Best time to visit Hadrian's Wall
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The best time to walk Hadrian's Wall is between June and September when the weather is warmer, the skies are clearer and the soil is drier (which reduces wear and tear on the trails). You'll also benefit from all tourist attractions and accommodation being open.
Spring, winter and autumn trips aren't off the cards, but you'll need warm clothing and waterproofs. No matter when you visit Hadrian's Wall, the weather in this region is unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for all conditions.
Spring (March-May)
- Pros: wildflowers, lambing season
Cons: heavy rainfall
Spring is a glorious time of year. Nature bounces back after the harsh winter, pastures turn bright green and wildflowers bloom on the hills. Spring also marks the beginning of the lambing season, so you'll likely see super cute lambs and calves frolicking in the fields. Spring can be rather quite wet, so ensure your boots are waterproof and you have a rain jacket handy at all times.
Summer (June-August)
- Pros: great walking conditions, accessibility, daylight hours
Cons: bigger crowds
The summer offers drier conditions and warmer temperatures, with average highs of 18°C. You'll also enjoy extended daylight hours, with 16 hours of daylight around the solstice in June. Summer is the busiest time of year, particularly in July and August during the UK school summer holidays, so be prepared for more people on the trails and try to book ahead.
Autumn (September-November)
- Pros: smaller crowds, autumn foliage
Cons: unpredictable weather
Autumn weather tends to be wet and windy, but it's a beautiful time of year with golden foliage adding a splash of red and orange to the landscapes. As the days draw in earlier, it's a good excuse to enjoy the region's cosy village pubs after a day of walking. Just note that by late October/early November, accommodation providers start shutting for the winter, so it might be harder to find a room.
Winter (December-February)
- Pros: wintry landscapes, small crowds
Cons: accessibility, poor weather conditions
Winter is cold and wet with average highs of 5°C. If you're lucky to have clear, crisp days, Hadrian's Wall in winter is gorgeous. There’s something special about seeing 2,000-year-old ruins covered in frost and the surrounding fells dusted with snow. Just note that some sections of Hadrian's Wall may close in winter due to poor weather conditions.
As well as walking, use the cold as an excuse to rug up around a roaring fire or tuck into tasty English pub grub. Most accommodation providers shut between late October and March, and museums and historical sites may also have limited opening hours.
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