UK in October: Weather, Activities, and Essential Travel Tips

October is the best time to visit the UK to experience autumn colors around the English countryside. Harvest festivals and fall fairs are held in many towns and cities. Local crafts, vegetables, and traditional entertainment are frequently featured at these gatherings. The countryside changes to a spectrum of yellows, oranges, and reds. This guide will assist you in organising your vacation, covering things like the weather, must-see locations, best activities, and essential tips.

October Weather in the UK

October weather in London UK is unpredictable. The afternoon temperature in London is about 16 degrees Celsius. The temperature at night is around 10 degrees Celsius in October. The temperature may reach about 18 degrees Celsius if you arrive at the beginning of the month. However, the temperature is expected to reach around 13 degrees Celsius by the end of the month.

Average UK weather in October

• Temperature range – 8 to 14 degrees Celcius
• Rainfall – 11 cm, 4 inches
• Rainy days – 13
• Sunshine hours per day – 5
• Humidity – around 78 per cent, wet and humid throughout the country.

Things to Do in the UK in October

Things to do in UK in October include,

1. Go to parks in the Lake District or Hyde Park in London to see a striking display of autumn foliage.
2.  Spend Halloween at theme parks with eerie events and attractions, such as Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.
3. Explore historic sites and the autumn atmosphere by taking a tour of Bath, York and Edinburgh.
4. Stroll along the White Cliffs of Dover or the Jurassic Coast.
5. Explore famous UK castles during the autumn, such as Windsor Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Warwick Castle.
6. Discover the many things to do near London Eye. You can take a riverboat ride on the Thames, tour the historic Southbank neighbourhood, or visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
7. Have fun at the Herne Bay Pier and explore the coastal parks. These are a few of the popular things to do in Herne Bay.

Places to Visit in the UK in October

Certain places in the UK truly shine in October, making them ideal for visitors.

1) London

London is one of the best places to visit in UK in October. Autumn is a wonderful time of year to stroll through Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum are must-see locations. The Tower of London has fascinating displays of armor and weaponry. Another place to visit is Buckingham Palace the royal home since the reign of Queen Victoria. In October, the city comes alive with Halloween festivities and events like Diwali in Trafalgar Square and Oktoberfest London.

2) The New Forest

  The New Forest National Park is the ideal spot to wander in the autumn. See the well-known New Forest ponies grazing freely. In the autumn, you might also see pigs meandering through the forest. Farmers release 600 pigs and piglets into the forest between the middle and end of September, where they forage for nuts and acorns on the forest floor. The pigs are only permitted to roam the forest freely during this time of year.

3) The Lake District

In the Lake District, October is a stunning time of year to travel. It is an excellent location for a journey to the North of England in October. Coniston Water is an excellent place to rent boats and bikes and explore the local stores and pubs. It’s located approximately half a mile down Coniston Village. Grizedale Forest, 10 square miles of natural woods, is only 20 minutes away. Discover the area by exploring the vast network of bike and walking trails that provide an amazing journey through the forest. Be sure to visit the Cockermouth William Wordsworth House.

4) York

Magnificent Gothic architecture is abundant in York, UK. One of the most haunted cities in all of Europe is said to be the ancient city of York. The York Ghost Merchants are housed in The Shambles, one of the most famous monuments in York. Shambles is a historic boulevard with some of the best-preserved mediaeval shopping avenues in Europe. The Little York Ghost Hunt is a popular autumnal activity hosted by The York Ghost Merchants.

5) Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction in the UK. It is a prehistoric monument that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. One of the most interesting facts about Stonehenge is that it dates back more than five thousand years. It was used as a ceremonial and burial site by ancient civilizations. Consider combining your visit to Stonehenge with a trip to Salisbury, where you can explore Salisbury Cathedral, home to one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.

Events and Festivals in the UK in October

Best October festivals UK include,

1) BFI London Film Festival

The BFI London Film Festival is one of the biggest film festivals in the UK, featuring both debuts and international cinema. Date – October 9 to October 20, 2024 Venue – venues in London, the UK, and on the BFI Player.

2) Oktoberfest London

Beer, bratwurst, and traditional music will give you a taste of Bavarian culture at several locations throughout the city. Date – September 27 to October 12, 2024 Venue – South Bank London

3) Diwali on the Square

Diwali is a colourful celebration of food stands and cultural acts in Trafalgar Square in honour of the Hindu festival of lights. Date – October 27, 2024 Venue – Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London

4) Manchester Science Festival

Manchester Science Festival features interactive installations that explore innovation, science, and technology. Date – October 18 to October 27, 2024 Venue – Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

5) Samhain Festival, Edinburgh

Watch the customary Samhain procession featuring fire dancers and drummers at this Halloween-themed Celtic fire celebration. Date – October 31 and November 1, 2024 Venue – Holyrood Park, Holyrood, Edinburgh

Travel Guidelines for October Visits to the UK

1. It is advisable to wear clothes in layers. You may remove or add as needed because the weather might be unpredictable.
2. October remains a popular travel month, due to Halloween celebrations and autumn harvest celebrations. Make early reservations for lodging and flights.
3. A convenient and appealing choice for getting from the city to the countryside is by train or bus. For more affordable options, consider purchasing the Brit Rail passes.

Things to Consider Before Travelling to the UK in October

1. The days get shorter by the end of the month. The sun sets as early as 6 pm.
2. Clocks will be adjusted by one hour when the UK switches to daylight saving time in late October. This is usually the final Sunday of the month.
3. More and more cities in the UK are hosting haunted houses, ghost tours, and themed activities to celebrate Halloween.
4. Early discounts are common in October. You might find some great bargains on warm clothes.
5. October does not have any national holidays
6. October is considered the shoulder season. Compared to the busiest summer months, you can avail excellent travel and lodging discounts.

Finally

Even though October is the beginning of autumn weather, it is still not as chilly as the UK in Winter. It is a great time to explore the outdoors before the icy chill sets in.

Explore the UK through the year

FAQs regarding October in the UK

1) What should I carry for an October trip to the UK?

Carry water-resistant apparel, a cosy jacket, gloves, and cosy walking shoes. Do not forget to bring an umbrella.

2) Are the tourist attractions open in October?

In October, most tourist sites are still open. Some may be open for shortened hours. Make sure to enquire beforehand.

3) Which UK locations provide the best views of the autumn foliage?

The Scottish Highlands, Richmond Park in London, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District are among the best locations.

4) How much does it cost to travel to the UK in October?

October is considered to be the shoulder season, which means that airfare and lodging will be less expensive than during the busiest travel times.

5) What kinds of fauna are there in the UK in October?

October is an excellent month to see wildlife, such as red squirrels in the north, migratory birds, and deer in parks like Richmond Park during the rutting season.