August 15, 2022. LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will visit the U.K. next month for the first time since they returned for Queen Elizabeth II ’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A spokesperson for the couple said Monday that they will “visit with several charities close to their hearts” in the U.K You’ll find events, meetings and exhibitions which are organised by us, the national tourist boards and trade associations, as well as other third-party events relevant to UK tourism businesses looking to build international business. Search for an event by name, using the date range options, by price range or by target audience using the They will also attend an event in Germany on Sept. 6 to mark one year to go until the 2023 Invictus Games for injured veterans, which are due to be held in Dusseldorf. Harry, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, moved to the United States with Meghan in 2020 to lead a more independent life. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will visit Britain and Germany in the first week of September as part of their work with charities, a spokesperson for the couple Go back to the page, drag the map or make it smaller, then check print preview to en sure you can see both. AA Route planner: Click here to visit the AA route planner website GPS (Lat,Lon): 53.2729,-9.0015. City Bus: Regular bus service to and from the city centre (route no.9). Visit bus eireann website. By Road: From Dublin travel to Galway JUjsK. A federal grand jury hearing evidence in the Justice Department’s investigation of former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents is expected to meet this coming week in Florida, according to two sources familiar with the working for special counsel Jack Smith had been presenting evidence and witness testimony before a separate grand jury in Washington, for months, but activity appeared to have slowed in recent weeks based on sources and observations at the unclear how the testimony expected in Florida will affect the grand jury that has been investigating in Washington or whether prosecutors are prepared to seek an indictment in either jurisdiction. The Justice Department would not comment on the status of the to reporting from NBC News and other outlets, prosecutors face two central legal questions 1 Did Trump wrongfully retain classified documents after he left the White House? 2 Did he later obstruct the government’s efforts to retrieve them?If Smith decides to charge Trump, it would be the first time a former president has been charged with a federal crime. Though Trump has already been indicted in New York with state crimes related to hush money payments, the cases differ maintains that he has broken no laws and continues to lambast Smith and the Justice Department, dismissing the investigation as a politically motivated smear campaign. Here’s what we know and what we don’t know, and what to watch for as this unprecedented legal case are the facts?In June 2022, federal agents traveled to the former president’s home in Florida to retrieve documents from his time in the White House, at least some of which they believed to be classified. Trump’s attorneys turned over 38 classified materials to authorities, and certified in writing that they’d done a diligent visiting Mar-a-Lago and obtaining evidence that additional classified documents had not been returned, Justice Department officials obtained a search warrant from a judge and FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago in August 2022. In total, the Justice Department recovered more than 300 documents with classified attorneys previewed their defense case in a letter to Congress this year, writing that the documents ended up in Florida because White House staff had "simply swept all documents from the President’s desk and other areas into boxes." But it’s unclear whether Smith’s probe has unearthed evidence to the crimes could Trump be charged with?Clues about what precise crime or crimes Smith has been investigating can be found in court filings, including the search warrant and an accompanying affidavit submitted by the Justice Department. There are two basic categories 1 crimes about the handling of classified documents, and 2 crimes about obstructing investigators from retrieving those materials. Prosecutors cited the Espionage Act, which conjures up an image of someone acting as a spy for a foreign country. But the statute, enacted after World War I, is broader. It criminalizes anyone with "unauthorized possession" of "national defense" material who "willfully" retains it. A string of court decisions has concluded that even if a document isn’t technically "classified," someone can be charged under the law, so long as the information is "closely held" and the information would be useful to Department attorneys also raised the prospect of an obstruction-related crime in court filings. But that law only applies if prosecutors can show that Trump’s intent was to "impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation." If Trump is charged with obstruction, it will be important to see what specific evidence Smith’s team has gathered about the former President's also don’t have to limit their case to the crimes explicitly outlined in the search warrant. Recent reporting from The Washington Post about Trump "sometimes" showing classified documents to others raises the question of whether he could be charged under an entirely different statute, "disclosure of classified information," which prohibits revealing certain classified material to anyone not authorized to receive is Trump’s most likely defense?Since the raid, Trump has claimed that he had the power to declassify anything he wants, that he had a "standing order" to declassify documents, and that he could declassify materials simply by "thinking about it."While there’s never been a case like this before — no former President has made such claims or been accused of such conduct — most national security lawyers say Trump’s argument is legally broad power to declassify materials ended at noon on Jan. 20, 2021, once he was no longer president. But assume, for the sake of argument, that Trump declassified information in his mind as he flew on the plane from Washington to Florida. Attorney Bradley Moss says he would have still needed to effectuate that decision in some meaningful way."A verbal command doesn’t do it. A tweet doesn’t do it. There has to be follow-up documentation through the agencies making clear what is being declassified," Moss told NBC News. "If not, anyone who saw it would still have to treat it as classified.” But, Moss cautioned, there’s no precedent for anything precisely like this have pointed to the fact that Smith could avoid a battle about whether the documents were declassified by charging under the law regarding "national defense" material, but Trump would still likely argue he held onto materials he believed he had the right to possess. "His best defense is he didn’t realize they were classified documents because he didn’t pack them up," Moss an obstruction charge, Trump could argue that he relied on the advice of others, believed his team was complying with demands to return the documents, or others like his valet Walt Nauta, who moved the boxes, went are Trump’s legal vulnerabilities?Claims of Trump’s ignorance about how the documents got to Mar-a-Lago are undercut by the fact that he held onto them, even after the government repeatedly asked for them back, says Mary McCord, the former acting assistant attorney general for national security at the Justice Department and an NBC News/MSNBC contributor."He had received a request and then a subpoena," McCord said. "If the Archives said we need the documents back and he gave everything back right away, we wouldn’t be talking about criminal culpability."But that’s not all. Recent news, first reported by CNN, of Trump talking on tape about a classified document he kept after leaving office and wishing that he had declassified it also hurts his case in significant ways. "It kind of locks him in," McCord said. "It shows he actually knows he can’t show documents to people who aren’t authorized."The recording could also be key to rebutting any defense that Trump might raise about having previously declassified everything he took after he left Trump’s motivation for keeping the documents matter?No. "Motivation is irrelevant," Moss said. Even if Trump wanted to keep classified documents in Florida — not because he planned to give them to foreign adversary but merely as a memento of his time as president — he could still face criminal 2017, the Justice Department charged a former defense contractor, Harold Martin, with improperly retaining national defense information. There was no evidence that Martin intended to share the materials with anyone, but the amount of information he squirreled away at his home was described as "breathtaking." The former attorney in Maryland, Robert Hur, who prosecuted Martin, is now serving as special counsel investigating President Joe Biden’s handling of classified Trump’s case conceivably go to trial before the 2024 election?It’s difficult to say, especially without an indictment. What’s clear is that Trump’s legal team would fight any charges and undoubtedly attempt to delay the they would likely file multiple pretrial motions to get the case dismissed. And if that didn’t work, his attorneys could file appeals, which would drag the process out even is already facing a trial in March 2024 in the New York hush money case. Soon we may find out if he’ll face June 5, 2023, 11 ET A previous version of this article mischaracterized where a grand jury is meeting. Two people familiar with the matter told NBC News that a grand jury in Florida is expected to hear witness testimony this week. It’s unclear how that development affects a separate grand jury that has been investigating in Washington. Britain reached the end of its EU exit transition period on December 31st, 2020. As freedom of movement no longer applies, British travellers must meet new entry requirements when visiting Europe for short stays; as will EU citizens visiting the article looks at the rules UK travellers need to follow to visit European countries. It covers the following informationWhether British citizens will need visas before travelling to a European destinationWhat British travellers should do to ensure their passport is validWhat will change when arriving in EuropeHow UK visitors’ travel insurance requirements will changeWhat mobile phone roaming charges could applyHow pets will be able to travel with their owners to EuropWill British tourists need a visa to visit Europe?British tourists can still visit Europe without a visa. UK citizens are permitted a visa waiver for short trips of under 90 days for tourism or business to countries within the Schengen visitors can continue travelling to Europe without a visa, and with a valid from May 2023 UK passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online and pay a small fee before travelling to the Schengen UK Government is aiming to introduce a similar scheme for European visitors to Britain. The UK ETA visa waiver is expected to be available to all EU nationals. This will follow broadly the same process but will apply to EU passport holders at the UK longer stays or to work full-time in Europe however, British citizens must acquire a work permit or Schengen visa from the country they wish to live in. They need to apply at the embassy of the country in British passports still be valid on a trip to Europe in 2022?Before travelling to the European Union or Schengen area, British travellers may find new passport restrictions apply. These are minor in nature but could affect a person’s ability to enter an EU UK visitors to Europe must make sure their passport has over 6 months of validity remaining from their date of entry into the EU. Yet in practice, this means that no more than 9 years and 6 months must have passed since the passport’s date of European regulations, a passport must not be over 10 years old. Any travel documents older than this will automatically be considered invalid even if it is still within its expiry situation could occur because the British passport office usually adds extra time to the validity of a passport if it is renewed early. These extra days of validity, however, would not be accepted in the EU where the cut-off is 10 years from the date of the case of UK travellers, this will mean their passport may need to be renewed earlier than expected before a European holiday. This must be done before 9 years and 6 months have passed since the document’s date of issue to travel to an EU example, if a passport was issued on the 1st December 2012, it will no longer be accepted at an EU or Schengen port of entry from 1st June 2022. This rule is applied even if the document hasn’t expired or has over 6 months left to new procedures will British tourists face when arriving in Europe?One change that British tourists will face when arriving in a European destination is that they will no longer be able to use the dedicated queue for EU and Swiss passengers. Instead, they will need to join the international UK passengers may be required to provide evidence that they are only travelling to the EU for tourism or business. This may include return tickets to the UK and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their British tourists need travel insurance in the EU?A European Health Insurance Card EHIC can be used until it expires. The EHIC entitles the holder to state medical treatment in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and the card expires the new Global Health Insurance Card GHIC will replace it. UK travellers are still advised to take out health British tourists have to pay mobile phone roaming charges?Mobile phone roaming charges could make a return for some British tourists. The requirement that operators must waive roaming costs will no longer apply to UK mobile networks as of December 31st the reintroduction of extra mobile charges when travelling abroad in Europe will be at the discretion of mobile network operators. Therefore, UK nationals are advised to check before arriving in the EU whether these additional costs may apply to them or UK Driving licences still valid in Europe?It will still be possible to use a UK driving licence in Europe, although tourists may also need an international driving permit IDP. This is expected to apply to British travellers in several EU UK citizens driving their car from Britain to Europe may also need to follow additional steps. When travelling to the EU by car, UK passport holders should ensure to have a car “green card”, proof of insurance and to display a “GB” nationality sticker on their British tourists still bring their pets to Europe?Yes, British tourists can still travel with pets such as cats, dogs or ferrets. However, travellers will face additional safety measures to do passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid to travel to an EU country or Northern need to be microchipped, receive a rabies vaccination a few weeks before travel and may need to hold an animal health certificate AHC. AHCs will need to be renewed for each trip the animal makes to so many changes, it’s especially important to be prepared when travelling to a European country from the UK. When is the best time to visit England? England Vacations Tours Travel guides Places to visit Hotels Things to do Best time to visit The best time to visit England is during spring late March to early June and fall September to November. You’ll avoid the highest visitor numbers of the summer months, and experience displays of spring flowers or the changing hues of the fall leaves. Temperatures are pleasant, around 48F-64F in spring and 48F-68F in fall. Summer is from June to August, with temperatures typically ranging between 70F and 80F. England does get snow during the winter, although this is only occasionally and it tends to fall in the north of England and on high ground. Areas such as the Lake District can be beautifully snowy in winter, although some hotels and attractions may be closed. As temperatures remain relatively mild at around 45F, winter can be a fantastic time to visit England while it’s quieter. Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years Month-by-month guide for traveling in England Visiting England in January This is the coldest month of the year, and you’ll find snow in the northern and mountainous parts of the country, the Lake District in particular. The sun rises late and sets early, and the weather is usually cool and damp, although you may experience crisp and sunny days. New Year’s Day is January’s only public holiday. Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bath 45°F 3" 45°F 3" 50°F 3" 54°F 2" 61°F 3" 66°F 3" 70°F 2" 68°F 3" 64°F 3" 57°F 3" 50°F 3" 46°F 4" Cambridge 43°F 2" 45°F 1" 50°F 2" 55°F 2" 61°F 2" 68°F 2" 70°F 2" 70°F 2" 66°F 2" 59°F 2" 50°F 2" 45°F 2" Liverpool 45°F 2" 45°F 2" 48°F 2" 54°F 2" 59°F 2" 64°F 2" 66°F 2" 66°F 3" 63°F 3" 57°F 3" 50°F 3" 45°F 3" London 46°F 2" 46°F 2" 52°F 2" 57°F 2" 64°F 2" 70°F 2" 73°F 2" 73°F 2" 68°F 2" 61°F 2" 52°F 2" 48°F 2" Oxford 45°F 2" 45°F 2" 50°F 2" 55°F 2" 61°F 2" 66°F 2" 72°F 2" 70°F 2" 64°F 2" 59°F 2" 50°F 2" 45°F 3" Stratford-upon-Avon 43°F 2" 45°F 2" 48°F 2" 54°F 2" 61°F 2" 66°F 2" 70°F 2" 70°F 3" 64°F 2" 57°F 2" 48°F 2" 45°F 3" The Lake District 41°F 12" 41°F 8" 45°F 10" 50°F 6" 55°F 6" 61°F 6" 63°F 7" 63°F 9" 57°F 11" 54°F 13" 45°F 12" 41°F 13" York 43°F 2" 43°F 2" 48°F 2" 54°F 2" 59°F 2" 66°F 2" 68°F 2" 68°F 3" 64°F 2" 57°F 2" 48°F 2" 45°F 2" Why travel with Audley? 100% tailor-made tours Fully protected travel Established for over 25 years 98% of our clients would recommend us Request our brochure Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences. Request a brochure Are you planning a trip to the UK but unsure of the best time of year to visit? In this article discover what each season has to offer as well as a month by month guide to major events across the UK. Everything you need to know to help you make the right decision for your trip. If you’re dreaming of having a spot of tea in England or envisioning a bagpipe serenade on the moors of Scotland, then it sounds like you’re on the verge of planning one heck of a British vacation. The question is, when is the best time to visit the UK? There are many considerations to make when planning your trip, including the pros and cons of travelling “in season,” what types of activities you want to do and especially what kind of weather should you expect. In this article, we will answer all commonly asked questions including what you can expect from the weather during each season the dates of school and public holidays – and the pros and cons of travelling during these peak times expected hours of daylight throughout the year and the impact this can have on your plans what and when major events occur throughout the year plus a guide to the best time to visit England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland FAQ’s about the best time of year to visit the UK Many questions about when is the best time to visit the UK invariably revolve around the weather. The only certainty about the UK weather is that is unpredictable. When is winter in the UK? The winter months ranges from mid-November to early March. When is summer in the UK? The summer months range from early June to the end of August. Can I see the Northern Lights in the UK? For the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights head to to Northern Scotland. What is the rainiest month in the UK? Although December to February are the months that tend to have the most rainfall in the UK and often can fall as snow especially on higher ground expect rain at any time of year. What is the hottest month of the year in the UK? During the summer months expect generally warm to hot weather with July on average the month with the highest average temperatures. When is peak season in the UK? Peak season in the UK is July and August. This also coincides with school holidays across the country. When is the shoulder season in the UK? Shoulder season in the UK is May, June and September. When are the major public holidays in the UK? In addition to Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays there are a number of public holidays called Bank” holidays throughout the year including May Day Bank Holiday first Monday in May, Spring Bank Holiday last Monday in May – and yes there are two Bank Holiday weekends in May!, and the Summer Bank Holiday last Monday in August When is the best time to visit the United Kingdom? Factors to consider when planning your trip The weather Pros and cons of travelling during Peak Season, Shoulder Season or Low Season The impact of daylight hours The weather The UK is a small island divided into 4 separate nations — England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Each has their own cultural identities and attractions to consider, not to mention their own weather idiosyncrasies. Basically though, the entire UK has a temperate climate with warm summers that never get too hot and cold winters that never get too cold. The UK weather is, however, famously unreliable and generally not the primary reason to visit the UK! Think about your many clothing options when packing— and don’t forget the umbrella my UK packing guide for every season will help! The answer to the question, When is the best time of year to visit the UK?’ really depends on what you’re looking for. The UK’s warmest weather is in the summer. Autumn and spring are charming but may be a little bit chilly for certain outdoor activities. Winter can be cold, blustery and damp, though it usually only snows around 24 days out of the year. Spring Spring in the UK begins in March and goes through to the end of May. The weather starts off cold and rainy but becomes more mild as the months progress. Finally, by the end of May and beginning of June, the UK starts to warm up. The average maximum temperatures are as follows March, 12°C 54°F April, 15°C 59°F May, 18°C 64°F June, 21°C 70°F Read – Complete Guide to visiting the UK in spring Summer The summer is generally very pleasant in the UK and tends to be dryer than in the autumn and winter months. The summer begins in June and ends in early September. The average maximum temperatures for the summer months are as follows June, 21°C 70°F July, 23°C 73°F August, 23°C 73°F September, 20°C 68°F Read – Complete Guide to visiting the UK in summer Autumn Autumn goes from September through to the end of November. Days change from crisp to blustery and then get downright cold. There tends to be a higher level of precipitation during these months as well. The average maximum temperatures for the autumn months are as follows September, 20°C 68°F October, 16°C 61°F November, 12°C 54°F December, 9°C 48°F Winter It can get rather bleak and cold in the UK during the winter months, which go from the start of December through to the end of February. The average maximum temperatures for the UK in winter months are as follows December, 9°C 48°F January, 9°C 48°F February, 9°C 48°F March, 12°C 54°F Read – Complete Guide to visiting the UK in winter Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn scenes in the UK Pros and Cons of visiting the UK during peak season Peak season for travel in the UK are the summer months of July and August. These dates also coincide with the long 6 week summer school holidays and hopefully sunny weather What are the pros of visiting the UK during peak season? The UK weather is generally at its best during these months. Hours of daylight are long which means more time to explore the sights. Some of the UK’s major events occur during July Wimbledon and August Edinburgh Festival Many historic sights have special events on especially for families jousting at Warwick Castle. What are the cons of traveling during peak season? It is the most expensive time of year to visit and prices for flights, accommodation and transportation can be sky-high. Main attractions across the country are busy – buy tickets ahead of time skip the line tickets are worth the expense unless you enjoy wasting precious holiday time in a queue! Restaurants and hotels are jam-packed. Roads are busy and traffic jams are common which can add to the stress if you are planning to hire a car for a road trip Advantages of visiting the UK during shoulder season Shoulder season in the UK is in May, early June, September and early October. What are the pros of visiting the UK during shoulder season? Less expensive than peak season Better availability for accommodation Some of the UK’s most popular events occur during these months such as the Chelsea Flower Show May, Trooping of the Colour June Less crowded though the Bank holidays can be busy There are 2 public bank holidays in May first and last Mondays of May and many popular historical sights organize events especially for families over these long weekends. Expect fewer crowds at popular attractions though school groups may visit museums, art galleries, and castles during term time Long daylight hours Pros and cons of visiting the UK during low season November through to April is generally considered to be the low season for travel to the UK. Note that some parts of the UK such as London and Edinburgh experience significant numbers of tourists during December and early January which can significantly impact costs. Pros of visiting the UK during the low season Budget friendly Less crowded Enjoy special events over the festive period including Christmas markets, Christmas lights and decorations in major cities and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Cons of visiting the UK during the low season Weather can be very cold expect snow during the winter months Daylight hours are reduced it can get dark as early as pm Many popular attractions are closed over the winter months. Impact of daylight hours The amount of daylight you can expect fluctuates greatly across the year and can have a major impact on your plans. The amount of daylight can also vary depending on your destination within the UK. The further north you travel the more daylight you can expect in summer and the less in winter. Average hours of daylight in June longest day London – 16 hours + Scotland – 17 hours + Average hours of daylight in December shortest day London – 8 hours Scotland – 7 hours First of all, there’s no bad time to visit England, though travelling during every season has its advantages and disadvantages. You can, however, expect some seasonal variation in prices, crowd size and availability of activities. The summer is the peak tourist season, which is from the end of May to early September. The daylight hours are at their maximum, up to 16 hours per day. The weather is usually delightful and kids are off school July and August. The inevitable consequence is that everyone starts flocking to the tourist destinations and adding to the already long lines and crowds. If you dream of gallivanting through the English countryside, add throngs of people sharing the roads and limited parking to your vision. Unfortunately, hotel rates and airfare are usually more expensive in the summer. Still, that charming weather can be a lure that outweighs all of those inconveniences. If you travel in winter, it may be cold and bleak, and the daylight hours will have waned to just 8 to 10 hours per day. That’s the bad news. The good news is you won’t have to fight any crowds or struggle to get a dinner reservation. There will also be deals to be had on hotel rooms and flights. So if your itinerary contains a lot of indoor activities, maybe winter travel is right for you. If you’re wondering when is a good time to visit London, it’s similar to travelling in the rest of the UK in terms of weather and seasonal availability. There are a few exceptions, however. Christmas time in the capital city has been an incredibly popular destination for decades, what with the shopping, the decorations and abundant Christmassy charm. If however you are a royal watcher, consider traveling in the summer when there are more opportunities to have a peek into the royal lifestyle. Many royal residences are open to the public during the summer because the royals themselves are away on vacation. Taking all of this into consideration, if you want to know when the best time is to visit England, the answer is if you can spring or autumn. During these times the weather is favourable and the daylight hours vary from 11 to 15 hours per day, so there’ll be plenty of time for sightseeing. Taking a road trip through the English countryside the Cotswolds, Lake District, Peak District or Northumberland are just two suggestions is gorgeous in the spring or autumn because either the flowers are blooming or the leaves are turning brilliant shades of orange and yellow. While there are crowds they are smaller and more manageable than in the peak summer season. When is the Best Time to visit Scotland? Just like it did for England, the timing of your Scotland trip depends upon what you activities have planned. The country’s winter may be more suited to hunkering down in an Edinburgh pub rather than hiking through the Highlands. The average temperature hovers around 0°C 32°F and is likely to be even colder on the coast and in higher attitudes. Like England, airfares and hotel rooms will generally be cheaper and you won’t have to fight the crowds in the cities or in the train stations. You will, however, need to be ready for the reduced daylight hours. In January, for example, the sun rises at 847 and sets at 353 There is good news, though. Because of Scotland’s high latitude and particularly dark winter nights, there’s a chance that you will be treated to the aurora borealis or the northern lights — a dazzling and somewhat ethereal light show in the sky. A summer trip to Scotland is defined by pros and cons. The pros — you’ll have lovely weather, as it never gets too terribly hot in Scotland. Temperatures range from 15°C 59°F to 17°C 63 °F. The daylight hours are also long. In August, for example, the sun rises at 422 and sets at 803 There will be a lot to do, like hiking, camping, driving tours, beautiful train journeys, exploring the cities, islands and the are festivals for every taste, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in Inverness. Now for some cons — July and August are peak months for travel, and the crowds will be significantly larger and the prices will be higher. If you don’t mind competing for a little space and paying more for the privilege, then a summer trip may just be the perfect one for you. As with England, visiting Scotland in the late spring/early summer or early autumn is ideal. By June, Scotland gets an amazing 17 hours of daylight. That combined with the spring’s pleasant weather, an average of 7°C 45°F to 13 °C 55°F, and you will be able to conquer every outdoor activity there is to offer. If you would prefer to spend your time in Scotland’s cities, the good news is that the summer tourists haven’t arrived yet, so lines won’t be as long and the prices will be more reasonable. The same thing is true for an autumn visit. Starting in November through middle December, airfares tend to be cheaper. Early autumn is an ideal time of year to drive North Coast 500, a spectacular 516-mile trip from Inverness along Scotland’s North Highlands that might be one of the most scenic drives in the world. Glen Etive in the West Highlands is beautiful in winter When is the Best Time to Visit Wales? No matter when you visit Wales, remember, the weather can be unpredictable and you should pack well and be prepared for a variety of temperatures. The temperature in winter averages 6°C 43°F, but compared to Scotland, there is a good amount of daylight — sunrise is around 740 and sunset is around 628 In spite of the cooler weather, daffodils have been known to make their cheerful appearance late in the winter. Another plus, if you travel on or near March 1st, you can join the locals in celebrating St. David’s Day. The patron saint of Wales is feted with parades, traditional Welsh dress and plenty of delicious food, not to mention scores of daffodils and leeks. The summer is a lovely time to visit, as the weather is very agreeable, although the region can get quite a bit of rain. There is between 15-16 hours of daylight during the summer. Temperatures average 16 °C 61 °F, so hiking and camping would be fantastic during this time, as would any coastal family trips. If you wish to see the Atlantic Puffins take over the island of Skomer, then early July is the time to go, especially if you want to see them parenting their new chicks. Summer is the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and be prepared to book well in advance for hotels and popular Welsh castle hotel stays, air travel, restaurants and activities. The late spring and early autumn are great times to go to Wales. There are between 13 and 16 hours of daylight during both seasons. The temperature usually hovers around 13°C 55°F. In May and June, flowers will be blooming in a riot of colors, making the already breathtaking scenery fully come to life. The Wales Coast Path, an 870-mile long footpath that winds its way along the coastline, makes for a perfect hike during this time. For something a little different, check out The Laugharne Weekend in West Wales — a local, literary and arts celebration of Dylan Thomas and other writers, musicians and comedians who’ve come from Wales. In the autumn, the mountains and valleys look to be on fire with all shades of gold and orange, and the nights begin to get crisp with a touch of chill. Places like Hay-on-Wye, a charming market town on the River Wye become even more magical in the autumn. There will also be plenty of seasonal activities, such as at the medieval Powis Castle and Garden. Each year they create the Powis pumpkin trail, where kids can search for the carved pumpkins hidden throughout the garden. If spending a night in a Welsh castle is on your bucket list why not book one of these amazing Welsh castle hotels? Spring lambs in Wales When is the Best Time to Visit Northern Ireland? If you wish to visit Northern Ireland when the temperatures are at their warmest, then go during July and August. The average temperature in the summer is 17°C 63°F, but beware because summertime is also when the country’s rainfall is at its peak. The summer in Northern Ireland has amazingly long daylight hours, 500 to 1000pm, so you’ll be able to pack in a lot of activities. It is the peak season, which means you’ll be fighting the crowds as you see the sights. Also, keep in mind, summer vacations for their school children start a few weeks earlier than they do in England, meaning the tourist sites may be more crowded starting at the end of June. In winter, Northern Ireland is a little colder than England and has about 7-8 hours of daylight. That won’t matter too much if you seek out Belfast’s St. George’s Market, Northern Ireland’s last surviving Victorian market. In December, they offer twilight days for evening shopping. There will also be crafts from local artisans, delightful food and family entertainment. Like with the other UK regions, you get the best of everything by visiting in the spring or autumn. By late spring, you’ll start to see lambs and calves in the pastures as the temperatures rise to between 10°C 50°C to 16°C 60°F. Visit Rathlin Island in the late spring and you’ll see all kinds of nesting birds and the area’s famous puffins. Also, for those festival fans, check out the two-day Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey festival held in early June. In the autumn, as the leaves are changing colors, it’s a perfect time to visit the Glens of Antrim, or known locally simply as The Glens. It’s a region of County Antrim known for it’s astonishing natural beauty. In October, the Glens Storytelling Festival is a five-day event for tourists and locals alike to experience the magic of this area’s story telling traditions. Expect family-friendly stories to have a touch of Halloween magic. Murlough Bay on the Causeway coast of Northern Ireland Plan your visit to the UK with my free UK planning sheets Which is the best month to visit the UK? Month by month pros and cons + guide to all the major events in the UK January January in the UK falls within the low tourist season, which creates some distinct advantages for travelers. Students return to school and the cold weather, gloomy skies and waning daylight translate into fewer people, cheaper hotel rooms and inexpensive airfare. Also, the after-Christmas sales are in full swing, so bargain hunters will have a field day shopping. Theatre tickets and restaurant reservations will also be easier to get. A January trip is sounding better and better. Here are some fun things to do in January • New Year’s Day Parade in London—This is a fabulous, free and family-friendly parade in the city’s West End. It’s three and a half hours of music and revere that won’t soon be forgotten. • Simplyhealth Great Edinburgh Winter Run—If you’re in Scotland and are a fitness buff, join 3000 other hardcore health nuts for this 5k of fun that also affords fantastic views of the city. • Big Burns Supper in Dumfries Scotland—Part of the country’s Burns Night, this event occurs in the latter half of the month and offers all sorts of venues with everything from comedy to cabaret. February February in the UK falls securely within low season for travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an absolute fantastic vacation if you choose to travel then. If you don’t mind cooler weather, the seaside towns should be virtually empty, for example. Keep in mind that UK schools have a half-term break in February, which may cause unexpected crowds at tourist sites. Here are some fun things to do in February • Valentine’s Day in London—A visit to multiple artisan chocolate shops would definitely be in order, as would a romantic dinner for two in one of London’s many fine-dining restaurants. • The Orchid Festival at London’s Kew Gardens—If you adore flowers and don’t want to travel all the way to Indonesia, then this show is not to be missed. There will be over 5000 species of orchids to admire. • London’s Classic Car Show in Olympia Exhibition Centre—You’ll see some of the finest and most collectible vintage models in the world. A frosty winter’s morning in Yorkshire March Flowers will be just beginning to bloom throughout the UK, a promise that spring is just around the corner. March is a shoulder season for tourists, which means it’s not too busy and not too light. So you can throw on a coat and start taking advantage of some of the outdoor fun that the UK has to offer. Here are some fun things to do in March • Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in London — When is the best time to travel to England? When there are 250,000 screaming rowing fans cheering on the edge of the Thames. This is one of the largest sporting events held in London and it’s free! Sometimes this event happens in April, so check online to see. • Glasgow International Comedy Festival—Are you a comedy fan? In the latter half of March, travel to Scotland and see the funniest stars from all around the UK hit the stage in what is Europe’s largest comedy festival. • St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland—On March 17th, County Armagh and County Down host the annual Home of Saint Patrick Festival that consists of concerts, family-friendly activities and general fun. April Ah, April. The flowers are blooming and the days are getting longer. It’s a shoulder season, so it’s a pretty good time to enjoy the natural beauty that the UK has to offer without having to brave too many crowds. Students in the UK have a school break around Easter, which usually falls in this month, so that may alter the tourist scene slightly. Regardless, there are also a lot of fun, local activities to choose from. Here are some examples • Isle of Wight Walking Festival—Fun for all ages and all fitness levels. Thousands of locals and tourists alike explore the island and take in its stark, scenic beauty. • Shakespeare’s Birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon—Celebrate The Bard’s birthday by traveling to his birthplace for performances, music and all kinds of fun. • Cardiff Flower Show—If you’re a gardener or a flower appreciator and are planning to be in Wales, you might want to visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s Cardiff Flower Show. There are countless exhibits and demonstrations to inspire and fascinate those with or without a green thumb. Expect to see lots of beautiful daffodils in spring all over the UK May The weather is getting ever warmer and the days are getting longer in the UK, yet May is still a shoulder season, which means its an excellent time to visit. Things can get busy over the Bank holiday weekends with many Brits enjoying a spring staycation. It’s also getting dryer, so rain may not be as much of an issue as it is in other months. Still, bring a few layers to wrap up in, just in case. Here are some fun things to do in May • Chelsea Flower Show – Since 1913, except during the two world wars, the famous Chelsea Flower Show has been a glamorous affair celebrating British flowers and garden design. It takes place on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea and makes for a fun and historical activity whilst in the UK. • Gloucester Docks Tall Ship Festival — Come see tall ships in all of their splendor along with fun and games for the whole family. There will be live stages with local bands as well as a food market • Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair – Join over 10,000 locals and tourists at Scotland’s only highland games and country fair. It’s at the magnificent Gordon Castle located near Fochabers in Moray. June The middle of June marks the beginning of peak season for traveling in the UK, so make sure you’ve got those reservations, tickets and bookings well ahead of time. You have an excellent chance of pleasant weather and agreeable temperatures, so live it up! Here are some fun things to do in June • Glastonbury Festival — This world-famous five-day festival takes place in Pilton, Somerset, in the south west of England. It features big-name contemporary musical acts as well as dance, cabaret and theater. • Gregynog Music Festival — Attention classical music lovers! In the gorgeous Welsh countryside in the village of Tergynon, you’ll find the oldest classical music festival in Wales, which attracts some of the world’s finest musicians. • The Royal Highland Show — Scotland’s largest agricultural show put on by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. Thousands of visitors come from all over the globe to see over 1000 exhibitors and scores of livestock. It’s in Ingliston, an area of West Edinburgh. The Chelsea Flower Show is held annually in London July July is peak travel season with very long days and probably the best weather offered by the UK. Restaurants will be jam-packed and tourist sites will be overflowing with visitors. Add in the students who have just been released from school on summer break and you will have a lot of people to contend with. No wonder there is a lot going on the UK during the summer! Here are some examples • Wimbledon — In a town called Wimbledon, there’s a little yearly tennis tournament. Actually, it’s probably the most major tournament in the tennis world. Good to know – If you want to do it on the cheap, go outside the stadium to Henman Hill and buy a £30 ticket to watch the matches on a giant TV. If you want the real thing, then you’ll need to shell out quite a bit more, depending on which match you see. • The Big Cheese at Caerphilly — History buffs, would you like to be sent back to medieval days at Caerphilly Castle? See reenactments and battles, along with entertainment, food, period dance and a whole lot of fun. August The weather is warm, so that distracts you from the peak season crowds traveling throughout the UK. All schools are enjoying summer break, so expect to be shoulder to shoulder with locals and tourists alike at all the tourist sites. Here are some fun things to do in August • Wilderness Festival—Located in Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, this festival offers easy-going music, theatrical productions, amazing food and really cool art, all in a gorgeous lakeside setting. • Edinburgh Fringe Festival — If you like crowds, music and having serious fun, then try out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. It goes on for days and hosts so much talent, it takes hundreds of venues just to fit everything in. Check their website to see the list of performers. • The National Eisteddfod — A festival celebrating all things Welsh. It’s in the first 8 days of August and there is food, music, arts and design. Head to Wimbledon for a spot of tennis! September The beginning of September is part of the summer peak season but with the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the rest of the month is a shoulder season. Most students head back to school early in September, so vacationers return home and tourist sites will be less crowded. Here are some fun things to do in September • The Jane Austen Festival — Do you dream of spending a quiet evening with Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet? Travel to Bath and spend 10 days choosing from over 80 Jane Austen-related events. There’s even a Regency Costumed Masked Ball! • Culture Night Belfast – For the past several years, in the second half of September, people hit the Belfast streets from City Hall to the Cathedral Quarter to enjoy a free celebration of art, language and history of Northern Ireland. There is something to do for all ages. October There’s a crisp autumn chill in the air and Halloween ghosts and goblins are just around the corner. The beginning of October is a shoulder season, and by the end, it slows down into low season. Still, there are lots of interesting things to tackle in the UK during October. • Harwich International Shanty Festival – For those who can’t resist the call of that salty ocean air, sail on over to Harwich and sing an old song of the sea. There’ll be concerts and barge trips and crafts for the saltiest old sailors to the youngest of landlubbers. • The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival — Who doesn’t enjoy jazz in a charming rural setting? In 2006, this festival was born and has grown larger every year. It’s a long weekend of all types of music in a variety of venues. You’ll see live blues, jazz, boogie and soul from a huge variety of artists. Colourful displays of pumpkins November This is the low season for travel in the UK. The weather is brisk and it’s best to remember to bring a bunch of comfy layers and a jacket in your suitcase. Here are some fun things to do in November • Guy Fawkes Night—This celebration marks the night back in 1605 when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He did not succeed, and the anniversary has traditionally been remembered with a bonfire. Given that could easily get out of hand, most celebrations have switched to fireworks. • Diwali on Trafalgar Square – Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindu, Jain and Sikh people all over the world. This one is the biggest in the UK and features amazing dancers in stunningly beautiful and colorful dress. Expect to see market stalls with amazing food, as well as crafts and fun activities for the whole family. December Yes, it’s pretty chilly in the UK during December, and the days have grown a wee bit short. There’s still a lot to love about this winter month. Keep in mind, that students in the UK usually have the final weeks in December off, so that could affect the crowd levels. The weeks closest to Christmas are considered a peak tourist season, so there are many Christmas activities to choose from including festive markets all over the UK. • Belfast Giants Ice Hockey — For something really different, grab the whole family, live like a local and check out an ice hockey game. Their website has all the information about tickets and times. • Elfingrove at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum—This magnificent museum in Glasgow transforms itself and offers night-time tours along with local food and singing. When is the best time to visit London? This is really a difficult question to answer and really deserves a post all of its own. Many people insist that it’s Christmas. Trafalgar Square has a giant lit up Christmas tree dripping in ornaments and Christmas cheer. Carol singing and festive events occur all throughout London. There are several London Christmas Markets that will surely take care of everyone on that Christmas list. There are also a number of festive events held annually around Christmas at many of the castles near London. But in summer the hours of daylight are longer and exploring London’s attractions on a warm sunny day is also a wonderful experience. To be honest for me deciding when to visit London is best answered with the words “it is always a good idea!” Read more – Visiting London in winter 21 Festive things to do and see in London in December 29 things to do in London in Spring I love London at Christmas despite the crowds Happy UK Travel Planning! So the only true answer to the question, “When is the best time to go to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?” really does depend on your own interests and available time to go. Once you have settled on the time of year to visit the UK you are now ready to start planning your trip itinerary. My UK Trip Planner will help you to plan the perfect UK vacation in 10 easy to follow steps – I recommend starting there! For UK inspiration my top 21 landmarks in England, 19 places to visit in Scotland, top 10 things to see in Wales, top 10 things to do in Northern Ireland and London bucket list articles are great places to start. I recommend prioritising what you want to see and do. You can also take some virtual tours of London and UK landmarks and sights to help you plan. Other useful resources to help you plan your trip How much does a holiday in the UK cost? Read my UK travel budget guide to help calculate your budget! Choose from my selection of the best guidebooks for UK travel Click here for my recommendations of the best booking sites for travel to the UK Prefer an organised tour? Check out our recommendations of the best UK tours available for 2021 and beyond! How to get around the UK Complete Guide to Transportation in the UK From road trips to staycations, Brits found new ways to travel in 2021. 2021 has been quite the year for travel. While foreign holidays were sometimes possible, pandemic uncertainty meant that many people from the UK decided to holiday at home.. And with travel locking down again due to omicron, 2022 is starting to look rather unpredictable what can we learn about the brave new world of pandemic travel from 2021? When international travel is off the cards, where do Brits want to go? And how do we choose to get there?Travel search engine KAYAK have pulled together all their data and collated the top UK travel trends of 2021. So if you’re planning a holiday in 2022, this info might help you decide when and where to book and how much you can expect to pay.“It’s no doubt 2021 was one of the most unpredictable years of travel,” says Laure Bornet, General Manager, KAYAK EMEA.“We’ve seen throughout this year that travel restrictions will have an impact on travel demand to some degree, but I suspect Brits are becoming more savvy at navigating these changes and will continue to do so into 2022.”We were all itching to travel by autumnWith the traffic light system in place over the summer, international travel was impossible for many. Many of the UK’s favourite destinations, including Spain, Italy and France, were on the amber list, which put a lot of people off going red, amber and green list had a significant overhaul in October though, and many countries became green. This made October the most popular month for holidaymakers, with 14 October the busiest travel day of the whole year. The days before the October school break were very popular too, with families jetting off to enjoy much needed autumn got more expensive, especially at homeThough we were flying less in 2021, the cost of air travel still increased as airlines sought to recoup some of their 2020 travel got more expensive across the board, with flights out of the UK increasing by around 29 per cent when compared to wasn’t just international travel that went up in price though. Domestic flights saw the biggest price hike, rising by a whopping 33 per cent. Despite this, three million people travelled on domestic flights in the UK between July and September price hike may not last long either, as Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in the October budget that he plans to cut air passenger duty in half for UK domestic flights, despite the UK hosting COP26 just a week took to the roadAs travellers sought to avoid crowded planes and train stations,. KAYAK saw searches for car hire increase by 155 per cent compared to 2019, while searches for flights dropped by 11 per where were people driving to? It turns out that the Cornish seaside town of Newquay was one of the most searched destinations in Britain, with a 322 per cent rise in searches compared to 2019. English cities were popular too, with Coventry searches rising by 274 per cent and Cambridge searches by 144 per the Irish sea, Galway was in-demand as well, with a 274 per cent hike in capital cities were a hitWhile travellers sought to avoid crowded airports, they didn’t seem to mind busy and Edinburgh were at numbers three and four on the most searched list, but international travel was clearly still on people’s of the usual suspects such as Alicante, Istanbul and New York were also in the top ten, but for the first time Islamabad in Pakistan made it to number one, moving up 11 places since is no surprise though, given that Pakistan had some of the tightest travel restrictions in 2021 and was on the UK’s red list for almost 5 months. This means people were likely to be regularly checking for updates so they could visit friends and those countries were the most outbound’ destinations searched, the most inbound searches for the UK were from the US. This was quickly followed by queries from France, Germany and Denmark.

are you going to visit britain next month