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Traveling to England is on the bucket list of many, but not everyone considers visiting during the off-season. While summer might seem like the perfect time to explore the English countryside and bustling cities, the off-season offers its own unique charm. We chatted with Alison Lewin, Product Designer for the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia at Collette, to get some insight into why the off-season can be one of the best times to visit the UK.
Why the Off-Season May Be the Best Time to Go to England
Less Crowds, More Relaxation
England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, visiting in the off-season offers the benefit of fewer crowds and more relaxation. This means shorter waiting times at popular attractions and a more enjoyable travel experience.
“London, in particular, is very busy all year round," says Alison. "But while our domestic children are still at school, you’ve got fewer lines and shorter waiting times at attractions. This makes it easier to navigate your way around the city without fighting against the crowds.”
Authentic Local Experiences
With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more authentic experience of England. Local events, markets, and festivals are less crowded, giving you the chance to mingle with residents and get a true sense of the culture. “Visiting in the off-season allows you to experience the local culture more intimately," says Alison. "You can explore markets, attend events, and interact with locals without the usual tourist rush.”
Exploring England’s Off-Seasons: Spring, Autumn, and Winter
The Beauty of Spring in England
Blossoming Flora and Scenic Drives
During spring, England’s landscapes are carpeted with vibrant tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers. This period breathes life into the scenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for your travels. As Alison shares, “What’s really beautiful about coming to England in the spring is that spring is an emergence of the new season. It makes it really nice and colorful as you’re driving… You see the changes in the different landscape, which is wonderful.”
Mild Weather Compared to Summer
Spring in England offers mild and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are comfortable, allowing visitors to explore without the discomfort of extreme heat. This is especially important as many historic buildings and attractions in England are often not equipped with air conditioning.
Emphasizing this point, Alison says, “The days are getting a little bit warmer, so that’s nice. But it’s not the intense heat that you might, for example, experience in June, July, and August.” With the moderate temperatures of spring, you can enjoy your travels without the sweltering summer heat.
Autumn in England: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Captivating English Landscapes
During autumn, England’s landscapes are painted with rich hues of purples, yellows, and reds. The changing colors of the leaves and flowers create stunning views that are perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Describing this seasonal beauty, Alison says, “In the autumn, you might see the beautiful purples of the heather dying off, then you’ve got those beautiful autumn colors as we wind down for the winter. Equally as beautiful. It's a photographer’s dream.”
Unique British Historical Sites Under a Different Light
The shorter daylight hours in autumn cast a unique and ethereal light on England’s historic sites. Places like Stonehenge, with their ancient and mystical aura, take on an even more captivating appearance. Alison notes, “Our days are a little bit shorter, but that dusk hour in some of the places that we visit give it a really ethereal mood, which is beautiful.” This enhances the experience, turning a routine visit into something almost magical.
Winter in England: A Festive Wonderland
Christmas in London
One of the best times to travel to London is, without question, Christmas. The city comes alive with beautifully decorated department stores, bustling Christmas markets, and twinkling lights adorning famous landmarks.
“Christmas in London is just the most wonderful destination,” beams Alison. “It’s cold, of course, but it’s beautiful because everybody’s wrapped up in their winter hats and scarves. We drink mulled wine and enjoy the holiday spirit at places like Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.”
Snowy Landscapes and Cozy Traditions
Outside the cities, the winter season offers picturesque snowy landscapes, especially in regions like Wales. These more rural areas become perfect for cozy, scenic walks and enjoying traditional English winter treats. “The snowy peaks in Wales create a stunning backdrop,” Alison notes. “And there’s nothing like warming up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine after a day of exploring.”
3 Essential Tips for Enjoying England in Any Season
1. Pack Well for All Seasons
England’s weather is famously unpredictable, and Alison emphasizes the importance of being prepared for all kinds of weather conditions. “We live in a very unpredictable climate, and we say if you visit anywhere in the UK, you are exposed to four seasons in one day.”
To make the most of your trip, pack layers and include essentials like a waterproof and windproof jacket and warm accessories like hats, gloves, a scarf, and thick socks.
2. Discover the Unique Seasonal Experiences
The off-season in England offers unique experiences that you won’t find during the peak tourist months. For example, you can witness the ethereal beauty of Stonehenge during the solstice celebrations or enjoy the quieter, more intimate feel of local festivals and markets.
In the winter, the charm of England’s Christmas markets and holiday decorations comes to life. One of the highlights of the holiday season in London is the stunning display of lights. “People come from all over the world just to walk Oxford and Regent streets to see our Angels of London, which are a definite must-see,” Alison explains. The beautiful angels that light up these two streets create a magical and enchanting experience.
3. Embrace the Weather
Instead of letting the weather dictate your plans, embrace it as part of the adventure. Alison encourages travelers to embrace the elements.
“It’s not always about the weather; it’s about the experience that you know that weather gives you."
"If it’s wet, then we’ll make it a happy occasion for you because this is what we do. We’ll get you dry with hot chocolate, we’ll get you a nice hot drink, and we’ll say wasn’t it great to jump in a puddle? You know, when was the last time you did that? Embrace your inner child and just go with the flow no matter what the weather throws at you because living in England, that’s what we have to do anyway!”
4 Collette Tours Showcasing Off-Season England
1. British Landscapes featuring England, Scotland, and Wales
This tour takes you from verdant hillsides to bustling cities rich with culture. Explore historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and York Minster, and walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy personalized excursions in Caernarfon and Oxford and see the quintessential sights of London with a local guide.
2. Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Experience a comprehensive journey through magnificent cities and magical countryside across Britain and Ireland. Visit landmarks like Stonehenge, enjoy afternoon tea in London, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Borders. Admire ancient Roman ruins in Bath and experience Britain’s pageantry in Edinburgh and London.
3. The Shades of the English Countryside featuring London, Cornwall, and The Cotswolds
Discover the best of England’s countryside, from vibrant London to the dramatic landscapes of Cornwall and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Explore Dartmoor and stay in a neo-Elizabethan manor house while soaking in the idyllic scenery. Encounter history, local cuisine, and the charm of the southwestern coast.
4. Christmas in London
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a festive journey through London. Explore colorful Christmas markets, decorated department stores, and bustling streets, and see iconic sites like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace adorned with festive lights. Visit Blenheim Palace’s Christmas display, enjoy afternoon tea in Covent Garden, and soak in the holiday warmth at London’s finest theatres.
Why Off-Season is the Best Season in England
Traveling to England in the off-season offers a unique experience with fewer crowds, genuine local interactions, and beautiful seasonal changes. It’s a chance to discover a more intimate side of England.
Alison sums it up perfectly: “The experience that you will have with different seasons will be equally as wonderful. And I would say to anybody, embrace that low season. You have less crowds…. Don’t be afraid of traveling outside of the summer season. We’ve got so much to offer you. We’ll keep you warm, we’ll keep you dry, we’ll keep you safe.”
So, if you’re planning a trip to England, consider the spring, autumn, or winter. Not only will you avoid the usual summer crowds, but you’ll also get to experience England in all its ever-changing beauty.
Book your low season adventure with Collette today and discover the hidden gems of England.
