Already looking at which Bank Holidays London gets in 2024? Look no further! We’ve got all the public holiday dates in the UK for 2024, and our top picks for what to do in London on each day. 2024 has less bank holidays than the last two years due to not having any jubilees or coronations, so it’s important you get the most from the standard amount!
List of London’s Bank Holiday Dates for 2024
- 1st January – New Year’s Day (Monday)
- 29th March – Good Friday
- 1st April – Easter Monday
- 6th May – Early May Bank Holiday (Monday)
- 27th May – Spring Bank Holiday (Monday)
- 26th August – Summer Bank Holiday (Monday)
- 25th December – Christmas Day (Wednesday)
- 26th December – Boxing Day (Thursday)
What to Do in London on a Bank Holiday
Bank Holidays in London can be busy – after all, the majority of the country has the day off! Different holidays throughout the year have different events. Whilst sometimes it’s just nice to use that extra day to explore a new area of the city you already love!
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is not only the first day of 2024, but the very first Bank Holiday London gets in the year. If you’re not too hungover from the previous night’s festivities, we recommend heading to your local brunch spot to treat yourself to a hearty meal. Personally, we’ll probably be heading to either Hatch 77 in Pimlico or Sunday in Brooklyn in Notting Hill – both are great options for a late morning meal!
For those with energy, make sure you don’t miss London’s annual New Year’s Day Parade! The parade this year starts at The Ritz, before finishing by Westminster Bridge. The show starts at 12 noon and is free to go and see. If you want to ensure you get a view, you can buy grandstand tickets.
Good Friday & Easter Monday
Good Friday and Easter Monday are two consecutive Bank Holidays in March/May this year. These are the only Bank Holidays this year that will give you a four day weekend. We recommend using this wisely and planning a London weekend itinerary that allows you to get the most from our wonderful city without using any of your holiday allowance for the year.
London often hosts Easter celebrations, from events for kids in Covent Garden, to pop-up hot cross bun afternoon teas. Spring in London is truly a gorgeous time of year so make sure you schedule in some time to take in the blooms on the local trees.
May Bank Holidays
May has two bank holidays, one at the beginning (6th) and one at the end (27th). May is a super busy month in London every year – with the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show taking place. Alongside the RHS show, you can also experience both Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom for free. It is expected that these will both run over the latter Bank Holiday weekend.
The weather is often really good during the May bank holidays so it’s a great time to spend outside in the city. From exploring the wonderful nautical streets of Greenwich, to wandering around London’s Royal Parks – there’s so much to enjoy!
Summer Bank Holiday
The Summer bank holiday in 2024 falls on 26th August, right in the heart of summer. This is a great opportunity to take in the last of the London summer sun before autumn arrives in the city. Why not take a tour of London’s best ice cream parlours and enjoy the delicious flavours each of them has on offer.
It’s also a fabulous time of year to take in a play at Shakespeare’s Globe – as an open roof theatre you’ll want to ensure the weather is good when you go!
Christmas Day & Boxing Day
If you’re lucky enough to spend Christmas Day in the city you can expect to see a much quieter town. Most Londoners (and tourists alike) will be at home digging into their annual Christmas dinner – which leaves the streets far less busy. If you want to take in London’s Christmas lights, this is a great day to do so on your festive stroll.
Boxing Day tends to see the reopening of London’s ice rinks after the big day has passed – so make sure you fit in a final festive skate! You should expect the pubs of the city to reopen on Boxing Day, offering a cosy spot for a pint or final cup of London mulled wine before the season comes to an end.
About The London Eats List
We’re a London blog, here to bring you guidance on the very best things in the city. From guides to our favourite areas, such as Chelsea. To our recommendations for the most romantic restaurants in town – we’ve got all the inspiration you need!