiday List 2026 (England and Wales)
- New Year’s Day – Thursday 1 January 2026
- Good Friday – Friday 3 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 25 May 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day – Friday 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day (substitute day) – Monday 28 December 2026
Scotland and Northern Ireland observe additional regional bank holidays, so always confirm dates if travelling from those regions.
How to Maximise Annual Leave in 2026
Strategic booking around the official holiday list can extend your time off without significantly increasing annual leave usage.
New Year Strategy
Taking 2 to 3 days of leave around New Year’s Day can create a long winter break.
Easter Break
Booking four days off around Good Friday can generate a 10-day holiday window.
May Bank Holidays
May offers two bank holidays, making it ideal for long weekends or short-haul European breaks.
Christmas 2026
With Christmas Day falling on a Friday and Boxing Day observed on Monday, minimal leave days can produce an extended festive break.
School Holiday Periods in 2026
School holidays significantly impact travel demand and pricing. While dates vary by local authority, general periods include:
- February half term
- Easter holidays (late March or early April)
- Late May half term
- Summer holidays (late July to early September)
- October half term
- Christmas holidays
Family travellers should book early for peak periods such as summer and October half term to secure preferred resorts.
Global Holiday Periods That Affect Travel Prices
International holidays can influence flight and accommodation pricing, even when departing from the UK.
Chinese New Year
Typically in January or February, this period increases demand for travel across Asia.
Ramadan and Eid
Travel demand rises significantly in the Middle East during Eid celebrations.
Golden Week (Japan)
Late April to early May is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods, impacting hotel pricing.
US Thanksgiving
Late November sees increased domestic travel within the United States.
Best Months for Cheaper Holidays
Outside official UK bank holidays and school breaks, the following months often deliver stronger travel value:
- March (excluding Easter)
- Early May (before half term)
- Early June
- September
- Early November
Travelling during these periods can significantly reduce overall holiday costs.
Holiday List Planning for Different Travel Styles
Family Travel
Align holidays with school breaks and book at least six months in advance for summer departures.
Couples and Flexible Travellers
Target shoulder season travel immediately before or after bank holiday periods for lower pricing.
Remote Workers
Combining remote work flexibility with bank holidays can extend travel opportunities without using excessive annual leave.
How Bank Holidays Affect Flight Prices
Flights departing on the Friday before a bank holiday typically cost more due to demand. Midweek departures around the same period often provide better value.
Booking 3 to 6 months in advance for short-haul and 4 to 8 months ahead for long-haul travel improves pricing outcomes.
Travel Insurance and Public Holidays
Travel during peak holiday periods increases disruption risk due to high passenger volumes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellations and delays is recommended, particularly during Christmas and summer holidays.
Holiday List 2026 at a Glance
For quick reference, the key UK-wide public holiday dates in 2026 are:
- 1 January
- 3 April
- 4 May
- 25 May
- 31 August
- 25 December
- 28 December
Use this holiday list to plan annual leave strategically and avoid peak pricing traps.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Holiday List
A clear understanding of the UK holiday list allows you to plan smarter, travel more efficiently and control costs. By aligning annual leave with public holidays and monitoring school break periods, UK travellers can maximise time away while minimising expenditure.
Whether you are planning short European breaks or long-haul escapes, structured planning around the official holiday calendar remains one of the most effective travel strategies available.