Best time to visit the UK
A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves![]()
Brits are weather obsessed, more as a social greeting than a serious meteorological appraisal. Some things are for sure: trains are delayed when autumn leaves fall on tracks. People call September an 'Indian summer', when in fact it's nearly always gorgeous. The cold weather doesn't kick in until January and February. It is always about 3°C warmer in the south than the north. You can see the Northern Lights in Scotland. When it's hot, motorways come to a standstill. And, as Gerard Manley Hopkins said 'Nothing is as beautiful as spring'. But it's our weather, and we love it.
When to visit the UK, month by month guide
Our UK Holidays
Scotland by railway holiday
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
From
£1275 to £1345
8 days
ex flights
Devon eco lodge accommodation, England
Quirky eco lodges, 1 with Hot Tub, on a Devon nature reserve
From
£252 to £965
per accommodation per week
Skye and the Small Isles sailing holiday
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
From
£1520 to £2480
9 days
ex flights
Winchester to Canterbury Pilgrims way
Walk the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury
From
£1875
15 days
ex flights
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides Cruise, Scotland
Cruise to St Kilda, Monachs, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles
From
£2400 to £3100
12 days
ex flights
Orkney & Shetland self drive holiday, Scotland
Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland
From
£895 to £1015
7 days
ex flights
S. Downs (England) Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
0
7
72
FEB
1
8
50
MAR
2
10
40
APR
4
13
49
MAY
7
16
45
JUN
10
19
50
JUL
11
22
43
AUG
10
22
38
SEP
8
19
55
OCT
7
14
75
NOV
2
10
80
DEC
1
8
70
UK travel advice
Devon tips
Paul Day, Managing Director at our supplier, Let’s Go Walking, shares his experiences of walking in England: "One of my favourite walks is on Dartmoor. It only takes two to three hours but the variety of landscapes and quietness that you’ll find en-route from Okehampton to the village of Sticklepath, via Belstone, are simply stunning...
"Winter lets you explore more of the moors as the muddy, boggy areas tend to harden which allows walkers to wander a little further from the footpaths. Of course, the summer’s not bad either and if you’re a fan of wild swimming, seek out the Cullever Steps below Scary Tor for one of my favourite spots to cool off on a hot day on the moors."
"Winter lets you explore more of the moors as the muddy, boggy areas tend to harden which allows walkers to wander a little further from the footpaths. Of course, the summer’s not bad either and if you’re a fan of wild swimming, seek out the Cullever Steps below Scary Tor for one of my favourite spots to cool off on a hot day on the moors."
Ian Ripper, Wheatland Farm Eco Lodges:
"I'm always surprised by the contradictions. People love Devon because it is less developed; yet seem to want to have all the conveniences of the cities and urban conurbations. It's lovely because we lack those things!"
"I'm always surprised by the contradictions. People love Devon because it is less developed; yet seem to want to have all the conveniences of the cities and urban conurbations. It's lovely because we lack those things!"
Scotland tips
Robert Kidd, from one of our suppliers, McKinlay Kidd:
"Yes it takes a while to get to the Orkney or the Outer Hebrides, but I think the journey is all part of the experience. Our islands are something very special. Cycling on Gigha or walking around Colonsay are my favourites."
"Yes it takes a while to get to the Orkney or the Outer Hebrides, but I think the journey is all part of the experience. Our islands are something very special. Cycling on Gigha or walking around Colonsay are my favourites."
Sunny Wattal, from our partner High Places:
“There’s a limited season for cycling the North Coast 500. You’ve got mid-May and June, then after that come the midges of summer. And from late September it gets cold that far north. We have two trips in early and late summer and both sell out quickly.”
“There’s a limited season for cycling the North Coast 500. You’ve got mid-May and June, then after that come the midges of summer. And from late September it gets cold that far north. We have two trips in early and late summer and both sell out quickly.”
Northern Ireland tips
Andrew Magowan, founder of our partner The Inside Trek:
“The food we provide is ultra local. Due to the Troubles, for example, many local brands flourished. You still seem them lining the shelves of shops. This is a very agricultural country, so your food mileage is generally very low. We take a lot of pride in that – there are a lot of good chefs taking advantage of it.”
“The food we provide is ultra local. Due to the Troubles, for example, many local brands flourished. You still seem them lining the shelves of shops. This is a very agricultural country, so your food mileage is generally very low. We take a lot of pride in that – there are a lot of good chefs taking advantage of it.”
Packing tips
Paul Day, MD of our supplier, Let’s Go Walking:"My advice for walkers in England is always: do your research, wear good walking boots to support the ankles with two pairs of socks, and pack some chocolate and cereal bars to get you from one pub to the next."
Colette Dubois co-founder of our supplier, St. Hilda Sea Adventures in Scotland:
"It is important not to forget your waterproofs. Some people think that they can manage without, and it is not because the weather is bad but because when you go in a dinghy you are close to the water, when you put the anchor up you can get wet at that time. They don’t have to be fancy; cheap waterproofs which cost about £10 for the trousers are fine."
Our top UK Holiday
Scotland by railway holiday
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
From
£1275 to £1345
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made from April to the end of October.
This trip can be tailor made from April to the end of October.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about UK or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
01273 823 700
Call us Monday after 10am
Calling from outside the UK
Tips from our travellers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful UK travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
We have selected some of the most useful UK travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
Don't let changeable weather stop you... If you're interested in castles/monuments consider joining CADW for half price admission. ![]()
- Alison Sauvain
"Bring walking shoes and a map to explore lots of good walks. Plenty of hills and views and if the weather is wet and windy the Tarka trail is good and mainly sheltered." - Bob Simmonds on holiday in Devon
"If possible try to use the local bus services. They are not particularly frequent but by intelligent use of the Vectis timetables, you can visit everything on the island without any difficulty." - Christopher Vasey on the Isle of Wight
"Do it! What a wonderful way to see Pembrokeshire, bobbing around on the Sea looking up at the magnitude of this craggy coastal scene." - Peter Hill on a sea kayaking holiday in Wales
"Travel with elasticated waistbands, the food is plentiful and very good." - Anne Feeley, on a Scotland rail holiday
"If possible try to use the local bus services. They are not particularly frequent but by intelligent use of the Vectis timetables, you can visit everything on the island without any difficulty." - Christopher Vasey on the Isle of Wight
"Do it! What a wonderful way to see Pembrokeshire, bobbing around on the Sea looking up at the magnitude of this craggy coastal scene." - Peter Hill on a sea kayaking holiday in Wales
"Travel with elasticated waistbands, the food is plentiful and very good." - Anne Feeley, on a Scotland rail holiday
If you're going to the NW Highlands in midsummer take an eyemask! Very little darkness this time of year.![]()
- Elaine McAdam
"Take sea-sickness tablets if you go on an all-day boat trip (it can get quite choppy), and insect repellent for the evenings." - Louise Keable, on a wildlife holiday on the Isle of Mull
"Go to the beach on really sunny days - it's not far and Llanwyddyn must be one of the finest in the UK. The Welsh Highland Railway is superb - go to Rhyd Dddu or Waunfawr (a short drive away) and catch the train to Portmadog. Stunning route through Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass." - Philip Burston, in Snowdonia
"Don't let changeable weather stop you from enjoying everything the area has to offer! When it's blowy and wet in Fachwen it may not be on the coast. Climbing shops have detailed 3 day forecasts. If you're interested in castles/monuments consider joining CADW (Heritage in Wales) - membership costs around £50-60 pa for family and in the first year gives half price admission to English Heritage/Historic Scotland sites too." - Alison Sauvain, in Snowdonia
"Take your own binoculars everywhere with you - if you are interested in watching wild animals." - Luc Deneys on the Isle of Mull
"Go to the beach on really sunny days - it's not far and Llanwyddyn must be one of the finest in the UK. The Welsh Highland Railway is superb - go to Rhyd Dddu or Waunfawr (a short drive away) and catch the train to Portmadog. Stunning route through Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass." - Philip Burston, in Snowdonia
"Don't let changeable weather stop you from enjoying everything the area has to offer! When it's blowy and wet in Fachwen it may not be on the coast. Climbing shops have detailed 3 day forecasts. If you're interested in castles/monuments consider joining CADW (Heritage in Wales) - membership costs around £50-60 pa for family and in the first year gives half price admission to English Heritage/Historic Scotland sites too." - Alison Sauvain, in Snowdonia
"Take your own binoculars everywhere with you - if you are interested in watching wild animals." - Luc Deneys on the Isle of Mull
More about UK
Explore the UK across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales by reading our UK travel guide.
Our UK map and highlights show you why city breaks don’t even tell half the story.
UK adventure holidays deliver both impressive natural beauty and intrepid activities.
Our UK cycling holidays are less about racing for the finish line, more about connecting with the areas you’re passing.
Our best family activity holidays range from Scotland small ship cruises to kayaking in Devon and Pembrokeshire.
Our best relaxing holidays in the UK get you exploring, while avoiding the crowds.
These trips aren’t just about the views – they’re about forging strong bonds with your shipmates too.
Sea kayaking holidays in the UK take advantage of the dramatic coasts off England, Scotland and Wales.
Pilgrimage paths, coast-to-coast treks and island explorations - discover our top 10 UK walking holidays.
Our UK walking holidays connect you with the places you’re walking through and the people that live in them.
The best things in life ought to be a bit less free - UK national parks face a crisis of purpose, funding and governance.
Our UK adventure holidays for solos help you take a break from the pressures of life and immerse yourself in the beautiful wild places around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
UK tourism can ‘build back better’ through fresh and responsible takes on what it means to travel here.
