Discover Tailor-Made England Vacations

During the summer months (June to August), the country explodes with travelers attracted by the warmer weather and longer days. National parks and popular tourist sites such as Stonehenge can consequently get crowded; longer queues and higher prices should also be expected. Summer visitors to England are rewarded, however, with a schedule of countless festivals and events, from Wimbledon to Glastonbury.

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall see slightly cooler weather and shorter daylight hours, but visitors can take advantage of smaller tourist crowds and cheaper accommodations. Outdoor activities are still a big draw in rural England as gardening enthusiasts fawn over the new blooms of spring (famously showcased at London’s Chelsea Flower Show in May) and colours of autumn. Other events taking place during these seasons include the the Grand National horse races in April, the Falmouth Oyster Festival in October, and Guy Fawkes Night in November.

Winter in England sees colder temperatures and noticeably short days. The weather can be wet and grey throughout the country, while snow can fall in the north. Visitors, however, will find the lowest prices of the year and much sparser crowds at popular attractions, especially after the frenzy of the Christmas season (which can be magical in London and other big cities and towns) is over. This season is the perfect time to linger unhurriedly over your favourite artworks in a museum or to curl up in a cozy pub and get to know the locals. 

Read our guide to the best time to visit England and let us help you choose the best time for your trip.

That’s why you’ll find so many fans of Jane Austen, Harry Potter, or the Beatles flocking to its shores. Perhaps you’ve swooned over Pride and Prejudice’s Mr. Darcy or the paintings of Turner yourself. Whatever form it takes, there’s nothing like indulging your Anglophilia at the source, whether it’s looking for the real-life Diagon Alley in York (The Shambles, a well-preserved medieval street, has been cited as one of the inspirations for the fictional thoroughfare) or dressing up for a cuppa in Knightsbridge. 

“A traditional high tea is a must-do in my opinion,” says Destination Specialist Ainslee Hansen. “If ‘traditional’ isn’t your thing, however, there are a seemingly endless number of themed teas you can try, including but not limited to wizard teas, Alice in Wonderland teas, Peter Pan teas, and Bridgerton teas.”

In the pursuit of such obsessions, do try to keep any public overenthusiasm to a minimum—as proud as the English may be of their artistic output, they are still English, meaning that politeness, self-restraint, and self-deprecation are often the default modes. (You can expect to hear plenty of “sorrys” during your travels throughout England, even if you are the ostensible offender.)

In the same vein, the tradition of queuing up quietly is alive and well in the country, so visitors who don’t join the queue or who butt in line instead can expect stern looks from locals.

One place that the English do let their guard down is at the pub, which, despite dwindling numbers, remains a large and important part of English life. While sharing a pint with friendly locals is a great way to meet them, keeping to topics such as sports, the weather, or the monarchy is generally a safe bet, at least until you get to know them better. Those subjects are never far from the minds of the English in any case.

And don’t worry—it’s a common misconception that beer is served warm in England. English ales are typically served at "cellar temperature" (around 12 to 13 degrees Celsius or 55 degrees Fahrenheit), while modern pubs also serve chilled lagers, stouts, and pale ales at cooler temperatures.

London in particular has developed into a global restaurant powerhouse, with superstar chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver, Delia Smith, and Yotam Ottolenghi putting it and the country firmly on the culinary map.

The most popular traditional dishes include fish and chips, bangers and mash, the ploughman’s lunch, the full English breakfast, and the Sunday roast, the last meal entailing a substantial cut of beef, lamb, or pork roasted in the morning and served to the family at midday.

More broadly, everything from American fast food to Michelin-starred fine dining can be had in big cities and  larger communities; England has also seen a rise in farm-to-table dining, which places a premium on locally sourced food and superfresh ingredients.

Of course, beer remains a staple drink in both homes and pubs, where craft beers now compete with traditional ales, stouts and ciders.

In the southeast counties of Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, a thriving and rapidly growing wine industry has also been taking root, thanks to both climate change and technological advancements. The result is world-class still and sparkling wines made with Champagne grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

To craft your own England itinerary focused on food and drink, contact one of our Destination Specialists today.

Given its unpredictable weather, it’s advisable to always carry a jacket and umbrella when traveling through England, even during the summer. Rain has a habit of cropping up unexpectedly, especially on the coast, so be prepared. 

Although the country has an excellent rail system, ticket prices in England tend to be higher than many of its European counterparts and booking well in advance is advisable. Less glamorous but cheaper is the coach network, with many bus lines serving all parts of the nation. 

If you opt to hire a car, remember that driving is on the left and that many roads in rural areas can be exceptionally narrow.

Tipping is not necessarily expected in England, although a modest gratuity of 10 percent  for excellent service is not out of place.

For more practical info on visiting England, read our full guide to Things to Know Before You Go.