Self Guided Tours in the UK

Like the rest of the United Kingdom, England and Wales experience unpredictable weather. Summers can often be hot for short periods of time, interspaced with cooler days. A single afternoon can bring you blazing sunshine as well as cooling rain, so you are best off being prepared for both. Especially when you’re doing outdoor activities, you’ll be most comfortable with plenty of layers at the ready so you can add and take-away as necessary. If walking, we recommend sturdy footwear and quality socks for your feet. For your body and whatever the activity, you will want a moisture-wicking base layer and insulating layers to go on top, as well as waterproof outer shells, essential for the upper body and optional for the lower body.

Read our blog on what to wear outdoors in England.

It’s not surprising that British people spend so much time talking about the weather; it gives us lots to discuss! The weather in England and Wales is anything but predictable. However, with a bit of preparation, you’ll be fine for any eventuality, whether it be rain, wind or glorious sunshine. England is reliably drier, sunnier and warmer than its neighbouring countries, especially in the south, but rain is possible at any time of the year. Do take heart that the rain never lasts long and that it’s responsible for making the countryside so green and lush.

Come prepared with plenty of layers and a raincoat, as well as suntan lotion and sunglasses!

Check out our page on England’s climate, weather and seasons for more information.

See below for our guide on various travel links within the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand:

Travel to England

While solo travellers are very welcome on our small group trips, the minimum number for our self guided and self drive trips is two people for reasons of safety.

Read more FAQs on both guided and self-guided trips.

All of our trips are graded so you can choose the right trip for your level of fitness and ambition. In terms of fitness level, green trips are the easiest, while blue trips offer an intermediate challenge and red graded activities are the most challenging. Click the link below to view our guides and videos on grading for each activity holiday that we offer.

Our Trip Grading Explained

On our group tours, your guide will always try a set a pace which is relative to the grade of the itinerary and the pace of the group. When it comes to most self-guided and self-drive trips, you are free to travel at your own pace – whether this means challenging yourself by climbing some of England’s iconic hills, taking things at a relaxing pace, or anything in between. Of course, distance and elevation also must be taken into account.

The accommodation you will experience on a Wilderness England holiday varies from trip to trip. Typically we use high 3 -4 star small hotels, country inns and guest houses which are locally owned and personally known to us. We spend many weeks each year working with our preferred accommodation partners to ensure you enjoy the best possible stay. On many of our trips, and if you are travelling on a customised basis with us, there is the option to upgrade your accommodation and experience some of the best hotels in the country, from 5 star country houses to historic castles or spa retreats. Our team are always happy to discuss options at the time of booking.