July is prime summertime in England, with the best weather of the year and long daylight hours to enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and surfing. You can also kick back on a leisurely road trip through the stunning countryside and stop at historical attractions. Of course, England's cities beckon in July with music festivals and an enormous Pride parade in London.

Weather

July is a magnificent weather month in England. Not only are temperatures at their warmest of the year, but visitors can benefit from more than 15 hours of daylight throughout the month. Temperatures are consistent countrywide, but there are mild regional differences. The nation's capital of London sees daily highs averaging 73°F (23°C) and lows averaging 59°F (15°C) in July—and these are some of the highest in the country. Near Scotland, northern cities like York and Manchester tend to be a few degrees cooler, as do the coastal towns that benefit from refreshing sea breezes. 

The summer months also tend to be drier than the fall and winter months; July has an average of 2.5 inches (6 cm) of rain. England's fickle weather is a typical conversation piece, and you'll want to pack summery clothes and light layers that can handle an evening chill or sudden rain shower.

Crowds & Costs

It's officially high season, one of the most popular months to visit England (along with August). With the crowds come the highest rates for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities. To increase your chances of finding more elbow room, consider traveling midweek instead of the weekend, and check the first half of the month before the UK schools are on a six-week summer holiday. You'll want to book far in advance if you have your heart set on a particular hotel or event, like Wimbledon. 

Where to Go

London's Heathrow airport is where most international visitors enter and depart England, and you'll want to consider adding some time here to see the sprawling capital on foot or bike. When you're ready to vacate the city, you can use London's excellent transportation system with day trips to nearby destinations like Windsor Castle and world-renowned university towns like Oxford and Cambridge. Longer trains provide access to the major English cities like Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and York—each with its attractions in the cities and outskirts.

Summer is also a great time to take a road trip giving you the freedom to move at your own pace. If you have limited time, consider heading to the south coast via the Surrey Hills—an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)—to get to Brighton's famous beach and amusement pier. Work your way east to get to the white chalk cliffs of Dover or west to get to the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. A less beachy road trip option is traveling through the six counties that make up the Cotswolds checking out charming thatched villages and market towns such as Banbury and Broughton.

You can escape the crowds even further in the Lake District, offering a touch of Scotland with rugged mountains and pristine lakes that offer swimming and boating. Meanwhile, the Cornish coast will be bustling this time of year, but there are plenty of options, from hidden surf villages to larger resort towns like St. Ives with its own Tate modern art museum. You can also ferry (or fly) to the Isles of Scilly. This nearby archipelago provides a slower way of life with turquoise bays, sandy beaches, and plenty of summer relaxation.

Plan your trip to England
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

England is wide open and full of activities this month—and like most northern European countries, locals know how to take advantage of their short summer seasons. You'll likely want to do as they do and stay outdoors as much as possible, enjoying a range of activities like kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, and fishing.

Then there are the simple pleasures of visiting parks, gardens, and architecturally significant areas, perhaps with a walking tour. For instance, Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, offers sprawling manicured grounds that can easily keep you busy for a half-day. In Bath, you can take a private walking tour of the well-preserved Roman bath complex surrounded by rows of 18th-century Georgian architecture and learn more about former writers like Jane Austen. Another literature hot spot is Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can visit William Shakespeare's former home and school.

Hikers want to head for England's many trails offering varying degrees of difficulty and length. Consider a section of the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile (164 km) footpath through the region, or head for the south coast with several trails offering views of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean—some that offer Bronze Age earthworks and Celtic landmarks. When you're ready to rest your feet, tuck into fresh seafood at various local pubs and restaurants.

Events in July

Tramlines Festival, Sheffield. Named after Sheffield's tram system, this festival attracts thousands of people to see England's best indie rock bands in various venues. 

WOMAD Festival, Malmesbury. World music fans will want to check out this international festival near the city of Bath that celebrates music, dance, and the arts.

Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge. Starting at the end of July, this event celebrates eclectic music of various genres and is one of the oldest folk festivals in the world.

Love Supreme, Sussex. This annual three-day jazz festival takes place on the first weekend of July and offers a broad mix of jazz genres from blues, funk, and soul.

Early Music Festival, York. This music festival in northern England is appropriately named since it is devoted to classical music from the 18th century and earlier.

Pride, nationwide. You can find pride celebrations all over the country this time of year, but the biggest parade takes place in London, usually early in the month.

Wimbledon, London. This famous tennis grand slam event attracts the best players in the world. The two-week event starts in late June and trickles into early July. Tickets are available to the public.

Swan Upping, Windsor. You can attend this event—a ceremonial counting of the swan population on the upper River Thames near Windsor—dating back to the 12th century.

Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames. This famous rowing event on the River Thames—a classic English pastime—attracts thousands of onlookers over several days of events.

Traveling to England in July? Check out these great itineraries

Walking Tour of Wessex - 8 Days. This self-guided hiking adventure explores the beautiful countryside of the Wiltshire/Dorset border in southern England, passing through the region's famous chalk hills and valleys.

Walk England's Jurassic Coast - 8 Days. This hiking adventure explores Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, passing by dramatic chalk cliffs, shingle beaches, prehistoric earthworks, and charming thatched villages.

More Helpful Information

England in June
England in August
Best Time of Year to Visit England
How Many Days to Spend in England