5 Best Places to Visit in November
RabbiePosted on 11 Sept 2024
Here on our side of the world, the sky might darken, and the air may chill, but November is a time when the world turns magical. There’s a dusting of sleepiness in the air, and more than enough gorgeous autumnal vibes for those who love this cosy time of year, and we have a list of the best places to visit in November. So, just before winter makes its grand appearance, discover why November is the perfect time for one last shoulder-season holiday.
Coming up in this article:
Our Top Destinations to Visit in November
We love travelling in autumn; it’s one of our favourite times of year to embark on our small-group tours with a group of adventurers (that’s you, by the way) ready to see the landscapes we love hugged by golden leaves. And while we can honestly recommend most places, these next 5 locations will make your November holiday extra memorable.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Average temperature: 5 – 10 degrees Celsius (but can get as low as 1 degree)
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Cosy, cobblestone vibes
Rabbie’s Tour: Edinburgh tours
If you tell people you’re visiting Edinburgh, you usually get one reaction: jealousy. Why? Because Edinburgh is one of those mystical kinds of places that ignite people’s curiosity and inner explorer. It’s the kind of city where stories are etched into the architecture of creaky closes, with ghosts haunting every nook, cranny, and classic Scottish pub.
And when you have a dramatic castle perched on an extinct volcano overlooking grand gardens that used to be a loch where they drowned witches... well, it’s hard to beat that kind of first impression.
Edinburgh will carve its own space in your memory bank, trust us. It’s an impossible place to forget and an easy place to adore, no matter the time of year. And what we love about Edinburgh in November is how the clouds (because there will be clouds) hug you from above, the streets grow sleepy with fewer travellers, and the festivities of Christmas begin to whisper along the streets.
The whole of Scotland is a great place to visit in November, from Glen Coe to the islands, the borders to the streets of our grand cities, you’ll almost have too many adventures to choose from. And Edinburgh, being our capital, makes for a great base from which to explore the rest of the country – whether that be on your own solo adventures or on a small-group tour with us.
Hot tip: Take advantage of 10% off day trips when you travel with us between 1st October and the 17th December 2024.
Something else we love about November in Scotland? You may think ‘Och, there’s nothing that special about November’... but we’re here to show you otherwise. Across the UK, November 5th is celebrated with a bang and a spark for Bonfire Night, otherwise known as Guy Fawkes’ Night. There is a plethora of fun, family-friendly events for you to join in on and watch grand firework displays. Some of our favourites include the Fawkes Festival in Edinburgh and the Lenzie Family Fireworks in Glasgow.
Not only that, you can also join in on St Andrew’s Day celebrations. On the 30th November in Scotland, we celebrate St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, with parties and feasts and events around the country. We’d love for you to join us.
London, England
Average temperature: 6- 12 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Bustling city vibes
Rabbie’s Tour: London tours
London is the party popper at a birthday event. It’s the firework display at your favourite event. It’s the friend in your group with the loud, boisterous laugh. London is impossible to ignore, and we wouldn’t want to anyway. With such a vibrant city at your disposal, why wouldn’t London be on your places to visit in November?
You know how they call New York ‘the city that never sleeps’? Well, we’d say London is her equally excitable cousin. There’s always something to do in the capital of England – whether it be getting to know the royal family, indulging in cuisines from around the world, relaxing the wallet a little along Oxford Street, or exploring its impressive history, London is a cultural and social hub that has something for everyone.
And, as mentioned earlier, November is the sparkling month of the UK with endless Bonfire Night events for you to choose from. A pinnacle of the tradition is the celebration at ‘Ally Pally’ - or Alexandra Palace, for its more traditional name. But this popular event is known as the Ally Pally Fireworks Festival, a place for people to dance to DJs, live bands and tribute acts; cozy up to roaring bonfires; indulge in a Germain Bier Festival; or run about at the family funfair. This event sells out quickly, so make sure you book in fast!
And once you’ve had your fill of London, you might be interested in the places around her that leave a different kind of impression. Whether it’s the quiet beauty of Bath, the idyllic coziness of the Cotswolds, or the grandeur of Oxford, we can see why England draws a crowd.
Bristol, England
Average temperature: 6 – 10 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn/ Fall
Best for: Relaxed, every-day city vibes
Rabbie’s Tour: Bristol tours
Bristol is like home. It’s not too big, not too small, the perfect Goldilocks kind of place to be both entertained and relaxed at a moment’s notice. From gazing at rows of coloured houses, to hopping on a tiny ‘ferry’ to cross the River Avon and exploring the culinary delights of Wapping Wharf under the gaze of a hazy sunset, Bristol is one of those cities that make you think: “...I could live here”.
And we’ve chosen Bristol for more than its good looks and wonderful personality, but as another option on our Bonfire Night festival scavenger hunt in November with the Bristol Fireworks Fiesta! Run about the festival covered in glow-sticks from food stall to drink stall, to the soundtrack of an ambling band, under the watchful gaze of the sky’s sparklers.
And beyond Bristol’s gates lies an enchanting landscape. It’s almost too simple to call it ‘England’. No. It’s Stardust and Pride & Prejudice, Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter... it’s a landscape that has inspired countless passionate stories and will continue to do so forever. How could it not? See it for yourself under its woolly autumnal coat, dusted with rust-coloured leaves that tremble their way to the ground, and a humble autumn sky.
Bath, England
Average temperature: 5 – 11 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Ancient vibes
Rabbie’s Tour: Bath tours
As you wander the cobbled streets of Bath, you have to do one thing for us: imagine. Imagine yourself as Jane Austen, living here in the 1800s; or as Lady Whistledown in the show Bridgerton, gathering gossip about the ton; or even as the Romans arriving in Britain and deciding to build one of the most striking and influential English cities that exists today.
Bath may be small, but she’s influential. If she can inspire the likes of Austen, we’re certain she can inspire you too. And in the month of November, as Bath heads towards the slumber of winter, she becomes peaceful and humbled, the perfect place to wander from shop to restaurant, ancient monument to historical museum as you luxuriate in this pleasure-palace of a city. And as winter approaches, you might even get to treat yourself to the emerging Christmas Markets and festive fun!
Venice, Italy
Average temperature: 4 – 13 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Stepping into another world
Rabbie’s Tour: Venice, Garda & Romantic Northern Italy
How do you even begin to describe a place like Venice? Many words come to mind. Labyrinth. Haunted. Unfathomable. Floating. Sensational. Bustling. Eerie. We could go on, but you’re starting to get the picture, aren’t you?
Venice during the day is a hive of energy and passion. And Venice at night is well-and-truly haunted. But we don’t mean to put you off. It’s the kind of place where, even wandering at night, you feel welcomed by the ghosts of Venice’s history, the darkness of the pokey alleys and hidden squares something closer to friend than foe.
And under the autumnal blanket of November, Venice begins to frost over. This floating city becomes steeped in gentle weather, and the streets grow quiet. As the sun disappears for the night, the twinkle of restaurants and bars come to life, beckoning you into their warmth embrace.
Venice is an incredible place to visit all year round, but visiting in November can only be described as utterly magical, akin to discovering a piece of lost jewelry at the bottom of a flowing river and wondering how it got there and what stories it has to share.
November Places to Visit FAQs
Have we convinced you to travel in November? We’re sure you will have some questions about it, so let us answer some of the most common questions asked for this time of year.
Are UK and European Destinations Still Hot in November?
By this time of year, most destinations in Europe and the UK are starting to get quite cold. You’ll need to pack a variety of clothing options to keep you comfortable while you travel, including a scarf, beanie, gloves, and a jacket. A raincoat or umbrella is always a good idea too!
Is November a Good Time to Travel?
In our opinion, November is a fantastic time to travel thanks to it being far quieter where travellers are concerned. If you’re looking for shorter queue times and more peaceful explorations, then travelling in late autumn is for you.
Of course, some attractions shorten their opening hours during this part of the year, so make sure to account for that when planning your trip.
What is the Best Short Break for November?
The best short break in November will depend on what you want to do and see, but we have a soft spot for Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole. Being autumnal in Edinburgh is an experience you need on your holiday. Don your colourful scarf and favourite coat, grab a cosy season beverage, and meander the cobbled history of this wonderful city.
But perhaps you want to savour the last rays of warmth in a European country, like Italy. It’s simply up to you to decide where to next. To help plan your next getaway, refer to our short breaks guide to ensure you don’t miss a step.
Shelter on Board a Small-Group Tour
Rug up with us on a new adventure by securing your next short break with confidence with a Rabbie’s tour. Whether you choose to travel in November, or you opt for another time of year, our driver-guides will be awaiting you with a smile. What’s more, when you travel with a B Corp certified company, you are making the choice to explore more responsibly. And that’s always a positive thing to celebrate. Make sure you sign-up to our newsletter for your portion of inspiration and to be one of the first to know about new destinations we’re going to explore.
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