Planning a trip around the UK in 2025? Timing is everything—whether you’re looking to avoid the crowds, catch iconic events, or score the best deals. This UK holiday calendar for 2025 breaks down all the public holidays, school breaks, and travel tips so you can plan smarter and book cheaper.
Full List of UK Public Holidays in 2025 (Nation by Nation)
Note: Public holidays vary between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Here’s a full breakdown:
🇬🇧 England & Wales
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, 1 January |
| Good Friday | Friday, 18 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 21 April |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 5 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 26 May |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 August |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 December |
🏴 Scotland
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, 1 January |
| 2nd January | Thursday, 2 January |
| Good Friday | Friday, 18 April |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 5 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 26 May |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 August |
| St. Andrew’s Day | Sunday, 30 November (Observed Monday, 1 December) |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 December |
🇮🇪 Northern Ireland
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, 1 January |
| St. Patrick’s Day | Monday, 17 March |
| Good Friday | Friday, 18 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 21 April |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 5 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 26 May |
| Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) | Saturday, 12 July (Observed Monday, 14 July) |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 August |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 December |
For updates, you can also check the official UK Government Bank Holiday page at GOV.UK Bank Holidays.
2025 UK School Holidays – Peak Travel Warning
While exact dates vary by local authority, here’s a general guide to UK school holiday periods, which tend to drive up travel prices:
| Holiday | Approximate Dates |
|---|---|
| Spring Half Term | 17–21 February |
| Easter Break | 4–21 April |
| Summer Half Term | 26–30 May |
| Summer Holidays | 21 July – 2 September |
| Autumn Half Term | 27–31 October |
| Christmas Holidays | 22 December – 2 January (2026) |
Travel Tip: Avoid traveling during school holidays if you’re on a budget. Prices for flights, hotels, and attractions spike dramatically.
Best Times to Travel in the UK (2025)
Best Months for Low Crowds & Lower Prices:
Mid-January to early March – Quiet, cozy, and great for city breaks like Edinburgh or York.
Mid-September to early November – Fewer tourists, mild weather, and beautiful autumn colors.
Best Months for Events & Festivals:
May – London Craft Week, Chelsea Flower Show, and two bank holidays.
August – Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Notting Hill Carnival.
December – Magical Christmas markets in Bath, Manchester, and London.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Here’s how far ahead you should book to beat the price surge:
| Type of Travel | Ideal Booking Time |
|---|---|
| Domestic Trains | 8–12 weeks in advance |
| UK Hotels | 1–3 months in advance for off-peak, 6 months for summer |
| Flights to/from UK | 2–6 months in advance |
| Attractions | Book early for popular spots like Warner Bros. Studio Tour or Edinburgh Castle during school breaks |
Pro Tip: Use fare trackers like Skyscanner or Trainline to lock in deals as soon as they drop.
Hidden Gems by Season (To Travel Like a Local)
Spring: Cotswolds Villages
Rolling green hills and blooming daffodils—April and May are ideal for countryside walks.
Summer: Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
Stunning beaches and fewer crowds than Cornwall. Perfect in late June or early July before UK schools break.
Autumn: The Scottish Highlands
Go in October for golden foliage and fewer midges. Avoid the mid-summer rush.
Winter: York & Bath
Both cities go all out for Christmas, with historic charm and fewer tourists in early December.
Summary: Your 2025 UK Travel Planning Checklist
Check public holidays to avoid full-booked dates.
Avoid school holidays if you want lower costs.
Book trains & accommodations early for summer and Christmas.
Look for off-peak gems like autumn Highlands or spring countryside.
Planning ahead using the UK’s 2025 holiday calendar doesn’t just save you money—it unlocks better experiences, fewer crowds, and a deeper connection to British culture.
Bonus: Best Tools to Help You Plan Your UK Trip in 2025
VisitBritain – Official travel inspiration and local guides
National Rail Enquiries – Train schedules and advance tickets
Booking.com – UK Deals – Filters for free cancellation & family-friendly stays
Met Office – Reliable UK weather forecasts
FAQs: UK Holiday Calendar 2025
Q: Are UK bank holidays the same everywhere?
No. Scotland and Northern Ireland have some unique holidays not observed in England or Wales.
Q: What’s the cheapest month to visit the UK in 2025?
Mid-January to early March is generally the cheapest—lower airfare and hotel prices.
Q: How early should I book for August 2025 travel?
At least 4–6 months in advance, especially for Edinburgh, London, or Cornwall.
Related Post you may like:
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
