UK Public Holidays 2025: If you’ve ever wondered, “When’s the next bank holiday?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re dreaming of a long weekend, a trip abroad, or just need time to recharge, knowing the UK bank holidays in 2025 can help you make the most of your time off. In this guide, we’ll explore UK public holidays in 2025, how they differ by region, and most importantly, how you can strategically use annual leave to unlock longer breaks. We’ll also provide tips for professionals on maximizing downtime without affecting productivity.
UK Public Holidays 2025
Planning ahead can make a massive difference in how you spend your year. By knowing when the UK public holidays in 2025 fall, and by using your annual leave strategically, you can unlock longer breaks, reduce stress, and truly enjoy your time away from work. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or a freelancer, smarter scheduling starts now.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Next Bank Holiday (England & Wales) | Friday, 18 April 2025 – Good Friday |
| Total Bank Holidays (England & Wales) | 8 |
| Max Days Off with Minimal Leave | 16 days off at Easter using just 8 days of annual leave |
| Best Time to Book Annual Leave | April, May, August, and Christmas for longest stretches |
| Official Resource | gov.uk/bank-holidays |
UK Public Holidays 2025 by Region
Bank holidays vary slightly depending on whether you live in England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Here’s a breakdown:
England and Wales
- 1 January (Wednesday): New Year’s Day
- 18 April (Friday): Good Friday
- 21 April (Monday): Easter Monday
- 5 May (Monday): Early May Bank Holiday
- 26 May (Monday): Spring Bank Holiday
- 25 August (Monday): Summer Bank Holiday
- 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day
- 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day
Scotland
Scotland differs slightly:
- No Easter Monday
- Includes 2 January (Thursday) and St. Andrew’s Day (Monday, 1 December)
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland gets St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Battle of the Boyne (12 July), in addition to the UK-wide ones.
How to Maximize Annual Leave in 2025?
Let’s break down practical examples of how to use annual leave smartly to get more time off.
Easter – 16 Days Off with 8 Days Leave
- Bank Holidays: Friday 18 April (Good Friday), Monday 21 April (Easter Monday)
- Book Leave: 14–17 April and 22–25 April
- Total Break: 12 April (Saturday) to 27 April (Sunday) = 16 days off
Early May – 9 Days Off with 4 Days Leave
- Bank Holiday: Monday 5 May
- Book Leave: 6–9 May
- Total Break: 3 May (Saturday) to 11 May (Sunday)
Spring Bank Holiday – 9 Days Off
- Bank Holiday: Monday 26 May
- Book Leave: 27–30 May
- Total Break: 24 May (Saturday) to 1 June (Sunday)
Summer Bank Holiday – Another 9-Day Stretch
- Bank Holiday: Monday 25 August
- Book Leave: 26–29 August
- Total Break: 23 August (Saturday) to 31 August (Sunday)
Christmas to New Year – Up to 16 Days Off
- Bank Holidays: 25 & 26 December (Thursday/Friday)
- Book Leave: 22–24 December and 29–31 December
- Total Break: 20 December (Saturday) to 4 January 2026 (Sunday)
Pro tip: Some companies grant 24th and 31st December as half-days or full holidays—ask your HR!
Why This Matters to You?
For Professionals
Strategic leave boosts mental health, improves productivity, and helps avoid burnout. Companies often encourage well-planned breaks as part of employee well-being programs.
For Families
Parents can align time off with school holidays, cutting childcare costs and allowing for quality family time. Visit school term dates for your local area to coordinate plans.
For Freelancers & Business Owners
Bank holidays may impact client availability and service demand. Planning around them helps maintain project timelines and client satisfaction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to request time off – Your preferred dates may be taken.
- Ignoring workload – Make sure your team can manage while you’re away.
- Not checking regional differences – Public holidays aren’t the same everywhere in the UK.
- Assuming holidays are automatic – Some jobs require work on bank holidays (e.g., healthcare, retail).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the next UK bank holiday in 2025?
The next bank holiday in England and Wales is Good Friday, 18 April 2025.
Q: How many bank holidays are there in the UK in 2025?
- England & Wales: 8
- Scotland: 9
- Northern Ireland: 10
Q: Can I be forced to work on a bank holiday?
Yes, unless your contract states otherwise. Bank holidays are not legally guaranteed paid days off. Check your employment contract for specific terms.
Q: Can I carry forward unused holiday?
Sometimes, yes—but it’s subject to your company’s policy. Generally, up to 5 days may be carried over, but must be used within the next leave year.
Q: What if a bank holiday falls during my leave?
You don’t have to count that day as annual leave if it’s a paid holiday and you’re a full-time employee.
