Things to Do in United Kingdom in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in United Kingdom
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Daffodil season peaks across the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales - over 6 million blooms create carpet displays best viewed 10am-4pm when light is optimal
- Lambing season means countryside access to working farms, particularly in Cotswolds and Peak District, with newborns visible in fields from morning walks
- Easter holidays bring extended opening hours to castles and historic sites - many close at 4pm in winter but extend to 6pm from April onwards
- Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peaks, with London hotels averaging £120-180 versus £200+ in July
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires constant layering - temperatures can swing 8°C (14°F) in a single day, from morning frost to afternoon warmth
- Easter weekend creates the year's second-busiest travel period with train prices doubling and advance booking essential 6-8 weeks prior
- Daylight saving transition means sunset shifts from 6:30pm to 7:45pm mid-month, disrupting outdoor activity planning for first-week visitors
Best Activities in April
Lake District Hiking and Village Tours
April offers optimal hiking conditions with 10-12 hours of daylight, snow cleared from most fells above 400m (1,312 ft), and spring wildflowers beginning to bloom. Water levels in tarns are highest from winter runoff, creating perfect reflections for photography. Crowds are manageable compared to summer chaos, and local lambs are visible in valley fields.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tours
April marks the end of harsh Scottish winter winds, making outdoor castle exploration comfortable. Tourist numbers are 40% lower than summer peaks, allowing better access to Stone of Destiny and Honours of Scotland displays. Edinburgh's famous haar (sea mist) is less frequent in April, providing clearer views from castle ramparts across the Forth.
Cotswolds Village Cycling and Garden Tours
Spring cycling conditions are perfect with 15°C (59°F) afternoon temperatures and minimal rainfall between 11am-3pm window. Historic gardens like Hidcote and Sissinghurst enter their first bloom phase, while honey-colored limestone villages offer pub gardens just reopening after winter closures. Traffic is lighter on country lanes before summer tourism begins.
London Thames River Cruises and Borough Market Food Tours
April river temperatures make covered boat cruises comfortable, while outdoor decks become usable during 12pm-4pm warmest periods. Borough Market enters spring produce season with English asparagus, wild garlic, and forced rhubarb at peak quality. Thames Path walking sections are accessible without summer crowds blocking optimal photography spots near Tower Bridge.
Yorkshire Dales Pub Walking and Steam Railway Tours
April offers perfect conditions for dale-to-dale walks connecting traditional pubs, with daylight lasting until 7:30pm by month's end. Steam railways like North Yorkshire Moors Railway resume full schedules after winter maintenance, offering heated carriages through moorland displaying early heather growth. Drystone walls are clearly visible without summer vegetation, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
Bath Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture Tours
April's mild temperatures make outdoor Georgian architecture walks comfortable while avoiding summer's oppressive crowds in narrow streets. Roman Baths maintain constant 46°C (115°F) water temperature, creating atmospheric steam in cooler April air. Spring light enhances honey-colored Bath stone photography, particularly during 10am-2pm optimal lighting window.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Weekend Heritage Sites Opening
National Trust and English Heritage properties extend opening hours and offer special demonstrations including traditional craft displays, historic cooking, and period costume events. Many normally restricted areas open for public access during Easter Monday.
London Marathon
26.2-mile route through central London creates massive street closures from Greenwich to Westminster, but offers incredible spectator atmosphere. Transport disruptions affect South and East London from 8am-6pm race day.
St George's Day Celebrations
England's patron saint day brings traditional Morris dancing, medieval markets, and pub celebrations particularly vibrant in Canterbury, Windsor, and York. Many pubs offer traditional English menu specials and local ales.