UK Long Weekends are a great opportunity to unwind, travel, or spend quality time with loved ones. In 2025, the UK offers several long weekends due to public holidays aligning with weekends, giving workers a well-deserved break. Whether you’re planning a staycation or a quick getaway, this guide covers all the long weekends in the UK in 2025, along with ideas on how to make the most of them.
UK Public Holidays That Create Long Weekends in 2025
1. New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1st January 2025
Although New Year’s Day itself is not part of a long weekend, many employees take advantage of the Christmas and New Year period to extend their break by booking additional leave days. If you take the 2nd and 3rd of January off, you can create a five-day holiday starting from the previous weekend.
2. Good Friday – Friday, 18th April 2025 (3-Day Weekend)
The Easter weekend is one of the most anticipated holiday periods in the UK. Good Friday, observed on 18th April 2025, marks the start of a three-day weekend, ending with Easter Sunday on 20th April. This holiday is widely observed across the UK, with many businesses closing and schools already on their Easter break.
3. Easter Monday – Monday, 21st April 2025 (4-Day Weekend in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland enjoy a four-day weekend, thanks to Easter Monday being a bank holiday. However, Scotland does not observe Easter Monday as a public holiday. Many families use this time for vacations or visiting relatives, making it one of the busiest travel periods in the UK.
4. Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5th May 2025 (3-Day Weekend)
The Early May Bank Holiday, commonly known as May Day, falls on the first Monday of May, providing a long weekend that many use for short trips, festivals, or springtime activities. This is a perfect time for outdoor adventures, as the weather starts to warm up.
5. Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26th May 2025 (3-Day Weekend)
The last Monday in May marks another bank holiday, offering another three-day weekend. With warmer weather, this is an excellent time for outdoor activities and travel. Many families take advantage of this break for a mini holiday before the summer rush.
6. Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, 25th August 2025 (3-Day Weekend in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
For most of the UK, the Summer Bank Holiday provides another three-day weekend at the end of August. Scotland, however, observes its summer bank holiday earlier in the month, on Monday, 4th August 2025. This holiday is commonly associated with festivals, beach trips, and last-minute summer vacations before schools resume in September.
7. Christmas and Boxing Day – Thursday, 25th & Friday, 26th December 2025 (4-Day Weekend for Many)
Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on a Thursday and Friday in 2025, creating a natural four-day weekend. Many businesses close for the entire period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, making it an extended break for many employees. If you take leave from 29th to 31st December, you can enjoy a nine-day holiday.
How to Make the Most of Long Weekends in 2025
1. Plan a Staycation
Not everyone wants to travel far during a long weekend. The UK has plenty of stunning locations perfect for a relaxing break, including:
Lake District – Ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Cornwall – Beautiful beaches, charming villages, and fresh seafood.
Scottish Highlands – Breathtaking landscapes, castles, and outdoor adventures.
Cotswolds – A picturesque region with quaint villages and countryside retreats.
2. Explore Europe with a Quick Getaway
With Europe just a short flight away, destinations like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam make for excellent long weekend trips. Budget airlines often offer great deals for travelers looking to maximize their time off. Consider booking flights early to get the best prices.
3. Attend Festivals and Events
From Glastonbury in June to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the UK is packed with cultural events that align with long weekends. Planning ahead can help you make the most of these experiences. Some popular events include:
Brighton Festival (May) – A celebration of arts and culture.
Glastonbury Festival (June) – One of the world’s biggest music festivals.
Notting Hill Carnival (August Bank Holiday Weekend) – A vibrant Caribbean festival in London.
4. Enjoy Family Time
Public holidays provide a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s a barbecue in the garden, a countryside retreat, or a fun day out, long weekends offer valuable moments of connection. Many theme parks and zoos offer special deals during bank holiday weekends.
Maximizing Annual Leave for More Long Weekends
By strategically booking annual leave around public holidays, you can extend your breaks. Here are some smart leave booking strategies:
Take four days off between 22nd and 25th April to turn the Easter long weekend into a 10-day break.
Book 27th-30th May off to create a nine-day holiday with the Spring Bank Holiday.
Combine Christmas leave with New Year’s holidays for an extended break.
Take off 6th-9th May to enjoy a nine-day holiday including the May Bank Holiday.
Conclusion
UK long weekends in 2025 provide ample opportunities to relax, travel, and recharge. Whether you prefer a quiet countryside escape, an overseas adventure, or time spent with loved ones, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of these well-deserved breaks. With careful planning, you can extend your time off and make 2025 a year full of exciting experiences. Start marking your calendar and get ready for a fantastic year of holidays!