Book early. If you’re thinking of traveling, even to a nearby town, secure that hotel or train ticket at least three weeks in advance. The prices will skyrocket, and you’ll end up paying double for a room with no view.
Don’t overplan. The best bank holidays are the ones where you do nothing for one entire day. Reading a paperback, ordering takeout, and ignoring your inbox counts as a success.
Check the weather, but don’t let it ruin your mood. If it rains, embrace the cozy chaos: board games, a film marathon, or baking something that takes three hours. The British are masters at this.
A Quick Global Calendar Check
For the UK: Spring Bank Holiday is usually the last Monday in May. Summer Bank Holiday (in England and Wales) is the last Monday in August. For Scotland, it’s the first Monday in August.
In the US: Memorial Day is the last Monday in May, and Labor Day is the first Monday in September. Both are prime time for grilling and traffic jams.
If you’re in mainland Europe, look for Whit Monday or Assumption Day—they’re sneaky holidays that most tourists miss. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret level in the game of life.
Open August Bank Holiday Weekend 2026 - Earnshaws
