As someone who has had the privilege of living in this vibrant country for over a year, I can confidently assert that among all the months, September shines as the pinnacle for experiencing the best of the country. From the grandeur and bustle of city life to the pastoral countryside, this place is a spectacular all-year travel destination but England in September is absolutely special! This travel guide will highlight the things you should know before booking your trip.
Ready for your vacation to England this fall? Then you definitely want to continue reading this Ultimate Travel Guide! So let's talk through what you need to know before your trip.
England is part of the United Kingdom, which also includes Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Typically most travelers choose to visit England’s capital, London, which is home to iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey, however, there is much more to see.
With a long and interesting past, history can be found at every corner. Old castles dotting the country side, colleges dating back to the Middle Ages, ancient Roman sites, and centuries-old Royal Palaces are just a few of the stunning landmarks.
As much as you’ll want to spend the majority of your time in London, I strongly encourage you to get outside of London and really see what else England has to offer. There are fantastic sites all over the country, and you definitely should not miss Stonehenge, Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the hot springs of Bath.
All in all, this guide will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.
And while England’s beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine made it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things that I wish I had known beforehand.
England in September! Best Time to Travel
England is a year-round destination as its climate is relatively temperate and, in general, doesn’t experience extremes during either summer or winter. Spring, although rainy, is perfect for visiting cities before crowds come for the main season.
Winter is the perfect moment of the year to step into a fairytale and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
Summer with very long days and the best weather is the peak season in England. Typically with good weather comes higher costs, so expect to pay higher prices for accommodation and flights!
If visiting during the busiest time of year sounds like your worst nightmare, then June through August should be avoided at all costs.
You’ll probably want to plan your trip in spring or autumn. With most travelers preferring the summer season, you’ll have better luck finding great hotel room rates and flights.
Overall, there’s never a bad time to visit England!
Looking for activities in London?
Budget for England
The official currency of England is the British Pound (GBP).
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout England and is preferable if you want to get the best exchange rate. Wherever you want to use cash, only the British pound is widely accepted.
In case you need some Pounds, you will find ATMs almost everywhere,, even in smaller towns.
In England, except during holidays and festivals, prices don’t go up during peak times as dramatically as they do in Western Europe.
Check out Booking.com to compare prices for hotels.
It is generally wise to select which major iconic London attractions you want to visit and book tickets online before your trip. You will save money, sometimes significantly. and you will also, skip the wait lines and walk right on in. It makes absolutely no sense to waste time standing in a line if you can avoid it.
Yes, it may be fun to visit as many restaurants and pubs as possible, however, that may put a strain on your budget.
Book your flight at least one month prior to your trip and if you have destinations on your England itinerary beyond London (which you definitely should!), make sure to have all your tickets prearranged.
Even though it will be rainy days, the budget-seekers should check spring deals.
Getting Around in England
In England, you’ll find several ways to get around, as the country is served by an excellent rail network and buses cover most of the places you’ll want to get to beyond the tracks. While there are a few airports, you cannot reach all destinations by plane.
Public transportation prices vary by city and most cities offer a multi-day pass, such as London. The public transportation here is clean, safe, and reliable, which makes it a wise choice.
Luckily there is also Uber in England’s major cities!
Shuttle or car services are the easiest and most comfortable way to move around England!
What I find really great about traveling in England is that you can drive between its major cities within a span of a few hours and if you’re open to it, you can take the non-highway routes to enjoy the scenic route.
Renting a car works out to be your best bet to travel around independently with complete comfort. Car rentals can be an affordable option in England and keep in mind that you need to be at least 21 to rent a vehicle here.
Now, if you don’t want to drive but still have a comfortable trip through England, one of the best ways of getting around is by booking a private car charter with a driver.
Safety in England
England is considered an extremely safe country.
However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings, petty theft, and pickpocketing are usually the biggest things you need to pay attention to. As long as you practice common sense and take precautions, you won’t have any problems during your trip.
Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though walking alone at night should be avoided just to be safe.
As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry or wave around valuables and always keep your wallet secure when out and about.
Also is really helpful to check the State Department’s Warnings before traveling.
My best advice is to make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. This is mainly because of the risk you are exposed to when traveling to a new country, whether might be illness, injury, or cancellation. Check out these affordable monthly plans given by SafetyWing. You definitely want a stress-free vacation and a few pennies on a dollar will be really worth it!
What’s next?
What to Wear in England this September!
As a rule, British people, like many of their Wester European neighbors, dress in a casual and fairly sophisticated way.
Preparing for all types of weather is an essential part of your English experience.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, when packing for your trip to England, there are a few key items you must consider. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, a small umbrella, comfortable shoes, a jacket, and jeans, and you can’t go far wrong.
If you are visiting London as part of a layover as you head to other destinations, or it’s a very quick weekend trip, you want to choose classic pieces in neutral shades that you can easily mix and match.
Smart casual clothes will carry you through sightseeing, eating out, and any other major travel activities.
Depending on your travel plans, for your main suitcase, you’ll want to decide whether to bring a carry-on or a backpack.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’re going to want a reliable and safe crossover bag to carry around things like your camera and wallet.
As always, the best thing to keep in mind for any travel is to pack light and only bring the necessities. Trust me, you don’t wanna carry a huge suitcase all around England.
Summer evenings in England can be a bit chilly and you will need something to cover up. I’d recommend a light trench coat, a timeless piece that’s comfortable, practical, and sophisticated and looks good thrown over jeans or a dress.
For a finishing touch that will add a bit of elegance to your look take with you a hat.
Shoes can make or break a trip. Sneakers are always my favorites, given that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Stick with flats to keep your feet comfortable.
My England outfit consisted of midi dresses, they’re stylish and comfortable, while high-waisted loose pants were a perfect fit for a long walking day.
There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing so always bring with you a jacket and dress in layers.
You should never take it for granted that a seemingly sunny day will stay that way, so always bring along a small foldable umbrella.
Know Before You Go to England this September
You don't want to miss the iconic Totally Thames festival which takes place every September in London.
Culture: England is famous for its castles, and palaces, among other spectacular landmarks, while is also heavily influenced by its imperial past.
Religion: Traditionally Catholic, whether in London or in the rest of the country, you will want to dress a bit more conservatively.
Language: England’s official language is English.
SIM Cards are super easy and cheap. It’s always a good idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive and you will have enough internet for all your vacation.
Plugs: In England, the power plugs are type G which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend taking with you a universal adapter and also using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Airport transfer: For your airport pick-up, arrange a car in advance through your hotel and tack on the meet and assist. The ease and peace of mind it will provide will be well worth it.
Indulge in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea, a rich and flavorsome history that is just utterly fascinating.
Drinks: It’s no surprise that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the country!
Street food: England may not be well known for its street food culture, but there are a lot of tasty snacks that you can grab.
Locate the best place to get an original experience of local culture in each destination as there are many things to see and do in England.
Plan for rain no matter what. If it happens, just keep traveling and take full advantage of bright spells.
Don’t forget that you will find a spectacular whole new world outside of London.
Traveling just a few short miles in England you will notice that regional accents are hugely diverse so train your ears to prepare for this.
England is home to some of the world’s greatest museums and most of them have free entry.
Someone once said “If you show up on time, you’re late and if you show up early, you’re on time” which perfectly applies in England so consider this if you want to be efficient with your sightseeing time.
If you want to explore hidden gems, I’d highly advise taking a guided tour while in England.
FAQs:
A September Trip to England
Is September a good month to go to England?
September is an excellent time to visit England, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and various cultural events taking place across the country.
Where is nice in September in the UK?
In September, many places in the UK offer beautiful landscapes and enjoyable experiences, including the Lake District, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, and the Scottish Highlands.
Is it cold in England in September?
While England may experience cooler temperatures in September compared to the summer months, it generally remains mild, with temperatures varying depending on the region.
Is London cheaper in September?
September in London can be relatively more affordable than peak tourist season months like July and August, with lower hotel rates and potentially fewer crowds, making it a favorable time to visit the city.
Be sure to pack layers for your trip to England as the weather can be unpredictable, even in September.
Overall:
Travel Guide for Septemberin England
England is packed full of amazing places to visit! There are fascinating and culturally rich sights, tons of history, natural beauty, and chic eateries and pubs to discover. All in all, if there’s one thing that 2020 has taught me, it’s the benefit of exploring destinations. The ability to travel is truly a gift!
Ready to go to England? Now that you know what to do and also what not to do, all you have to do is focus on having a fantastic vacation!