What is the longest break 5 days of annual leave can buy in 2027?

13 days: Dec 23 – Jan 4. Take Dec 23, Dec 24, Dec 29, Dec 30, Dec 31 off and join them to Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute), New Year's Day (substitute), 2nd January (substitute) and the weekends.

How do I get the most days off from 5 days of annual leave in 2027?

Split it into 5 breaks: Jan 1–5, 5 days for 1; Jul 31 – Aug 3, 4 days for 1; Nov 27–30, 4 days for 1; Dec 25–29, 5 days for 1; Dec 31 – Jan 4, 5 days for 1. That is 23 days off for 5 days of annual leave.

Which breaks in 2027 need no leave at all?

New Year's Day, 2nd January (substitute): Jan 1–4 (4 days); Good Friday: Mar 26–28 (3 days); Early May bank holiday: May 1–3 (3 days); Spring bank holiday: May 29–31 (3 days); Summer bank holiday: Jul 31 – Aug 2 (3 days); Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute): Dec 25–28 (4 days).

Scotland 2027 Annual Leave Planner

Assuming a Monday–Friday job and Scotland's 2027 public holidays: 5 days of annual leave buy a 13-day break (Dec 23 – Jan 4), or 23 days of breaks spread over the year. Try your own number.

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Whole-year plans for 5 days

2027 at a glance

Jan5 leave

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Breaks in 2027 that need no leave

Jan 1–4New Year's Day, 2nd January (substitute) · 4 days
Mar 26–28Good Friday · 3 days
May 1–3Early May bank holiday · 3 days
May 29–31Spring bank holiday · 3 days
Jul 31 – Aug 2Summer bank holiday · 3 days
Dec 25–28Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute) · 4 days

How it works

Assumes a Monday–Friday job: weekends and public holidays need no leave.
“Holiday by holiday” lists each upcoming holiday from today on, with the longest break your days can buy around it, nearest first.
“Longest single break” finds the longest run of days off; “Most days off in total” splits your days across several breaks to maximise the total; “One long trip + long weekends” keeps at least one break of 9+ days.
Leave is taken within the year; a break may run into the New Year days just before or after it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest break 5 days of annual leave can buy in 2027?: 13 days: Dec 23 – Jan 4. Take Dec 23, Dec 24, Dec 29, Dec 30, Dec 31 off and join them to Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute), New Year's Day (substitute), 2nd January (substitute) and the weekends.
How do I get the most days off from 5 days of annual leave in 2027?: Split it into 5 breaks: Jan 1–5, 5 days for 1; Jul 31 – Aug 3, 4 days for 1; Nov 27–30, 4 days for 1; Dec 25–29, 5 days for 1; Dec 31 – Jan 4, 5 days for 1. That is 23 days off for 5 days of annual leave.
Which breaks in 2027 need no leave at all?: New Year's Day, 2nd January (substitute): Jan 1–4 (4 days); Good Friday: Mar 26–28 (3 days); Early May bank holiday: May 1–3 (3 days); Spring bank holiday: May 29–31 (3 days); Summer bank holiday: Jul 31 – Aug 2 (3 days); Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute): Dec 25–28 (4 days).

Scotland 2027 holiday calendar 2026 leave planner

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Dates come from the same data as the Scotland 2027 holiday calendar, where each date cites its source. Your employer decides when leave can be taken. · Privacy

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