What can you do over the bank holiday period?
What does the bank holiday mean to you? For many, the bank holiday represents a welcome day off and a break from the usual routines of everyday life. It could be a long weekend somewhere, a relaxing day in front of the TV, or a cup of tea and a good book. I know for me, the bank holiday is often a time to spend with family. It could be a long-awaited trip to see my grandson or to catch up with those family members we don’t get to see regularly. But I’ve often wondered where the ‘bank holiday’ actually comes from and why we have them. Bank holidays are an important part of life in the UK, and they happen at different times throughout the year.
The history of bank holidays in the UK originates from the Bank Holidays Act 1871. This was introduced during a period of change, when the government needed to recognise the right for people to have leisure time and a needed break from work. The bank holiday was introduced by the politician and banker Sir John Lubbock. These were days where the financial banks were legally closed, meaning no business or payments could be made until the next working day. In England and Wales, there are typically eight bank holidays every year, but in Scotland there are nine and in Northern Ireland there are ten. Initially, it was only banks and financial buildings that closed but now businesses, shops, schools and many other places close too. Whatever you choose for the bank holiday to be, Wiltshire has many opportunities for you to discover. ‘Wiltshire What’s on?’ is a Facebook group that can help equip you with the knowledge and places you can explore over the long weekend.
Things to do in Wiltshire on Bank Holiday Weekend August 2026:
- Little Lion Markets is back at Memorial Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett for the Baby and Preloved Market. 10:30am to 12pm. Bank Holiday Monday.
- Last Baguette. 2pm Bank holiday Monday. Malmsbury Abbey Cloister Gardens. A family comic theatre and circus show reframing failure as positive and vital on the journey of learning.
- Immersive historical mystery event. Athenaeum Warminster. Discover secrets of this Grade 2 listed building alongside Warminster’s late Summer Street Market. – Sunday 30th August. Start times every 15 minutes between 10:30am and 3:30pm.
- Bank holiday event fun day at The Royal George pub. Saturday 29th August for a full day of live music, games, food and plenty of fun. Salisbury.
- Retro at the Rec. Car boot, live music, market stalls and Inflatables. Saturday 29th August.
- Party at the Fayre, Guildhall Square, Salisbury, Sunday 30th August. 3pm – 10pm.
- Abbey Fest – Bank Holiday Takeover. Head to Abbey Meads on Sunday 30th August from 2pm for an afternoon and evening of music, BBQ, local stalls and family entertainment.
- White Hart Fest, Chippenham. Visit the White Hart on Monday August 31st from 12pm for an outdoor family-friendly pub festival featuring BBQ, live music and kids’ entertainment.
- Bank Holiday Disco at The Merlin, Swindon. Sunday August 30th from 8pm.
- Devizes Craft and Gift Market, Devizes. Browse over 500 stalls and local crafts at the Devizes Corn Exchange on Saturday August 29th starting at 8:30am.
Remember, August can be an expensive month with the summer holidays but don’t despair if you’re strapped for cash as there are many things you can do in Wiltshire that are free. Some places may require a fee, but this is optional if you want to choose another location. For example, go on walks/picnics! Just not a BBQ (because of the heatwaves). Places to walk in Wiltshire include, Lydiard Park, Coate Water, Wilts and Berks Canal, Wichelstowe, Old Town, Savernake Forest, Silbury Hill, Avebury, Stonehenge, Lacock, The Ridgeway etc…
You could choose to spend the time doing arts and crafts with family and friends using recycled materials that you already have in your home. Wiltshire is a beautiful county with so much to offer, so if you’re local don’t forget to take some time to explore where it is that you live. Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!