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December Worth Visiting?

Hi

Is it worth it to visit England in December? If it is, what major attractions would still be open or would be suited to winter travel? I am aware that the days are short and scenery will not look as nice as in the summer (But is does it still look good?), so any suggestions for a december trip to England?

Thanks

Posted by
6431 posts

Our friends in the UK are just waking up now and will have a lot more to tell you. I'm sure they'll agree that England would be a fine destination in December, and much less crowded than in summer. Most attractions will be open, though some with shorter hours. The scenery will still look very good, though different from other seasons of course. You'll have less time to see scenery because the days will be short and the nights long, as you know.

It's hard to make suggestions without knowing how long your trip will be or what you're interested in, but off the top I'd suggest spending time in London and/or other larger cities, rather than in rural areas or smaller towns. There's more to do in cities that doesn't depend on weather -- theater, museums, etc. You will have cold and wet weather at least some of the time, and you'll want to bring layers of clothing to stay warm and dry when necessary. The London Tube and intercity trains will still get you around. If you're there before Christmas you'll see a lot of lights and celebrations. On Christmas Day itself, everything shuts down, and also to a lesser extent the following day.

Hope that helps. Our now-awake British friends will be your best source. Have fun!

Posted by
7175 posts

Is it worth it to visit England in December?
Yes, of course, it's only marginally more miserable than normal.*

If it is, what major attractions would still be open or would be suited to winter travel?
All the great galleries, museums, cathedrals, castles, palaces and country houses will be open.
Even in summer there are few outdoor attractions to consider (except the odd garden), because the weather can be so unreliable.*

I am aware that the days are short and scenery will not look as nice as in the summer, but is does it still look good?
Some of us are no longer in the spring of our lives, yet we still "look good". England fits this description.*

*From an Aussie, these comments are deliberately intended to rile our Pommy friends.

Posted by
15560 posts

Where in England? London is always good. I wouldn't tour Cornwall or the Lake District then, though.

Posted by
1067 posts

"*From an Aussie, these comments are deliberately intended to rile our Pommy friends."

You'll have to try a lot harder than that.

Posted by
7175 posts

I was respectfully just tickling your ribs, rather than punching you in the guts.
After all, England has just won back the Ashes.*

*That's cricket for our American friends.

Posted by
239 posts

Won the Ashes but only rain is stopping us from losing the last Test.

Almost everything will be open in December. The only main things that close for winter are National Trust properties.

Posted by
4684 posts

Thoroughly worth it, but I would do cities rather than rural locations as the weather will probably be bad - not even nice scenic snow but grey drizzling rain.

Posted by
4684 posts

Also, you don't say when in December, but here's the usual warning - there is NO public transport on Christmas Day and limited on Boxing Day (26th December).

Posted by
27 posts

We visited the UK last year from November 28 through December 6 and found it was a great time to visit. The weather was a bit cold but we dressed for it and it made the pubs even more cozy. We also appreciated the lighter crowds at most of the places we visited. The Christmas markets made that time of year especially nice.

Posted by
32519 posts

Is that the best sledging you can manage?

Must be from standing on your head for too long...

How many overs for 60 all out?

For our visitor - many National Trust properties now run through the winter and no longer put the property to bed. Check online for each property. Some do really beautiful Christmas living rooms and/or kitchens.