If you work a Monday–Friday schedule in the UK, a little planning can turn a handful of annual leave days into much longer breaks. The trick? Book your annual leave around bank holidays and weekends rather than simply taking random weeks off. Four days of annual leave can be worth nine or even ten days away when you place them next to a bank holiday and a weekend.

Don’t just look at how many days you have off. Look at what those days can become.

Here are the best opportunities for 2027 and 2028, based on the England & Wales bank holiday calendar.

2027 Holiday Planner

Bank holiday dates can differ across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the calendar that applies to you before booking your leave. This planner uses England&Wales bank holidays.