HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EASTER HOLIDAYS
If there is one thing we love in this country more than a queue or talking about the clouds, it’s a long weekend. The May bank holiday season is basically the grand opening of the British summer. It is the time of year when we all collectively decide that 14°C is t-shirt weather and head to the nearest place to get a pint with high hopes and even higher spirits.
But because we get two of them, the early May bank holiday and the spring bank holiday, you need a plan. You don’t want to spend your extra days off staring at the fridge or doing DIY. You want to be out in the world, drink in hand, making memories that are slightly blurry but definitely fun.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know to survive and thrive during the best weekends of the year.
When is the May Bank Holiday?
Before you start booking your trains and calling your mates, you need to know the dates. When are the May bank holidays exactly? In 2026, we are blessed with two glorious opportunities for a three-day bender, or a chance to catch up on some sleep:
- Early May bank holiday: Monday 4th May 2026.
- Spring bank holiday: Monday 25th May 2026.
That is two Mondays when you don’t have to check emails or sit in meetings. It is basically a gift from the universe. Whether you are planning a massive blowout in London or a chilled session in Manchester, these dates are your golden tickets to freedom.
Where did the holidays come from?
It’s easy to think that bank holidays have always been part of the British furniture, but they actually have a bit of a rebellious history. We haven’t always had Mondays off just for the sake of it.
The early May bank holiday
Long before office jobs existed, the Celts celebrated Beltane around this time. It was a fire festival that marked the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It was all about fertility, new life, and, believe it or not, leaping over bonfires to bring good luck.
Despite being thousands of years old in spirit, the early May bank holiday didn’t actually become an official day off in England and Wales until 1978. It was brought in to coincide with International Workers’ Day. So, while you’re enjoying your second pint, you can thank the trade unions for making sure you didn’t have to go into the office that day.
The spring bank holiday
The holiday at the end of May has a slightly different vibe. It started as Whit Monday, which was the day after Pentecost in the Christian calendar.
For decades, Whit Monday was one of the biggest holidays of the year. It was a time for outdoor walks, brass bands, and big community fairs. However, because it was tied to Easter, the date bounced around, sometimes landing in June.
In 1971, the government decided to make things a bit simpler (for once) and replaced Whit Monday with a fixed spring bank holiday on the last Monday of May. This gave us a guaranteed long weekend to enjoy the late May sun, regardless of when Easter happened to fall.
Why do we call them bank holidays?
The name is exactly what it sounds like. Back in 1871, a banker named Sir John Lubbock passed an Act that made it official for banks to close on certain days. The idea was that if the banks were closed, no business could be done, so everyone else might as well have the day off, too.
Top tips for the early May bank holiday
The early May bank holiday is often the first time we feel like winter is truly behind us. The days are longer, the birds are singing, and the urge to stay out past 9 PM is getting stronger. Here is how to handle it:
- Book your benches early: Everyone has the same idea. The moment the sun peeks out, every popular drinking spot in the city gets swamped. If you want a seat, don’t wing it. Get your bookings in now so you aren’t left wandering the streets like a lost sheep.
- Check the travel: National Rail loves a bank holiday for “essential maintenance.” Before you head off to see your pals in Liverpool or Birmingham, check the trains. Nobody wants to spend their early May bank holiday on a replacement bus service.
- Dress for every season: While it may be sunny out at the time, you’ve got to remember this is the UK we’re talking about. You might start the day in sunglasses and end it in a hailstorm. Layers are your best friend. A nice jacket that looks good draped over a bench if it gets too hot is always a good idea
Things to do during the May bank holidays in London
While we love all our locations, there is something truly special about a May bank holiday in the capital. London transforms when the sun comes out. The streets feel a bit more European, and the vibe is electric. It’s a completely different city during the summer season.
If you are heading to London, here is how to spend your time:
- Visit the parks: London has some of the best parks in the world. Grab some snacks and head to St James’s Park or Hyde Park. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching before you head off for something a bit more high-energy.
- Riverside vibes: A walk along the Thames is a classic for a reason. From the South Bank to the glittering lights of the West End, the city feels alive during the May bank holiday.
- The ultimate bottomless brunch: If you really want to do London right, you need to talk about brunch. Not just any brunch, but a bottomless brunch. It is the undisputed king of bank holiday activities. Imagine sitting in a beautiful palace of indulgence, with endless drinks and world-class food.
Why you need a Bottomless Brunch in your life
Let’s be real for a second. The May bank holiday was practically invented for bottomless brunch. It is the only time it is socially acceptable to start drinking prosecco or biers before midday while tucked into a plate of something delicious.
At Albert’s Schloss, we take brunch very seriously. We’re talking about proper Alpine-inspired dishes that fill the hole in your soul, paired with a flow of drinks that never seems to end. It’s about the atmosphere, the music, and the fact that you have nowhere else to be.
Celebrating across the country with Albert's Schloss
While London is a massive shout for the holidays, we’ve got homes all over the shop. Each city brings its own flavour to a May bank holiday weekend:
- Manchester: The original home of the Schloss. Manchester knows how to party better than almost anywhere else. Expect the unexpected and be ready for a Sunday Service that will change your life.
- Birmingham: In the heart of the city, our Birmingham home is the perfect place to escape the shopping crowds and settle in for a long session of heritage biers and bratwurst.
- Liverpool: Liverpool is a city that lives for the weekend. The energy here during a May bank holiday is unmatched. If you want to dance on benches and sing your heart out, this is the place to be.
- London: Our newest palace of fun. Nestled in the heart of the capital, it’s the perfect spot for those looking for a bit of Alpine magic amidst the London hustle.
The May bank holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. With two long weekends to play with, you have plenty of time to explore, eat, drink, and be merry. Just remember: stay hydrated, keep your sunglasses handy, and always, always book a table.
Join us at Albert's Schloss
When you’re ready to stop planning and start partying, we are waiting for you. From the first pour of the morning at our bottomless brunch to the final cabaret act of the night, Albert’s Schloss is your home for the holidays.
We’ve got the biers, we’ve got the schnitzel, and we’ve definitely got the vibes. Whether you are in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, or London, come and show us how you celebrate a bank holiday. Book your table today!
