Things to Do in United Kingdom in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in United Kingdom
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Daffodils and early spring flowers create stunning displays across the countryside, particularly in the Cotswolds and Lake District where fields burst with yellow from mid-March onwards
- Tourist crowds are significantly lighter than summer months, making iconic sites like Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, and Tower of London far more enjoyable with 60-70% fewer visitors
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak summer pricing, with excellent availability in London, Bath, and York at £80-150 per night instead of summer's £200+ rates
- Longer daylight hours (11-12 hours by late March) provide ample sightseeing time, with sunrise around 6:30am and sunset extending to 7:00pm by month's end
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather requires constant adaptation - you might experience four seasons in one day, with morning frost, afternoon rain, and evening sunshine all possible
- Many outdoor attractions like Hampton Court Palace gardens and National Trust properties have limited seasonal displays, as most gardens won't reach full bloom until April-May
- Frequent rain showers (averaging every third day) can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly hiking in Scotland or walking tours in historic city centers
Best Activities in March
London Museum and Gallery Tours
March's cooler temperatures and frequent showers make indoor cultural experiences ideal. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and National Gallery are at their most comfortable for extended visits. Spring exhibitions launch in March, and reduced tourist crowds mean you can actually appreciate masterpieces without fighting for viewing space. Morning visits (9-11am) are particularly peaceful before day-trippers arrive.
Cotswolds Village Walking Tours
Early spring transforms the Cotswolds with carpet daffodils and bare trees revealing stunning stone architecture usually hidden by summer foliage. March temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for 2-3 hour village walks through Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Rain showers are brief and add atmospheric mist to rolling hills.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Exploration
March in Edinburgh offers dramatic moody skies that perfectly frame the castle's imposing silhouette. With 50% fewer tourists than summer, you can explore the Royal Mile's closes and wynds without crowds. Cool temperatures averaging 6-9°C (43-48°F) are ideal for uphill walking, and indoor attractions like the castle's crown jewels provide perfect rain shelter.
Bath and Roman Baths Historical Tours
March is ideal for Bath as the Roman Baths' warm, humid environment provides welcome contrast to cool outdoor temperatures. Spring light enhances the honey-colored Georgian architecture, and reduced crowds allow leisurely exploration of the Pump Room and thermal springs. The 2-3°C (5°F) temperature difference between Bath and surrounding areas makes walking tours comfortable.
Lake District Scenic Drives and Light Hiking
March offers crystal-clear mountain views as winter haze clears but before summer crowds arrive. Lower-level walks around Windermere, Grasmere, and Coniston Water are perfect for March conditions - muddy but manageable trails, dramatic cloud formations, and early lambing season. Temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F) are ideal for moderate exercise.
Traditional Pub and Food Market Tours
March is peak season for hearty British comfort food - perfect weather for sampling shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and warming ales in centuries-old pubs. Spring ingredients appear in farmers markets, and cool temperatures make pub-hopping walks enjoyable. London's Borough Market and York's Shambles Market are less crowded but fully operational.
March Events & Festivals
Mother's Day Celebrations
UK Mother's Day falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent (typically mid-March), creating a nationwide celebration with special afternoon teas, family dining events, and flower markets. Many historic houses and gardens offer special Mother's Day tours and traditional British afternoon tea experiences.
St. Patrick's Day Festivities
While not traditionally British, St. Patrick's Day on March 17th brings lively celebrations to major cities, particularly London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Irish pubs host traditional music sessions, and some cities organize small parades. It's an excellent opportunity to experience British pub culture at its most festive.