As January progresses, many individuals are anticipating warmer temperatures and well-deserved breaks from work. With the start of the new calendar year, annual leave balances reset, offering a fresh allocation to plan for leisure time.
There are strategies to maximize the use of this leave. In 2026, there will be several extended weekends due to weekends and bank holidays. England and Wales are set to enjoy eight bank holidays this year, providing ample opportunities for short getaways.
The upcoming bank holiday falls on Friday, April 3, which is Good Friday. As Easter falls on Sunday, April 5, this year, Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday) will also be a bank holiday. This creates a four-day break for those not working over weekends or holidays.
By strategically scheduling time off, it is possible to extend this break to a 14-day period using only eight days of leave. Planning to be off on Monday and Tuesday, March 30 and 31, as well as Wednesday and Thursday, April 1 and 2, and Tuesday to Friday, April 7-10, can achieve this extended break.
Additional long weekends are lined up in May, with bank holidays on May 4 (first Monday) and May 25 (last Monday), as well as in August with the summer bank holiday on Monday, August 31.