Things to Do in United Kingdom in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in United Kingdom
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely low tourist numbers at major attractions - you'll actually be able to photograph Stonehenge or the Tower of London without fighting through crowds, and accommodation prices drop by 30-40% compared to summer months
- Christmas markets and festive installations start appearing from mid-November onwards, giving you the holiday atmosphere without the December price surge or peak crowds - Birmingham's Frankfurt Market and Manchester's Christmas Markets typically open around November 10th
- Theatre and cultural scene hits peak form with West End shows, opera season in full swing, and museums running special exhibitions without the summer tourist crush - booking shows is easier and you'll find better seat availability
- Autumn colours linger in places like the Lake District and Scottish Highlands through early November, creating dramatic landscapes under moody skies that photographers dream about - the golden hour light around 3:30pm is particularly striking
Considerations
- Daylight is genuinely short - sunrise around 7:15am, sunset by 4:00pm by late November - which means you're losing roughly 8 hours of sightseeing time compared to summer, and outdoor activities need careful planning around the limited light
- Weather is unpredictable and frequently grey - that 69 mm (2.7 inches) of rain spreads across the month in drizzly sessions rather than dramatic downpours, creating persistent dampness that seeps into everything and makes outdoor exploration less appealing
- Many coastal attractions, country houses, and gardens operate on reduced winter hours or close entirely for the season - places like Cornwall's Eden Project and various National Trust properties start their winter schedules, with some closing by 4pm or shutting certain sections
Best Activities in November
Historic Castle and Palace Tours
November is actually ideal for exploring the UK's castles and palaces because the short days mean most tourists avoid them, yet the interiors are just as impressive and often better lit for photography. The Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Windsor Castle are substantially less crowded, and the grey November skies create atmospheric backdrops for fortress photography. Indoor sections are heated, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring without the summer queues. The damp weather outside makes the warm Great Halls and throne rooms feel particularly welcoming.
Traditional Pub and Whisky Tasting Experiences
November's cold, damp weather is precisely when pub culture makes the most sense - locals pack into historic pubs from 5pm onwards, creating the authentic atmosphere tourists miss in summer. Scottish whisky distillery tours are particularly good now because you're experiencing them as Scots do, in proper whisky weather. The warmth, the company, and the drinks are genuinely comforting rather than just touristy. Look for pubs with open fires and traditional Sunday roasts, which hit differently when you've been walking in 6°C (43°F) drizzle all afternoon.
Museum and Gallery Deep Dives
With only 8 hours of usable daylight, November is when you should lean into the UK's world-class museum scene - the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and regional museums like the Ashmolean in Oxford are heated, well-lit, and substantially less crowded than summer months. You can actually stand in front of the Rosetta Stone or Turner paintings without being jostled. Plan for 3-4 hour sessions, which feels right when it's dark and rainy outside anyway. Many museums run special lectures and evening events in November that locals attend.
West End and Regional Theatre Shows
November is peak theatre season without the Christmas premium pricing that hits in December - productions are in full swing, casts are settled, and you'll find better seat availability than summer tourist season. The early darkness means 7:30pm shows feel perfectly timed rather than cutting into your day. Beyond London's West End, cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh have thriving theatre scenes with tickets at £20-45 rather than £80-150 for comparable West End seats. The experience of walking through lit-up Leicester Square or Edinburgh's Royal Mile to an evening show captures something essential about British cultural life.
Christmas Market Browsing and Festive Light Installations
From mid-November onwards, Christmas markets transform British cities into festive destinations without the December crowds or peak pricing. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, Manchester's markets across multiple city centre locations, and Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens markets all open around November 10-15. You'll find German-style wooden chalets selling crafts, mulled wine at £4-6 per cup, and street food from £5-10. The atmosphere is genuinely festive rather than touristy, with locals doing their actual Christmas shopping. Evening visits from 5pm onwards offer the best atmosphere when lights are on and crowds arrive.
Countryside Walks and Historic Village Exploration
Early November still offers decent walking weather in areas like the Cotswolds, Lake District, and Yorkshire Dales - autumn colours linger, paths are less muddy than later winter, and you'll have trails largely to yourself. The short days mean you need to start by 10am to get a proper 4-5 hour walk in, but the low-angle light creates dramatic landscapes. Historic villages like Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Grasmere are atmospheric in November's grey weather, with cosy tearooms and pubs providing perfect breaks. Just be prepared for the reality that it might rain, paths will be slippery, and you'll need proper gear.
November Events & Festivals
Guy Fawkes Night and Bonfire Celebrations
November 5th is Guy Fawkes Night, when towns across the UK hold bonfire and fireworks displays commemorating the failed 1605 Gunpowder Plot. It's a genuinely British tradition that tourists often miss - communities gather for outdoor fireworks, bonfires, and traditional foods like toffee apples and jacket potatoes. Major displays happen in London at Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and across regional cities. The atmosphere is family-friendly and distinctly local rather than touristy. Wrap up warm as you'll be standing outside for 1-2 hours in temperatures around 6-8°C (43-46°F).
Remembrance Sunday Services
The second Sunday in November sees solemn Remembrance ceremonies across the UK, with the main event at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, where the Royal Family and political leaders lay wreaths at 11am. It's a moving experience of British ceremonial tradition and genuine national reflection. Two minutes of silence are observed nationwide at 11am. Many towns hold their own services at war memorials. While respectful observation is welcome, this is a memorial service rather than a tourist event, so appropriate behaviour and dress are expected.
London Jazz Festival
Mid-November brings one of Europe's largest jazz festivals, with 300+ performances across London venues ranging from intimate clubs to major concert halls. It's a chance to see international jazz artists alongside British talent in venues like Ronnie Scott's, the Barbican, and smaller clubs in Soho. Tickets range from £15 for club shows to £50+ for headline acts at major venues. The festival runs for 10 days and offers a genuine slice of London's music culture beyond the West End tourist circuit.