Best time to visit
For those looking for pleasant weather with fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal times to explore the UK. These seasons typically provide a more relaxed atmosphere and can be a bit less expensive, making them appealing alternatives to the peak summer months.
165 things to do in United Kingdom
Whitby Goth Weekend
Dress up for one of the world’s premier Goth events and listen to some great music at this alternative music festival
Glastonbury Festival
Have you ever been to the most significant greenfield event in the world?
Boomtown Fair
Be a part of a phenomenal alternative world, be a part of the story!
Isle of Wight Festival
This festival is all about escapism thanks to its atmospheric location
Isle of Man TT
The most spectacular and dangerous motorsport event in the world
Rugby Season
Attend an exciting match of rugby at the most prestigious stadium on the planet in Cardiff!
Reading & Leeds Festivals
Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock
Boxing Day
The occasion has nothing to do with fists and punching, but rather boxes full of gifts
Hogmanay (New Year's Eve)
Hogmanay is a unique way to celebrate the New Year with torchlights, bonfires, fireworks, and loads of music
Cruising on a Vintage Steam Boat
Even if you do not fancy visiting museums, you will definitely enjoy a sail on the Vic 32 proclaimed a "smokey living museum"
Edinburgh International Festival
A showcase of the world's best music, dance, theatre, and opera in Edinburgh every August
Cruise to Staffa
The trip to Staffa amazes with wildlife encounters, puffin colonies, and the geometric shapes of Fingal's Cave
Trooping the Colour & The King's Birthday Parade
Even rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty
Stratford River Festival
Spectacular narrow boats invite you to sail down the banks of the Avon
Puffins on the Farne Islands
See these amazing birds on the northeast coast of England!
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
It is a great Scotch fun to intoxicate oneself to traditional Celtic singing, dancing, and storytelling
Ben Nevis
True hikers will not respect themselves having visited Scotland without ascending its highest summit
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
A unique blend of thousands of known and less-known artists performing a wide variety of shows in smaller venues around the city
Winter Hiking
Explore the winter magic of the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia or Brecon Beacons and walk historical trails along the Wales Coast Path
Surfing in Wales
This exhilarating experience, both good for confidence and the spirit, is one of the best ways to make your coastal adventure in Wales unforgettable
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Spectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England
Horse Riding
Explore the Brecon Beacons horseback—the experience you've never been riding before!
Autumnal Castles
Scottish castles nested atop extinct volcanoes or on the loch islands and cliff edges are beautifully surrounded by fall colours
Sweet Chestnut Season
Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall
Six Nations Championship
Witness one of the most impressive games of rugby heroes and losers during the Six Nations Championship
Hogwarts in the Snow
Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!
Seal Pups
The world's largest grey seal population and their cute pups inhabit the shores of the Scottish Orkney Islands
Scotland's Most Remote Pub
The waterway to the Old Forge Pub overlooks Europe's Last Wilderness, and the very pub pleases with strong ale, langoustines, and live music
Wimbledon
The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments
Robin Hood Festival
A knightly tournament with real ale, live music, and theatre performances in a medieval village with street artists and travelling minstrels
Barnacle Geese
These tri-coloured birds are numerous in Scotland—they bark as if they were dogs and are believed to have originated from mollusks in Scottish folklore
Bluebells in Bloom
Don't miss the blooming of this natural treasure of Wales in spring—countryside fields, woodlands, and gardens are covered with blue flower carpet!
Coast to Coast Walk
Recognized as a classic, the Coast to Coast route continues to delight trekkers
Heather
Purple heather blooms on ornate open Scottish fields, heathlands, wetlands, and forests
Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim
Check out this traditional charity swimming event in the icy waters of Saundersfoot on the first day of the New Year
Rude Health Bog Snorkelling Championships
Spiderman, a cavewoman, Batman, mermaids, and other superheroes race in this peat bog
Stirling Highland Games
Multiple fun events combined with stalls full of local products are the main attractions at Stirling Highland Games
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race
This fun event involves almost everybody in the town and attracts thousands of visitors
The Burry Man
Follow the Burry Man throughout the streets of Queensferry as he drinks whisky and spreads good luck
Autumn Foliage in Scotland
Though Scots Pine is definitely the king of the Highlands, in autumn it lets other trees outshine it with beautiful colors
Langoustines, Crabs and Lobsters
The search for the tastiest langoustines, crabs and lobsters will take you to the most beautiful scenery of Scotland
Surfing
It is not true that the treacherous Scottish waves leave no opportunities for inexperienced surfers—there are options for everyone
Common Ridings on the Scottish Borders
Though today there is no need to protect the Scottish borders, the Scots still celebrate their centuries-old traditions and history
Great Orme Tramway
Ride a Victorian tramcar to feel the atmosphere of old Llandudno
Burning of the Clavie
This Pagan feast may be erased from Gregorian calendar, but not from people's minds
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
A memorable representation of dance, military pageantry and music as part of the Edinburgh Festival
Stand Up Paddleboarding
"Row, row, row the board, gently down the stream"–yes, the board, no misspelling here. This sport combines surfing with kayaking
Lavender Fields
Fields of flowering lavender decorate the landscapes of England with enchanting shades from smoky-lilac to blue-purple
Exploring the Lake District
Idyllic landscapes with ancient villages preserve the memory of the old times
Coasteering
The brave and curious will enjoy exploring the nearly inaccessible craggy coastlines of western and eastern Scotland
Apple Day
Discover "tasty" Apple Day in England, although you will be offered much more than just apples
Hunting Season
The season starts with grouse, snipe, and ptarmigan then proceeds with other wildfowl and finishes with deer
Golf
Golf courses of Scotland will impress you with breathtaking scenery—especially the course on the River Clyde encased by the Ayrshire hills
Bottlenose Dolphins in Cardigan Bay
Summer in Cardigan Bay is marked with playful spectacles performed by dolphins
Lawn Mower Racing World Championships
Racing is always competitive and spectacular. And how about lawn mower racing?
Porthcawl Elvis Festival
Paying tribute of love to the King of Rock'n'Roll, for several years they clothe Elvis Presley' suits and wigs, imitate an immortal voice and motions, despite the age and sex
Royal Welsh Show
Witness this popular agricultural event in Llanelwedd that attracts lots of visitors from all over the world
Sheep Trekking in the Brecon Beacons
Check out this typical Welsh scene and try some trekking among Wale's famous fluffy residents in the Brecon Beacons
Hiking Legendary Landscapes of Wales
Explore Wales with outdoor pursuits from June to October—the ideal period for hiking
Christmas at Powis Castle
Try a fabulous Christmas at Powis Castle: Carols, Father Christmas in his grotto, and an illuminated garden
Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye
Emerald-coloured pools possess magic powers that make you dive into the water, no matter how chilly it is
Oysters
Once the very Roman emperor deemed Scottish oysters as the best shellfish in the world
Horse Flat Racing Season
Musselburgh Racecourse provides year round great racing action with 27 racedays
The Big Cheese Festival
Take a break in one of Europe's largest castles to enjoy the medieval traditions of Wales
Lamb Meat
Scottish lamb is the sweetest and the leanest in the world owing to the excellent Highland pastures
The Ba' Game
When charged up Uppies and Doonies fight for the leather trophy ball, the townspeople protect their dwellings with wooden barricades
Up Helly Aa
To mark the end of the Yule season, thousands of Vikings traditionally burn the galley with thousands of torches
Haggis
Sheep's insides are sewn into its stomach, boiled, and served with "tatties and neeps" and a glass of Scotch Whisley for Burns Supper
Christmas Markets (Fayres)
Festive Christmas atmosphere full of Welsh traditions and charms
Braemar Gathering
The Gathering is famous for its hospitality, friendship, multitude of events and the presence of the Royal Family, and it's only a 2-hour drive from Edinburgh
Notting Hill Carnival
The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London
Red Deer Rutting
The loud clash of red deer signals that rutting season is on–time to watch the stags' fight
Beach Season
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
Polo
There is a tradition of priming the turf after the first two chukkers: spectators leave their seats and stroll around the field
Download Festival
The legendary rock festival in England which discovered some great names in the past
Changing of the Guard
A guard in an iconic scarlet tunic and bearskin hat must be always on alert to protect the Queen, so the changing of the guard is a vital tradition
Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Explore the underworld of Brecon Beacons' caves, one of the most significant natural attractions of the UK!
Snowdrops
Delicate snowdrops rising up from the snow are able to console and inspire even the saddest souls
Atlantic Puffins on Skomer
These "sea parrots" really make your day and put a smile on your face!
Abergavenny Steam Rally
Amazing vintage autos can be found in Abergavenny’s Bailey Park
Beach Season
If you are not afraid of the cold, try Welsh beaches which attract lots of holidaymakers from year to year
Hillwalking or Munro Bagging
To become a "completer" you have to bag not less than 284 Munros
Lunan Bay Bathing Season
Every princess would have enjoyed a swim on an appealing pink beach overlooked by a castle
The Jacobite Steam Train
Did you know that the route of the Hogwarts Express passes through the Scottish Highlands?
Dolphin and Whale Watching in Scotland
Minkes, humpbacks, fins, orcas, and playful bottlenose dolphins will amuse you during the seasonal cruises
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
With 58 characters this village has the longest name in Europe
Christmas Markets
Get into the mood for the holidays with traditional European entertainment
Lumiere Festival
The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations
The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary
One of the most colorful and unusual Bonfire Night traditions in England
Northern Lights
This incredible natural phenomenon can be seen even in Kent and Cornwall
Lewes Bonfire Night
Called bonfire capital of the world, Lewes hosts the largest festivities in the UK
Noisily Festival
An open-air electronic music and arts festival held in a beautiful setting
Dolphin & Whale Watching in Wales
Pembrokeshire, or the Celtic Deep, is the favourite feeding ground for sea mammals in Wales
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Perfect wind in your sail and kite all year round
Christmas Markets in Scotland
Scotland loves Christmas! It hosts some of the best Christmas Markets in the UK
Christmas Lights in Manchester
From the city center to the Greater Manchester area, there are plenty of winter trails to explore
Christmas Lights in Liverpool
Liverpool looks brighter than ever during the holiday season
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Birmingham
The third largest St. Paddy's parade in the UK
St. Patrick's Day in Manchester
Soak up the atmosphere of the Emerald Isle at the Manchester Irish Festival
Bridgwater Carnival
Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is a huge illuminated carnival that can surely take your breath away
Duxford Air Shows
Visit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows
Farnborough International Airshow
Visit one of the world's biggest airshows, capable of changing the future of global aerospace
Midlands Air Festival
A breathtaking aviation event with hot air balloons and a nightfire show
Shuttleworth Air Shows
Choose any from a series of premier air shows between May and October
Wales Airshow (Swansea Air Show)
The biggest free event in Wales takes over Swansea Bay
Teignmouth Airshow
An exciting free event in the beautiful English Riviera town of Teignmouth
MCM Birmingham Comic Con
Visit an epic cosplay event in the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham
Wales Comic Con
Enjoy a weekend of cosplay and pop culture at Telford International Centre
Stargazing
The United Kingdom knows how to impress stargazing fans
Manchester Coffee Festival
After visiting this event, you’ll fall in love with coffee
Fall Colors in London
During autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike
Birmingham Christmas Market
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a huge winter celebration with lots of food, drinks, music, and fun
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Check out one of Europe's best holiday fairs at the history-rich Medieval cathedral
Bath Christmas Market
The Bath Christmas Market is a colorful winter extravaganza full of unique gifts and Christmas atmosphere
Bristol Christmas Market
Feel the English holiday vibe at this Christmas market
Leeds Christmas Market
Christkindelmarkt in Leeds is a great chance to celebrate winter with a blast
Kingston Christmas Market
A traditional market in the town of Kingston-upon-Thames in South West London
Leeds Light Night Lights Festival
Don't miss UK’s most mesmerizing light festival
Bradford Festival Of Lights (Bradford is #LiT)
Amazing fireworks and art in West Yorkshire
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Become a part of the English holiday fairytale at this Christmas market
Canterbury Christmas Market
Visit this Christmas market to find out what the real holiday magic is
Bournemouth Christmas Market
One of England's most authentic Christmas celebrations
Fowey Christmas Market
A festive weekend with plenty of entertainment, shopping, and food
Cornwall Christmas Markets
Seasonal festivities and excellent Cornish food by the Atlantic Ocean
Lord Mayor's Balloon Regatta
London's only official ballooning event
Great Missenden Food Festival
Foodies' paradise in the Misbourne Valley
Driffield Steam Rally and Fair
A vintage showcase in the East Riding of Yorkshire
Chatsworth Country Fair
A Derbyshire showcase of the very best countryside has to offer
Wallop Wheels and Wings
Don't miss the Wallop Wheels and Wings air show, showcasing the best of UK military aviation!
Jersey International Air Display
The spectacular air show in the Channel Islands
Brecon Jazz Festival
Indulge in one of the world's most energetic jazz celebrations!
Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
Enjoy catchy rhythms and soulful melodies at this one-of-a-kind music fest
Skipton Christmas Market
Gear up for this truly magical holiday event
Brighton Christmas Market (Winter Fayre)
This Christmas market truly verges on the sublime