Are tours still operating in January and what's different about winter tours?

Tours continue to operate throughout January with modified schedules. The 3-Day Isle of Skye tour runs in winter but travelers should note that "Eilean Donan Castle closes between December 22nd and February 1st." Winter itineraries focus more on indoor sites and cultural experiences. The quieter season means fewer tourists at popular locations. A recent traveler shared that "having iconic spots like Glencoe almost to ourselves in January was magical."

What special events or festivals happen in UK and Great Britain during January?

The first month brings distinctive celebrations across Britain. Scotland marks Burns Night on January 25th while London hosts its International Boat Show. Glasgow comes alive with the Celtic Connections music festival and Edinburgh extends its Hogmanay celebrations into early January. One traveler noted "experiencing a traditional Burns Supper at The Witchery restaurant in Edinburgh was a highlight of our January trip."

What weather conditions can I expect during January tours in UK and Great Britain?

Winter temperatures range from 2-7°C (35-45°F) with snow more likely in Scotland's Highlands near Inverness and Loch Ness. The Lake District sees frequent rain while London stays relatively mild. Rabbie's Tours adapts itineraries based on conditions with guides managing weather challenges effectively. Outdoor sites like Stonehenge and York's walls remain accessible. Hotels such as Mercure Edinburgh City and The Royal Lancaster London provide warm bases for winter exploration.

How much should I budget for a January trip to UK and Great Britain?

Winter brings notable savings with tour prices 20-30% below peak season rates. A 5-day Wales tour starts at 943 USD while a 13-day Scotland and Ireland journey costs 2895 USD. Hotels offer winter discounts with the Hilton London Olympia averaging 150 USD nightly. One visitor reported: "We found fantastic post-holiday deals in London and Edinburgh especially on accommodations and tourist attractions."

Which areas of UK and Great Britain are best to visit in January?

The Scottish Highlands present dramatic winter views particularly around Glen Coe and Skye. Cultural capitals Edinburgh and London excel in winter with their wealth of indoor venues. The Cotswolds and Bath charm visitors with frost-covered historic streets. The Richmond Hotel in Bath and The Skye Inn in Portree serve as strategic winter bases. A recent visitor noted: "The Scottish Highlands in January were magical - the snow-covered mountains and cozy B&Bs made for an unforgettable experience."

What are the best indoor attractions to visit in UK and Great Britain during January?

January offers a peaceful time to explore Britain's cultural institutions. The British Museum and National Gallery in London welcome visitors free of charge. Bath's Roman complex creates unique winter atmospheres with steam rising in cold air. Edinburgh's Royal Yacht Britannia and Titanic Belfast provide engaging indoor experiences. One visitor observed: "The Windsor Castle State Apartments felt extra cozy in January and we could really take our time exploring each room."

Are there any sections of popular attractions closed during January?

Winter brings some schedule adjustments. Historic Scotland sites like Urquhart Castle close earlier around 4pm. Hampton Court Palace may restrict garden access for maintenance. Major attractions including Tower of London Edinburgh Castle and Roman Baths maintain regular operations. A Rabbie's Tours guest noted: "While some smaller attractions were closed our guide provided excellent alternatives and the major sites were wonderfully uncrowded."

UK and Great Britain Tours in January 2026

Jan '26
Feb '26

10 best UK and Great Britain trips in January 2026

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Explorer
Great Britain and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
4.8 (53 traveler reviews)
Duration
18 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $3,065
US$2,759per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
4.9 (21 traveler reviews)
"The add on activities that Contiki has were fabulous!! Would recommend!"
Chelsea, traveled in January
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $2,255
US$2,030per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
British Isles London to Dublin Adventure - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $2,390
US$2,032per person
Price based on Private Double Room
30 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Best of the UK & Ireland - Self Guided Rail Tour
Duration
21 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Euroventure Travel
15% Off
From
US$3,687per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
15 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
Duration
10 days
Destinations
England Scotland Ireland
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
15% Off
From
US$3,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Ireland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
4.5 (27 traveler reviews)
"Was far better than I could have possibly imagined and I would definitely book with Contiki again!!"
Kat, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway,Londonderry,Giants Causeway,Belfast+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $1,395
US$1,256per person
Price based on Shared Room
31 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
England in a Week (Classic, Winter)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon,Birmingham,Liverpool,Manchester,York,Lake District National Park,Hadrian's Wall,Carlisle,Edinburgh+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $905
US$815per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
England and Scotland (Classic, Winter, End London)
4.5 (24 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
London, Windsor, Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Birmingham,Stratford-upon-Avon,Liverpool,Manchester,York,Carlisle,Lake District National Park,Hadrian's Wall,Edinburgh,St Andrews,Inverness,Stirling,Loch Ness,Aviemore,Glenfinnan,Glasgow+15 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $1,895
US$1,706per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
4.5 (5 traveler reviews)
"Sure knew so much about all of our stops as well and the combination of her and our driver was perfect."
Casey, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness,Aviemore,Glasgow+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $915
US$824per person
Price based on Shared Room
26 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"TourRadar took care of hotels, transfers, breakfast, and the castle tour. That left us to decide what we wanted to see which was great!"
Lisa, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inverness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,641
US$1,067per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
15 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"This tour was a great yet face-paced overview of the region. There was a lot of information."
Sara, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland Wales
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
35% Off
From
US$2,549per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
30 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
United Kingdom and Ireland (including Loch Ness)
4.0 (31 traveler reviews)
"Sha driving was very good."
Shirley, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland Wales
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
35% Off
From
US$2,171per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
30 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Aonghus Youth (19 destinations)
4.1 (16 traveler reviews)
"Enjoyed the day in Scotland highlands. Got to Durham too late to enjoy the town."
Theresa, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
35% Off
From
US$1,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
30 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
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Explorer
5 Day Dublin including Giants Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Galway City & Cahir Castles
4.6 (7 traveler reviews)
"Everyone at TourRadar was great in dealing with all of our requests and changes."
Robin, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ireland Northern Ireland England
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,542
US$1,003per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
15 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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$From Paris To Ireland: A Journey Through Europe\'s Most Iconic Cities Tour$
$From Paris To Ireland: A Journey Through Europe\'s Most Iconic Cities - 15 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
From Paris To Ireland: A Journey Through Europe's Most Iconic Cities
Duration
13 days
Destinations
France England Scotland Northern Ireland Ireland
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
10% Off
From $3,899
US$3,509per person
Price based on Private Double Room
17 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
24 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Kristina

Expert in UK and Great Britain at TourRadar

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