Vacations in England are more popular in summer for good reason: from November to March, the days are shorter and darker and the weather is cold and rainy, even snowy at times. Campsites, caravan parks and family attractions may be closed. But most people don’t go to England for the weather, they go to see history, theatre, arts and culture, so don’t write off the off-season. By traveling to England outside the school summer holidays, you’ll avoid the crowds, save a fortune on your flights and get much better deals on hotel accommodation.
Beat the Crowds with Off-Season Deals
First of all, you’ll find that flights and hotel trooms in the off-season are not only easier to book at times and dates to suit you but also much much cheaper. This is because most British and European families take their vacations when the schools close down in summer, which means hotels and flights in summer are often fully booked and much more expensive. By traveling even a couple of weeks outside the school summer vacations, you can get much better value for money. Many tourist attractions, camping and caravan sites in sunnier areas, such as holiday parks in Devon, may close for a few months over winter but they do stay open at reduced prices for several months on either side of the school holidays, offering cheap holidays in Devon with weather that is still quite pleasant.
Meanwhile, visiting London in the off-season is not only much cheaper and easier to book, but also more pleasant: you can spend much of your time indoors anyway visiting the world famous art galleries, historic attractions and castles, and the West End theatre, while avoiding the crowds of tourists that flock to London in the summer.
What to Pack for your Trip to England
Bear in mind that any clothes you bring could get wet, so it’s best to bring fabrics that dry quickly. Pack lots of thin layers, sensible shoes, a sweater, extra socks, a hat and gloves if you’re going in winter, and a windproof raincoat. If your sweater is too bulky, try packing it in an airtight bag that reduces its size when you squash the air out of it. Don’t worry about space to bring it back again, as you’ll probably wear it for your return flight. Bring a small day rucksack or shoulder bag to carry anything you’ll need for a day out on foot, such as maps and guidebooks, hairbrush, phone and your raincoat. The more you prepare, the less you’ll need to buy when you’re there (but leave room for souvenirs!)
Be Prepared, but Adaptable
Many museums and attractions have free or reduced price days and times, which you can find out and plan for ahead of time. But if you have good weather, make the most of it: it may be better value to see something like historic castle ruins that can only be truly appreciated on a sunny day. If you have a day of non-stop rain, consider museums, the theater, cafes and art galleries. There is always more to see in England, and you may find that when you look back the highlights of your England vacation will be those unplanned moments that surprise and delight you.