UK in winter
Jul 29th, 2007, 01:59 PM
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UK in winter
Dear Fodor's participants---I'm attempting to spend some time in England in the winter as I've never done this before--November seemed like a good time to go--but no! Now I'm told that November is a favorite tourist time in England. I'd like some info/opinions from you folks about good winter months to spend in UK and suggestions about where, etc. Thanks in advance--BMK
Jul 29th, 2007, 02:08 PM
#3
Not quite sure what you mean by "<i>I'm told that November is a favorite tourist time in England.</i>" - and even IF it were true, why would that be a problem??
November - While still Autumn, is close enough to winter to be a "winter time" trip to the UK. The days are short, the weather can be wintry (though not normally hard freezes or anything like that) and the crowds are gone.
Winter doesn't "officially" start until Dec 21. Is there some reason you want to be in the UK in the "Winter"? or do you just mean the off season? Off season really runs from about the end of October to the End of March.
What are you actually looking for?
November - While still Autumn, is close enough to winter to be a "winter time" trip to the UK. The days are short, the weather can be wintry (though not normally hard freezes or anything like that) and the crowds are gone.
Winter doesn't "officially" start until Dec 21. Is there some reason you want to be in the UK in the "Winter"? or do you just mean the off season? Off season really runs from about the end of October to the End of March.
What are you actually looking for?
Jul 29th, 2007, 02:27 PM
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Been in November and last year in Ferurary. The key is to book when school is still in session. I went eary in the month and places were crowed. This coming Feburary I will not leave until after the 17th. Actually both months were much the same. Short daylight days which fits well for me. More time in a pub without feeling quilty. 
Jul 29th, 2007, 11:40 PM
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November DOES have a mini boom in foreign tourists.
Most foreign tourists in Britain come from our European neighbours. The All Saints weekend invariably causes a brief burst in London weekend holidays from them - not least because, at a time of year when everyone's back, London's theatres, art galleries and opera houses are working normally and there's a great deal more to do here than in the dead months in the middle of the year when the city's empty and there ae just a few bewildered-looking Japanese office ladies gawping at the Harrods fish counter.
Although the November foreign weekenders don't spill out of London much, getting hotels in stag night capials like Liverpool or York is pretty tough during November weekends. Just as in any developed country, most tourism in Britain is from people who live here, and there really isn't any time of the year (except over Christmas when we hiberate, and during the peak summer months when we go off to prop up struggling foreign economies like Florida) when we stop taking our kids round London museums or gawping at stately homes.
Unless you're planning to lie on a beach getting the sun (in which case, the UK is rarely going to be the best choice), it really makes little difference what time of year you visit. If you have a specialist interest - like gardens, or climbing mountains - the season matters. But the density of other tourists really doesn't change much through the year.
Most foreign tourists in Britain come from our European neighbours. The All Saints weekend invariably causes a brief burst in London weekend holidays from them - not least because, at a time of year when everyone's back, London's theatres, art galleries and opera houses are working normally and there's a great deal more to do here than in the dead months in the middle of the year when the city's empty and there ae just a few bewildered-looking Japanese office ladies gawping at the Harrods fish counter.
Although the November foreign weekenders don't spill out of London much, getting hotels in stag night capials like Liverpool or York is pretty tough during November weekends. Just as in any developed country, most tourism in Britain is from people who live here, and there really isn't any time of the year (except over Christmas when we hiberate, and during the peak summer months when we go off to prop up struggling foreign economies like Florida) when we stop taking our kids round London museums or gawping at stately homes.
Unless you're planning to lie on a beach getting the sun (in which case, the UK is rarely going to be the best choice), it really makes little difference what time of year you visit. If you have a specialist interest - like gardens, or climbing mountains - the season matters. But the density of other tourists really doesn't change much through the year.
Jul 30th, 2007, 03:18 AM
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What do you want to spend winter in England for? Don't you have enough snow, ice, rain and wind where you are? Tourist places will have shorter opening hours or be shut in winter.
If you want off season with normally reasonable weather, try May.
If you want off season with normally reasonable weather, try May.
Jul 30th, 2007, 03:24 AM
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We often spend time in the UK in Nov and have never noticed the crowds to be that bothersome. Nov thru March is just about our favorite time to be inLondon. The theatre season is in full swing, lots of concerts and the museums are relatively uncrowded.
We actually enjoy the cool to cold weather after our blistering summers in FL
We actually enjoy the cool to cold weather after our blistering summers in FL
Jul 30th, 2007, 06:33 AM
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We often go to the UK in November and February. This February the weather in London was fantastic (very springlike with flowers everywhere) but in the past we've struggled to get our flight out of Massachusetts because of snow.
Avoid school half term week which is in the second or third week of February.
November is often wetter but who knows!
I'd try to go early in Nov for Guy Fawkes celebrations or early in Dec for Christmas lights and stuff.
Avoid school half term week which is in the second or third week of February.
November is often wetter but who knows!
I'd try to go early in Nov for Guy Fawkes celebrations or early in Dec for Christmas lights and stuff.
Jul 30th, 2007, 11:03 AM
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Wow! Great feed-back---thanks to you all. Well, I guess I do mean 'off-season' when there are fewer tourists and I don't have to fight crowds. Winter is just a favorite time of mine, but SERIOUS winter, like with snow, etc. is a little too challenging. I live in CA so our winters are fairly mild and frequently drought dry. Actually, the LondonTown website said that Nov was a very popular time, but perhaps not as busy as they claim. I like the idea of uncrowded museums and possibly an easier time getting tickets to shows. Of course lower prices for hotels enters into the picture. Guy Fawkes Day sounds like a fun time. And hanging out in the pub longer wouldn't be bad either. Thanks Again, BMK
Jul 30th, 2007, 02:51 PM
#12
actually - hotels aren't much cheaper in the offseason. It is the airfare where you get big winter time savings.
I suspect Londontown said Nov is a popular time hoping to convince people to visit London then. They are a booking engine afterall.
I live in CA as well - and do not find London too cold in Winter. But from what you said I assume you are in SoCal. Up here in the north state, winter is definitely not drought dry.
Fall through early spring you can fly to London for 1/2 the cost (or less) of fares in summer. This Feb. I flew non-stop from SFO to LHR for $422 - in July that would be over $1000.
I suspect Londontown said Nov is a popular time hoping to convince people to visit London then. They are a booking engine afterall.
I live in CA as well - and do not find London too cold in Winter. But from what you said I assume you are in SoCal. Up here in the north state, winter is definitely not drought dry.
Fall through early spring you can fly to London for 1/2 the cost (or less) of fares in summer. This Feb. I flew non-stop from SFO to LHR for $422 - in July that would be over $1000.
Jul 31st, 2007, 11:19 AM
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Why on earth does anyone think winter starts on 21st December. 21st December is the winter solstice- ie MID-winter.
The weather is nearly always colder in January and February than in November, but here in North East Scotland, November snow is common.
Come in November, bobby, and with aname like that, come to Scotland
The weather is nearly always colder in January and February than in November, but here in North East Scotland, November snow is common.
Come in November, bobby, and with aname like that, come to Scotland
Jul 31st, 2007, 11:27 AM
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For meteorologists winter is December, January and February. Winter actually begins on December 21st or there abouts -the shortest day, just as summer begins on June 21st, the longest day, and spring and autumn begin at the equinoxes
Aug 9th, 2007, 07:21 PM
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Dear Fodor's folks---My computor's been down for over a week and I couldn't wait to get back on line to check this website. Actually, I'm in the Gold Country of CA, sort of mid-state, and yes, our winters have been somewhat dry, however, I do love SOME snow (not a white-out, you understand) and I DID just buy a great cushy down coat for the occasional snowfall---I can see myself now, strolling the London streets taking in the sites----YUP! Winter it is! Thanks, BMK
Aug 9th, 2007, 10:08 PM
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It would be a very odd November if it snowed in London. Much more likely is grey damp cold temps where it feels as if your very soul is being sucked away
Your cushy down coat would be soaked through and you'd feel very miserable
Your cushy down coat would be soaked through and you'd feel very miserable
Aug 10th, 2007, 05:35 AM
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If you are able to go during the time between Christmas and New Years, you might find parts of London very uncrowded. Many offices close for some or all of that period, so the crush of worker-commuters diminishes.
Note that some businesses, such as sandwich shops catering to the lunchtime crowd, also close down in part of the city. However, most tourist attractions are closed on Dec 25, many on Dec 26, and most (but not all) on Jan 1.
On New Year's Day, when others were nursing hangovers, we walked the streets of London...sometimes actually in the street because of reduced traffic.
Note that some businesses, such as sandwich shops catering to the lunchtime crowd, also close down in part of the city. However, most tourist attractions are closed on Dec 25, many on Dec 26, and most (but not all) on Jan 1.
On New Year's Day, when others were nursing hangovers, we walked the streets of London...sometimes actually in the street because of reduced traffic.
Aug 10th, 2007, 06:41 AM
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Autumnal half-term school holidays are in October, not November. (Actual dates depend on areas, but my kids school are off 21-29 Oct). I haven't really noticed surge in continental European visitors over Armistice day (11 Nov) or All Saints day.
Nov is too early for Christmas decoration. We occasionally hear of Americans moaning of absence of thanksgiving day.
Weatherwise, it would likely be dark and damp. Sun sets around 5pm. Could be rainy, but very unlikely to be freezing cold. Make sure you bring an umbrella, and good shoes you can walk around in rain. Hard to say if you'll need a heavy-duty winter wool coat... You're probably better with a lined raincoat plus a pullover and a scarf.
Nov is too early for Christmas decoration. We occasionally hear of Americans moaning of absence of thanksgiving day.
Weatherwise, it would likely be dark and damp. Sun sets around 5pm. Could be rainy, but very unlikely to be freezing cold. Make sure you bring an umbrella, and good shoes you can walk around in rain. Hard to say if you'll need a heavy-duty winter wool coat... You're probably better with a lined raincoat plus a pullover and a scarf.
