The UK is a great place for a holiday with a vast range of landscapes and easy accessibility. It’s a small country with great travel options and plenty to entertain if you enjoy an outdoor active holiday. But the one thing that people always ask me about is the weather.
The weather can be changeable, that’s for sure, and even in the summer months, you should expect days or rain. The bonus of the UK weather is that it is rarely extreme.
The best months to visit the UK for an outdoors break are spring and summer, when the weather is usually warmer and drier. However, autumn, while cooler, offers the amazing opportunity to see the changing colours of foliage, such as in Scotland’s Big Tree Country. Winter is another great time to visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds or enjoy being out in the snow.
5 tips for active holidays, whatever the weather
Be prepared
The saying goes that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. Make sure you pack clothes that suits a range of weathers, including waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots or off-road footwear, gloves and hat (even in summer!).
Also bring shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses and sun cream in case the weather turns hot and carry a rucksack with spare layers inside, just in case it suddenly starts to rain or the wind picks up.
Rainy day activities
There is a high chance you will need to entertain yourself indoors on any rainy days. You could choose to visit an indoor attraction, such as a climbing wall or a stately home, or enjoy some rest time at your accommodation where you could play a board game, pass the time with jackpotjoy or watch a film that your have previously downloaded to your computer or tablet.
Love the conditions
There is actually something uplifting about going for a wild swim in the rain or strolling a beach in the wind. It is better to try to enjoy the fickle UK weather than to become grumpy simply because the sun has not come out to play.
Forest fun
If it’s raining, a thick forest can provide some protection from the weather. You could head to a woodlands for a walk or choose to try an aerial adventure activity.
Winter wonders
While some people shy away from winter snow and ice, it can be a great time to challenge yourself and to learn new skills. Why not sign up for a winter skills course, such as winter survival, ski touring or ski mountaineering in Scotland, for example?
The UK is a popular place to visit and if you are prepared for the weather, you’ll enjoy it all the more. Who knows? You might be fortunate to arrive and enjoy a full two weeks of sunshine and dry conditions. You just never know.
