THE SEASON AHEAD
I always find spring in the UK to be the most wonderful assault on the senses. Almost overnight, the winter chill seems to melt away and the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air. On my daily drives through the Cotswolds, the rolling meadows begin to gleam in shades of vivid green and the bright yellow of rapeseed flowers. It’s such an uplifting sight. Walking in the woodlands is equally rewarding, as wild garlic quickly blankets the undergrowth, replaced by dense clusters of bluebells as spring progresses.
The shift from spring to summer in the UK is sometimes imperceptible. It can only take a couple of days of warm sunshine to see pub gardens suddenly become full, picnics with Pimm’s become a staple of British parks, and families flock to the beaches at any opportunity. As far as the events calendar goes, the start of summer is much more defined. June marks the beginning of many months of joy for me, from Royal Ascot and Wimbledon to the Glyndebourne opera festival. Even away from the more formal events, summer in the UK brings no end of outdoor festivals, open air theatre, and concerts catering to all tastes and persuasions. Wherever you choose to visit during the British summertime, you’ll see the country shining in all of its glory.
Camilla – April 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit the UK?
Summer, from May to August, is one of the best times of year to visit the UK. Warm weather makes it easier to enjoy the countryside, coast, gardens and national parks. Long days also mean outdoor dining, parks and pub gardens are tempting late into the evening. Outdoor concerts and festivals take place throughout the country, and this is also one of the best times of year to enjoy the country’s beaches. Furthermore, summer is a great time to combine England with Scotland on a custom tour. Summer temperatures in the UK average out at around 20C (68F), though hotter days are common in the height of summer – particularly in the south and east. Even the arrival of rain showers rarely dampen spirits during the British summertime.
Autumn, from September to November, is another wonderful time of year to visit the UK. Early autumn can still feel mild, but the beaches of Devon and Cornwall are significantly quieter than during the summer. Luxury tours of the Cotswolds are very rewarding in fall, with golden light drenching the meadows and the leaves starting to turn. You can enjoy lively displays of fall colours in parks and woodlands across the country. Cultural events in stately homes and historic cities mean there is still plenty to enjoy when the weather is changeable. Average temperatures in September sit at around 17C (63F), cooling to around 8C (46F) by November.
If you are visiting during Thanksgiving or beyond, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that is special about the UK winter. Bright frosty days are wonderful for country walks, and there is always a cosy pub or a fascinating castle to retreat to on rainier days. The Christmas lights and shopping in London are some of the best in Europe, but even outside of the capital you will find plenty of festive markets. After New Year, you can explore towns and cities in relative peace. You could even head up to Scotland for stunning winter scenery and events such as Burns Night. Winter temperatures in the UK vary hugely by month and region, with temperatures of 7C (44F) not uncommon on milder days, but freezing conditions and snowfall always a possibility – particularly in the north.
Spring (March to May) is England’s great garden season. Daffodils, crocuses, cherry blossom, and bluebells bring colour back into the landscape, whether you are exploring ancient woodlands or the gardens of stately homes. While this is a changeable season for weather, the days lengthen quickly and attractions still feel quieter than during the summer. Places like Oxford, London, Bath, and the Cotswolds are all particularly enjoyable for this reason, as are the spectacular national parks of the north such as the Peak District and the Lake District. Spring temperatures in the UK typically reach 9C – 12C (48F – 54F) at the start of the season, warming to around 15C – 18C (59F – 65F) by the end of May.
Where are the best places to visit in the UK?
Given the UK’s compact size compared to many of its European neighbours, the variety to be found here is remarkable. Roman ruins sit above modern skylines, dramatic fells give way to ancient woodlands and shimmering lakes, and peaceful villages sprinkled with country cottages evoke scenes straight out of a Constable painting. Here we highlight just some of the places worth considering when planning a vacation to the UK:
- London – One of the world’s great capital cities, London is the natural starting point for many luxury tours of the UK. It is also extraordinarily diverse. Grand royal landmarks, world-class museums and major galleries sit alongside village-like neighbourhoods, historic parks and lively street markets. Such is the variety of London that you could spend a month here and still have plenty more to see and do. The best approach is to speak to our UK travel specialists. They will discuss your priorities and plan a bespoke itinerary that combines the most exciting sights with some hidden gems, and at a pace that will not be too overwhelming.
