Active Tours in England

One of the many reasons to visit England is that each season brings its own unique charm. Although it’s not known for its sunny skies, in general, England doesn’t experience extremes during either summer or winter, making travel generally easy year-round. Overall, Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, when there is more chance of warm and dry weather. 

Spring in England 

March is where you’ll start to spot the first signs of spring, and with that, scatterings of daffodils. In England, April is known for “April Showers” however the good news is that the cold of winter gives way to warmer temperatures and the verdant blooming of an English Spring. In May, the average temperature takes its highest rise yet (around 57F), with slightly less rain predicted too, which makes it a popular travel month for outdoor enthusiasts. At Macs, May is our most popular travel month and so it is best to book as early as possible for travel during this time.

Tip: This is the perfect time for the Lake District.  As a well-known National Park, this area becomes busier in summer. Experience it in its best form!

Summer in England

June is a wonderful time to visit with a higher average temperature than days of rainfall - yay!  In July and August holidays to England are at their peak, meaning travel prices are on the rise (top tip: book early for Summer). England’s beautiful coastal areas are perfect for visiting, with Cornwall’s beaches proving popular with those traveling within the country as well as those visiting. England's average daily temperature in summer is around 69F, but of course will vary based on location, with coastal, mountainous and more northerly regions being a bit cooler.

Tip: This is a great time to visit Devon and South West Coast Path, unlike other parts of England it shouldn’t be too hot to walk in since you have the gentle breeze of the coast. You will need to book early though as Cornwall is a popular British holiday destination in the summer.

Autumn in England

Temperatures begin to decrease; however, the English countryside transforms into a photographer’s dream. You can expect landscapes of yellow, red and orange from September to November as entire forests change the colors of their leaves.  For a quintessentially British experience, visit a country pub on a chilly day. Seek out a traditional pub with an open fireplace and get cozy by the fire as you enjoy a pint of local ale and a hearty meal. The average temperature in September is around 62F and 55F in October.  

For a relatively small country, England packs a punch with a wonderfully diverse array of landscapes and sights. From the vibrant buzz of London to the beautiful turquoise waters of Cornwall, pretty hamlets of the Cotswold's to the peaks of the Lake District. You could spend as little as a long weekend, or comfortably three to four weeks, depending on how much you want to see. 

London

Culture-seekers are in for a delight as there are few more cosmopolitan cities on earth. People travel from all over the world to visit, work, or live. Why not treat yourself to a west-end theater ticket, take in the sights such as Big Ben, take an obligatory picture outside Buckingham Palace, relax in Hyde Park and finish with a cocktail in one of its many roof-top bars. These are just a few of the limitless options available.

Recommendation: If you enjoy big city life in small doses, include a relaxing walking 4 Day Short Break in your London vacation along the Thames River Path.  It begins on the River Thames in the historic market town of Henley through countryside and towns, ending in the royal enclave of Windsor just 45 minutes from nearly anywhere in London.

The Cotswolds 

The Cotswolds is undoubtedly one of the most photographed corners of the UK. It's the quintessential English countryside experience. It's unsurprisingly a popular destination as tourists visit to explore its quaint villages and idyllic pastureland. The best way to explore this is the area's extensive trail network, including the excellent long-distance trail the Cotswold Way

Recommendation: If booking any Cotswolds self-guided hike, or just visiting, we recommend at least one extra night in Bath.  The city of Bath is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is rich in Georgian architecture and Roman history, bursting with culture and Jane Austen fever. You can finish your day soaking in the country's only natural thermal springs.

Lake District 

This UNESCO heritage region was protected in 2017 for its unique hill-farming culture. Each season of the year, people flock here to explore the countryside and fells of the Lake District, and we don't blame them for it is picture-perfect. This area is filled with rugged mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, and charming villages to explore. 

Recommendation: The abundance of lakes, valleys, woodlands, and fells makes this destination one of the best places in England to get out and experience the great outdoors. We have a great range of self-guided hiking trips in the Lake District to discover.

Cornwall 

Cornwall is a faraway land, located at the very tip of the United Kingdom. The journey, although lengthy, is so worth it! Beach-lovers will be in heaven with its magnificent coastline, over 300 miles of dunes and cliffs, all accessible on foot. There is so much to do from lazy picnics on the beach, exploring rock pools and marine art, learning to surf, or relaxing in a cozy Cornish pub.  The legendary Tintagel is located in the north of Cornwall, along with the tidal island abbey of St Michael's Mount.

Recommendation: The South West Coast Path National Trail is one of England's National Treasures. This should be on every long-distance hiker's bucket-list, it offers some of the best hikes in England and is a great way to burn off those Cornish pastries.

Yorkshire

There's more to Yorkshire than crispy puddings, local ale, and rich tea (although they're all mighty fine in their own right). The northern stretch of the county is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions; home to cosmopolitan cities, rolling hills, and breathtaking coastlines. Anyone who loves the outdoors will instantly feel at home in Yorkshire.  

Recommendation: We suggest our Discover England: The Lake District to Yorkshire Dales to experience by rail and foot two northern regions brimming with wild beauty, stone villages and some of the coziest pubs in England.