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Best time to visit

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July and August are the peak seasons for travel throughout the United Kingdom. During these months, visitors can enjoy very long days and some of the best weather the UK has to offer, along with a busy schedule of tourist activities and attractions. However, it’s important to remember that even in summer, sunny weather is not guaranteed.

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

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

Isle of Man TT

May 26-June 7, 2025 Event

The most spectacular and dangerous motorsport event in the world

Rugby Season

November–April Activity

Attend an exciting match of rugby at the most prestigious stadium on the planet in Cardiff!

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

Boxing Day

December 26 Event

The occasion has nothing to do with fists and punching, but rather boxes full of gifts

Hogmanay (New Year's Eve)

December 29, 2024–January 1, 2025 Event

Hogmanay is a unique way to celebrate the New Year with torchlights, bonfires, fireworks, and loads of music

Cruising on a Vintage Steam Boat

late April–mid-September Activity

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

August 2–25, 2024 Event

A showcase of the world's best music, dance, theatre, and opera in Edinburgh every August

Cruise to Staffa

April–October Activity

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

June 15, 2024 Event

Even rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors​," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty

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!

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

April 30-May 5, 2025 Event

It is a great Scotch fun to intoxicate oneself to traditional Celtic singing, dancing, and storytelling

Ben Nevis

April–July Activity

True hikers will not respect themselves having visited Scotland without ascending its highest summit

Punkie Night in Somerset

October 31, 2024 Event

Enjoy an atmospheric event linked with Halloween

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

August 2-26, 2024 Event

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

December–February Activity

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

September–April (prime season) | April–October (classes and camping) Activity

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

November 3, 2024 Event

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

Horse Riding

May–July | September Activity

Explore the Brecon Beacons horseback—the experience you've never been riding before!

Autumnal Castles

September–October Activity

Scottish castles nested atop extinct volcanoes or on the loch islands and cliff edges are beautifully​ surrounded by fall colours

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

Six Nations Championship

February–March Event

Witness one of the most impressive games of rugby heroes and losers during the Six Nations Championship

Hogwarts in the Snow

November 16, 2024–January 19, 2025 Activity

Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!

Seal Pups

November Nature

The world's largest grey seal population and their cute pups inhabit the shores of the Scottish Orkney Islands

Scotland's Most Remote Pub

April–October Activity

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

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

Barnacle Geese

September–mid-April Nature

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

April–May Nature

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

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

Heather

July–September/October (best in August) Nature

Purple heather blooms on ornate open Scottish fields, heathlands, wetlands, and forests

Saundersfoot New Years Day Swim

January 1 Event

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

August 25, 2024 Event

Spiderman, a cavewoman, Batman, mermaids, and other superheroes race in this peat bog

Peas

August Food

Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!

Stirling Highland Games

August 17, 2024 Event

Multiple fun events combined with stalls full of local products are the main attractions at Stirling Highland Games

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race

June 8, 2024 Event

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

The Burry Man

August 9, 2024 Event

Follow the Burry Man throughout the streets of Queensferry as he drinks whisky and spreads good luck

Autumn Foliage in Scotland

late September–October Nature

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

April–November Food

The search for the tastiest langoustines, crabs and lobsters will take you to the most beautiful scenery of Scotland

Surfing

mid-October–mid-November Activity

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

May–August Event

Though today there is no need to protect the Scottish borders, the Scots still celebrate their centuries-old traditions and history

English Greyhound Derby

May–June Event

Watch elite dogs compete with grace in this traditional race

Great Orme Tramway

late March–late October Activity

Ride a Victorian tramcar to feel the atmosphere of old Llandudno

Burning of the Clavie

January 11 Event

This Pagan feast may be erased from Gregorian calendar, but not from people'​s minds

Edinburgh Military Tattoo

August 2–24, 2024 Event

A memorable representation of dance, military pageantry and music as part of the Edinburgh Festival

Stand Up Paddleboarding

March–November Activity

"Row, row, row the board, gently down the stream"–yes, the board, no misspelling here. This sport​ combines surfing with kayaking

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

Coasteering

May–October Activity

The brave and curious will enjoy exploring the nearly inaccessible craggy coastlines of western and eastern Scotland

Apple Day

October Event

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

Hunting Season

August 12–March Activity

The season starts with grouse, snipe, and ptarmigan then proceeds with other wildfowl and finishes with deer

Golf

April–October Activity

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

June–September Activity

Summer in Cardigan Bay is marked with playful spectacles performed by dolphins

Lawn Mower Racing World Championships

May 25–26, 2024 Event

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

Porthcawl Elvis Festival

September 27-29, 2024 Event

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

July 22-25, 2024 Event

Witness this popular agricultural event in Llanelwedd that attracts lots of visitors from all over the world

Sheep Trekking in the Brecon Beacons

April–August Activity

Check out this typical Welsh scene and try some trekking among Wale's famous fluffy residents in the Brecon Beacons

Asparagus Season

May–June Food

Asparagus has acquired the glory of an aristocratic product

Hiking Legendary Landscapes of Wales

June–October Activity

Explore Wales with outdoor pursuits from June to October—the ideal period for hiking

Christmas at Powis Castle

November 30, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

Try a fabulous Christmas at Powis Castle: Carols, Father Christmas in his grotto, and an illuminated garden

Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye

October–November Activity

Emerald-coloured pools possess magic powers that make you dive into the water, no matter how chilly it is

Oysters

September–mid-April Food

Once the very Roman emperor deemed Scottish oysters as the best shellfish in the world

Horse Flat Racing Season

April–September Activity

Musselburgh Racecourse provides year round great racing action with 27 racedays

The Big Cheese Festival

July, 2024 Event

Take a break in one of Europe's largest castles to enjoy the medieval traditions of Wales

Lamb Meat

July–January Food

Scottish lamb is the sweetest and the leanest in the world owing to the excellent Highland pastures

The Ba' Game

December 25 | January 1 Event

When charged up Uppies and Doonies fight for the leather trophy ball, the townspeople protect their dwellings with wooden barricades

The Loony Dook

January 1 Event

Would you plunge into the icy waters in the middle of winter?

Up Helly Aa

January 28, 2025 Event

To mark the end of the Yule season, thousands of Vikings traditionally burn the galley with thousands of torches

Starling Murmuration

November–February Nature

A stunning sunset show performed by migrating starlings

Blooming Bluebells

April–May Nature

Words seem needless at the site of this blue beauty

Haggis

July–January | January 25 Food

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)

early November–early January Event

Festive Christmas atmosphere full of Welsh traditions and charms

Braemar Gathering

September 7, 2024 Event

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

August 24-26, 2024 Event

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

Red Deer​ Rutting

September–October Nature

The loud clash of red deer signals that rutting season is on–time to watch the stags' fight​

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

Eisteddfod

August 3–10, 2024 Event

The largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture in the world

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

Download Festival

June 14-16, 2024 Event

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

Changing of the Guard

April–July Event

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

Lambing

April Nature

Join the farmers and find out just how busy lambing season can be

Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales

April–October Nature

Explore the underworld of Brecon Beacons' caves, one of the most significant natural attractions of the UK!

Snowdrops

February–mid-March Nature

Delicate snowdrops rising up from the snow are able to console and inspire even the saddest souls

Atlantic Puffins on Skomer

mid April–July (best early to mid-July) Nature

These "sea parrots" really make your day and put a smile on your face!

Abergavenny Steam Rally

May 26-27, 2024 Event

Amazing vintage autos can be found in Abergavenny’s Bailey Park

Beach Season

June–September Activity

If you are not afraid of the cold, try Welsh beaches which attract lots of holidaymakers from year to year

Hillwalking or Munro Bagging

April–October Activity

To become a "completer" you have to bag not less than 284 Munros

Lunan Bay Bathing Season

June–mid-September Nature

Every princess would have enjoyed a swim on an appealing pink beach overlooked by a castle

The Jacobite Steam Train

March 28-October 25, 2024 Activity

Did you know that the route of the Hogwarts Express passes through the Scottish Highlands?

Dolphin and Whale Watching in Scotland

April–November Nature

Minkes, humpbacks, fins, orcas, and playful bottlenose dolphins will amuse you during the seasonal cruises

Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch

year round Activity

With 58 characters this village has the longest name in Europe

Christmas Markets

early November–early January Event

Get into the mood for the holidays with traditional European entertainment

Lumiere Festival

mid-November, 2025 Event

The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations

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

St. Patrick's Day

March 10–17, 2024 Event

The celebration of all things Irish all over the Great Britain

Lewes Bonfire Night

November 5 Event

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

Noisily Festival

July 11-14, 2024 Event

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

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

The War and Peace Revival

July, 2024 Event

The world's largest military vehicle show and festival

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Wales

May–February Nature

Pembrokeshire, or the Celtic Deep, is the favourite feeding ground for sea mammals in Wales

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

March–August (all year round) Activity

Perfect wind in your sail and kite all year round

Christmas Markets in Scotland

mid-November–early January Event

Scotland loves Christmas! It hosts some of the best Christmas Markets in the UK

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

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

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

Birmingham Chinese New Year

February 11, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual festivities in Birmingham

Bournemouth Air Festival

August 29–31, 2024 Event

Check out one of Britain's greatest tourism events

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

Farnborough International Airshow

July 22–26, 2024 Event

Visit one of the world's biggest airshows, capable of changing the future of global aerospace

Midlands Air Festival

May 31-June 2, 2024 Event

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

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

Wales Airshow (Swansea Air Show)

July 6–7, 2024 Event

The biggest free event in Wales takes over Swansea Bay

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

Wales Comic Con

April 6–7, 2024 Event

Enjoy a weekend of cosplay and pop culture at Telford International Centre

Lincoln Comic Con (Linc-Con)

October 5, 2024 Event

A vibrant comic convention in English East Midlands

Stargazing

all year round (best in autumn and spring) Nature

The United Kingdom knows how to impress stargazing fans

Manchester Coffee Festival

November 16–17, 2024 Event

After visiting this event, you’ll fall in love with coffee

Fall Colors in London

last week of October-first week of November Nature

During autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike

Birmingham Christmas Market

November 1–December 24, 2024 Event

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a huge winter celebration with lots of food, drinks, music, and fun

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

Bath Christmas Market

November 28-December 15, 2024 Event

The Bath Christmas Market is a colorful winter extravaganza full of unique gifts and Christmas atmosphere

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

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

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

Kelpies

all year round Activity

The biggest equine sculpture in the world

Lord Mayor's Balloon Regatta

July 7 | July 28 | July 21 | July 28, 2024 Event

London's only official ballooning event

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

Aero Expo UK

June 13–15, 2024 Event

UK's Aero Expo is the place to learn all about the aviation industry

Wallop Wheels and Wings

July 13, 2024 Event

Don't miss the Wallop Wheels and Wings air show, showcasing the best of UK military aviation!

East Kirkby Air Show

August 3, 2024 Event

The biggest independent air show in Lincolnshire

Jersey International Air Display

September 12, 2024 Event

The spectacular air show in the Channel Islands

Brecon Jazz Festival

August 7-21, 2024 Event

Indulge in one of the world's most energetic jazz celebrations!

Ealing Jazz Festival

July 10-August 4, 2024 Event

Save the date for this unique music festival

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival

July 12-14, 2024 Event

Enjoy catchy rhythms and soulful melodies at this one-of-a-kind music fest

Skipton Christmas Market

December 1, 2024 | December 8, 2024 Event

Gear up for this truly magical holiday event

Brighton Christmas Market (Winter Fayre)

December 5–22, 2024 Event

This Christmas market truly verges on the sublime

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