England and Scotland in the winter

[Longtoo]

Hi all. We are a family with a 9 and a 12 yrs old teenage, thinking about a trip to England and Scotland next year. The ideal window is mid Jan to early Feb. But this is the winder in Europe. could you help to comment if it is worthwhile to to visit the UK in the winter?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi all. We are a family with a 9 and a 12 yrs old teenage, thinking about a trip to England and Scotland next year. The ideal window is mid Jan to early Feb. But this is the winder in Europe. could you help to comment if it is worthwhile to to visit the UK in the winter?

The day light hours are very short at that time of year and the weather is quite harsh. It depends on what sort of holiday you would like. If it's driving and sight seeing then that could be a bit difficult.
There are however plenty of attractions in the U.K. that are indoors.
It would help if you could post a rough idea of what itinerary you would be thinking of doing.

 

[Cossie]

Can be beautiful at that time of time of the year, but this was in Feb, 2013, so you never know!

Near Wells, GPS sent me up this road. Just south of Midsomer Norton and Stonehenge.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Hi all. We are a family with a 9 and a 12 yrs old teenage, thinking about a trip to England and Scotland next year. The ideal window is mid Jan to early Feb. But this is the winder in Europe. could you help to comment if it is worthwhile to to visit the UK in the winter?

As PF says above, daylight hours are very short and that's an issue, but that's interesting for 9-12 YOs to experience. The real issue is more the variable weather. Winter doesn't hit UK, Europe (generally) in earnest until mid January and this means freezing fog, iced roads and more difficult driving. For the major towns there are generally no major issues apart from freezing winds and ice in the footpaths. Getting outside to countryside is more difficult and unpredictable, especially in the North and Scotland with snow, fog and low light.

We've spent many Decembers and Januarys in U.K. In London and countryside and always had great times. But. We spend 14 days in London two Christmases ago and it was too warm for winter coats and never got below 7-13. Who knows the weather.

In summary, if that's what your schedule permits, go for it! You'll cope, maybe with some adventures to tell when you return.

 

[Cossie]

A few more, these were all in the south.



The next day the sun was out and it was beautiful.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I've lived in England and Jan/Feb I would describe as 'bleak'.

 

[Longtoo]

Dear all,
Many thanks for your insightful comments. We are thinking of at least 3 weeks since it will take more than a day to just get to London from Sydney. thus a combination of major city attractions in London, Edinburgh etc and a bit of country side driving are on the wish list. I am not a good driver, thus I have decided that I am not going to drive in mainland EU. England, Ireland and Scotland are the only places i think we can get some freedom on the wheel but seeing the pictures, I will have a rethink.

 

[VPS]

I've lived through England winters and they are enormously variable but if you are flexible give it a go - last December January had about 2 days with a bit of drizzle and the rest was cool but clear

trains a wonderful alternative to driving - if you need more info just ask

 

[TonyHancock]

If you get up to Scotland make sure you try and see The Krankies - very funny.


Jimmy Krankie - very amusing

 

[Cossie]

The thing is that the weather can be very variable, if that is the only time you can go, then do it! We were in the UK at the end of October last year, a couple of rainy days, but most days were like the photos below, not hot, not cold, very comformtable in fact.
Public transport, especially trains in the the UK are normally very good, bad weather can strike at any time, anywhere. Short days but you can still see alot, especially in towns/cities like Chester, York, Edinburgh and so on, it will only whet the appitate for more trips.