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
- Spring is genuinely starting - daffodils bloom across parks from mid-March onwards, daylight stretches to around 6:30pm by month's end, and you'll catch those first proper sunny days that make locals shed their winter coats and fill pub gardens
- Crowds are manageable before Easter holidays - major attractions like the Tower of London and British Museum have 30-40% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually see the Crown Jewels without being shoved along, and restaurant reservations are easier to snag with just 3-5 days notice
- Accommodation pricing sits in a sweet spot - hotels typically charge 20-25% less than peak summer rates, and you'll find decent central London hotels for £90-140 per night versus £150-200 in July, while Edinburgh and Bath are even better value at £60-100
- Festival season kicks off properly - Cheltenham Festival brings the racing crowd in mid-March, St Patrick's Day celebrations are massive in cities with Irish communities, and smaller food festivals and markets start appearing as the weather improves
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous 15°C (59°F) days followed by sleet and 5°C (41°F) temperatures, and that dampness gets into your bones in a way that feels colder than the thermometer suggests, especially with wind chill near coasts
- It's still properly dark in the mornings - sunrise doesn't happen until around 6:30am early in the month, so if you're jet-lagged or want early morning photography, you're working with limited light until mid-morning, and some attractions don't open until 10am
- Some seasonal attractions haven't opened yet - castle gardens in Scotland might still be closed for winter maintenance, certain coastal attractions and island ferries run reduced schedules, and a few country estates don't start their full opening hours until April
Best Activities in March
London Theatre and West End Shows
March is actually brilliant for theatre - you're past the January doldrums but before the summer tourist surge, meaning better seat availability and occasionally reduced midweek prices. The weather makes evening shows particularly appealing when it's chilly outside. Productions are in full swing with major shows running strong casts, and you can often get day seats or last-minute deals at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for 25-50% off face value. The 7:30pm curtain times work perfectly with the earlier sunset.
Scottish Highlands and Whisky Distillery Tours
March weather in Scotland is moody and atmospheric - exactly what makes the Highlands spectacular. You'll get dramatic skies, snow-capped mountains, and far fewer tour buses than summer. Distilleries are fully operational and welcoming visitors, with tasting rooms offering respite from the cold. The landscapes photograph beautifully with that stark, wild quality you don't get in warmer months. Roads are generally clear by March, though you might encounter occasional snow in higher elevations which just adds to the drama.
Cotswolds Village Walking and Countryside Rambles
The Cotswolds in March offers that quintessential English countryside experience without summer crowds clogging the narrow village streets. Lambing season starts late March, daffodils blanket village greens, and pub fireplaces are still lit. The light is softer for photography, and you'll have popular spots like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water largely to yourselves on weekday mornings. Paths can be muddy after rain, but that's authentic countryside walking. Villages like Castle Combe and Stow-on-the-Wold are magical when quiet.
Bath Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture Tours
Bath is perfect for March because it's primarily an indoor experience with the Roman Baths, museums, and covered shopping arcades, but mild enough for walking the Georgian crescents and riverside paths. The Thermae Bath Spa is especially appealing when it's chilly outside - soaking in 33°C (91°F) thermal waters on a rooftop pool while looking over honey-coloured buildings is properly restorative. Crowds are manageable, and you can explore the city's architecture without summer heat or winter ice making cobblestones treacherous.
York Medieval History and City Walls Walking
York in March combines indoor attractions like the Minster and Jorvik Viking Centre with outdoor exploration of the medieval walls when weather cooperates. The city walls circuit is 4.5 km (2.8 miles) and takes about 2 hours, offering brilliant views without summer crowds blocking narrow sections. The Shambles and medieval streets are atmospheric in grey weather, and cosy tearooms provide perfect breaks. Spring flowers start appearing in Museum Gardens by late March, and the Minster's stained glass looks particularly stunning on those bright, cold days.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Historic Tours
Edinburgh in March means fewer tourists, dramatic weather that makes the castle look properly imposing, and that crisp Scottish air that's invigorating rather than oppressive. The Royal Mile museums and closes provide indoor options when rain hits, while Arthur's Seat is spectacular on clear days with snow still visible on distant peaks. The city's pubs and restaurants are busy with locals rather than overwhelmed with tour groups. Late March brings longer daylight making evening exploration more feasible.
March Events & Festivals
Cheltenham Festival
The most prestigious jump racing festival in the UK calendar runs over four days in mid-March at Cheltenham Racecourse. It's not just about horses - it's a proper social event with 260,000 spectators over the week, Irish visitors flooding Gloucestershire, and that particular atmosphere of champagne, tweed, and genuine sporting drama. Even if you're not into racing, the people-watching is exceptional and the Cotswolds location makes it easy to combine with countryside touring.
St Patrick's Day Celebrations
March 17th brings massive celebrations in cities with significant Irish communities - Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and London host parades, street festivals, and pub celebrations that genuinely rival Dublin's festivities. Trafalgar Square in London hosts a free festival, while Manchester's parade draws 80,000 people. It's a brilliant way to experience British multiculturalism, with live music, food stalls, and an excuse for everyone to crowd into pubs regardless of heritage.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race Preparations
While the actual race typically happens in late March or early April, March sees both universities training intensively on the Thames, and you can watch crews practicing from riverside paths between Putney and Mortlake. The atmosphere builds throughout the month with local pubs displaying team colours and the rivalry becoming a proper talking point. Even if you miss the race itself, seeing the historic crews training is surprisingly compelling.