Sykes Gems Winners 2026: Our Property Owner Awards
We're excited to reveal the winners of Sykes Gems 2026. Read on to learn about the hard work and...
by Steph Boal / News
Last updated: 30th September 2026
If, like us, you want to plan ahead and maximise holiday time around UK bank holidays, then look no further than our handy guide that details everything you need to know about UK bank holidays in 2026, 2027 and 2028!
From bank holiday staycation ideas, to our very own bank holiday breaks finder, plus bank holiday getaway reviews from our customers, you’ll find all you need to know about UK bank holidays for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Get ahead with our guide to 2026, 2027 and 2028 UK bank holidays below…
If you’re looking for the upcoming 2026 bank holiday dates across the UK and Northern Ireland, then you’re in the right place! Make a note of these 2026 bank holidays down so you can make the most of your time off!
Make every long weekend count with our guide to UK bank holidays 2027 dates. Whether you’re searching for 2027 bank holiday dates across England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, we’ve done the hard work for you.
Planning ahead? These 2028 bank holiday dates are here to help you make the most of every long weekend. If you’re after UK bank holidays in 2028 across England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, don’t worry, we’ve gathered all the key dates in one handy place below!
The next bank holiday for England and Wales is Christmas Day on the 25th December 2026. The next bank holiday in Scotland is the St Andrew’s Day on the 30th November 2026. The next bank holiday in Northern Ireland is Christmas Day on the 25th December 2026.
As with 2026, in 2027 there will be 8 bank holidays in England and in Wales. While Scotland have 9 and Northern Ireland have a whopping 10.
In 2028, there will be 8 bank holidays in England and Wales while Scotland will have 9 bank holidays and Northern Ireland 10!
If you’re looking for what days to take off in 2027 to maximise your annual leave, then we’ve got you covered. You could turn 28 days of annual leave into 67 days off by booking the following:
Think of how much of the UK you could explore with all of this time off! Find your perfect base amongst our UK self-catering cottages!
Easter Sunday falls on March 28th because Easter is always celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21st March. When that full moon arrives early, Easter also falls earlier in the calendar.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do or where to go on UK public holidays, then you’re in luck. Based on over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, we’ve put together some staycation ideas for the most popular bank holidays in the UK!
Easter is the first long weekend of the year, making it the perfect time to book a UK holiday!
Soak in the beauty of the UK, just as the flowers bloom, by venturing to the Lake District to explore its breath-taking lakes and wonderous fells.
Alternatively, explore the Yorkshire Dales, with its green rolling hills, pretty market towns and scenic walking trails.
The Easter Bank Holiday also aligns with the school holidays, meaning that you can spend quality time as a family, and we’ve got plenty of half-term cottages available to help you plan your next unforgettable holiday!
In 2026, customers booked their Easter bank holiday getaway around 11 weeks before their adventure, so if you’re looking to have the pick of the best properties, be sure to get it booked before then.
Interested in where Brits were holidaying during the Easter bank holiday last year? Then we’ve got you covered; spoiler, they have great taste…
Book a holiday in Buxton!
Book a holiday in Troutbeck!
Book a holiday in Skipton!
This bank holiday is the perfect time to enjoy some of the better weather. Although often unpredictable, the sun is starting to make an appearance around this time, leaving us with that holiday feeling.
So get outside and make the most of it by booking a getaway! Why not head to the North York Moors, where you can make the most of beautiful countryside and amazing coast? With some of the most beautiful places in the UK, including Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Helmsley, you won’t be short of things to do and see here.
Alternatively, venture to North Wales, where you can discover some of the most beautiful coastline and countryside. With plenty of beaches, walking routes and wonderful hidden gems to explore, it’s a fantastic choice for a May bank holiday break.
People booking their May bank holiday adventure last year typically planned it around 15 weeks before going. Get ahead of the curve and choose from the best properties by planning before then.
For some real-life May bank holiday inspiration, check out where Brits chose to spend their long weekends last year.
Book a holiday in Castleton!
Book a holiday in Anglesey.
Book a holiday in Grassington.
Plan your ultimate summer getaway during the August bank holiday! This is when the UK really comes alive; look forward to bustling beaches, fun-filled activities and plenty of events to sink your teeth into.
With longer days, there’s even more time for you to explore. This bank holiday, like Easter, falls in the school holidays, making it the perfect time for families to get together.
Why not book one of these spectacular holiday parks in the UK and experience a whole host of exciting on-site activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained? As well as excellent amenities, these parks are also in some of the most popular areas of the UK, giving you access to amazing attractions.
For a summer break surrounded by spectacular scenery, head to Ambleside in the Lake District. Spend your August bank holiday exploring the surrounding countryside, enjoying walks beside Lake Windermere or ticking off some exciting activities from your summer bucket list.
Why not spend your summer bank holiday in the charming county of North Yorkshire, where bustling harbours, interesting history and remote countryside are in abundance? We’d recommend visiting the famous Whitby 199 Steps to Whitby Abbey, where brilliant views make the walk all worth while.
Our customers were the most organised for their August bank holidays, booking on average 16 weeks before their holiday start date. Interestingly, that’s four weeks later than in 2025! To make sure you bag one of the best properties with all the features to make it the most memorable getaway yet, be sure to book before this next year.
Take inspiration for your summer bank holiday from the people that love it most! As the most popular bank holiday with our customers, they know all the best locations.
Book a holiday in Ambleside!
Book a holiday in Watchet!
Book a holiday in Whitby!
The bank holidays that fall over Christmas and New Year are the perfect time for you to book your next family getaway!
Picture yourself and the ones you love most snuggled up in front of a crackling log burner in a cosy cottage that’s decorated for Christmas. It’s these moments that we remember most!
With cottages across the country, you can choose your ideal Christmas backdrop. Venture to the Peak District, where you’ll be surrounded by snow and rugged scenery; nothing could feel more festive! Wrap up warm and explore the idyllic villages before heading into the surrounding hills for a crisp winter walk.
There are plenty of other magical places to visit over Christmas and New Year; the cold weather adds a frost that makes everything more beautiful. Head to the Cotswolds, where you’ll find chocolate-box villages and cosy local pubs, making it feel like something out of a Christmas film. There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in the UK in winter!
Holidays in December are on the rise, growing 6.41% from 2024 to 2025, and many of these trips take place across the bank holidays during this month. We’ve created a whole guide dedicated to the best places to visit in Winter and over the Christmas period, but here’s a sneak peek at some of the top contenders and the best things to do.
Book a holiday in Castleton!
Book a holiday in Bourton-on-the-Water!
Book a holiday in Ludlow!
Deciding where to go away during a bank holiday is tough. With so many wonderful places to visit in the UK and only a short window of time to do it in, we’re not surprised people find the choice overwhelming.
But don’t worry! We’ve put together a handy quiz to help you decide where you should go on holiday in the UK during the next bank holiday.
Feeling inspired to book your next getaway?
Then why not download the Sykes Holiday Cottages App and book you next adventure today? Be sure to check our discount code blog too, for all the latest offers and savings!
"We were delighted with your service. You found us the ideal place against a tall order - dog friendly, disabled access, at Herne Bay - over a bank holiday weekend at very short notice, and the persuaded the owner to make an exception to his small dogs policy for our big hound! We will come to you first in future, "
- Mr Geoffrey K Lean, Jun 2026
View on Trustpilot"Perfect place for family gathering three generations all caterd for. A great base. Children had a large safe garden to run and explore. It took a good hour of hunting to find all their Easter eggs. We all loved it"
- M gallagher, April 2026
View on Trustpilot"I booked this Bank Hol Weekend in Cornwall at last minute, (Literally the evening before). My family and I were very impressed with the property and the location. Everything was equipped for self catering for those who are a bit more organised than myself….(we ate out for our entire weekend). The beds were really comfortable. 10/10."
- Hazel, May 2026
View on Trustpilot"Easy as usual to book via Sykes. The cottage was up to Sykes usual high standards. We had a lovely bank holiday weekend with all the family in The Barn a very spacious beautiful cottage set in a rural quiet location, but still 5 mins from Swanage town centre. Corfe castle and Lulworth Cove were also a stones throw away. Our 3 year old granddaughter loved seeing the steam trains pass by, with a clear view from the cottage! The owner was very accessible when we had minor queries. Loved the whole history of how The Barn was bought and constructed. Would highly recommend!"
- Michelle Williams, May 2026
View on TrustpilotWe analysed booking data from 2025 for holidays beginning on the Friday before each bank holiday (or, in the case of Easter, on Good Friday). We then calculated bookings per property to identify the most popular regions. The featured regions are taken from the top 10 for each bank holiday, and the location recommendations highlight the most booked destinations within those regions for those dates.
Christmas insights were drawn from our analysis of changes in demand for December holidays between 2024 and 2025, as well as bookings per property for calendar week 52 and 53 of 2025, which covered the Christmas period.
Lead times were calculated using the average booking lead time for holidays starting on each bank holiday date. For the May and Spring bank holidays, the data for both was combined to produce a single average lead time.
Celebrate one of these 2026, 2027 or 2028 UK bank holidays by booking your perfect holiday cottage! Don’t forget to use our UK Travel Guides for inspiration on what do do during your getaway and discover our top short break destinations to help you make your choice.
by Steph Boal / News
Hi, I'm Steph and I've spent the past three years uncovering the best places and hidden gems that make the UK so special. Writing ...
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