Best time to visit England

Best for: wildflowers, wildlife, Chelsea Flower Show

Two words: April showers. Spring weather is a mixed bag it could be gloriously sunny one day, and bucketing down the next. But the rain turns the landscapes extra lush and nature starts blossoming in the form of wildflowers and baby lambs and calves in the pastures. The temperatures usually rise a fair bit in late May and daylight hours increase, which is ideal for outdoor adventures.

Best for: beaches, hiking, cycling, festivals.

On a clear, sunny summer's day, the beaches along the Devonshire and Cornwall coastlines are glorious. The summer is the best season for all things music, art and culture, with a jam-packed festival calendar including Glastonbury, WOMAD and The Isle of Wight Festival. With long days, particularly around the solstice in June, it's the perfect time of year to explore England's great outdoors, including the picture-perfect trails in Dartmoor National Park and the rugged island of St Michael’s Mount.

Best for: autumn foliage, wildlife, walking.

It gets cooler from late September, so bring a waterproof coat and plenty of warm layers if you plan on hiking or cycling. Autumn is a very scenic time of year as golden foliage sets in, with particularly stunning scenes in the Lake District, Cumbria and Sheffield Park in East Sussex. Crowds also dwindle, so there are smaller queues at major sites.

Best for: festive markets, cosy winter pubs, no crowds

Winter weather in England is often dull, damp and dreary. But that doesn't have to stop you! The English love a good knees-up and the festive period is a fantastic time to enjoy Christmas markets and lively English pubs. Snow isn’t common unless you’re in the far north or up in the mountains, but you may still get the occasional dusting at sea level. Accommodation prices are usually lower in winter and crowds are minimal, so it's a great chance to explore the quaint Cotswold villages, castles and famous sites at your own pace.