What are the best places to visit in England during May?

May offers ideal conditions for exploring England's cities and countryside. The Cotswolds villages including Castle Combe and Burford showcase colorful spring blooms while Bath's Roman sites and Georgian buildings benefit from clear spring light. Oxford's college gardens reach their peak display and Windsor Castle's grounds come alive with seasonal color. According to a TourRadar traveler "Visiting in May meant we could fully enjoy outdoor sites like Stonehenge and the Tower of London grounds without the summer crowds." Stay at comfortable bases like the Hampton by Hilton Bath City or The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth to explore these highlights.

Which gardens and natural attractions are best to visit in England during May?

Gardens reach their peak in May with impressive displays at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The Lake District's Ullswater area fills with spring wildflowers. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The lakeside walks were stunning in May with bluebells carpeting the forest floor." The Cotswolds gardens shine at properties like Hidcote Manor where formal borders mix with naturalistic plantings.

Which hiking trails are best to explore in England during May?

May provides excellent conditions for hiking popular routes like the Cumbria Way in the Lake District the Cotswolds Way and the South West Coast Path. Well-traveled paths include Cat Bells near Keswick and trails up Scafell Pike. One TourRadar review states: "The May wildflowers along the Borrowdale Valley trails were spectacular and hiking Haystacks offered incredible views without summer crowds." Base yourself at Glaramara House or The Wordsworth Hotel for easy trail access.

What special events and festivals can I experience in England during May?

The month brings signature events like London's Chelsea Flower Show with its world-class garden displays. The spirited Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling takes place in the Cotswolds while the Bath Festival presents music and literature throughout May. TourRadar travelers report "the spring flowers were in full bloom and made places like the Roman Baths even more magical." Tours often include stops at Salisbury Cathedral known for its May garden displays.

How crowded are major attractions in England during May?

May hits the sweet spot before peak summer tourism while maintaining pleasant weather. Popular sites like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge see fewer visitors than summer months. A TourRadar review notes: "Visiting Bath's Roman Baths in May meant we could explore without the usual summer queues." Hotels including The Royal Duchy Hotel in Falmouth and Hampton by Hilton Bath City have better availability though advance bookings remain recommended.

What is the weather like in England during May?

Expect mild spring temperatures between 11-17°C (52-63°F) and roughly 8 hours of daylight. While rain showers occur May tends to be relatively dry. TourRadar travelers report "The weather was unusually outstanding in May with clear skies perfect for exploring outdoor sites." These conditions suit walking tours through the Cotswolds and London explorations. Central hotels like the Thistle Marble Arch provide convenient bases for city stays.

England Tours in May 2026

10 best England trips in May 2026

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Explorer
5-Day In London A Royal Adventure
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Rochester, Dover, Cotswolds
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $1,245
US$934per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Kent, Castles & Coastlines
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Kent, Canterbury, Alfriston, Brighton, Portsmouth,Chichester+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South East England
Operated in
English
Operator
Royal Irish Tours
25% Off
From
US$3,383per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall (Hotel) - 5 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Hotels gave good service and food was available at each stop."
Glenys, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Winchester, Stonehenge, Exeter,Dartmoor National Park,Tavistock,Boscastle,Tintagel,Port Isaac,Falmouth,St Ives,Glastonbury+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,900
US$1,520per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
4 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury & Cambridge - 6 Days (Small-Group)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
London, Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury, Lacock, Cambridge
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $1,980
US$1,267per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
5 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day London And Liverpool By Train
Duration
6 days
Destinations
London, Liverpool
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $1,201
US$901per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
4 Day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge Small-Group Tour from Bristol
4.7 (6 traveler reviews)
"We went to places familiar to tours and others that it seemed only a local would know. All with good cheer."
Virginia, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Bristol, Exmoor National Park, Dunster, Tintagel, Falmouth,St Ives,Sennen,Penzance,Marazion,Tavistock,Widecombe in the Moor,Dartmoor National Park,Exeter,Wareham,Lulworth,Stonehenge+11 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
25% Off
From
US$870per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 May, 2026
6 spaces left
10 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge Small-Group Tour from Bristol - 4 Days
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Bristol, Dunster, Exmoor National Park, Tintagel, Falmouth,St Ives,Land's End,Tavistock,Dartmoor National Park,Exeter,Stonehenge+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $1,850
US$1,184per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 May, 2026
10 spaces left
10 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury & Cambridge - 5-Day (Small-Group)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury, Lacock, Cambridge
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $1,900
US$1,216per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Avebury, Cliffs of Dover & Kent - 5-Day (Small-Group)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Oxford, Bath, Avebury, Lacock, Kent
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,060
US$1,318per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Isle of Wight Discovery - 3 days
Duration
3 days
Destinations
London, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Shanklin, The Needles,Winchester+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $940
US$752per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 May, 2026
4 spaces left
13 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London
4.7 (144 traveler reviews)
"The experience was top notch. From our guide, Jack, to the itinerary, to the comfortable van."
Elaine, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Winchester, Stonehenge, Exeter,Dartmoor National Park,Tavistock,Boscastle,Tintagel,Port Isaac,Falmouth,Saint Michael's Mount,Porthcurno,St Ives,Bodmin,Glastonbury+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
CornwallSouth West England+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
20% Off
From
US$1,171per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
6 spaces left
4 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Devon & Cornwall
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent guide and itinerary."
Heather, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
London, Salisbury, Exeter, Dartmoor National Park,Tavistock,Bodmin,Falmouth,Padstow,Port Isaac,Tintagel,Bideford,Exmoor National Park,New Forest National Park+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
Royal Irish Tours
20% Off
From
US$2,807per person
Price based on Private Double Room
30 May, 2026
2 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Day London, Oxford, Stratford And Warwick
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour was so well organised. The day trip to Warwick Castle, Stratford upon Avon and Oxford was a highlight."
Annette, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $1,494
US$1,121per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall - 5 days
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"His driving on Cornwall and Devon's narrow roads was stellar, as was his navigation around London."
George, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
London, Winchester, Stonehenge, Exeter,Dartmoor National Park,Tavistock,Boscastle,Tintagel,Port Isaac,Falmouth,Porthcurno,St Ives,Glastonbury+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
CornwallSouth West England+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,680
US$1,344per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
4 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
The Isle of Wight, Stonehenge, Cornwall & the Southern Coast - 7 Days - Small Group
Duration
7 days
Destinations
London, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Shanklin, Winchester,Stonehenge,Dartmoor National Park,Tintagel,Exeter,Boscastle,Falmouth,Glastonbury+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South West England
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $3,670
US$2,349per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 May, 2026
10 spaces left
27 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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