Spring (March to May)
Gardens, bluebells and lambing season. Days lengthen quickly, and the Easter weekend and May bank holidays are busy on the coast and in national parks. Cities such as Bath, York and Oxford are pleasant before the summer crowds. Showers are frequent, so pack a waterproof.
Summer (June to August)
The longest days: in the Scottish Highlands it stays light until close to midnight in June. Coastal resorts in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and the east coast fill up in school holidays (late July to the end of August), and the Edinburgh festivals take over the capital in August, when hotel rooms are the hardest to find. London is busy all summer; the Lake District and Snowdonia are at their most crowded at weekends.
Autumn (September to November)
Often the best balance of settled weather, colour in the woods and lower demand. September is a favourite month for walking Hadrian's Wall and the national parks. Late October half-term is busy; from November, rooms get easier except in cities with Christmas events.
Winter (December to February)
Short days and wet weather in the west, but good value outside Christmas, New Year and the main city markets. York, Bath, Edinburgh (Hogmanay) and Manchester are lively in December. In the north and the Highlands, snow can close high roads and slow trains, so allow extra time and check forecasts.
Bank holidays and school terms
- England and Wales have bank holidays at Easter, early and late May and late August; Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own dates.
- School holidays raise prices and cut availability along the coasts. Ask hotels about minimum stays on summer weekends.
- Big events in London, Edinburgh, Manchester or Cardiff can fill a whole district; check dates before choosing a room.
Quick guide by region
- London: good all year; December and summer are busiest.
- Scotland: May to September; August for Edinburgh's festivals.
- Lake District and Yorkshire Dales: late spring and early autumn avoid the busiest weeks.
- South West: June to September for beaches, but book early.
- Hadrian's Wall: May to September for the longest days; see the Wall guide.
Seasons are a general guide. Weather, events and prices vary from year to year; confirm with the hotel and official sources before you travel.