Scotland/Ireland/England Trip

**Eujeankilt** · 16th October 05, 10:28 AM

My wife and I are going to celebrate our 50th birthdays (her's this year and mine next year) with a three week trip to the British Isles. I've always wanted to see Scotland. We're in the formative stages now, getting started on the planning.

The best times for us are in the spring or fall (she directs a child care/private school and can't get away summer or winter). Which season would offer the best promise of good weather. I realize predicting weather is a risky business, but usually which season, spring or fall, has the best weather?
I'd like to purchase the flight before the prices go through the roof.

Thanks in advance,

Dale

**davedove** · 16th October 05, 11:19 AM

I can't say anything about the weather as I don't live there. However, as far as daylight hours, you want to go as close to June 21 as you can manage, as that is the longest day. So I'm thinking maybe May would be a good month for that reason. Most people in the States don't think about it, but the British Isles are significantly farther north than we are.

**Rob** · 16th October 05, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by davedove

Most people in the States don't think about it, but the British Isles are significantly farther north than we are.

This is true, but Britain benefits from the warm Gulfstream, so it tends to be a lot warmer than areas in North America at the same latitude. The weather can be quite good in May/June and in September, but daylight hours are longer in May/June, and if Scotland is on your itinerary, you are less likely to be plagued by (biting) midges then, than you are in September.

Rob

**Graham** · 16th October 05, 03:39 PM

Hope your plans go well, sounds a great birthday present.
I have some piccies online of the UK, it may help. Link is below.

I would the weather cannot be guaranteed no matter when you go, just take good clothing and enjoy what comes.

I love Scotland even in the rain and cold.

**davedove** · 16th October 05, 03:48 PM

This is all great information for when I finally get around to making my trip to Scotland. I've been to the London area before, but that's it.

**Graham** · 16th October 05, 06:41 PM

The saying that the best part of Scotland is the Highlands and the Islands is SO true.

**millar** · 16th October 05, 06:49 PM

I have been to the Isles in both times and they are equally as good. The nice thing about the springtime is that the school groups just don't seem to be as active in the museums. And you usually don't have to worry about frosts, That being said the last time I was in the North of England above Manchester it was late april for about ten days and we had snow,rain, and sunny summery weather. As Dave said the days will be short in either case. Remember to figure that into your travel days. If you arrive somewhere around 4 pm you may not have too much light left.

**Colin** · 17th October 05, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Rob

This is true, but Britain benefits from the warm Gulfstream, so it tends to be a lot warmer than areas in North America at the same latitude. The weather can be quite good in May/June and in September, but daylight hours are longer in May/June, and if Scotland is on your itinerary, you are less likely to be plagued by (biting) midges then, than you are in September.

Rob

I was there for there entire month of May a few years back, and could not have asked for a better time of year. You miss out on the winter weather, and the main tourist season. The only downfall was that some things (bus schedules, and tourist destinations, etc) were still operating with their low season schedules.

**jfellrath** · 17th October 05, 12:57 PM

I have a suggestion on the "how to get there" portion of the trip more than the "what to do there" portion.

Go to http://www.ba.com (British Airways) and register for their "specials" email. By doing so, my wife and I were able to find $200 round trip flights to Heathrow (and then we took the train to Glasgow) and saved a buttload of money that way.

BA runs specials like this a lot, it seems. Plus, if you're like us, you'll walk off the plane just as the paparazzi are arriving at the airport to see the contestants from the British version of I'm a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here! arrive, and you'll walk into the main terminal to the crowd clamoring to get your picture.

**Hamish** · 17th October 05, 05:00 PM

Hey, and don't leave out the south of England! No trip to the beautiful south is complete without a meet-up with me - either in London or on my home territory (the south coast near Brighton).