United Kingdom & Ireland tours

Despite being farther north than much of North America, England has a temperate climate—which means tours of England are enjoyable most any time of year. But when is the best time to visit England? Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds at the most popular sites, making the off-season a perfect time to visit England. Winter also offers plenty of charm—despite the cold temps—with Christmas markets happening in London and around the country.

No matter what time of year you plan your trip to England, expect some rain—but don’t let it keep you from enjoying this beautiful destination! Just have your Wellies with you (that’s British for “rainboots”).

There are plenty of places to see in England, and because the country is relatively small, it’s easy to cover a lot in one trip. On our escorted tours of England, you can choose to live like a local for a week on our London: The City Experience tour; see it all on our Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales; or something in between.

Here are just a few of the destinations you can explore on our tours of England:

• Westminster Abbey in London
• Liverpool, the home of the Beatles
• The historic city of York
• Bath, a UNESCO-listed city
• Stonehenge

But this is just the start! Our tours go to many of the best places to visit in England. One of our expert Tour Consultants can help you choose the escorted tour of England that’s perfect for you.

Traditional British cuisine has ancient roots—meat and game pies, vegetable stews, and hearty breads were on tables all the way back to the Middle Ages! Influences from former British colonies can also be found in local dishes; authentic Indian, African, and Asian food is especially popular in cities like London. But, no matter where you visit in England, you’ll find a local pub where you can stop for a pint and enjoy an iconic English dish like fish and chips.

On all of our England tour packages, you’ll enjoy meals that are authentic to the region, and you’ll have free time to try new dishes on your own, too. Ask your Tour Director for recommendations—they’re experts who can guide you to the best of England’s culinary scene.

England, like the rest of the U.K., uses the pound.

To stock up on local currency, order some euros from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the euro while on our trips to Ireland, check out our article about currency exchange →

If you’re planning on booking one of our Scotland travel packages, you may already have a few places in mind that you’d like to see. Popular stops include the capital city Edinburgh, the city of Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and Loch Ness. (Keep your eyes peeled for the mythical Loch Ness monster while you’re there!) Our trips cover all the best places to visit in Scotland and include special sightseeing tours and activities that give you a closer look at the local culture. If you’re interested in visiting the country, one of our expert Tour Consultants can help you narrow down your perfect itinerary.

Scottish cuisine has historically relied on readily available ingredients, so game meats, dairy, and seafood all play an important role. Haggis, a savory pudding made with sheep’s innards, is Scotland’s national dish and is probably the meal most often associated with Scottish food. Bangers and mash (sausage and potatoes), fish and chips, and smoked salmon are also favorites on Scottish dinner tables—and, of course, don’t forget the country’s world-famous whisky.

While traditional cooking is still prevalent across the country, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants serving elevated European-style dishes as well as international cuisine. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions—they’re sure to know the best local spots—and enjoy included meals that reflect Scottish flavors on all our guided tours of Scotland.

No matter when you plan on visiting Scotland, you’ll want to have your rain boots and umbrella handy. The weather at any time of year is notoriously changeable, and rain showers are common, so it’s best to be prepared. Layers are also a good idea as evenings can be quite cool, even in summer. Depending on the time of year, you may also want winter wear, such as gloves and a hat.

Once you’ve booked one of our tours of Scotland, you’ll receive more detailed information to help you get ready for your trip. You can also download the Go Ahead Tours mobile app to have all your getting-ready-to-go information right on your smartphone. That includes a detailed packing list you can check off so you don’t leave anything behind.

We recommend spending at least 10 days in Scotland, which should give you ample time to explore the highlights of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands. To add the islands and other cities like Aberdeen and Inverness to your itinerary, extend your stay to at least 14 days.

We recommend spending at least three days on a tour of Wales.

A land of majestic landscapes and history, this nation has something to offer everyone. Some of the top attractions to explore on our Wales tours include:

• Cardiff Castle. Located in the Welsh capital, Cardiff Castle is a Victorian Gothic revival mansion, situated within the walls of an ancient Roman fort, that showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles.
• Roman Baths. Found in Caerleon, the Roman Baths are a well-preserved archaeological site that provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Roman soldiers who once lived there. Built around 75 A.D., the baths were part of a large fortress that served as a military base during the Roman occupation of Britain.
• Cardiff Bay. This vibrant waterfront development includes the Wales Millennium Centre, a stunning arts complex, and the Norwegian Church, a unique wooden structure that was once at the center of Cardiff’s Norwegian community. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, and take in the modern architecture.

Known for its variability, the climate in Wales can vary depending on the time of year and location. The country’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and mountainous regions contribute to the ever-changing weather conditions. Here are some general characteristics to keep in mind:

• Mild winters. Generally mild compared to other parts of the U.K., winters in Wales average temperatures from around 36-46 F.
• Cool summers. Also relatively mild, average summer temperatures range from around 54-68 F. However, temperatures can occasionally reach into the upper 70s during warm spells.
• Rainfall. Wales is known for its frequent rainfall, and showers can occur at any time of the year. The wettest months tend to be from October to January.
• Sunshine. Expect a moderate amount of sunshine in Wales, with the sunniest weather typically arriving in May and June.
• Snowfall. You may find snow at higher elevations, in places like Snowdonia National Park, during the winter months.
• Microclimates. Wales’s myriad landscapes can create local microclimates. For example, coastal areas might experience milder temperatures than inland regions.
• Wind. Due to its exposed coastal locations, Wales can experience strong winds, especially by the shore and on higher ground.

Welsh cuisine reflects the country’s cultural heritage and natural resources, focusing on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some popular dishes include:

• Welsh cakes. These traditional griddle cakes are made with flour, sugar, butter, and currants or raisins. They are often served with a sprinkle of sugar and are a beloved treat.
• Bara brith. This fruitcake is a classic Welsh tea time treat, made with dried fruits soaked in tea and mixed with spices. It’s often served sliced and buttered.
• Cawl. A hearty traditional soup, cawl is made with meat (usually lamb or beef), root vegetables, and leeks. It’s a comforting dish, primarily served during the winter months.