As the UK welcomed the arrival of 2026 with enthusiasm, many are already looking to plan their upcoming time off following the festive season. Maximizing annual leave around the bank holidays in 2026 is a smart strategy. Here is a list of the bank holiday dates for the year.
The AA has issued a warning to drivers, highlighting that the first working Monday of the year, known as “manic Monday,” is expected to see a high number of breakdowns. It is anticipated that over 22 million car journeys will take place, emphasizing the importance of checking vehicles, particularly those that have been idle during the Christmas period.
During the previous year, the first working Monday witnessed a 27% increase in breakdown requests compared to a regular Monday in February. Shaun Jones, an expert from the AA, emphasized the challenges of returning to work after the festive celebrations, including the morning rush and potential traffic congestion.
Jones advised motorists to prepare by checking their vehicles over the weekend to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and reduce stress as they head back to work. Taking simple steps to ensure that cars are in good working condition can prevent unexpected issues.