Active Holidays in England

Macs Adventure has been leading the way in active holidays in England since 2003. We kicked off with Hadrian’s Wall Path and Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, then wandered south to shake up the Cotswolds and Cornwall, showing there’s more to England than pubs and rain. Today, we send over 5,000 travellers each year to explore and discover their own adventures across this beautiful, contrasting country.

Travel the Macs Way in England — choose from over 100 tried-and-tested tours, set your own pace, and pick your travel companions. With years of experience working with local B&Bs, guesthouses, bike hire companies, and luggage transfer partners, we’ve got everything covered—so you can keep walking or cycling and leave the hassle behind. Our holidays are comfortable, flexible, and stress-free: no heavy packs, no shared dorms, no rushing to keep up with anyone else. Just you, your boots or bike, a pint or two along the way, and the chance to immerse yourself in England’s landscapes, villages, and hidden corners.

We provide everything you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: expert advice from our team who’ve walked or biked the trails themselves, guides, videos, and high-quality digital mapping via our award-winning Macs Adventure App.

We love active holidays in England — and we want to make sure you love them too.

One of the many reasons to visit England is that each season brings its own unique charm. Although it’snot known for its sunshine-y weather, in general it doesn’t experience extremes during either summer or winter. Overall, Spring (late March to early June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, when there is a greater chance of warm and dry weather. 

Spring in England 

March is where you’ll start to spot the first signs of spring, and with that comes those initial glimpses of Daffodils. In England, April is known for “April Showers” however, the good news is that April is no longer “cold” and the sun is on its way. In May, the average temperature takes its highest rise yet (around 14 degrees), with slightly less rain predicted too. There are two bank holidays in England alongside a half-term break for schools, meaning that family activities across the country are at a high.  

Tip: This is the perfect time for the Lake District trails. As a well-known National Park, this area becomes busy in summer. Experience it in its best form!

Summer in England

June is a wonderful time to visit, with a higher average temperature than days of rainfall - yay!  In July and August, holidays to England are at their peak, meaning travel prices are on the rise (top tip: book early for Summer). England’s beautiful coastal areas are perfect for visiting, with Cornwall’s beaches proving popular with those travelling within the country as well as those visiting. The average daily temperature is around 15 degrees. 

Tip: This is a great time to visit the South West Coast Path, unlike other parts of England, it shouldn’t be too hot to walk in, since you have the gentle breeze of the coast. You will need to book earl,y though!

Autumn in England

Temperatures begin to decrease; however, the English countryside transforms into a photographer’s dream. You can expect landscapes of yellow, red and orange from September to November as entire forests change the colours of their leaves.  For a quintessential British experience, visit a country pub on a chilly day. Seek out a traditional pub with an open fireplace and get cosy by the fire as you enjoy a pint of local ale and a hearty meal. The average temperature in September is around 17 degrees, and 13 degrees in October.  

Tip: A great time to enjoy the Cotswolds, which passes through quintessential English countryside, enchanting villages and traditional country pubs.

For a relatively small country, England packs a punch with a wonderfully diverse array of landscapes and sights. From the vibrant buzz of London to the beautiful turquoise waters of Cornwall, the pretty hamlets of the Cotswolds to the peaks of the Lake District. You could spend as little as a long weekend, or easily 3-4 weeks, depending on how much you want to explore. 

London

Culture-seekers are in for a delight as there are few more cosmopolitan cities on earth. People travel from all over the world to visit, work or live. Why not treat yourself to a West End theatre ticket, take in the sights such as Big Ben, take an obligatory picture outside Buckingham Palace, relax in Hyde Park and finish with a cocktail in one of its many rooftop bars. These are just a few of the limitless options available.

Recommendation: If you enjoy big city life in small doses, we recommend including a relaxing walking trip along the River Thames Path. It begins at its source in the Cotswold's surrounded by serene countryside and finishes right in the heart of London. 

The Cotswolds 

The Cotswolds is undoubtedly one of the most photographed corners of the UK; it’s the quintessential English countryside experience. It’s unsurprisingly a popular destination as tourists visit to explore its quaint villages and idyllic pasturelands via the area's extensive trail network, including the excellent long-distance trail Cotswold Way. 

Recommendation: If booking our Cotswolds way hike, or just visiting, we recommend at least one extra night in Bath.  The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is rich in Georgian architecture, bursting with culture, and you can finish your day soaking in the country's only natural thermal springs.

Lake District 

Another UNESCO protected site (2017) is for its unique hill-farming culture. Every year, some 15 million people explore the region's countryside, and we don’t blame them its picture-perfect. This area is filled with craggy mountain ranges, tranquil lakes and charming villages to explore. 

Recommendation: The abundance of lakes, valleys, woodlands, and fells makes this destination one of the best places in Britain to get out and experience the great outdoors. We have a great range of walking trips in the Lake District, which you can check out here.

Cornwall 

Cornwall is a faraway land, located at the very tip of the United Kingdom. The journey, although lengthy, is so worth it! Beach-lovers will be in heaven with its magnificent coastline, over 300 miles of dunes and cliffs, all accessible on foot. There is so much to do from lazy picnics on the beach, exploring rock pools and marine art, learning to surf, or relaxing in a cozy Cornish pub.  

Recommendation: The South West Coast Path National Trail is one of England's National Treasures. This should be on every walker's bucket list; it offers some of the best walks in England and is a great way to burn off those Cornish pastries.

Yorkshire

There's more to Yorkshire than crispy puddings, local ale, and rich tea (although they're all mighty fine in their own right). The northern stretch of the county is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions, home to cosmopolitan cities, rolling hills, and breathtaking coastlines. Anyone who loves the outdoors will instantly feel at home in Yorkshire.  

Recommendation: We recommend the Herriot Way, where you can stop in cozy tea rooms during your walks, and in the evenings enjoy an eclectic range of restaurants in an area recognized as being one of the greatest culinary locations in the UK.