Weather
October is the first full month of autumn, bringing cooler temperatures and more moisture to areas of the Great Britain island. Daylight hours are getting noticeably shorter as the month progresses; clocks shift back one hour in late October for even earlier sunsets. As for temperatures, the capital of London in southern England sees daily highs averaging 61°F (16°C) and lows averaging 50°F (10°C) this month. Coastal areas, as well as cities in northern England, like Manchester and York, are usually a few degrees cooler.
During the autumn season, rainfall begins to increase in parts of England. London has an average of 2.7 inches (7 cm) of moisture this month, but more noticeable are the southwest and northwest coastal areas and higher altitudes, like Cornwall and the Lake District, due to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream. No matter where you travel in England, you'll want to prepare for changeable weather patterns; pack a raincoat, warm layers, and waterproof walking shoes.
Crowds & Cost
October is shoulder season—a quieter month to explore England with fewer crowds than September. This is when prices for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities are lower, and you'll find a bit more space at the popular museums and scenic attractions. A few exceptions to bear in mind: The UK school system has a half-term break this month, and you'll want to book tickets and reservations in advance if you plan on traveling then. Also, mind the weekend of the London Marathon, attracting around 40,000 participants, as well as their family and friends.
Where to Go
World-class London is often the first stop many travelers want to put on their England itinerary, especially considering most travelers arrive via Heathrow, the country's biggest airport. The sprawling city has 32 boroughs and is a walkers' paradise with historic and modern attractions, free museums, and hidden gems around every corner. Autumn is a particularly lovely month to spend time outside, and with thousands of green spaces, you'll be spoiled for choice. London is known as a green city, and the tree-lined streets, parks, and squares look spectacular with changing leaves.
If you want to make London your base for the trip, you can still get out of the city by taking a day trip by train in under 90 minutes each way. This is a good month to visit a famous university in either Cambridge or Oxford when classes are in session, giving you an authentic glimpse into elite academia. You can also visit the charming city of Bath with well-preserved Georgian architecture and Roman history. Or head to Windsor Castle, the official residence of the Queen, and tour the grounds and areas of the biggest occupied castle in the world.
If you have a few days, you can spend time in another city like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and York, each with its own attractions and vibes. Or rent a car and road trip through the six counties in the Cotswolds, one of the most stunning regions in England, recognized as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). You could spend several days driving through the rolling green hills while stopping at quintessential English villages, many of which offer photogenic thatched roofs and historic sites.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
River outings are a popular pastime in England. Cambridge's River Cam and Oxford's River Cherwell offer boat rentals and tours, called punting, which refers to the narrow, flat-bottomed riverboats using long sticks to glide past pretty scenery and collegiate architecture. You can find these tours in other places, like the city of Birmingham, often called England's second city, with 35 miles (56 km) of canals, which is said to be more than Venice, Italy. In addition to punting, you can walk, jog, and cycle on dry land along the waterfront paths.
Though the temperatures will be cooling in the Cotswolds, there are still many options for activities, including several trails, like the extensive footpath called Cotswold Way for long walks, biking, or horseback riding. You can spend a full day touring the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. On another day, drive to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare's former home and school and the church where he is interred. Pair the trip with a visit to nearby Warwick Castle, a medieval mansion first built by William the Conqueror.
There will be more rain this time of year in England's south and west coasts, like the Cornish Peninsula, where the longest walking route in the country is located, called South West Coast Path, spanning 630 miles (1,014 km) around the entire peninsula. The vast, unpopulated coastline in northeast England is a better bet if you prefer drier hiking conditions. You can head to one of 10 national parks, like the Northumberland National Park, with easy access to the spectacular Northumberland Coast.
With fewer crowds in autumn, it's also an excellent time to sign up for a guided tour in England. For an idea of variety, you can take a two-hour tour of Bath and learn more about Jane Austen's former home, where she set two of her novels. Not surprisingly, London has all sorts of tour options. From food-themed walks to spooky tours that are ideal for Halloween, like the Jack the Ripper tour, Sherlock Holmes tour, or Ghost Bus tour, which will take you around London's scariest spots, like the Tower of London, where several key beheadings took place.
Events in October
BFI London Film Festival, London. This annual two-week festival, organized by the British Film Institute, features hundreds of screenings, press conferences, and galas across London.
East Midlands Food Festival, Melton Mowbray. This is one of the largest regional food festivals in England. Nosh on pork pies, Stilton cheeses, and unusual gourmet delicacies like chocolate kebabs.
Falmouth Oyster Festival, Falmouth. This beloved celebration of bivalves kicks off at the beginning of the dredging season on the Cornish coast. Come for cooking demos, live music, and food and drink stalls.
Halloween, nationwide. On the last day of October, you can find various costume balls and themed events for all ages. This is also a popular time to book spooky tours, especially in London.
Traveling to England in October? Check out these great itineraries
History & Fantasy Tour of Southern England - 7 Days. Get ready for a week of adventures as you tour fascinating historical sites in southern England, including Bath, the Cotswolds, and medieval Oxford.
Explore History & Culture in London - 5 Days. This exciting city tour kicks off with popular attractions like Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye. It also includes afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel and a tour of the British Museum.
More Helpful Information
England in September
England in November
Best Time of Year to Visit England
How Many Days to Spend in England