Plan your perfect Kent getaway: How to make the most of your annual leave
With the promise of warmer days on the horizon, it's time to start dreaming of your next escape. Kent, a hidden gem in the South East of England, offers a diverse range of experiences, from historic castles to stunning coastal walks.
At Hawthorn Farm Cottages, we've got everything you need for a memorable stay. Our cosy cottages, perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends, are the ideal base to explore all that Kent has to offer at any time of year.
To help you make the most of your time off, we've put together a handy guide to the 2025 UK bank holidays and some tips on how to maximize your leave.
When are the UK bank holidays in 2025?
England and Wales both have 8 bank holidays in 2025, Scotland has 9 and Northern Ireland has 10. Here are the dates for your diary:
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday 1st January
- 2nd January Bank Holiday – Thursday 2nd January (Scotland only)
- St Patrick’s Day – Monday 17th March (Northern Ireland only)
- Good Friday – Friday 18th April
- Easter Monday – Monday 21st April (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
- Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May
- Spring Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May
- Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen’s Day – Monday 14th July (Northern Ireland only)
- Summer Bank Holiday – Monday 25th August
- St Andrew’s Day – Monday 1st December (Scotland only)
- Christmas Day – Thursday 25th December
- Boxing Day – Friday 26th December
Tips for extending your annual leave
It's a great idea to extend your bank holiday weekends by tacking on a few days of annual leave. With a bit of careful planning, you can enjoy a nice long holiday, making just a small dent in your holiday allowance:
Easter
If you book time off from the 14th to the 17th of April, or from the 22nd to the 25th of April, you'll end up with a 10 day holiday, for just 4 days of your annual leave.
And there’s no better place to soak up the spring sunshine than the stunning county of Kent!
With its diverse coastline, picturesque countryside, and charming towns and villages, Kent offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer the bustling seaside resorts of the North Kent coast or the quieter, more traditional towns of the South Kent coast, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Don’t forget to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea – a quintessential Kent experience - with no specific rules about which way round the cream and jam go on your scone!
May bank holidays
You can book your annual leave from the 6th of May to the 9th of May this year, or from the 27th of May to the 30th of May and enjoy a 9 day holiday for just 4 days of annual leave!
With longer days and warmer weather, Kent is the perfect location for a May escape! Explore stunning beaches, delve into rich history, and embrace breathtaking landscapes.
August bank holiday
Make the most of late summer by extending your summer break with a long weekend from August 26th to 29th. With just a few extra days off, you can enjoy a full nine days of relaxation and adventure.
Escape the crowds and head to the beautiful Kent coast, an often-overlooked gem. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to catch some waves or simply want to unwind on sunny beach, Kent has it all. From picturesque seaside towns to stunning coastal walks, there's something for everyone. As the sun dips below the horizon, treat yourself to a classic British seaside experience with a portion of fish and chips, and an ice cream!
Christmas and New Year
Make Christmas 2025 a festive getaway to remember! You can make the most of the festive season by taking just three days of annual leave, and enjoy an extended holiday. Choose from December 22nd to 24th for a nine-day escape, or add December 29th to 31st for a thirteen-day winter wonderland experience (sixteen days for Scottish residents!)
There’s no better place to soak up the holiday spirit than In Kent. Imagine spending time by a roaring fire in some of the most picturesque village pubs, taking a scenic winter walk along coastal paths or in the beautiful countryside... Kent is a truly magical place to spend the festive season!