Now we are in 2024, you might be thinking how can you maximise the 2024 bank holidays?
2024 has eight bank holidays in total
- New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024 (1st January)
- Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024
- Easter Monday – Monday, April 1, 2024 (April Easter Monday)
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, May 6, 2024
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, May 27, 2024
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday, August 26, 2024 (August Bank Holiday)
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (December Christmas Day)
- Boxing Day – Thursday, December 26, 2024 (December Boxing Day)
For a comprehensive overview of public and bank holidays in Belgium, see our detailed guide.
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day is usually given on the next available weekday.
Here is how you can get the most from your holiday allowance
Monday, March 25th to Thursday, March 28th & Tuesday, April 2nd – Friday, April 5th
By booking these dates off, including the strategic March Thursday, you can make full use of the Easter break by having two weeks off. You will finish work on Friday, March 22nd, and your break will start on Sunday, giving you an extended holiday period before returning on Monday, April 8th.
Tuesday, May 7th – Friday, May 10th or Tuesday, May 28th – Friday, May 31st
The month of May is ideal as it has two bank holidays.
If you book the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off after the bank holiday, you will then have a full week off, only using four of your holiday allowance days. This is a great opportunity to plan a trip or even multiple trips, making the most of your extended break. By combining annual leave with weekends, you can maximize your time off and enjoy longer holidays. There are many advantages to taking time off from work, so be sure to make the most of your holiday entitlement.
Tuesday, August 27th – Friday, August 30th
Much like May, you can enjoy a full week off during the summer by booking the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off after the bank holiday. This strategy works best if you normally work Monday to Friday and have the bank holiday Monday off, as it allows you to maximise your time away from work.
Monday, December 23rd, 24th, 27th, 30th and 31st and January 2nd and 3rd, 2025
With the above dates, by booking just five days of annual leave, you can maximize your time off and enjoy a full 16 days away from work. Alternatively, if you combine weekends and bank holidays, you can achieve up to nine days off for a well-deserved festive break. You will leave the office on Friday, December 20th and return on January 6th, 2025.
You can find the full list of government bank holidays for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland here.
For more holiday planning tips and inspiration, visit our Instagram or website.
Regional Variations: Making the Most of Local Bank Holidays
When it comes to making the most of your annual leave in 2024, understanding the regional differences in bank holidays across the UK and Ireland can make a real difference. Each region—England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland—has its own set of bank holiday dates, and by planning your annual leave around these, you can unlock longer breaks and maximise your holiday allowance.
For example, England and Wales both enjoy eight bank holidays in 2024, including the early May bank holiday and the spring bank holiday. By booking just four days of annual leave around these two bank holidays, you can create a nine-day break—perfect for a spring getaway or some quality time with family. The same strategy can be used for the summer bank holiday in August, giving you a full week off by using only four days of annual leave.
Scotland offers even more flexibility, with nine bank holidays in 2024. This extra day gives you more opportunities to plan extended holidays, especially around the late summer bank holiday. By taking advantage of these regional differences, you can stretch your holiday days further and enjoy longer periods of rest and relaxation.
Northern Ireland and Ireland go one step further, with ten bank holidays in 2024. This means even more chances to plan a well-deserved break. For instance, by combining annual leave with the Easter Monday and Good Friday bank holidays, you can create a substantial Easter break, or use the festive period around Christmas Day and Boxing Day to enjoy an extended holiday with minimal impact on your annual leave balance.
The key to maximising your annual leave in 2024 is to plan ahead. Check the bank holiday dates for your region and look for opportunities to book annual leave around these public holidays. Whether you’re aiming for a nine-day break in spring, a summer escape, or a longer festive period at the end of the year, taking advantage of regional bank holidays can help you make the most of your time off.
By being strategic with your holiday allowance and making the most of local bank holidays, you can enjoy more consecutive days away from work, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. So, start planning now, check your region’s bank holiday dates, and get ready to maximise your annual leave in 2024! For more ideas on how to support your employees in 2024, check out these top tips.
