Spring Bank Holiday 2025: What to Do in This Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday in 2025 will be on Monday, May 26, in the UK. Created to give Britons an extra day off, the Spring Bank Holiday has become a popular time for people to take a short break. Some people take short trips, others stroll through the countryside, and others explore the rolling countryside with family and friends.

This blog post will explain the Spring Bank Holiday, from its historical origins to its popularity, to ensure you are fully prepared to make the most of it. Besides, we recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, the portable power supply—the best outdoor companion that adds comfort and convenience to your trip.

Basic Information about Spring Bank Holiday 

Many institutions, businesses, and schools are closed during the Spring Bank Holiday. Shops may also adjust their opening hours or close according to local customs. However, the Spring Bank Holiday is not just a day off but a tradition for people across the UK to enjoy the joy of spring. This holiday marks a unique pause in daily life as the seasons change, flowers bloom, and temperatures warm up. The following will take you to a deeper understanding of Spring Bank Holiday:

The Origin and Development of Spring Bank Holiday

The prototype of the Spring Bank Holiday can be traced back to the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which Liberal MP John Lubbock proposed. The Act established statutory holidays in England, Wales and Ireland for the first time. Still, it did not specify the Spring Bank Holiday then but stipulated Whit Monday (the Monday after Pentecost) as a holiday.

It was not until 1971 that the British government passed a new bill to change Whit Monday's holiday to a fixed Monday in the last week of May and renamed it Spring Bank Holiday.

As time passed and society developed, the nature of the Spring Bank Holiday also changed. It changed from a strict religious ceremony to a more secular celebration, reflecting wider cultural and social changes.

The Cultural and Social Significance of Spring Bank Holiday

Today, Spring Bank Holiday is not just a day off but an integral part of British culture. It has gradually become a symbol of the beginning of summer, with people participating in outdoor activities, music festivals, or short trips. From a cultural perspective, this holiday reflects the British pursuit of balancing work and leisure. On this day, people will take time out from their busy schedules to enjoy life.

In addition to personal relaxation, the Spring Bank Holiday can also promote local economic development. During the bank Holiday, many towns in the UK hold various events, fairs, and festivals to attract tourists and develop the local economy.

When Is the Spring Bank Holiday in 2025? 

Spring Bank Holiday, or the Late May Bank Holiday, is a day for British people to take a vacation or holiday. It is usually the last Monday in May every year.

When Is the Spring Bank Holiday in 2025?

Whether it is England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the Spring Bank Holiday in 2025 is Monday, May 26.

Changes in the Time of Spring Bank Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday used to be on the Monday after Pentecost. After a five-year trial period, the Banking and Financial Dealings Act, introduced in 1971, officially moved to the last Monday in May.

However, the Spring Bank Holiday has been moved to another date twice (in 2002 and 2012), giving people a four-day weekend.

In 2002, the Spring Bank Holiday was moved to June 4 to coincide with the additional bank holiday on June 3. In 2012, it was also moved to June 4, forming a long weekend with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday.

What To Do During the Spring Bank Holiday 2025?

Spring Bank Holiday is an excellent opportunity for the British to enjoy a long weekend filled with family fun, cultural activities and outdoor adventures. Here are some Spring Bank Holiday activity ideas designed for different preferences, suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to relax:

Outdoor Activities

The temperature gradually warms up in late May, usually 10–15°C, making it a good time to enjoy outdoor activities and adventures. Here are some outdoor activities to try on Spring Bank Holiday:

Picnic: Most parks, such as Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Princes Street Gardens, and Lake District National Park, are in full bloom, making them great places for spring picnics. Green spaces such as London's Greenwich Park and Regent's Park are open and suitable for the whole family to set up tents, play Frisbee games, or rent boating equipment.

Hiking: Snowdonia National Park is ideal for climbers and explorers, with many trails leading to the summit of Snowdon. The Lake District, such as the Catbells Trail, is more suitable for light hiking.

Visit the Market: During the bank holiday, Camden Market is a great place to wander with street food stalls, live music performances and special shops. In addition, ancient towns such as Bath and York often have special bank holiday markets, which are suitable for finding handmade products and local delicacies.

Seaside Vacation

If the weather is good during the Spring Bank Holiday, it is the best time to go to the beach. If you like quietness, you can choose a niche seaside town to enjoy a relaxing seaside walk. The following are seaside vacation destinations that you can try during the Spring Bank Holiday:

Cornwall: In Cornwall, you can rent a cottage for vacation, visit St. Ives Bay, surf at Fistral Beach or explore the cliffs of Land's End.

Brighton: In Brighton, you can stay in a seaside hotel, ride the coastal bike path during the day, taste fresh seafood in the fishing port in the evening, and stroll along the brightly lit pier at night.

Isle of Wight: Here, you can visit the Dinosaur Museum and Osborne House (Queen Victoria's former residence), cycle around the island, and experience the fine sandy beach of Sandown.

Family-Friendly Activities

Spring Bank Holiday is a good time for families with children to go out and enjoy family fun. Here are some family-friendly activities to try on Spring Bank Holiday:

Kew Gardens Family Festival: Take the kids to Kew Gardens for a day of nature-based activities, including storytelling, workshops, interactive walks through the gardens and a family picnic.

Cotswold Farm Park: You can also take the kids to Cotswold Farm Park to encounter animals close up. Alternatively, Chessington World of Adventures near London is a zoo-meets-playground.

Chessington Flower Show (May 24-31): The free Chelsea Flower Show curates a stunning flower show inspired by a new theme each year, including floral-themed workshops and pop-up food stalls.

Watch a Cheese Rolling Show: If you live in Gloucestershire, take the kids to the Cooper's Hill cheese rolling competition.

Food and Wine Experience

The Spring Bank Holiday is a great time to enjoy food and wine and explore local culture in the UK. Here are some food and wine experiences you can try during Spring Bank Holiday:

Market Food Exploration: Borough Market in London and Cambridge Farmer's Market offer fresh baking, cheese and handmade jams.

Country Estate Wine Tasting: Wineries in southern England (such as Sussex Vineyards) offer spring wine tastings with picnic packages suitable for couples or family gatherings.

Traditional English Afternoon Tea: Try booking afternoon tea at a five-star hotel and experience British elegance. For example, you can book afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel and enjoy sandwiches, scones and black tea in a luxurious environment.

Relax at Home

Spring Bank Holiday is a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy your free time at home. If you choose to stay at home during Spring Bank Holiday, you can try some relaxing and relaxing activities below:

Home SPA: Light scented candles, play soothing music, and then take a hot bath to relax your body and mind completely. Then, give yourself a body treatment with a mask or body scrub.

Garden Renovation: If you have a garden or balcony, you can tidy up the flower pots, sow summer flowers (such as sunflowers and lavender) or build a mini vegetable garden (tomatoes, herbs).

Immersive Viewing: Try to watch a classic movie, catch up on a new drama, or watch a BBC nature documentary (such as "Planet Earth").

Try Games or Creative Activities: Play board games (such as "Monopoly" and "Settlers of Catan"), puzzles, or play video games with your family. Alternatively, you can draw, write a diary, make a handbook, or even bask in the sun in the backyard.

Tips for Enjoying the Spring Bank Holiday

The Spring Bank Holiday is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a long weekend in the UK. Here are some tips to make the most of this holiday and help you plan a relaxing or full Spring Bank Holiday:

Tip 1: Plan Your Trip in Advance

If you plan to travel, coastal cities in the UK (such as Brighton, Cornwall), the Lake District, the Peak District or London will be crowded, so booking accommodation and transportation in advance can save money. On Spring Bank holidays, roads and railways may be congested, so consider leaving a day earlier or early in the morning. If there are places to buy tickets, buy tickets online in advance.

Tip 2: Prepare for Unpredictable Weather

Use platforms such as BBC Weather or Met Office to check the forecast a week in advance, and try to update it daily as the holiday approaches. Even if the weather is sunny on the day of your trip, bring a coat with you in case of emergency.

Also, prepare indoor alternatives for outdoor activities such as picnics and walks (such as visiting museums) to avoid last-minute spoilers.

Tip 3: Know the Opening Hours

During the Spring Bank Holiday, businesses often have operating rules different from those usual. Supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's may have shortened opening hours, and some small shops or independent stores may be closed. Check the holiday opening hours of local shops in advance. In addition, all banks and some foreign exchange offices are closed, so be sure to handle important business in advance.

Tip 4: Avoid Crowds

Popular attractions such as the London Eye and Windsor Castle have many people, so it is recommended to arrive early or late to avoid the crowds. You can arrive 30 minutes before opening or enter after 3 pm. For example, if you want to visit a museum or art gallery, arrive before 9:00 to avoid the afternoon rush. Then, enjoy the quiet atmosphere and visit the market or the riverside after 18:00.

Tip 5: Choice of Transportation

Trains and buses may have reduced services, so please check the latest timetables of National Rail or local transportation authorities. In addition, holiday maintenance work may cause temporary adjustments to routes, so you need to reserve extra time when planning your trip. If you plan to travel by car, you must avoid peak hours (such as 10-12 am). In addition, some roads may be closed due to events.

Tip 6: Cash on Hand

Although credit cards and mobile phone payments are generally accepted in the UK, some rural markets, small vendors, or remote scenic spots may only accept cash. In addition, some banking services are suspended during the Spring Bank Holiday, and ATMs may be empty, especially in tourist areas. Therefore, it is recommended to withdraw a small amount of cash in advance in case of an emergency.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Spring Bank Holiday

It was a glorious long weekend perfect for getting outdoors, spending time with loved ones, and making the most of the (hopefully!) lovely weather. A Jackery Portable Power Station can be a fantastic addition to your celebrations, offering convenience and power wherever your festivities take you.

Keep the tunes flowing for your picnic or garden party. A Jackery can power Bluetooth speakers for hours, creating the perfect celebratory atmosphere. Set up an outdoor cinema in your garden or at a campsite as the evening draws in. A Jackery can power a portable projector for a fun and unique way to spend the holiday evening.

If you're heading to a park or beach for a picnic, a Jackery can power a 12V portable cool box, ensuring your drinks and perishable snacks stay chilled throughout the day. You could even power a small portable blender to make smoothies or iced drinks outdoors for a special treat.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, with its 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, is a versatile portable power station that can significantly enhance your Spring Bank Holiday activities in the UK. The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station provides an impressive 1500W output, 50% greater than earlier models, efficiently supplying power to high-demand devices such as portable coolers, drones, and more.

- Power Essential Appliances: Equipped with USB-A/C connections and dual PD charging up to 100W, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, laptop), rendering it the ideal companion for all your power requirements. This portable power station can satisfy your power needs in different outdoor scenarios.

- Keep Your Holiday Tuned: Make your Spring Bank Holiday picnic lively by powering Bluetooth speakers for music. With its substantial capacity, the Explorer 1000 v2 can run speakers for many hours. If the weather is mild in the evening, you could power a portable projector for an outdoor movie night.

- Emergency Charge Mode: The Emergency Charge Mode, activated via the app, enables the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to achieve a full charge in under one hour, providing essential power backup when the battery is depleted. Moreover, charging from 0% to 100% within two hours via an AC wall outlet prolongs battery longevity.          

- Lower Noise Level: Experience peace with its nearly silent operation, maintaining noise levels below 22dB while charging your devices. Compared to other traditional generators, this one is more suitable for home use and has sufficient power capacity.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2, with its substantial 2042Wh capacity and powerful 2200W output, can be a handy companion for your Spring Bank Holiday in the UK, enhancing a wide range of activities.

- Portable Powerhouse: The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station has an astounding 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output, enough to power most appliances or outdoor devices, such as refrigerators, CPAP machines, lights, etc. It also has two AC outlets, one USB-A 18W port, and two USB-C ports (100W + 30W), so you can charge several devices simultaneously indoors and outdoors.  

- Never Worry about Draining Power: There are many ways to recharge it, including 2*SolarSaga 200W (5.5 hours), regular wall charging (1.7 hours), and car charging (24 hours). With Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App, the power station can be charged from 0% to 80% in just 52 minutes with Emergency Super Charge Mode, which can be activated through the Smart App. This feature is ideal for situations where power is required urgently. A complete charge requires only 103 minutes in regular AC charging mode.

- Ideal for Outdoor Adventures: The world's first 2kWh LiFePO4 power station, which features advanced EV-grade CTB (Cell to Body) Structure technology⁵, is engineered to be more compact and lightweight. It weighs a mere 38.6 lbs—approximately the same as a suitcase. It is the ideal power solution for off-grid living, camping, and road trips and features a foldable handle for effortless transport.   

- Power Various Holiday Devices: Enjoy the longer evenings by setting up an outdoor movie night. The robust 2200W output can easily handle a portable projector for a fun and memorable experience. Power brighter and more extensive lighting setups like festoon, fairy, or even outdoor spotlights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your garden or at a campsite as the evening draws in.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)     

Why Do People Love Spring Bank Holiday So Much?

In today's fast-paced world, Spring Bank Holiday provides a time for people to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures. In the UK, Spring Bank Holiday is loved for the following reasons:

Having a Long Weekend

Spring Bank Holiday is usually on the last Monday in May, combined with the weekend to form a three-day long weekend. This provides people with valuable rest time, suitable for a short vacation, gathering with family and friends, or participating in outdoor activities.

Traditions and Celebrations

Many places hold special events during the Spring Bank Holiday, such as country fairs, music festivals, garden open days, etc. These events are full of British culture. In some areas, celebrating traditional May festivals (such as May Day) will continue to the Spring Bank Holiday, bringing folk performances, dances, and community carnivals.

Enjoy the Good Time of Spring

After a long winter, the British are eager for sunshine and warmth. The weather turns good at the end of May, and the grass and trees are lush. Therefore, the Spring Bank Holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy spring. If the day is sunny, people are more willing to go out for picnics, hikes, or barbecues on the holiday.

The Beginning of Summer

Spring Bank Holiday is regarded as a sign of the beginning of summer. The British often use this day to plan summer travel or start gardening, and stores will also launch summer promotions to create a cheerful atmosphere.

In short, the Spring Bank Holiday is a calendar date and a cultural symbol for the British to welcome vitality and release stress.

FAQs about Spring Bank Holiday 2025

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Spring Bank Holiday 2025:

1. What date is the May bank holiday 2025?

There are two bank holidays in May 2025: May 5 (Early May Bank Holiday) and May 26 (Spring Bank Holiday).

2. Are there three bank holidays in May 2025?

No. There are only two bank holidays in May 2025: the Early May Bank Holiday (May 5) and the Spring Bank Holiday (May 26).

3. Do most bank holidays in the UK fall on Mondays?

Yes. Most bank holidays in the UK fall on Mondays, which helps to extend the weekends throughout the year. For example, in 2025, the UK's Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday, May 26, combined with 24 and 25 May, making for a perfect long weekend.

4. Which countries or regions celebrate the Spring Bank Holiday?

The UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, usually celebrates the Spring Bank Holiday.

Final Thoughts

In short, as one of the important bank holidays in the UK, this holiday in late May allows people to experience rich activities and enjoy leisure time. It is an ideal time for a city vacation. On this day, you can experience outdoor activities, seaside holidays, family-friendly activities, taste good food and wine, or relax at home. Through planning and flexible arrangements, people can easily enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the UK Spring Bank Holiday while avoiding unnecessary troubles.