Hello,
We are looking to go to England and Scotland during the 2024 Holidays. Anyone have recommendations on what are great events or things to do during that time of year? Recommendations on how to obtain accommodations? I notice that when I check Hilton hotels in London during the Xmas time 80% said they were already booked.
My itinerary would be to fly to London, stay 3-4 days, go somewhere in between London and Edinburgh for 3-4 days, and then stay a few days in Edinburgh.
Thanks,
Paul
Christmas is a nice time to be in the UK but it can be tricky, as most things (including public transport, shops and most restauants) shut down early on Christmas Eve and don't open again until Boxing Day. To maximise your enjoyment of the period, I'd advise arriving a few days before Christmas so you can enjoy the shops and the pre Christmas buzz.
Don't let that put you off though, as the atmosphere in either London or Edinburgh will be magical. We've done Christmas Day in both places (London a few times) and loved it.
If it were me, I'd spend more time in London and Edinburgh, and cut out another stop, but if you do want to have three stops, you could do London, take the train to York, and then train to Edinburgh. Be aware also there can be longer train disruptions, as they tend to do maintenance work in the holidays.
On Christmas Eve, head out early to buy some food you can keep in your accommodation- the vast majority of restauants will be closed on Christmas Day, as will shops. There will be a few places (Chinese, Middle Eastern etc restauants, for example) open, but have a backup just in case. Christmas Day is a great time to go for a long, quiet walk in cities that are normally very busy. Shops will all be open again on Boxing Day. We normally go to church and then take a nice stroll.
There's a great trip report up now on the forum from someone who spent Christmas Day in London.
In terms I'd accommodation, it's probably too early to start looking. Christmas is not peak season, and I have never had trouble booking a few weeks out.
If you have an interest in attending a Christmas Eve service at Westminster Abbey, check the dates in Oct and Nov when openings are released. Be ready to book them if possible. We had to get up very early in the western U.S. to go online to try to book. But it was worth it!.
It is not an easy time to be in London, though.
We had local friends who gave us names of restaurants that would be open. Pre- advance planning is very necessary.
I notice that when I check Hilton hotels in London during the Xmas time 80% said they were already booked.
I suspect that some of the hotels just haven’t opened up reservations that far out. I just checked one Hilton and their calendar only shows prices through Nov 24th.
Keep in mind there is virtually no public transportation on Dec 25th and reduced schedules on the 24th and 26th. Make sure you work that into your plan.
I just spent my fifth Christmas and New Year's in London.
I would be surprised if the Hiltons were already booked. More than likely, as has been said, they haven't opened up bookings yet.
London is fun that time of year. Besides the usual tourist sites, there is also Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
On Xmas day, everything is closed, there is no public transportation, and if you want a nice sit down meal you need to make reservations in advance. However, for lighter meals, at least near where I was, I found KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, numerous ethnic restaurants, a kabob place and an independent coffee house open.
Simon mentioned one trip report about Christmas in London. I'm not sure which one he meant but here are links to several that have been posted recently from members who spent Christmas in London. Christmas in England is definitely on my wish list!
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/london-for-the-christmas-lights
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/christmas-in-london-with-teenagers
