After busy workweeks, packed calendars, and unpredictable weather, long weekends feel like small but powerful pauses and 2026 offers some well-timed ones across the UK.
From springtime breaks that arrive just as the days get longer to festive holidays that slow the year to a gentle close, these extended weekends create perfect pockets of rest, travel, and celebration.
Long Weekends in 2026
| Holiday | Day | Date |
| Good Friday | Friday | April 3 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday | May 4 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday | May 25 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday | August 31 |
| Christmas & Boxing Day | Friday | December 25 |
Good Friday (Easter Weekend)
Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6
Easter Weekend in 2026 delivers one of the most awaited long breaks of the UK calendar, with Good Friday and Easter Monday bookending a four-day pause. It arrives just as spring starts showing off longer days, lighter evenings, and the first real hint of warmth.
Across the UK, parks, gardens, and countryside trails come alive this time of year. Many families also enjoy traditional Easter egg hunts, seasonal markets, and special church services.
Fun fact: Easter is one of the busiest weekends for UK chocolate sales. Millions of Easter eggs are sold every year.
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Early May Bank Holiday
Saturday, May 2 - Monday, May 4
The Early May Bank Holiday is the UK’s official welcome to lighter jackets, outdoor plans, and pub gardens. Falling at the very start of May, it’s perfectly placed for a short reset after a busy spring.
Fun fact: The Early May Bank Holiday was originally linked to May Day celebrations, a tradition that goes back centuries in Britain.
Spring Bank Holiday
Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25
Spring Bank Holiday lands at the end of May, offering a well-timed break before summer officially begins. With schools still in session for part of the term, it’s often less crowded than peak summer weekends.
Fun fact: This holiday was once known as Whit Monday before being moved to the last Monday of May.
Summer Bank Holiday
Saturday, August 29 - Monday, August 31
The Summer Bank Holiday marks the final long weekend of the British summer. By late August, the country is fully in holiday mode, with festivals, seaside trips, and outdoor events everywhere.
Expect busy beaches, packed trains, and vibrant city atmospheres—especially in London, where the famous Notting Hill Carnival usually takes place. It’s perfect for making the most of long daylight hours before autumn routines return.
Christmas & Boxing Day
Friday, December 25 - Monday, December 28
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on a Friday, while Boxing Day lands on Saturday, December 26. Since Boxing Day is a public holiday, the substitute bank holiday is observed on Monday, December 28, creating a four-day long weekend for most UK residents.
This extended festive break is one of the calmest and most cherished long weekends of the year. It’s a time when offices shut down, inboxes go quiet, and the country collectively slows its pace. Many people stay close to home, enjoying family time, festive leftovers, winter walks, and classic Christmas television.
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