November is one of the quietest months to visit England—a fantastic opportunity to spread out at cultural sites and historical attractions. When the sun is out, consider some time outdoors in the late autumn foliage. If the rain is stubborn, use it as an excuse to plan a museum day followed by afternoon tea or a pint at the nearest pub.

Weather

We're into the thick of autumn in November with lowering temperatures and robust colors for leaf-peeping. Daylight hours continue to dwindle as the month progresses, with sunsets occurring before 4 pm by the end of the month, so you'll want to plan any outdoor adventures carefully. As for temperatures, the capital of London in southern England sees daily highs averaging 54°F (12°C) and lows averaging 45°F (7°C) this month. Northern England, with several cities like Leeds and Newcastle, is typically a few degrees colder.

Gloomy skies and rainfall also increase this month; England receives an average of 3.5 inches (9 cm) of rain in November, with a higher concentration along parts of the south and west coasts due to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream. The east coast receives less rain, but it could feel chillier with winds potentially whipping up from the North Sea. Wherever you travel in England this time of year, you'll want to prepare for fickle weather—where moody cloud formations can easily switch between sunshine and rain—by packing warm, waterproof gear for exploring.

Crowds & Costs

November is technically shoulder season but offers some of the lowest prices and crowds of the year without any major holidays to disrupt the peace. This is a great time to snag deals for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities before the December crowds arrive. You'll find more room at cultural attractions and Christmas markets when they open at the end of the month, not to mention relaxing scenery in the countryside, allowing you to move at your own pace. Keep in mind that some rural businesses may shutter for winter, so it's wise to check the hours of operation in advance.

Where to Go

Fall is an ideal time to experience England's cities, and there are many to choose. London is an obvious top choice, and you would be remiss not to dedicate at least a few days to exploring the pretty parks, quaint pubs, and world-class attractions. With so much to do here, many travelers choose to make London a home base for the entire trip while adding day trips to smaller cities like Oxford, Cambridge, or Bath—each accessible by train in 90 minutes or less.

Then there are major cities rife with culture and exciting things to see and do—and worthy of a few days. The closest option by train from London is Birmingham, with an extensive canal system, a fine arts museum, and hip restaurants enjoyed by young locals who call the city home thanks to a lower cost of living compared to London. Another option is the revitalized city of Manchester, which offers a mix of sleek and historic architecture, and a thriving football culture with regular games and a National Football Museum.

While trains are convenient, some travelers prefer to take a self-guided road trip, as long as you plan for shortened daylight hours this month. Take a three-hour drive from London to Dorset on the Jurassic Coast with several options for hikes among prehistoric geology followed by fresh seafood in charming harbor towns. With more time, you can continue the journey southwest and explore Cornwall. The entire peninsula will be quiet this time of year, with locals enjoying the rainy off-season, especially surfers looking for more space as the pre-winter waves gather steam.

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What to Do

London's daytime activities are endless. You can pop into free museums for as long as you like, walk through Hyde Park after some shopping, or sample edibles at famous food markets. One not to miss is Borough Market near the Tower Bridge, which makes a great lunch stop before a trip to the Tate Modern. From here, continue the walk to St. Paul's Cathedral by traversing the Millennium Bridge, practically a requisite, and then rest your legs at the Savoy Hotel for a memorable afternoon tea session.

With early sunsets, London's dining and nightlife scene takes center stage. You can experience a four-course dinner on an evening boat ride along the River Thames, complemented by an extensive wine list and live music from the house band. This is also a great time to book reservations at hard-to-get restaurants, followed by tickets to a wide range of events from West End theater performances to nighttime football games with several local teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, or West Ham.

November is a great time to sign up for guided tours before the holiday crowds arrive. While in Oxford, you can take a tour of the oldest university in England, where many locations were featured in the "Harry Potter" films. Not far from Oxford is the Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Experience the extensive palace and formal gardens on your own or sign up for a tour and let a guide show you secret areas of the interiors, including staff quarters. Lovers of the written word might want to consider a William Shakespeare tour in Stratford-upon-Avon or a Jane Austen tour in Bath.

Outdoorsy types might want to head to the less rainy northeast coast near York and Newcastle. You can bundle up and hike extensive swaths of coastline between Northumberland National Park and North York Moors National Park, broken up with visits to medieval castles and Viking Age attractions. With less time, you can take a train to Dover to hike along the enormous white chalk cliffs, followed by a visit to Dover Castle. This is also where you can catch a ferry to continental Europe. 

Events in November

Guy Fawkes Night, Britain-wide. Also known as bonfire night, November 5 marks the anniversary of discovering a plot in 1605 organized by traitors to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London. Look for bonfires around England and people lighting off fireworks after dusk.

Lord Mayor's Show, London. This longstanding tradition (since the 13th century) allows a new lord mayor to be appointed every year. After the inauguration, you can attend a public parade with horse-drawn coach parades and fireworks.

Remembrance Sunday, nationwide. On November 11, you'll notice locals donning red poppies to commemorate those who perished in World War I. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place at war memorials like the Cenotaph in London.

Veteran Car Run, South England. On a Sunday in November, you can look for vintage cars made before 1905, making their way from London to Brighton in the world's longest-running motoring event.

EFG London Jazz Festival, London. This annual music festival takes place at Southwark Centre and attracts world-class artists and emerging stars.

Glastonbury Carnival, Glastonbury. On the third Saturday in November, join locals for this Somerset tradition dating back to the 19th century. The after-dark parade boasts elaborate floats, marching bands, and performers.

Holiday Markets, nationwide. At the end of the month, holiday decor and activities begin to pop up all over England, including ice skating rinks and festive markets selling gifts and mulled wine.

Traveling to England in November? Check out these great itineraries

London to the Cotswolds & Somerset - 10 Days. This exciting itinerary travels around England's scenic south, starting with key royal sites in London, followed by the Cotswolds. Finish with a stop at Bath's ancient Roman ruins. 

English Premier League (EPL) Soccer Vacation - 9 Days. This English Premier League (EPL) soccer vacation puts you right in the action in two of the UK's top sporting cities, and as a kicker, we'll even throw in a stadium tour.

More Helpful Information

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England in December
Best Time of Year to Visit England
How Many Days to Spend in England