How to Get 52 Days Off in 2026 Using Just 23 Days of Annual Leave

We all want more time off without burning through our annual leave allowance too quickly. The good news? By planning smartly around UK bank holidays in 2026, you can stretch your time off into long getaways and mini breaks - perfect for a year of adventures.

Here’s how to make your leave days work harder, with the best periods to book off in 2026.

Key UK Bank Holidays in 2026 (England & Wales)

• 1 January (Thursday) – New Year’s Day

• 3 April (Friday) – Good Friday

• 6 April (Monday) – Easter Monday

• 4 May (Monday) – Early May Bank Holiday

• 25 May (Monday) – Spring Bank Holiday

• 31 August (Monday) – Summer Bank Holiday

• 25 December (Friday) – Christmas Day

• 28 December (Monday) – Boxing Day (substitute)

When to Book Leave in 2026

1. Easter – 16 Days Off Using 8 Days Leave

• Bank holidays: 3 April (Good Friday), 6 April (Easter Monday)

• Take leave: 7–10 April (Tue–Fri) + 13–14 April (Mon–Tue)

• Result: Off from 28 March to 12 April

A perfect window for a longer holiday—ideal for a spring escape to Southern Europe or even a bucket-list trip further afield.

2. Early May – 9 Days Off Using 4 Days Leave

• Bank holiday: 4 May (Monday)

• Take leave: 5–8 May (Tue–Fri)

• Result: Off from 2 May to 10 May

A great time for a warm-weather city break—think Barcelona, Lisbon, or Rome before peak summer crowds arrive.

3. Spring Bank Holiday – 9 Days Off Using 4 Days Leave

• Bank holiday: 25 May (Monday)

• Take leave: 26–29 May (Tue–Fri)

• Result: Off from 23 May to 31 May

This is one of the best slots for an early summer adventure. Perfect for a Mediterranean getaway or even a short-haul beach escape.

4. Summer Bank Holiday – 9 Days Off Using 4 Days Leave

• Bank holiday: 31 August (Monday)

• Take leave: 1–4 September (Tue–Fri)

• Result: Off from 29 August to 6 September

The last bank holiday before Christmas—ideal for squeezing in a late-summer break. Think Greek islands, Croatia, or a Scandinavian escape.

5. Christmas & New Year – 9 Days Off Using 3 Days Leave

• Bank holidays: 25 December (Friday), 28 December (Monday)

• Take leave: 29–31 December (Tue–Thu)

• Result: Off from 25 December to 3 January 2027

A cosy festive break or the perfect excuse to fly somewhere sunny while everyone else is unwrapping socks.

Summary: Stretching Your Holidays Further

By being strategic, you can turn 23 annual leave days into 52 days off across 2026. That’s nearly two months away from your desk without sacrificing your entire allowance.

Plan Smart, Travel Smarter

Knowing when to book leave is just the first step. The next is finding the right flights at the right price. That’s where Secret Flight Club comes in.

We track thousands of routes every single day, spotting error fares, flash sales, and hidden discounts. So when your extended time off comes around, you’ll already have the best flight deals waiting in your inbox.

Join today, start your free 7-day trial, and make 2026 your best travel year yet.