Things to Do in England in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in England
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuine low season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to summer months, and you'll actually get your pick of highly-rated properties in central London that are typically booked solid. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection without the summer premium.
- Minimal crowds at major attractions - the Tower of London, British Museum, and Westminster Abbey are genuinely manageable in November. You're looking at 15-20 minute queues versus the 90+ minute waits in July and August. Early morning visits (9-10am) mean you'll practically have galleries to yourself.
- Autumn colors peak in early November across England's countryside - the Lake District, Cotswolds, and New Forest show spectacular bronze and gold foliage through the first two weeks. Temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) make hiking comfortable with layered clothing.
- Christmas markets begin late November - from around November 20th onwards, cities like Bath, Winchester, and Manchester launch their Christmas markets. You'll catch the opening weeks when they're less crowded than the December peak, with mulled wine at £4-6 per cup and local craft stalls before the tourist rush.
Considerations
- Daylight is genuinely limited - sunrise around 7:15am, sunset by 4pm by late November. You're working with roughly 8 hours of daylight, which means outdoor sightseeing needs tight scheduling. Indoor attractions become essential for afternoon and evening hours.
- The damp cold feels colder than the thermometer suggests - that 70% humidity combined with 5-8°C (41-46°F) temperatures creates a penetrating cold that layers struggle against. It's not extreme cold, but it's the kind that seeps in during long walking tours. Locals call it 'bone-chilling' for good reason.
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable day-to-day - you might get crisp sunny mornings followed by afternoon drizzle, or grey overcast days that never quite rain but never quite clear. The variability means you'll need flexible plans and can't count on specific weather for outdoor activities booked in advance.
Best Activities in November
London Museum and Gallery Tours
November is actually ideal for London's world-class museums - the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and V&A Museum are all free entry and provide hours of indoor exploration when daylight is limited. The reduced tourist numbers mean you can properly appreciate the Rosetta Stone or Elgin Marbles without being jostled. Morning visits (9-11am) are quietest, and the heating is excellent. Late November also sees special exhibitions launching for the winter season, typically priced £12-18 for adults.
Historic Castle and Palace Visits
England's castles and palaces are spectacular in November - Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and Warwick Castle have far fewer visitors, and the grey skies actually add atmospheric drama to medieval architecture. Indoor state rooms are heated, and you'll spend 60-70% of visits indoors anyway. The Tower of London is particularly excellent in November when you can view the Crown Jewels without summer's 45-minute queues. Early November still catches some autumn color in palace gardens before trees fully shed.
Cotswolds and Countryside Village Tours
The Cotswolds villages are genuinely magical in November - honey-colored stone cottages look spectacular against grey skies and autumn foliage. Villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe are far less crowded than summer months when coach tours dominate. The countryside shows bronze and gold colors through early November, and temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) make walking comfortable with proper layers. Traditional pubs with log fires are perfect for lunch stops. That said, some smaller attractions and tea rooms have reduced hours or close weekdays in November.
Bath and Roman Heritage Sites
Bath is outstanding in November - the Roman Baths (one of England's best-preserved Roman sites) are primarily indoors with excellent heating, and the steam rising from the thermal waters is more visible in cold air, creating atmospheric photos. The city's Georgian architecture looks stunning in any weather, and Bath's compact center means short walks between attractions. The new thermal spa (Thermae Bath Spa) is particularly appealing in November cold - rooftop pool at 33-35°C (91-95°F) with steam rising into cold air. Bath Christmas Market opens around November 22nd, adding festive atmosphere to later visits.
Traditional Pub and Food Tours
November is peak season for England's pub culture - historic pubs with log fires, real ale, and hearty food are exactly what cold damp weather demands. London, York, and Edinburgh offer excellent food walking tours that mix indoor market visits with pub stops, keeping you mostly sheltered while sampling local specialties. This is also game season (pheasant, venison, wild duck) so pub menus feature seasonal British cooking at its best. Food tours typically include 4-6 stops over 3-4 hours with generous tastings, and the indoor focus suits November weather perfectly.
York and Northern England Historic Cities
York is exceptional in November - the medieval city walls, York Minster cathedral, and Shambles (preserved medieval street) are atmospheric in grey weather with far fewer tourists than summer. The city is compact enough that you're never far from indoor shelter, and York has excellent museums including the Jorvik Viking Centre (fully indoor). Late November sees York's Christmas market and St Nicholas Fair begin, adding festive atmosphere. The surrounding Yorkshire Dales show autumn colors through early November, though hiking requires proper waterproof gear given frequent drizzle.
November Events & Festivals
Guy Fawkes Night and Bonfire Celebrations
November 5th is Guy Fawkes Night across England - communities hold bonfire nights with fireworks displays commemorating the failed 1605 gunpowder plot. Major displays happen in London (Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace), plus towns nationwide. Events typically run 6-9pm with bonfires, fireworks, and food stalls selling toffee apples and hot drinks. It's a genuinely local tradition rather than tourist-focused, giving authentic cultural experience. Wrap up warm as you'll be standing outdoors for 2-3 hours. Many events are free or charge £5-10 entry.
Remembrance Sunday Services
The second Sunday in November (November 9th in 2026) sees Remembrance Sunday services nationwide honoring war dead. The main service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London includes the Royal Family, military parade, and two-minute silence at 11am. It's a significant national event and deeply moving to witness. Arrive early (by 9:30am) for viewing positions along Whitehall. Similar services happen at war memorials in every town and village across England. This is solemn ceremony rather than tourist attraction, so respectful behavior is essential.
Christmas Markets Opening
Late November (typically from November 20th onwards) sees Christmas markets launch across England. Bath, Winchester, Manchester, Birmingham, and Lincoln host major markets with wooden chalets selling crafts, decorations, and food. Markets run daily through December but late November offers the opening weeks before peak crowds. Expect mulled wine at £4-6, German-style food stalls, and local artisan products. Markets typically open 10am-8pm weekdays, later on weekends. Bath and Winchester markets are particularly atmospheric in historic city centers.