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Best time to visit

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Although you can enjoy the relatively temperate climate all year round, April to early June and September to October are the best time to visit England. The weather during these months is warm, mostly dry and pleasant. In spring, you can witness crocuses in bloom and puffins flickering on Farne Islands. Autumn offers you exquisite delicacies like chestnuts, oysters, and crabs and beautiful red and yellow hues in national parks. Although sunny summer mornings can abruptly turn into rainy afternoons, late June to August show the driest and the hottest weather and host lots of open-air festivals. The crowds during summertime are madding, but the stunning beaches and the chalk cliffs of East Sussex are still great to visit. December to February can be an enjoyable time to visit English cities when major attractions see shorter queues and Christmasy spirit warms visitors and locals.

183 things to do in England

Crocuses

late-February–March Nature

Exploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses

Whitby Goth Weekend

April 26–28, 2024 | November 1–3, 2024 Event

Dress up for one of the world’s premier Goth events and listen to some great music at this alternative music festival

Bestival

July 25–28, 2024 Event

Chilling with your family couldn't be more exciting!

Glastonbury Festival

June 26-30, 2024 Event

Have you ever been to the most significant greenfield event in the world?

Boomtown Fair

August 7-11, 2024 Event

Be a part of a phenomenal alternative world, be a part of the story!

Wireless Festival

July 12-14, 2024 Event

Let this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!

Isle of Wight Festival

June 20-23, 2024 Event

This festival is all about escapism thanks to its atmospheric location

Reading & Leeds Festivals

August 21-25, 2024 Event

Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock

Sea Fishing

March–October Activity

Fishing in English waters is rewarding, taking into account quantity of the catch and its size

BBC Proms

July 19–September 14, 2024 Event

Enjoy eight weeks of world-class music in iconic venue at a reasonable price

Berry Season

May–October Food

Treat yourself to delicious deserts with pieces of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries

Stratford River Festival

July 2024 Event

Spectacular narrow boats invite you to sail down the banks of the Avon

Puffins on the Farne Islands

April–mid-July Nature

See these amazing birds on the northeast coast of England!

Birdwatching

May–June | November–March Activity

Watching birds in their natural habitat is a popular pastime in England

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

August 23-September 8, 2024 Event

This summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances

Punkie Night in Somerset

October 31, 2024 Event

Enjoy an atmospheric event linked with Halloween

Christmas Holidays

December 24–December 26 Event

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas"—in the English style!

Surfing

October–April Activity

The best place to surf in Foggy Albion is Cornwall with its extensive beaches and big waves

Swan Upping

July 15–19, 2024 Event

The swans are surrounded with special attention in England

Starling Murmuration at Brighton Pier

November–February Nature

It's unclear how these birds are choosing their wintering grounds. But for some reason, quite a lot stop by at Brighton Pier for the entire season

Mushroom Season

September–October Food

Are you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!

Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre

November–March Activity

Discover skiing and snowboarding within one hour drive from London

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

November 3, 2024 Event

Spectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England

Lambing Season

March–May Nature

Learn more about lambing or just see little lambs up close in springtime on English farms

Sweet Chestnut Season

October–late December Food

Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall

World Worm Charming Championships

June 22, 2024 Event

How many worms can you attract from the ground? An annual competition in Willaston (Cheshire, UK) draws enthusiasts from all over the world

Royal Shrovetide Football

February 13–14, 2024 Event

This wild 16-hour football match in Ashbourne is a grand event that has been taking place in the town since the 17th century

Wimbledon

June 30-July 13, 2025 Event

The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments

Canoeing on the River Wye

March–May Activity

An unforgettable outdoor activity for water sports fans

Robin Hood Festival

August 3–26, 2024 Event

A knightly tournament with real ale, live music, and theatre performances in a medieval village with street artists and travelling minstrels

Mussels

October–March Food

Black mussels in the company of other "mollusk-like brothers" are known as a true gastronomic pleasure

Halloween

October, 2024 Event

The festival of fear: London's spookiest Halloween events will scare the hell out of you

Open House London

September 14-22, 2024 Event

A unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours

Coast to Coast Walk

April–October Activity

Recognized as a classic, the Coast to Coast route continues to delight trekkers

Pumpkin Season

October Food

The "golden head" is full of delicious seeds and vitamins

Peas

August Food

Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!

Rugby Union

September–May Event

England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race

June 8, 2024 Event

This fun event involves almost everybody in the town and attracts thousands of visitors

Summer

June–August Weather

The warmest time of the year promises longer days, periodic thunderstorms, and occasional heat waves

Duck and Goose Eggs

February–June | September Food

Try a duck or goose egg omelette for a change or for the sake of new experience. You may develop a taste for it!

St. Patrick's Day

March 17, 2025 Event

Raise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London

Premier League

August 17, 2024-May 25, 2025 Event

Crazy about football? Give in to your passion at the greatest games of the English Premier League hosted in the capital

Virgin Money London Marathon

April 27, 2025 Event

This London Marathon is a great way to observe the main landmarks of the city and collect money for charity all in a single day

Hunting Season & Game Meat

August, 12–February Activity

While London's licensed hunters try their shooting skills, you can treat your stomach to some delicious game meat

English Greyhound Derby

May–June Event

Watch elite dogs compete with grace in this traditional race

Jerusalem Artichokes

September–March Food

Though the once named "Girasole" artichokes have been renamed "Jerusalem" artichokes though the great taste remains the same

Oysters

October–February Food

In the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!

Deer Watching in Richmond Park

September–October (rutting) | May–July (birthing) Activity

This park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want

Autumn

September–November Weather

Soft and dry weather can quickly change to wet and windy

Poppy Fields

mid-June–September (best in late June–July) Nature

Enjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies

Lavender Fields

mid-June/July–early August Nature

Fields of flowering lavender decorate the landscapes of England with enchanting shades from smoky-lilac to blue-purple

Exploring the Lake District

April–October Nature

Idyllic landscapes with ancient villages preserve the memory of the old times

Spring

March–May Weather

This is a season of sudden torrential rains and flowers blossoming

Apple Day

October Event

Discover "tasty" Apple Day in England, although you will be offered much more than just apples

Lobster

June–August Food

Be sure to try the local lobster in London

Hadrian's Wall

June–August Activity

The remains of the wall between the cities of Corbridge and Greenhead are the best preserved

Lawn Mower Racing World Championships

May 25–26, 2024 Event

Racing is always competitive and spectacular. And how about lawn mower racing?

Asparagus Season

May–June Food

Asparagus has acquired the glory of an aristocratic product

Chalk Cliffs of East Sussex

March–May | September–October Nature

Enjoy the stunning white cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head and take a scenic hike along the shore in any weather

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

February 13, 2024 Event

The day before the beginning of Lent when English families prepare a hearty meal with pancakes

Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake

May 27, 2024 Event

This race for cheese is a lot of fun for daredevils

English Cricket

April–late September Activity

For beginners who are watching this game for the first time, it can seem boring before you understand the intricacies, but dedicated Englishmen really appreciate this sport!

Broadstairs Dickens Festival

June 14-16, 2024 Event

This costumed event brings back Oliver Twist and other Victorian era charcters

Creamfields

August 22-25, 2024 Event

The best weekend dance party in England! This event attracts the best DJs and thousands from all over the world

Dolphin Watching

June–August Activity

Admire the games of dolphins in their natural surroundings and magnificent views off the coast of England

Oswestry Balloon Carnival

August 17-18, 2024 Event

The Balloon Festival is an amazing visual spectacle and a great way to cap off the weekend

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

July 13–14, 2024 Event

Check out theatrical performances depicting one of the decisive battles of the Wars of the Scarlet and White Roses

Christmas Carols in London

December Event

The jolly singers share Christmas joy with everyone

World Toe Wrestling Championships

August 31, 2024 Event

Have you ever met someone with extraordinary strong toes? You can do it during the annual Toe Wrestling Championship

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

August 9–11, 2024 Event

One of the biggest hot air balloon events in Europe

Notting Hill Carnival

August 24-26, 2024 Event

The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London

Horse and Pony Riding

April–October Activity

Horses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills​ and red deer—for all to enjoy

Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot

June 18-22, 2024 Event

Royal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing

Stonehenge: Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice

September 21–September 22 | December 21–December 22 | March 20–March 21 | June 20–June 21 Event

Thousands of pagans, Krishnaits, druids and a plentitude of curious wanderers celebrate solstices and equinoxes at the famous Neolithic site

Beach Season

mid-May–September Activity

Sunny mornings in England can easily turn into afternoon rains, but if you don't mind the weather, local beaches can surprise you with their beauty

Jorvik Viking Festival

February 12–18, 2024 Event

Plunge into history, returning to the Viking era in the historical city of York

Polo

May–September Activity

There is a tradition of priming the turf after the first two chukkers: spectators leave their seats and stroll around the field

Winter

December–February Weather

The coldest season in England with frosts and occasional snow falls

Download Festival

June 14-16, 2024 Event

The legendary rock festival in England which discovered some great names in the past

Easter

March 31, 2024 Event

Easter brings in long-standing traditions: baking Easter cakes, painting eggs, and attending a night mass at church

The Festival of Light at Longleat (Land of Light)

November 9, 2024-January 5, 2025 Event

Thousands of elegant Chinese style lanterns attract a large number of visitors to Longleat

Jurassic Coast

April–October Activity

Check out this awesome geological time capsule and take a big step back in time!

Crabs

April–November Food

Crab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious

Shark Watching

May–October Nature

Now giant sharks are more frequent visitors of English coastal waters

Cheltenham Festival

March 12-15, 2024 Event

Discover the elite world of English royal races with their upscale atmosphere and entertainment

London New Year's Eve Fireworks & Traditions

December 31 Event

The British consider the New Year to be a secondary holiday, but they celebrate it well anyway!

Churchill War Rooms

November–March (all year round) Activity

This place used to be the best-kept secret of the British government, the place from where Sir Winston Churchill directed the World War II

Tower of London

all year round Activity

Visit the iconic landmark which played a pivotal role in the history of London

York Food Festival

September 20–29, 2024 Event

An awesome gastronomical festival fitting every taste

Christmas Markets

early November–early January Event

Pop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights

Peasholm Park Naval Warfare

July 1–September 2, 2024 (Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) Event

Witness the oldest continuously simulated battle in the world

Chillingham Castle

April 1–November 5, 2023 Activity

This haunted castle was an inspiration for famous novels and movies

Wistman's Wood

all year round Nature

One of the few remote high-altitude oakwoods that remain in England

Bishop Rock Lighthouse

April–October Activity

Visit the world's smallest island with a building

London Christmas Lights

early November–early January Event

The capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays

Lumiere Festival

mid-November, 2025 Event

The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations

Glastonbury Chilkwell Carnival

November 16, 2024 Event

The medieval town welcomes an army of brightly illuminated floats

Dunster Winter Festival

December 6–8, 2024 Event

The medieval village lights its streets with soft candles, lanterns, and torches

Liverpool Ice Festival

mid-November–early January Event

Wonderland-style event at the iconic Liverpool Pier Head

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

November 5 Event

One of the most colorful and unusual Bonfire Night traditions in England

Truro City of Lights

November 24, 2024 Event

Cornwall's most prominent lights and arts festival

Northern Lights

late September–mid-March Nature

This incredible natural phenomenon can be seen even in Kent and Cornwall

Burning the Clocks

December 21 Event

A unique community lantern parade in Brighton

Lewes Bonfire Night

November 5 Event

Called bonfire capital of the world, Lewes hosts the largest festivities in the UK

Shambala Festival

August 22-25, 2024 Event

Adventures in utopia with plenty of music, art and films

Noisily Festival

July 11-14, 2024 Event

An open-air electronic music and arts festival held in a beautiful setting

Snake Pass

April–October Activity

One of the most beautiful roads in England

Winnats Pass

March–November Activity

A narrow and winding road at the Peak District National Park

Cherry Blossom

April–early May Nature

Beautiful pink sign of spring arrival

Cat and Fiddle Road

all year round Activity

The most dangerous road in Britain attracts bikers and tourists

May Day

May 1–6, 2024 Event

A beautiful spring-time tradition with long history

The War and Peace Revival

July, 2024 Event

The world's largest military vehicle show and festival

Aintree Grand National

April 11-13, 2024 Event

The most famous handicap horse race in the world

Crufts

March 7-10, 2024 Event

The World's greatest dog show full of competitions, awards and entertainment

Blackpool Illuminations

August 30, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

Six miles of the brightest light display in England

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

all year round Activity

Numerous sandy beaches around London are perfect for a weekend trip

NKD Fest (EveryBody Naked Festival)

August 15–19, 2024 Event

Youth and families gather every summer for this clothes-free festival. Dare to join?

Chester Winter Watch Parade

December 5 | December 12, 2024 Event

An extravagant Christmas tradition stemming from the Middle Ages

Chinese New Year in Manchester

January 29, 2025 Event

The weekend full of fun, culminating with the colorful Dragon Parade

Chinese New Year

February 10–24, 2024 Event

Watch the iconic Dragon, Unicorn, and Lion Dancer parades and lots of cultural activities in the heart of Liverpool’s Chinatown

Chester Christmas Market

November 15–December 22, 2024 Event

One of Cheshire's best Christmas markets, close to Liverpool and Manchester

Manchester Christmas Markets

November 8–December 22, 2024 Event

Manchester City Center is especially joyful during the winter season

Liverpool Christmas Market

November 16–December 24, 2024 Event

The traditional winter market in the city center is one of the best in England

Christmas Markets in England

early November–early January Event

Holidays wouldn't be complete without a winter market experience

Christmas Lights in Manchester

late September–December Event

From the city center to the Greater Manchester area, there are plenty of winter trails to explore

Christmas Lights in Liverpool

November 5–December 31, 2024 Event

Liverpool looks brighter than ever during the holiday season

Manchester New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Round off the old year with an amazing fireworks display in Manchester

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham

March 17, 2024 Event

The third largest St. Paddy's parade in the UK

St. Patrick's Day in Manchester

March 8–17, 2024 Event

Soak up the atmosphere of the Emerald Isle at the Manchester Irish Festival

The Great Balloon Race

September 8–10, 2023 Event

A favorite ballooning event takes place several times throughout summer in some of the finest venues across England

Northampton Balloon Festival

August 16–18, 2024 Event

Celebrate summer in the heart of the Midlands with balloons, funfair rides, and live music

Sky Safari: Longleat Balloon Festival

July 28, 2024 Event

The largest ballooning event in the UK

Bridgwater Carnival

November 2, 2024 Event

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is a huge illuminated carnival that can surely take your breath away

Luton Carnival

May 27, 2024 Event

Join ​​the largest one-day carnival in the UK and enjoy multiple activities it has prepared for you

Leicester Caribbean Carnival

August 3, 2024 Event

Have you ever watched an authentic Caribbean-style carnival? It's time to let your hair down in Leicester

Birmingham Chinese New Year

February 11, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual festivities in Birmingham

Duxford Air Shows

May 5, 2024 | June 1–2, 2024 | July 26, 2024 | August 17, 2024 | August 31, 2024 | September 14–15, 2024 | October 5, 2024 Event

Visit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows

Cosford Air Show

June 9, 2024 Event

The second biggest airshow organized by Royal Air Force

Midlands Air Festival

May 31-June 2, 2024 Event

A breathtaking aviation event with hot air balloons and a nightfire show

Royal International Air Tattoo

July 19-21, 2024 Event

Take a chance to enjoy one of the largest air shows and have a blast

Shuttleworth Air Shows

May 11-October 5, 2025 Event

Choose any from a series of premier air shows between May and October

Blackpool Air Show

August 10-11, 2024 Event

Spectacular aerial displays over the Irish Sea waterfront

Clacton Airshow

August 22-23, 2024 Event

Join this spectacular two-day event on the seafront in Clacton-on-Sea

Headcorn Battle of Britain

July 5-7, 2024 Event

The Battle of Britain Air Show is an air show that is worth visiting because it features a lot of entertainment

Gransden Air Show

August 25, 2024 Event

Enjoy this one-day air show that features an amazing car show and plenty of ground activities

Teignmouth Airshow

July 5–7, 2024 Event

An exciting free event in the beautiful English Riviera town of Teignmouth

MCM Birmingham Comic Con

November 29-December 1, 2024 Event

Visit an epic cosplay event in the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham

Comic Con Manchester

July 27-28, 2024 Event

The flagship comic con event for North West England

Comic Con Liverpool

May 4-5, 2024 Event

Celebrate all things popular culture at Liverpool's official comic convention

Lincoln Comic Con (Linc-Con)

October 5, 2024 Event

A vibrant comic convention in English East Midlands

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October Activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

York Christmas Market

November 14–December 22, 2024 Event

We're happy to present to you one of the most magical Christmas markets in the world

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

November 22–December 22, 2024 Event

Check out one of Europe's best holiday fairs at the history-rich Medieval cathedral

Bristol Christmas Market

November 1-December 23, 2024 Event

Feel the English holiday vibe at this Christmas market

Leeds Christmas Market

November 22–December 22, 2024 Event

Christkindelmarkt in Leeds is a great chance to celebrate winter with a blast

Kingston Christmas Market

November 14, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

A traditional market in the town of Kingston-upon-Thames in South West London

Oxford Christmas Market

December Event

A holiday fair in one of England's most famous cities

Leeds Light Night Lights Festival

October 24–25, 2024 Event

Don't miss UK’s most mesmerizing light festival

Bradford Festival Of Lights (Bradford is #LiT)

November 2024 Event

Amazing fireworks and art in West Yorkshire

Sheffield Christmas Market

November 14–December 24, 2024 Event

You will definitely find something for yourself at this wonderful market

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

November 13–December 31, 2024 Event

Become a part of the English holiday fairytale at this Christmas market

Canterbury Christmas Market

November 15–December 24, 2024 Event

Visit this Christmas market to find out what the real holiday magic is

Bournemouth Christmas Market

November 14, 2024–January 1, 2025 Event

One of England's most authentic Christmas celebrations

Salisbury Christmas Market

November 22–December 19, 2024 Event

Soak up the festive spirit in a beautiful medieval cathedral city, lying at the confluence of three rivers

Fowey Christmas Market

November 22-24, 2024 Event

A festive weekend with plenty of entertainment, shopping, and food

Cornwall Christmas Markets

late November–late December Event

Seasonal festivities and excellent Cornish food by the Atlantic Ocean

The Singing Ringing Tree

all year round Activity

A wind-powered sound sculpture made of galvanized steel pipes

Isle of Wight Balloon Festival

late May 2023 Event

A popular ballooning event at Robin Hill Country Park

Telford Balloon Fiesta

August 23–25, 2024 Event

A spectacular summer festival in Telford Town Park

Great Missenden Food Festival

March 29-31, 2024 | August 24-26, 2024 (Easter Bank Holiday Weekend and Bank Holiday Weekend) Event

Foodies' paradise in the Misbourne Valley

Driffield Steam Rally and Fair

August 10-11, 2024 Event

A vintage showcase in the East Riding of Yorkshire

Chatsworth Country Fair

August 30-September 1, 2024 Event

A Derbyshire showcase of the very best countryside has to offer

Weston Park Model Airshow

June 14-16, 2024 Event

Check out one of Europe's biggest airshows!

East Kirkby Air Show

August 3, 2024 Event

The biggest independent air show in Lincolnshire

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow

August 15-18, 2025 Event

Every August, Eastbourne seafront plays host to an award-winning and free air show

Jersey International Air Display

September 12, 2024 Event

The spectacular air show in the Channel Islands

EFG London Jazz Festival

November 15-24, 2024 Event

Meet your soulmates at this awesome jazz fest

Manchester Jazz Festival

May 17-26, 2024 Event

Enjoy jazzing at the city's longest-running music event!

Ealing Jazz Festival

July 10-August 4, 2024 Event

Save the date for this unique music festival

Marsden Jazz Festival

October 11–13, 2024 Event

Let the music ring across the lofty Yorkshire Pennies

Camden Christmas Market

early November–late December, 2024 Event

Holiday shopping and excellent street food

Brighton Christmas Market (Winter Fayre)

December 5–22, 2024 Event

This Christmas market truly verges on the sublime

Brighton Festival

May 3–25, 2025 Event

One of the largest free art festivals in Europe

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