{"id":10862,"date":"2024-11-21T19:57:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T19:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/?p=10862"},"modified":"2024-11-22T09:04:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T09:04:42","slug":"uk-bank-holidays-2025-how-to-maximise-your-annual-leave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/uk-bank-holidays-2025-how-to-maximise-your-annual-leave\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Bank Holidays 2025: how to maximise your annual leave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bankholiday_handwritten-624x466.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With the nights drawing in, and a distinct chill in the air, now is the perfect time to start planning some exciting adventures for next year. Whether you fancy surfing in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/cornwall\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cornwall<\/a>, scaling the UK\u2019s highest mountain in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/highland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Highlands<\/a> or simply enjoying scenic walks and pub lunches in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/cotswolds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cotswolds<\/a>, the UK has so many fantastic places to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy a bolthole <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-ideas\/romantic-cottages-for-couples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"retreat for two\">retreat for two<\/a>, take the family plus the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-ideas\/dog-friendly-cottages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dog<\/a> (and even Granny!), or arrange a reunion for an old group of friends. We have cosy holiday cottages, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-ideas\/big-houses-for-large-groups\/\">large <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-ideas\/big-houses-for-large-groups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manor <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-ideas\/big-houses-for-large-groups\/\">houses<\/a>, and quirky romantic huts to suit a range of occasions! Now we just need a few bank holidays thrown in to help maximize time off work versus time spent on holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the UK bank holidays for 2025 to help with your holiday planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10865\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1bank_holiday_concept-624x416.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>When are the bank holidays in 2025?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>England and Wales both have 8 bank holidays in 2025, Scotland has 9 and Northern Ireland has 10. Here are the dates for your diary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>New Year\u2019s Day \u2013 Wednesday 1st January<\/li><li>\u201c2<sup>nd<\/sup> January Bank Holiday \u2013 Thursday 2<sup>nd<\/sup> January (Scotland only)<\/li><li>St Patric\u2019s Day \u2013 Monday 17<sup>th<\/sup> March (Northern Ireland only)<\/li><li>Good Friday \u2013 Friday 18th April<\/li><li>Easter Monday \u2013 Monday 21st April (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)<\/li><li>Early May Bank Holiday \u2013 Monday 5th May<\/li><li>Spring Bank Holiday \u2013 Monday 26th May<\/li><li>Battle of the Boyne \/ Orangemen&#8217;s Day \u2013 Monday 14<sup>th<\/sup> July (Northern Ireland only)<\/li><li>Summer Bank Holiday \u2013 Monday 25th August<\/li><li>St Andrew\u2019s Day \u2013 Monday 1st December&nbsp; (Scotland only)<\/li><li>Christmas Day \u2013 Thursday 25th December<\/li><li>Boxing Day \u2013 Friday 26th December<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Best tactical hacks for extending your annual leave<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst it is easy to extend a bank holiday weekend with a few days annual leave, with a bit of careful planning, and a weekend or two thrown in, you can ensure you get a nice long holiday whilst taking the minimum number of days of annual leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_croyde_devon_hero-624x413.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Easter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you book 4 days off from the 14<sup>th<\/sup> to 17<sup>th<\/sup> April, or from the 22<sup>nd<\/sup> to 25<sup>th<\/sup> April, you will get 10 days holiday. Where better to enjoy some spring sunshine (and maybe even a dip in the sea) than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/devon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Devon\">Devon<\/a>. With two contrasting coastlines, an abundance of gorgeous walks, and plenty of cream teas (cream followed by jam in Devon!) you will be sure to come home with a spring in your step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_portree_skyline_with_colorful_houses_at_the_harbor_with_boats_in_bay-624x415.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>May bank holidays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately we do not have any extra bank holidays in May this year, but you can still book 4 days from the 6th May to the 9<sup>th<\/sup> May, or the 27<sup>th<\/sup> May to 30<sup>th<\/sup> May and enjoy 9 days holiday. With the long days and (hopefully) better weather why not head to an idyllic spot on one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/scottish_islands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scotland\u2019s islands<\/a>. Be wowed by the stunning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/our-pick-scotlands-best-island-beaches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"beaches \">beaches <\/a>and captivated by the fascinating history and culture. Not forgetting the striking landscapes and coastal opportunities making it the perfect playground for adventure seekers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"491\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677-768x471.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_1scarborough_yorkshire_199905677-624x383.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>August bank holiday &nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch the last of the British summer with a sneaky break away at the end of August. Booking the 26th August to 29<sup>th<\/sup> August off you will again get 9 days holiday. Escape the crowded beaches found elsewhere in the UK at this time of year and head to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/yorkshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Yorkshire\">Yorkshire<\/a>, one of the most underrated UK beach holiday destinations. Whether you want to catch some waves, go paddling, sailing or just play a game of bat and ball on the beach you will find nealr 100 miles of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yorkshire.com\/yorkshire-coast\/?srsltid=AfmBOoplnFqg-h6RG2qVKoIWlIcdtuNPCOcJg3A4a15YfHgDV4Wcjsga\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"coastline \">coastline <\/a>to do it all here. Finish the day with some fish and chips on the beach as you watch the sun set over the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/rsz_sunrise_on_a_tranquil_morning_with_snowy_mountain_reflections_at_buttermere_in_the_english_lake_district-624x414.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Christmas and New Year<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Why not enjoy some time to properly relax over the festive period. By booking 3 days from the &nbsp;22<sup>nd<\/sup> December to 24<sup>th<\/sup> December you will get 9 days holiday, or take another 3 days from 29<sup>th<\/sup> December to 31<sup>st<\/sup> December for 13 whole days off work (or 16 if you are in Scotland!). You can\u2019t beat the charm of snow capped mountains and glistening lakes in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/lake_district\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Lake District\">Lake District<\/a> for a bit of Christmas magic. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a bit of planning it is easy to maximise your time off work and enjoy some fantastic holidays in the UK. Browse our range of UK holiday cottages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the nights drawing in, and a distinct chill in the air, now is the perfect time to start planning some exciting adventures for next year. Whether you fancy surfing in Cornwall, scaling the UK\u2019s highest mountain in the Highlands or simply enjoying scenic walks and pub lunches in the Cotswolds, the UK has so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,73,72],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10862"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10862"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10883,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10862\/revisions\/10883"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.independentcottages.co.uk\/holiday-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}