Things to Do in United Kingdom in November

November Weather in United Kingdom

10°C (50°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

69 mm (2.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets begin opening in late November - experience authentic mulled wine and festive atmosphere before peak crowds arrive in December
Hotel rates are 40-60% lower than summer months, with excellent availability in central London and Edinburgh before Christmas rush begins
Cozy pub culture is at its peak - locals gather indoors creating the most authentic atmosphere with roaring fires and seasonal ales
Theatre season is in full swing with new productions launching before Christmas, plus easier ticket availability than December peak season

Considerations

Daylight hours are severely limited - sunrise at 7:30am, sunset by 4pm means only 8.5 hours of natural light for sightseeing
Weather is genuinely unpredictable with rain possible any day - you'll need flexible indoor backup plans and waterproof gear constantly
Many outdoor attractions operate reduced hours or close early, limiting your sightseeing window significantly

Best Activities in November

London Museum and Gallery Tours

November's wet weather makes this perfect for exploring world-class indoor collections. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and National Gallery are less crowded than summer months. Natural lighting is poor by 4pm, so morning museum visits maximize your experience. Many special exhibitions launch in November for the cultural season.

Booking Tip: Book timed entry tickets 7-14 days ahead for popular exhibitions. Many permanent collections are free but special exhibitions typically cost £15-25. Consider museum passes if visiting multiple venues. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Scottish Castle and Historic Site Tours

Edinburgh and surrounding castles take on a dramatic atmosphere in November's moody weather. Fewer tourists mean better photos and more intimate experiences. The short daylight hours create atmospheric lighting against grey skies. Indoor castle areas provide perfect shelter from frequent rain showers.

Booking Tip: Book castle entry tickets online in advance for guaranteed access and slight discounts. Tours typically cost £20-40 per castle. Many close by 4pm in November, so plan morning visits. Private guides available through booking platforms below.

Bath and Cotswolds Day Trips

November transforms the Cotswolds into a quintessentially English landscape with bare trees and cozy village pubs. Bath's Roman Baths are perfect for November weather - the steaming outdoor pool contrasts beautifully with cold air. Village pubs are warmest and most welcoming this time of year with seasonal menus.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from London typically cost £60-120 including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead as tours run less frequently in November. Roman Baths tickets cost around £25-30. Consider tours that include pub lunch stops for authentic November experience.

Traditional Pub and Food Walking Tours

November is absolutely prime time for British pub culture. Locals retreat indoors creating the most authentic atmosphere with fires burning and seasonal ales flowing. Historic pubs are coziest in cold weather, and you'll experience genuine British hospitality at its peak. Food tours showcase hearty winter comfort foods.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost £40-80 and last 3-4 hours with indoor stops. Book 3-5 days ahead as groups are smaller in November. Many tours include pub stops for authentic atmosphere. Look for tours that emphasize historic pubs and seasonal specialties.

York Minster and Medieval City Tours

York's medieval streets and Gothic architecture are perfectly suited to November's atmospheric weather. The Minster provides stunning indoor architecture while narrow medieval streets feel authentically historic in grey conditions. Fewer crowds mean better access to The Shambles and city walls.

Booking Tip: York Minster tickets cost around £16-20 with tower climbs extra. Guided city tours typically £15-25 per person. Book Minster tower climbs in advance - limited to small groups and weather dependent. Full-day tours from London available for £80-150.

Christmas Market Tours

Late November sees the opening of authentic Christmas markets, especially in Bath, Winchester, and Birmingham. You'll experience the magic before December crowds arrive, with genuine local atmosphere and traditional crafts. Markets provide perfect indoor-outdoor combination with warm drinks and covered stalls.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to enter but food and drinks cost £3-8 per item. Multi-market tours typically cost £45-75 from London. Book accommodation early in market cities as rates increase rapidly in December. See current market tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

November 5th

Guy Fawkes Night Bonfire Celebrations

November 5th is a uniquely British experience with bonfires and firework displays across the country. Local communities gather for traditional celebrations with bonfire toffee and jacket potatoes. London's major displays at Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park offer spectacular shows.

Second Saturday in November

Lord Mayor's Show

London's ancient annual parade on the second Saturday of November features elaborate floats, military bands, and centuries-old traditions. The newly elected Lord Mayor processes through the City of London in a golden state coach, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Thames.

Third Thursday in November

Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebrations

Third Thursday of November sees wine bars and restaurants across London celebrating the release of French Beaujolais Nouveau. Many establishments offer special tastings and French-themed menus, providing perfect indoor cultural experiences for November weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - essential for November's 10 rainy days, not just light drizzle but proper downpours

Warm waterproof walking boots - November sidewalks are often wet and temperatures drop to 4°C (39°F)

Layers for indoor-outdoor temperature swings - heated pubs and museums contrast sharply with cold streets

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden showers are common and you'll use it daily

Warm scarf and gloves - essential for early morning and evening when temperatures feel below freezing

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - wool or merino base layers dry faster than cotton in 70% humidity

Portable phone charger - short daylight hours mean using phone torch/maps more frequently

Small daypack with waterproof cover - protects electronics and documents during sudden downpours

Warm hat that covers ears - November winds make 10°C (50°F) feel much colder, especially near the Thames

Indoor shoes for accommodations - many places ask you to remove wet outdoor boots upon entry

Insider Knowledge

British pubs have different atmospheres throughout the day - visit between 5-7pm when locals stop for after-work drinks, but before dinner crowds arrive around 8pm

Many outdoor attractions like Hampton Court or Kew Gardens offer substantial discounts on rainy days - ask at ticket counters for weather-dependent pricing

London's covered markets (Borough, Leadenhall, Covent Garden) provide authentic local experiences while staying dry - locals use these as shortcuts during November rain

Transport delays increase significantly in November due to 'leaves on the line' - factor extra 20-30 minutes for train journeys and always check live departure boards

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor sightseeing after 3pm means rushing before 4pm sunset

Packing only light rain gear - November brings heavy downpours lasting 30-45 minutes, not just drizzle

Booking outdoor tours without checking cancellation policies - many tours cancel due to November weather conditions