For families in the UK, managing annual leave around the school holiday calendar often feels like solving a complex puzzle. With just 5.6 weeks of statutory holiday entitlement for most full-time workers, parents face the daunting task of aligning their leave with a limited number of school breaks - often competing with colleagues for the same precious weeks. This juggling act becomes even trickier when factoring in unexpected school closures, staggered holiday terms across different schools, or the rising cost of peak-season travel.
Balancing work commitments, family time, and childcare demands can strain even the most organised households. For many, the struggle goes beyond just planning; it impacts relationships, budgets, and mental health. But you’ll be pleased to hear we have the Ultimate solution – let us show you how we can double your annual leave, with a bit of tactical planning!
First step is to look at the 2026 bank holidays! We’ll need to use these to maximise our days off:
- 1st January: New Year’s Day
- 3rd April: Good Friday
- 6th April: Easter Monday
- 4th May: Early May bank holiday
- 25th May: Spring bank holiday
- 31st August: Summer bank holiday
- 25th December: Christmas Day
- 26th December: Boxing Day
March & April (Easter): 8 days off for 16 consecutive days of annual leave
Book two sets of 4 days off (Mon 30 March to Thurs 2 April, then Tues 7 April to Fri 10 April) for 16 consecutive days from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April!
May: 9 days off for 4 days of annual leave
Book 4 days off (Tues 5 to Fri 8 May) for 9 consecutive days (Sat 2 to Sun 10 May)!
You can also book another 4 days (Tues 26 to Fri 29 May) for another 9-day break at the end of May (Sat 23 to Sun 31 May)!
Summer: 9 days off for 4 days annual leave
Book 4 days off (Tues 1 to Fri 4 September) for 9 consecutive days (Sat 29 August to Sun 6 September)!
December: 13 days off for 6 days annual leave
Book 4 days off (Mon 21 to Thurs 24 December) for 10 consecutive days (Sat 19 December to Mon 28 December). Then, to really ring in 2027 in style, take your final 3 days’ annual leave on 29, 30 and 31 December to turn that 10 days into 16!
Now that’s a lot of holidays! For most of us, that also leaves 3 days annual leave to play with for birthdays, weddings, Christmas shopping, or just a well-earned duvet day!
Finding time for a family holiday isn’t just about navigating work schedules and school calendars - it’s about prioritising moments that bring joy and connection. While the planning process can be stressful, the memories made during those precious breaks often outweigh the effort. Whether it’s a long weekend close to home or a much-anticipated getaway abroad, carving out time to step away from daily routines allows families to recharge and bond. Remember, it’s not about the destination or the expense; it’s about being present together, creating shared experiences, and cherishing the time that truly matters.