Bank Holidays and Long Weekends 2026: Calendar, where to go & how many Days Leave you need

12 Fevereiro 2026

2026 will be a year full of opportunities for those who love travelling and know how to plan intelligently. Looking at the bank holidays 2026 calendar, one truth emerges immediately: some holidays fall on weekends, "stealing" precious days. But don't worry: with the right strategy, you can transform just a few days of annual leave into unforgettable holidays.

The Magic Formula for bank holidays 2026:
 

• Investment: 4 strategic days of annual leave
   
• Gain: 3 Mega Long Weekends (Spring Bank Holiday, Christmas-New Year period)
   
• Result: Up to 12 actual holiday days
   

Discover which are the most advantageous UK bank holidays 2026 and how to make the best use of your annual leave to travel without wasting days off. 

From the classic UK bank holidays to strategic combinations, here's your complete guide to organising your year's travels.

February Half Term (16–20 February)

The February half term 2026 isn't a bank holiday for everyone, but most schools close for the week, giving families a perfect long weekend for a getaway with children.

Travel ideas:
 

Venice

Venice is the world capital of Carnival, the year's most anticipated event that transforms the lagoon city into an open-air theatre. 

Witnessing the "Volo dell'Angelo" in St Mark's Square is a magical experience absolutely worth braving the crowds for, but don't stop there: immerse yourself in the elaborate masked balls held in historic palazzos and let yourself be swept away by the vibrant parades along the canals, where costumed revellers create a truly theatrical and surreal atmosphere. 

To discover all the secrets and unmissable activities, check out our dedicated article on what to do at Venice Carnival! If you fly into Treviso, the Flibco bus from Treviso airport to Venice connects the airport to the city comfortably and directly, saving you the stress of parking in the lagoon city.

Also, remember that Venice is one of the most beautiful places to go for Valentine's Day, and this year Carnival takes place during the Valentine's weekend ;)
 

April and Easter Bank Holiday 2026 

The Easter bank holiday 2026 delivers a natural four-day break from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April), with no annual leave required. It's the ideal moment for a spring escape, when nature awakens and temperatures become pleasant.

Travel ideas (Great for Nature & Short European Breaks):
 

Amsterdam (Netherlands)

April is the magical month when the Netherlands bursts into a thousand colours thanks to the tulip blooming season, a natural spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world. 

A visit to Keukenhof Park is a must: open only in spring, it hosts millions of tulips creating a kaleidoscope of colours amongst manicured pathways, tranquil ponds and themed gardens that look like something out of a fairy tale. 

Amsterdam is the perfect destination for an Easter long weekend mini getaway: the four days give you enough time to explore the city by bike like the locals do, cycling along the historic canals in the centre, reach the park (just 40 minutes away) and immerse yourself in the spring atmosphere of cafés overlooking the water, perhaps enjoying a freshly made stroopwafel. 

On the plus side, direct flights from London are short (~1 hour), making it ideal for a quick break. Getting there is easy: Flibco bus to Stansted airport from Central London can help you reach the airport comfortably and punctually.

Lake District (UK Nature Retreat)

The Lake District is a brilliant destination during the April bank holiday 2026: blooming spring landscapes transform the fells into brilliant greens, and the climate is ideal for gentle hikes without summer's overwhelming crowds. 

You can dedicate yourself to trekking or leisurely walks amongst the fells, followed by traditional pub lunches and the classic Easter Monday picnic with spectacular lake views. 

Don't miss the Windermere cruises offering stunning vistas across England's largest natural lake, hilltop walks with panoramic views that stretch for miles, and cosy meals in traditional village inns serving hearty British fare. 

The Lake District is wonderfully accessible: handy train or coach connections from London mean you can immerse yourself in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes without needing to fly: no airport stress, just a relaxing journey into nature that feels worlds away from city life.
 

May Bank Holiday 2026 : Weekend 2–4 May 

The May bank holiday 2026 falls on Monday 4 May, automatically delivering a three-day weekend. It's the perfect opportunity for a city break and spring sunshine, when the climate is at its peak and summer's sweltering heat still distant.

Travel ideas:
 

Rome (Italy)

This is the perfect period to visit Rome because spring light bathes the Eternal City in golden hues, whilst open-air concerts and vibrant markets fill the streets with infectious energy. 

You can explore the Colosseum and Vatican without the overwhelming summer heat that makes sightseeing exhausting and enjoy the city's magnificent gardens like Villa Borghese at their absolute greenest, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic on the lawns. 

Take advantage of the ideal temperatures to wander through the Roman Forum without sweltering, get lost in the charming lanes of Trastevere searching for the perfect trattoria, or simply sit on a historic staircase with artisan gelato watching Roman life unfold before you. 

Rome in May gifts you with long, light-filled days that are perfect for discovering hidden corners and baroque piazzas without the oppressive crowds of high season. 

The three-day May long weekend 2026 is perfect for experiencing Rome's iconic sights and lively street culture at a comfortable pace. 

Easy flights from Stansted and other London airports make this a convenient escape. Plus, you can fly to Rome and then reach the centre comfortably with Flibco buses from Fiumicino and Ciampino to Roma Termini train station, avoiding the notorious Roman traffic and parking stress that can ruin the start of any holiday.

Edinburgh (UK)

In May, early summer vibes arrive in Scotland’s capital, with Edinburgh Castle commanding stunning views over a city bursting with life and energy. 

It's the perfect weather to wander the historic Royal Mile, lined with centuries-old buildings and hidden closes (narrow alleyways), enjoy traditional pubs serving local ales and hearty Scottish fare, climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic city views, and soak up the atmosphere without needing to leave the UK. 

Edinburgh is ideal for a long weekend May 2026 break that combines rich culture, dramatic history and warm Scottish hospitality, all wrapped up in a compact city that's perfect for exploring on foot.

Spring Bank Holiday: Long Weekend (23–25 May)

The Spring Bank Holiday 2026 falls on Monday 25 May, giving you a late May long weekend off. With a strategic move it becomes one of the year's best breaks: take Friday 23rd off too, and you'll find yourself with four consecutive days of freedom (23-26 May); it's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on summer.

Travel ideas :
 

Nice & Côte d'Azur (France)

Mediterranean spring offers azure sea views, stylish promenades lined with swaying palm trees, and vibrant outdoor markets bursting with fresh Provençal produce, from ripe tomatoes to fragrant lavender. 

Four days during the Spring long weekend 2026 are enough to savour the true French Riviera experience, with time to explore the glamorous coastline at a leisurely pace. 

You can take day trips to Monaco's glittering casinos and yacht-filled harbour, or stroll along Cannes' famous Croisette boulevard where film stars walk during the festival. 

Don't miss leisurely shore walks along Nice's iconic Promenade des Anglais, with the Mediterranean lapping at the pebble beach on one side and Belle Époque hotels on the other. The climate is already warm (around 20-24°C) but not scorching, perfect for coastal exploration and al fresco dining at seafront restaurants.
 

Lisbon (Portugal)

Lisbon is ideal in late May for its mild climate and practically guaranteed sunshine that create the perfect combination of city culture and beach escape, all before June and July's peak tourism crowds arrive. 

Ride the legendary Tram 28 as it rattles through historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Graça with ideal temperatures, savour countless pastel de nata (custard tarts) in traditional century-old cafés and explore the colourful tiles and winding streets of the city's seven hills. 

You can also take day trips to the coastal beaches at Cascais for a seaside lunch, visit the dramatic cliffs at Cabo da Roca (Europe's westernmost point), or explore the fairytale palaces of Sintra nestled in the mountains. 

The Spring Bank Holiday 2026 four-day break allows you to see Lisbon's highlights whilst still having time for seaside relaxation, and flights are often reasonably priced during this period.

August Bank Holiday: Long Weekend (29 August–1 September)

The August bank holiday 2026 falls on Monday 31 August, delivering a natural three-day weekend and the final long weekend 2026 before autumn arrives. It's brilliant timing for a late summer escape whilst the weather remains warm across Europe.

Travel ideas (Late Summer Sunshine):
 

Mallorca or Menorca (Spain)

Mallorca and Menorca are destinations you should seriously consider for your August bank holiday 2026: warm sea temperatures peak in late August (25-27°C), making swimming absolutely glorious. 

Three days are enough to savour true Balearic relaxation, with time to explore charming villages that seem frozen in time and discover stunning hidden coves accessible only by foot or boat. 

You'll find perfect conditions for beach days on pristine Mediterranean shores with crystal-clear turquoise water, cliffside dining watching spectacular sunsets paint the sky in oranges and pinks, and wandering through historic towns steeped in centuries of culture, from Menorca's British colonial architecture to Mallorca's Gothic cathedral.

 Flight prices often drop after mid-August school returns, making this long weekend excellent value for money.
 

Lake Como (Italy)

Lake Como is the perfect destination for a scenic retreat during the August bank holiday 2026: elegant Alpine-meets-Mediterranean lakeside beauty at a slower, more refined pace, ideal for rest and rejuvenation away from crowded beach resorts. 

You'll have the chance to tour historic villas with their impeccably manicured gardens, like Villa Carlotta with its azalea blooms or Villa del Balbianello perched on a promontory, enjoy lakeside walks with stunning mountain backdrops reflected in the mirror-like water, and savour an aperitivo overlooking the sparkling waters as the sun sets behind the peaks. 

The three-day break allows you to explore multiple charming lakeside towns like elegant Bellagio (the "Pearl of the Lake"), colourful Varenna with its romantic waterfront, and Como itself with its historic centre and funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views. 

Getting to Lake Como has never been easier: take Flibco's bus from Malpensa Airport to Como city and Lake Como and avoid the hassle and expense of hiring cars to navigate the winding mountain roads.

And remember: if you decide to travel during this peak period, book well in advance; the August bank holiday 2026 is one of the year's most requested periods, with sky-high prices and reduced availability if you leave it late.

Christmas & New Year 2026/27 (Festive Gravity Break: 25–28 Dec + early Jan)

This is the jackpot of bank holidays 2026: Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December 2026, with Boxing Day on Saturday 26. The substitute bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December, giving Brits a long festive weekend by default. Take a few strategic annual leave days and you can stretch through to New Year's Day 2027 (Friday 1 January). With an intelligent strategy - taking leave from 29-31 December - you can obtain up to 10 days of holiday with only 3 days of leave. It's one of the year's most "efficient" periods for truly special travel.

Travel ideas (Winter Sun & Iconic Cities):

Maldives or Seychelles (Tropical Paradise)

December-January is the perfect time to visit these tropical paradises, delivering ideal weather with a dry climate, warm sea (28-30°C) and practically guaranteed sunshine. 

The Maldives offer dream atolls like Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve perfect for snorkelling with manta rays gliding gracefully beneath you, or Ari Atoll, famous for diving with whale sharks and sea turtles in pristine waters. 

In the Seychelles, you can explore Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to giant tortoises and virgin beaches untouched by mass tourism or relax on Mahé and Praslin amongst iconic granite boulders and crystalline waters that look photoshopped. 

It's the ultimate destination for total beach relaxation in luxury resorts, snorkelling amongst tropical fish and diving in pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. The extended festive break allows proper long-haul travel without feeling rushed. 

Reach major London airports with Flibco for comfortable international departures without parking stress or expensive long-term car park fees.

New York City (USA)

How about choosing one of the best destinations for New Year's Eve? New York is the queen of New Year's Eve: Times Square at midnight is an experience to have at least once in a lifetime, with fireworks, parties and shows everywhere. 

Beyond the famous countdown, you can ice skate at Rockefeller Center beneath the iconic illuminated Christmas tree, or toast with breathtaking views from Manhattan's rooftop bars whilst the city lights up around you. 

Perfect for Christmas shopping along Fifth Avenue amongst sparkling window displays, world-class museums like MoMA and the Met, Broadway shows staging the most famous musicals, and the unique energy of American metropolises in celebration mode. 

Milan (Italy)

Milan transforms into a magical festive city in December, with dazzling lights strung across every street, magnificent Christmas trees (especially the stunning illuminated one dominating Piazza del Duomo) and beautifully decorated streets that create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. 

You can enjoy illuminated shopping areas like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with its glass dome and luxury boutiques, cosy cafés serving rich Italian hot chocolate perfect for warming up, and seasonal activities like ice skating in temporary rinks, festive concerts in historic churches, and charming winter pop-ups selling artisan crafts. 

The famous Christmas market in Piazza Duomo welcomes artisans and traders from around the world, transforming the streets into a bustling marketplace, one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. 

Wandering through Milan's historic centre with a steaming hot chocolate in hand is the perfect way to soak up the city's unique mix of cutting-edge modern style and warm traditional Christmas charm. 

If you fancy a change of scene, nearby Lake Como is just an hour away and equally magical with its enchanting lakefront markets and twinkling lights reflected in the dark water. You can take the bus from Milan Malpensa to Como city and Lake Como to easily get there.

Getting to Milan has never been easier: Flibco's shuttle services operate from all three Milan airports, making your journey to the city centre seamless and stress-free: see the Malpensa airport to Milan bus, the Bergamo airport to Milan shuttle and the Bus from Milan Linate airport to Centrale Station, depending on the airport where you will be landing at.

If you’re planning to take a small vacation of a few days, just remember that there are a lot of things to do in London for Christmas!
 

Plan your 2026 travels now

Now that you know all the 2026 bank holidays UK, it's time to act. The key dates to circle in red on your calendar are:
 

• February Half Term (16–20 Feb)
   
• Easter Weekend (3–6 April)
   
• Early May Bank Holiday (2–4 May)
   
• Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (23–25 May)
   
• August Bank Holiday Weekend (29 Aug–1 Sep)
   
• Christmas–New Year period (25 Dec–1 Jan)
   

These are the periods where investing just a few strategic days of annual leave means gaining extended weeks of freedom and unforgettable travel experiences.

The winning strategy? Plan ahead and combine your annual leave smartly with the bank holidays 2026 calendar. Check now which long weekends in 2026 interest you most and block flights and accommodation early: great fares and availability go fast in peak windows. 

Early planning can save you even 40-50% compared to last-minute panic bookings, whilst also securing the best hotel rooms and flight times.

To reach the airport without stress, trust Flibco: punctual connections, convenient prices and zero worries about parking or traffic. Whether you depart from Stansted, other major London airports, or connect through European hubs, Flibco shuttles guarantee you'll arrive on time, relaxed and ready for your journey. 

2026 is the right year to make the most of your annual leave: plan strategically now, travel brilliantly later.

Banner & Cover Image: rawpixel.com from Freepik
Venice Carnival Image by Image by Ingeborg Gärtner-Grein from Pixabay
Amsterdam Image by Fabrice from Pixabay
Windermeere Lake Cruise Image by heickxopelk from Pixabay
Rome Image by user32212 from Pixabay
Cote Azure Image by frimufilms from Freepik
Como Lake Image by GPoulsen from Pixabay
Milan Image by alessandra barbieri from Pixabay
New York Image by TravelScape from Freepik