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    Why You Should Visit England in February

    Author: Alex Boag-Wyllie, Marketing Executive
    More by Alex

    From Cosy Cuisine to Winter Wildlife

    Visiting England in February offers a delightful mix of tranquil adventure and cosy culture. With fewer tourists and lower rates, you can explore iconic landmarks such as Stonehenge and Blenheim Palace and beloved landscapes like the Lake District and the Cotswolds without the bustle of summer crowds. Enjoy a winter escape that offers a delightful mix of events, sights, and seasonal experiences to showcase the country’s unique winter appeal.

    Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day or looking to immerse yourself in local culture and nature, February in England has something special for everyone.

    The Weather

    The weather in England in February is all about crisp, cool days and the occasional burst of sunshine. Stepping into each new day, the air feels undeniably wintery, with temperatures making it one of the coldest months of the year. Average daytime highs hover around 8°C/46°F, while nighttime lows can drop to a chilly 1°C/34°F.

    Despite the cold, February offers more sunshine hours than the preceding winter months. Sunrise is around 7am, and the sun sets at approximately 5pm, with the days lengthening the further south you go.

    Rain is frequent, with an average of 11 days of precipitation, yet it’s also one of the driest months in terms of total rainfall. The wind can be brisk, with February recording the second-highest monthly average wind speed, so bundling up is essential for outdoor adventures.

    February Festivals

    Photo from a viking reenactment festival, focusing on the red and white shield.

    Viking Reenactment Festival

    February may be one of the colder months of the year. Still, the English know how to compensate for the frosty winter blanket, with plenty of cultural and seasonal things to do in England in February.

    In Yorkshire, the Jorvik Viking Festival in the historic city of York is a must-see. It brings the Viking era to life with reenactments, markets, and events celebrating the city’s Norse heritage. The festival, which occurs annually every February, is among the largest Viking celebrations in Europe. Enhance your Viking experience with a stop at JORVIK Viking Centre, a museum and immersive experience in the city centre. Take time to explore the city, walking along the historic city walls, marvelling at the intricate cathedral architecture, and wandering through the iconic street and independent shops of Shambles.

    Whether you want to discover England’s rich history or contemporary culture, vibrant events offer a true immersion, keeping spirits high against the brisk air.

    Places to Visit in England in February

    February’s quiet charm makes it an exciting time to explore the country, offering a unique perspective. Although some National Trust properties and other stately homes remain closed for annual conservation work, plenty of other places exist to explore. Picture yourself warming up by a roaring fire in a traditional pub after a day spent wandering through charming villages or scenic countryside.

    Close up of the orchids in a glasshouse at Kew Garden on a sunny day.

    Orchids at Kew Gardens

    Kew Orchids

    For a burst of colour amidst the winter grey, the Kew Gardens Orchid Festival in London is a vibrant retreat inside, offering a stunning display of these exotic flowers in full bloom. From rare and endangered blooms to hardy varieties, the orchids at Kew are a varied wonder.

    Winter Snowdrops

    Elsewhere in England, snowdrops are in full and splendid bloom in early February. Near the historic university city of Cambridge, Anglesey Abbey is home to around 400 varieties of snowdrops. Across the country, in the classical beauty of the Cotswolds, is Painswick Rococo Garden. England’s only surviving rococo garden, this 18th century pleasure garden houses a fairytale carpet of these charming flowers early every year.

    Romantic Getaways

    Additionally, bustling and charming cities like Newcastle, Bath, and York provide ample opportunities for cultural experiences and romantic getaways in the cooler and quieter winter months.

    Seasonal Senses

    Culinary Delights

    February is a month for comfort food, with markets brimming with winter vegetables and the time of year bringing a bounty of seasonal produce to England’s tables. Enjoy fresh Brussels sprouts, nutrient-rich kale, and vibrant purple sprouting broccoli in traditional, hearty dishes. This is the time to enjoy comforting, warming meals highlighting the best of winter’s harvest.

    A heron stands sentinal on a shoreline covered in seaweed, with its back to the camera and looking sideways to the left.

    A heron

    Flora & Fauna

    Nature enthusiasts will find February intriguing – don’t overlook the wildlife braving the frost-bitten countryside. Long-legged herons begin returning to their heronries, preparing for chick-hatching in the coming months. Birdwatchers can also spot migratory winter geese, as well as long-tailed tits busy building intricate nests. Out at sea, look out for seals playing in the sea swell, their thick blubber keeping them warm in the ice-cold ocean.

    The landscape comes alive among the trees, with catkins dangling from trees and the first snowdrops peeking through the frost. February is also prime time for spotting badger cubs, typically born in early February. And, of course, the beloved robin can be seen flitting around, adding a splash of colour to winter scenes across England.

    Visit England in February

    Meet the Author: Alex Boag-Wyllie

    Born in the Scottish Highlands, I was lucky enough to spend my early childhood playing on sweeping sandy beaches and learning to ski (or, more often, fall over). My father’s job kept us on the move though, and I was soon just as at home amidst the rolling Wiltshire downs, beautiful South Wales and the expansive East Anglian coast. I’ve had almost 40 bedrooms to date across the UK, so I’m your gal if you need a good cafe recommendation (almost) anywhere in the country; if I haven’t been there yet, you can be sure it’s on my trip list…

    View profile More by Alex

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