How to Prepare for the Unpredictable Weather in the UK

Photo from Flickr by timsnell

Two of the main things that the United Kingdom is renowned for are amazing locations and unpredictable weather. These two things go together like chalk and cheese, a sudden downpour of rain can quickly dampen spirits when you’re taking in a wonderful country trail.

With this in mind, there are some things that everybody should consider to ensure that they are ready for the unpredictability of weather in the United Kingdom. There can’t be many things more predictable than this.

Check the forecast

The weather here is much like that seen in the rest of Western Europe – it is fickle and you need to be ready for change. If the weather forecast does do the decent thing and tell you that it will be fine all day still be a little wary as things can be liable to change in the blink of an eye. Hopefully however it will remain fair for the duration of your trip. By being on the ball with the forecast you can ensure that you book your holiday cottages with the best chance of good weather.

Preparing for the worst

In all walks of life, you need a contingency plan, and on a British holiday this is exactly the same. It can be a case of forward thinking and ensuring that there are picturesque views and indoor facilities for you and your family to enjoy. If you do have pets, then there are many dog friendly holiday cottages for you to enjoy where everybody is allowed to huddle around the warm open fire inside if the worst does happen.

Chasing the sun

When it comes to the weather, some people just want to play the percentages and hope that they can head to a place where there is a higher likelihood of sun. In that case, keep away from Scotland and head to the South West and the many coastal retreats and havens that places like Dartmoor or Cornwall have to offer.

Sometimes you just have to get wet

Without sacrifice there can be no victory is how the saying goes, and while it is often used for actions on a bigger scale it can be used for holidays too. The weather is going to be unpredictable regardless of what you want to do, and for this reason, you need to just hit places like the Cotswolds, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District with the appropriate clothing for any weather. For rambling and hiking, you need strong boots and multi-purpose clothing is a given so why not risk the rain and head off anyway?

The fact of the matter is, you’re going to meet rain at some point whether you want to or not. There are many things that you can do to lower the risk, but if you carry the appropriate clothing for all weather then you will never struggle with wet and windy days.

Jen Hoggett has written 22 articles. I grew up in Bristol though all my family are from up North. This means I pretty much sidestepped the Bristolian accent although I did manage to pick up the brilliant intonation which means I raise the pitch of my voice towards the end of my sentences; making everything I say sound like a question. This West Country trait is balanced out nicely however by the fact I am an excellent cider drinker and can dance shamelessly to the Wurzels.