June is a beautiful month to visit England as spring turns to summer. Take advantage of the prime weather with a self-guided road trip, perhaps through the Cotswolds or Lake District—or head south for beaches, seafood, and coastal hikes. Make sure to tack on a few days in London with events like the Queen's birthday and Wimbledon, which kick off at the month's end.

Weather

Welcome to June, or what is often considered the best weather of the year in England. Not only are temperatures reaching their peak as summer approaches, but visitors can benefit from more than 17 hours of daylight per day leading up to the summer solstice (between June 20 and 22, depending on the year). Plus, it rains less now than in the autumn and winter months, with a monthly average of 2.4 inches of rain (6 cm).

Temperatures are consistent throughout the country, but there are mild regional differences. The nation's capital of London sees daily highs averaging 70°F (21°C) and lows averaging 55°F (13°C) in June. Cities in the north like Manchester and Newcastle, closer to the Scottish border, tend to be a few degrees cooler. The southwest peninsula along the Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly might feel warmer thanks to the Gulf Stream, which brings warm waters from the tropics.

Of course, England's weather is famously fickle no matter when you visit, and you'll likely experience a mix of sunshine, clouds, and precipitation during your visit. It's wise to pack a few layers for cooler evenings and a light rain jacket and umbrella or brolly for sudden showers. You'll also want a good pair of walking shoes that can handle a little moisture. 

Crowds & Costs

June kicks off the high season around mid-month when tourist numbers all over England begin to increase. No surprise, this is also when rates reach their peak for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities. If you hope to beat the crowds and snag any late spring deals, consider traveling midweek instead of the weekend, and stick to the first half of the month before schools are on holiday. Also, keep in mind that England has a bank holiday in late May or early June, depending on the year, and more locals will be traveling during this extended weekend.


Where to Go

June is an excellent month for escaping the busy streets of London and taking a self-guided road trip in England's glorious countryside. One option is to head to the Cotswolds, a region consisting of several counties with Roman history, rolling green hills dotted with sheep and cows, and quintessential English villages with thatched roofs that often hold summer markets and events. The entire region is designated as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

If you have more time and really want to get away, you can explore the Lake District in northwest England with rugged mountains, wildlife, and pristine glacial lakes, especially in the Lake District National Park. Then there is the Cornish coast with fishing villages, coastal trails, and lovely beaches in England's southwest. From here, you can ferry or fly to the Isles of Scilly, a lesser-known archipelago surrounded by turquoise water that can often trick you into thinking you're in the Mediterranean—and June will be quieter than July and August.

A trip to England may not be complete without a few days in London. There will be a lot happening this time of year, and you'll want to book accommodations early if arriving to see some tennis at Wimbledon at the end of the month. If you know London well, you may want to check out the culture in another English city for a few days and add a day trip. Birmingham provides easy access to Shakespeare's home of Stratford-upon-Avon, while Newcastle has access to some of England's best castles like Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, and Tynemouth.

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What to Do

It's beach season this time of year, and the south coast offers plenty of options for kicking back on the sand. More active types can hit the coastal trails for either a day- or multi-day hike. The UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast offers stunning cliffs and prehistoric rock formations in Dorset. The longest trail in England is not far from here, the South West Coast Path, over 630 miles (1,014 km), passing by surf beaches, ancient ruins, and fishing villages serving seafood. England's 10 national parks also provide hiking trails and biking, horseback riding, and kayaking opportunities.

It's easy to experience history while on a drive around England. In Oxford, you can tour the famous university—one of the oldest in the world—and see areas of campus that served as stand-ins for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. Not far from Oxford is the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, one of England's biggest houses and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Learn about his life inside the palace, and take time to meander through the enormous gardens and parkland taking up thousands of acres.

If visiting London for the first time, a good way to start is by walking along the River Thames, giving you access to some of the city's famous monuments, including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, and St. Paul's Cathedral. You can also sign up for tours that run the gamut from food markets to private tours of Westminster Abbey. It's easy to take a day trip by rail from London's many train stations, including Windsor Castle, where you can explore the castle grounds and Henry VIII's tomb in St. George's Chapel.

Events in June

The Queen's Birthday Parade, London. This annual birthday celebration takes place at Buckingham Palace and includes an appearance by the Queen.

Bath Fringe Festival, Bath. This unique arts festival in Bath kicks off in May and features alternative music, dance, and theater.

The Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames. This important historical event in June offers boat races and picnics along the River Thames. Keep in mind there is a strict dress code.

The Royal Ascot, Ascot. Another famous sporting event, the Royal Ascot is a multi-day event near Windsor with horse races and fashion eye candy (there is a dress code). 

Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, London. This famous tennis grand slam tournament on grass courts takes place at the end of June and brings in the best tennis players from around the globe.

Glastonbury Festival, Somerset. This top-notch music festival occurs at the end of June and features some of the best indie and pop/rock acts.

Summer Solstice, Stonehenge. Head to the mysterious Stonehenge location with its giant prehistoric sarsen rocks. The sun rises behind the Heel Stone during the summer solstice, beckoning party-goers to stay up all night.

Traveling to England in June? Check out these great itineraries

Highlights of Western England - 7 Days. Venture beyond London to the unspoiled countryside of England's west and north on this week-long tour that visits Bath, Liverpool, and the Cotswolds.

English Countryside Retreat - 9 Days. On this adventure, you'll visit some of the old towns, palaces, and fishing villages in the bucolic countryside, making for one unforgettable British vacation.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit England
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