Planning Your 2026 Exmoor Getaway?
Make the most of every bank holiday with a cosy cottage on Exmoor!
Planning ahead for 2026? Bank holidays are the perfect opportunity to escape to Exmoor for a relaxing break. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend getaway or an extended holiday, knowing the 2026 UK bank holiday dates in advance helps you book the best cottages before they fill up.
This complete guide covers all bank holidays for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – plus our insider tips on making the most of each one on Exmoor.
In This Guide
1. England & Wales Bank Holidays 2026
England and Wales share 8 bank holidays in 2026. Here are the dates you need to know:
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 3 April | Good Friday | Friday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 4 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 28 December | Boxing Day (substitute) | Monday |
Top Tip for Exmoor Visitors
Easter (3-6 April) gives you a natural 4-day weekend – perfect for exploring Exmoor’s spring landscapes when the lambs are out and wildflowers are blooming!
2. Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
Scotland has 9 bank holidays, including some unique dates. Note that Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 2 January | 2nd January | Friday |
| 3 April | Good Friday | Friday |
| 4 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 3 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 30 November | St Andrew’s Day | Monday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 28 December | Boxing Day (substitute) | Monday |
Key Difference
Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday falls on 3 August – four weeks earlier than England and Wales (31 August). Great for an early August Exmoor break!
3. Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
Northern Ireland enjoys the most bank holidays in the UK with 10 days, including St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne.
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 17 March | St Patrick’s Day | Tuesday |
| 3 April | Good Friday | Friday |
| 6 April | Easter Monday | Monday |
| 4 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 13 July | Battle of the Boyne (substitute) | Monday |
| 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Friday |
| 28 December | Boxing Day (substitute) | Monday |
4. Best Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Here are the best opportunities to maximise your time off and enjoy Exmoor in 2026:
Easter Weekend (3-6 April)
A natural 4-day weekend with Good Friday and Easter Monday! This is one of the best times to visit Exmoor – spring has arrived, lambs are everywhere, and the wildflowers are blooming. Book a cosy cottage and enjoy quieter trails before the summer crowds arrive.
Early May Bank Holiday (4 May)
Take Tuesday to Thursday off (5-7 May) for a glorious 9-day break! May is arguably Exmoor’s finest month – the weather is warming up, bluebells carpet the ancient woodlands, and wildlife is everywhere.
Spring Bank Holiday (25 May)
Another long weekend opportunity. The moors are in full bloom and the coastal paths from Lynton to Porlock are at their finest.
Summer Bank Holiday (31 August)
The last hurrah of summer! Perfect for beach days at Lynmouth, exploring Dunster Castle, or hiking to the summit of Dunkery Beacon.
Christmas & New Year (25 Dec – 1 Jan)
With Christmas on Friday and Boxing Day substitute on Monday 28th, plus New Year’s Day on Thursday – this is ideal for an extended festive getaway. Our Exmoor cottages offer the perfect cosy retreat with log fires and stunning winter landscapes.
5. When to Book for Bank Holidays
Bank holiday weekends on Exmoor book up fast – especially Easter and the summer bank holidays. For the best choice of cottages, here’s when to book:
Recommended Booking Timeline
- Easter 2026 – Book by January 2026
- May Bank Holidays – Book by February 2026
- Summer Bank Holiday – Book by March 2026
- Christmas & New Year – Book by September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your 2026 Exmoor Escape
With 8 bank holidays spread throughout 2026, there’s plenty of opportunity to escape to Exmoor for long weekend breaks or extended holidays. From spring walks among the bluebells to cosy Christmas retreats, Exmoor offers something special for every season.
The key is booking early – our best cottages for bank holiday weekends get snapped up months in advance. Start planning now to secure your perfect Exmoor getaway!
Ready to Book Your 2026 Break?
Browse our collection of handpicked holiday cottages across Exmoor National Park.