England has never been somewhere people visit for hot weather, in fact recent years have failed to provide a full summer of heat. We Brits get more than our fair share of rain, we get the flooding, we get the ruined events, we get muddy Glastonburys and rained out football matches, yet in July and August, huge numbers of tourists flock across. When I see visitors, walking down the streets, holding cameras and sheltering from the downfall in mid July, it makes me wonder why they came across.
Summer air fares and hotel rates are high and in any other country, it's worth it. If you fly to the south of France in July, you've got a good chance of being able to enjoy the warm beaches. It's far cheaper to travel in the colder months and, without the expectation of sun, there's no disappointment.
England has so much to offer in terms of history, nightlife, sports, architecture and natural beauty and a trek across Dartmoor, through the windy streets of Bath or along the stony beach in Brighton is so much nicer with the crisp cold air than below the grey, late June sky. Yes, the weather can get bad in the winter, but sheltering by the fire in an old country pub with a local ale in hand is something which must be experienced at least once.
A trip to a Southern European hot spot on a rainy day will show that they aren't made for bad weather, but England is made for rain - we're used to it and probably wouldn't survive without it, so it's best to come across expecting some bad weather and make the most of it!
My Top 5 English Places in Winter
5: Oxford - The amazing architecture and interesting buildings in the sandy stone become a little bit special in the cold air.
4: Truro - The city fills up and brims with a buzzing atmosphere during the winter months. South Western shoppers pour into this little place for the packed streets. The cathedral looks great at any time of year too and, although this isn't a great sightseeing place, it's nice for a wonder.
3: Wembley Stadium - There's nothing like watching a match in freezing cold weather, with a scarf wrapped around your face and a hot drink in hand. This isn't limited only to Wembley - any football stadium is worth a visit in winter.
2: Laycock - Whilst the Abbey's opening hours may be limited around this time of year, this little village is great to wonder through. Search for a cosy pub to escape the cold.
1: Bath - There's something about Bath in the rain - the smell is different to other cities. The Christmas Market near the Abbey also adds a festive feeling to the city and the lively highstreet doesn't slow down in winter. I've had great times in Bath at any time of the year, but during winter there's a certain atmosphere around the centre that I haven't noticed anywhere else.
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