Things to Do in England in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in England
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring bloom season - daffodils, bluebells, and cherry blossoms peak in gardens and parks, particularly stunning at Kew Gardens and across the Cotswolds. The countryside actually transforms, and you'll catch it before the summer crowds descend.
- Longer daylight hours - sunset pushes past 8pm by late April, giving you 14+ hours of daylight to work with. That's genuinely useful when you're trying to pack in castles, coastal walks, and pub dinners without feeling rushed.
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation runs 20-35% cheaper than May-August rates in most areas outside Easter week. You'll find better availability at popular spots in the Lake District and Cornwall without the summer premium.
- Comfortable walking weather - temperatures sit in that sweet spot for hiking the South West Coast Path or exploring city streets on foot. You won't overheat climbing up to Edinburgh Castle or trudging through the British Museum's galleries.
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability - April genuinely lives up to the 'showers' reputation. You might get three seasons in one day, and that coastal walk could turn blustery quickly. Pack layers because a sunny morning doesn't guarantee a sunny afternoon.
- Easter crowds and price spikes - if Easter falls in April (as it does in 2026, around April 5th), that week sees school holiday crowds and prices jump 40-60% at major attractions and accommodations. Book early or avoid that specific week entirely.
- Some attractions still on winter hours - certain stately homes, gardens, and coastal attractions don't switch to full summer schedules until May. Always check opening times before planning your day, particularly in rural areas.
Best Activities in April
Cotswolds Village Walking Routes
April hits perfectly for exploring the Cotswolds on foot - the honey-colored stone villages look spectacular against spring greenery, and you'll catch wild garlic carpeting the woodlands. Temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) make for comfortable all-day walking without the summer heat. The tourist coaches haven't arrived in full force yet, so villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury feel genuinely peaceful mid-week. Self-guided routes work brilliantly, or join guided walks that typically cover 8-13 km (5-8 miles) through countryside and villages.
London Theatre and Museum Days
April weather makes London's indoor attractions particularly appealing - you'll want those backup plans when showers roll through. The spring theatre season is in full swing with new productions launching, and museums like the British Museum, V&A, and National Gallery are substantially less crowded than summer months. The combination of longer daylight and indoor flexibility means you can structure days around weather - museums during afternoon showers, South Bank walks during sunny spells.
Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Exploration
Edinburgh in April offers that crisp, clear air that makes castle views spectacular, without the August festival madness. You'll actually be able to walk the Royal Mile and explore Edinburgh Castle without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Temperatures hover around 8-11°C (46-52°F), cool but manageable with proper layers. The city's indoor attractions - National Museum of Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse - provide excellent rainy day options, and April typically sees fewer wet days than autumn months.
Bath Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture Tours
Bath shines in April - literally, when sun hits those Georgian crescents. The Roman Baths and surrounding attractions handle April's variable weather perfectly since most key sites have substantial indoor components. Spring flowers fill the parks, and you can comfortably walk the 10 km (6.2 miles) Bath Skyline route on clear days. The city feels manageable in April compared to summer crush, and you'll actually get decent photos of the Royal Crescent without crowds.
Lake District Hiking and Scenic Drives
April in the Lakes means snow has cleared from most lower fells but crowds haven't arrived yet. You'll get those classic views across Windermere and Derwentwater with spring lambs in fields and waterfalls running full from winter rain. Weather remains changeable - count on proper waterproofs - but temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) make for excellent hiking conditions on routes like Catbells or Orrest Head. Car parks at popular trailheads actually have spaces mid-week.
Cornwall Coastal Path Walking
The South West Coast Path in Cornwall hits a sweet spot in April - wildflowers starting to bloom on clifftops, seabirds nesting, and temperatures mild enough for all-day coastal hiking without summer heat. Sections around St Ives, Porthcurno, and the Lizard Peninsula offer stunning views with far fewer walkers than June-August. You will encounter wind and occasional rain, but that's manageable with proper gear. Beach towns like Padstow and Falmouth operate on shoulder season pace, meaning you can actually get a table at decent pubs.
April Events & Festivals
London Marathon
Typically runs mid-to-late April (April 26, 2026 likely date). Worth knowing about even if you're not running - the route closes major roads through central London and creates an incredible atmosphere along the Thames and through Canary Wharf. Spectating is free and genuinely entertaining, but plan transport around road closures if you're sightseeing that Sunday.
Easter Celebrations
Easter 2026 falls April 5th, meaning Easter weekend runs April 3-6. Expect church services at major cathedrals like Canterbury, York Minster, and Westminster Abbey - some require tickets for special services. Many historic properties run Easter egg hunts and special events. This is also the peak crowd and price week for April, particularly at family-friendly attractions.
St George's Day
England's national day on April 23rd sees celebrations in some towns and cities, though it's not a major tourist event. You might catch morris dancing, medieval fairs, or special services at churches dedicated to St George. It's low-key compared to other national days, but adds local color if you happen to be in traditional towns like Stratford-upon-Avon.