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Are you thinking about traveling to England soon? We have all the information you need about visiting the Land of the Rose. From historic cities to beautiful nature preserves, there’s a lot to love about beautiful England.
Make your trip spectacular, and learn about the best time of the year to visit and when to avoid traveling. We’ll reveal the cheapest times to visit England and how to travel on a budget.
We’ll tell you how to avoid the tourist season and how to score deals on hotels and flights. Plus, we’ll go over some common questions, and you can learn everything you need to know for your next vacation. Read on to discover the best time to visit England and more!
Why You Should Visit England
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England is a beautiful country with countless attractions, and the nation’s rich history dates back to Roman times and before. Go back in time and step into the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in 1078.
Or, visit Stonehenge, a monument that dates back to the prehistoric era. The natural beauty of England is another reason to visit. Experience the misty wilderness of Dartmoor, or check out the lush beauty of the Peak District. England is ideal for hiking, camping, and seeing natural wonders.
You can stay in a city if the outdoors isn’t your thing. London has many iconic sites and things to do, from bars and nightclubs to museums and restaurants. Other cities like Manchester, Brighton, and Liverpool have fun tourist attractions and a bustling vibe.
The nation has plenty to do, no matter what your tastes are. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend by the seaside or a busy city getaway, there’s something in England for you.
Overall Best Time to Visit England
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The overall best time to visit England is in the spring. The weather is temperate, and you’ll find plenty of activities to do.
Whether you’re traveling to sunny Brighton or the cloudier corners of northern England, the temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is relatively light in the spring. The spring, ranging from late March to mid-June, is a magical time in England.
Traipse through the countryside looking at wildflowers or see author Beatrix Potter’s famous Hill Top Farm in full bloom. You can even see the Bluebell Woods in many locations throughout England, including near Roseberry Topping in Yorkshire.
London, the nation’s historic capital, is hopping with things to do in spring. Cruise on a boat tour down the Thames river and see the city skyline on a clear spring day.
Or take a stroll down Oxford Street and into the Soho area, where you’ll find thousands of blossoming flowers in parks and shops. Spring is also an ideal time to tour manor houses or historical sites while you enjoy the temperate weather.
Highclere Castle in Newbury is a must-see for fans of the series Downton Abbey, and Shakespeare’s house in Stratford-Upon-Avon is open daily to tourists. With so many fantastic things to do in England in the spring, you’ll never run out of ideas!
Cheapest Time to Visit England
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The cheapest time to visit England is in the winter, from January to February. The weather is cold in these late winter months, and most tourists prefer not to visit England during this season.
Fortunately, you can take advantage of the cold weather and score deals on flights and hotels. It’s not too difficult to find cheap flights from January to February. Remember to be flexible with your dates and check airline websites often, as a deal may pop up at any time.
Believe it or not, Christmas or Boxing Day is one of the best times to fly, as most people are home for the holidays, and you can beat the holiday rush if you book at the right time. The weather during this time isn’t spectacular.
Temperatures average from 34 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll experience rain or snow at least several days a week. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything fun to do. Find a cozy pub and enjoy a hot cider by the fire, or bundle up in a warm jacket and go for a short walk.
Compared to the best time of the year to visit, the cheapest time isn’t as great. The weather is dreary, and there are fewer events and festivals. But you can still enjoy England on a budget and take advantage of all the fun indoor things to do.
Least Busy Time to Visit England
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The least busy time to visit England is from November to December 25th and from January 1st to March.
The late fall and winter months are the offseason in England, except for the holiday season, and you won’t see many other tourists if you vacation during this time. Although domestic travel increases in the last two weeks of December, the winter is an ideal time for peaceful travel in England.
You can score deals on flights by booking far in advance. We suggest purchasing plane tickets at least three to four months before you plan to travel. Get traveler’s insurance to protect your funds in case of cancellation, and stay flexible with your dates.
The weather in England during this time is quite cold. You’ll look like a local if you come dressed in travel shorts and t-shirts! Instead, opt for a well-insulated coat and a cozy scarf. There are plenty of fun things to do in the offseason.
Celebrate Bonfire Night on November 5th and watch fireworks displays, or do some holiday shopping in central London. You can also escape to a tiny village and enjoy the small-town atmosphere, with caroling concerts, theater events, and deals at pubs.
Worst Time to Visit England
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The worst time to visit England is during the last two weeks of December. While you might think it’s a great time to see holiday festivities, the weather is dreary, and travel is expensive.
Opt for early December if you want to enjoy holiday celebrations or visit in the summer for better weather. Book at least three weeks in advance if you’re traveling during Christmas or New Year’s.
You can even consider buying tickets a few months in advance if possible. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to purchase flights to England, especially during this busy time. Expect that tourism will be high, especially in the big cities.
Many people from England and mainland Europe travel for the holidays in December. Consider opting for a village getaway instead of a big city trip, and you can avoid the crowds. Even if the weather is poor, there are still fun things to do in England in late December.
The country is famous for its diverse culture, and there’s nowhere else to experience a cultural melting pot like in England. Brave the crowds at a holiday festival or parade, sample new foods from curry to fish and chips, see a music concert, and don’t forget to get tickets for the theater!
Things to Consider
Check this helpful list of things to consider when visiting England:
- Prepare for the weather. You’ll need an umbrella, raincoat, and sturdy shoes in England.
- Avoid renting a car. Learning new traffic laws can be stressful, especially if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road. Especially if you’re visiting London, driving on the famed M25 motorway can be hellish! Consider opting for a train pass, Oyster Card, or rideshares like Lyft or Uber.
- Book flights into major cities. International airports like London Heathrow, Leeds Bradford, and Manchester have cheaper and more direct flights. You won’t have to worry about confusing plane changes or long layovers.
- Purchase a National Trust membership pass. It includes access to over 500 tourist destinations throughout the UK, from Tudor houses to historic castles.
- Sarcasm is typical in England, and poking fun is often a sign of friendship. Don’t get offended if British folks make a sarcastic joke about you!
- Expect to hear more languages than just English. The UK is home to speakers of Gaelic, Welsh, Cornish, and more. There’s also a range of accents, and you might have trouble understanding the locals.
- Pubs are different from bars. In England, pubs are communal spaces where families and friends come together to drink and enjoy a Sunday Roast. Kids are welcome, and there’s often live folk music and dancing.
- Hold the door for people when you’re traveling. In England, it’s customary to hold the door for the person after you, and you may meet helpful locals who leave the doors open for you.
- If you get lost, English people are typically happy to answer questions about directions. Especially in smaller towns, folks are usually eager to start a conversation. Just be aware that in London, people tend to keep to themselves more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Read on to discover all the answers you need about visiting England.
How many days is enough to visit England?
Four to seven days is the ideal time to spend in England. Travel in England is easy and quick, and you can see many top sights in just a few days. Stay in London for a few days before taking the train to York in northern England.
Or, go hiking in the Lake District before a sunny weekend in Brighton. If you’d like to extend your trip, two or three weeks will let you see more sights and live like a local.
What is the best way to travel in England?
The railway is the best way to travel in England, without a doubt. It’s how the locals get around and is a cheap, fast way to travel. Purchase a BritRail Pass to access England’s railways, and your travel will be easy and stress-free. If you’re staying in London, we recommend purchasing an Oyster Card to access the London Underground tube system.
Is England expensive to visit?
England is relatively expensive, but it depends on the currency you’re used to using. The value of the British pound fluctuates, but it’s typically worth more than other currencies.
Cambridge is the most expensive city in England, followed by London, Oxford, and Bath. For a cheaper trip, consider Sheffield or Birmingham.
What do I need to know to travel to England for the first time?
Prepare your passport and visa ahead of time to travel to England. We suggest researching what documents you’ll need if it’s your first time.
If it’s your first time in England, know that the culture is different. Locals like to keep their distance, and you probably won’t start a conversation with a stranger on the tube!
How do you avoid looking like a tourist in England?
Come prepared for the weather, and expect it to rain regularly. You’ll also want a sweater or jacket no matter what time of year you visit. If you’re visiting London, stay away from Oxford Street and Leicester Square (pronounced “Lester Square”).
These places often flood with tourists and street vendors. Don’t be afraid to walk. If you’re from America or another larger country, you’re probably used to driving everywhere. In England, you can avoid looking like a tourist by walking to get groceries or to go to the pub.
What is the number one tourist attraction in England?
The Tower of London is the top tourist destination in England. It’s a castle just off the River Thames in London. The Tower dates back to 1078 and housed hundreds of famous criminals and political prisoners within its white stone walls.
Today, it’s a protected museum and features the Crown Jewels behind glass. Don’t forget to visit the so-called “guardians of the Tower,” the black ravens!
Which is the best city to visit in England?
The best city to visit in England depends on your preferences, but we think London is the best all around. It’s among the largest and most diverse cities worldwide and is always bustling with things to do. Also, flights go into London from across the world, and you can get cheap airline fares to the capital city.
Is England the same thing as the UK?
No, England is not the same as the UK. The UK, or the United Kingdom, includes Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England. In short, England is part of the UK, but the UK also consists of other countries. You may also hear the term “Great Britain.” Great Britain refers to the geographic island, including England, Scotland, and Wales.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit England?
The best time to visit England is in the spring when the weather is warm. However, if you’re looking to save money and avoid the tourist crowds, consider going in the late fall or winter. Whenever you choose to visit, England is waiting with hundreds of fun activities and things to do. Happy travels!