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 2025 bank holidays! We’ll need to use these to maximise our days off:
- 1st January: New Year’s Day
- 18th April: Good Friday
- 21st April: Easter Monday
- 5th May: Early May bank holiday
- 26th May: Spring bank holiday
- 25th August: Summer bank holiday
- 25th December : Christmas Day
- 26th December : Boxing Day
Easter: 16 days off for 8 days annual leave
If you book of 14th to 17th April, and also 22nd to 25th April, this will give you 16 consecutive days off for just 8 days of annual leave. The perfect opportunity for an extended break or to dabble in some travelling!
May: 9 days off for 4 days of annual leave
Book off four days from 6th to 9th May. This will mean you are off work from 5pm on Friday 2nd May up until Monday 12th May 2025! Time for a bit of early sun? Or brave the start of the British summer for a week of camping?
*You can also repeat this same pattern at the end of May, booking off 27th-30th, which will give you another 9 days off for the price of 4!
A Long Hot Summer: 9 days off for 4 days annual leave
Book off four days from 26th to 29th August to have nine days off in the summer – catching a plane on Friday 22nd and returning on Sunday 31st August 2025.
Double the Christmas Magic! 13 days off for 6 days annual leave
Christmas is the best time to take an extended break – because the whole office is shut and you don’t come back to a jam-packed inbox on the 2nd Jan! You can get 13 consecutive days off at Christmas for the price of 6! Just book off 22nd to 24th December and the 29th to 31st December!
Now that’s a lot of holidays! So far, you’ve bagged yourself at least 47 days off, all wrapped up into lovely extended weeks, by only using 22 days’ worth of annual leave! 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!
In the end, 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.