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How to maximise your 2026 annual leave allowance and turn 28 days off into 63

You can maximise time spent away from the office with these booking tips — You can maximise time spent away from the office with these booking tips (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A strategic approach to booking annual leave in 2026 can yield up to 63 days off for employees in England and Wales, based on a 28-day allowance.
Around New Year, booking 2 January extends the break to four days, while combining leave around Easter (30 March-2 April and 7-10 April) can result in 16 consecutive days off.
In May, two separate nine-day holidays can be achieved by booking 5-8 May and 26-29 May, aligning with the Early May and Spring bank holidays respectively.
Leveraging the Summer Bank Holiday, taking 1-4 September off can create a nine-day break from work.
The Christmas and New Year period offers the longest potential holiday, with 16 days off by booking 21-24 December and 29-31 December, utilising the festive bank holidays.

How to make the most of your annual leave allowance in 2026 — In full