When to Go & Travel Tips
Pack layers in any season — Scottish weather in particular can change several times a day. Flights, trains, the ETA and the small things that make the days easier are here too.
When to go
Spring (April and May)
Fresh weather, longer days and gardens in bloom. May is often one of the drier months in Scotland and a lovely time for the cities.
Summer (June to August)
Long daylight, especially in Scotland. August is Edinburgh’s festival month — the Fringe, the International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — so book well ahead if you want it, and avoid it if you don’t.
Autumn (September and October)
Quieter after the summer rush, with autumn colour in the Highlands and good city-break weather on the better days.
Winter (November to March)
Short days — very short in Scotland — but Christmas markets, theatre season and Hogmanay in Edinburgh on December 31 make it a cosy time for cities.
Getting there
- Non-stop flights to London run from many Canadian cities, plus seasonal non-stops to Edinburgh and Glasgow from some.
- Flying into London and home from Scotland avoids backtracking.
Trains and getting around the cities
- London to Edinburgh is about four and a half hours from King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley on the fastest services. It is usually easier than flying once you count airport time.
- Edinburgh to Glasgow is about 50 minutes.
- Book Advance tickets for long-distance trains once your dates are set — they are usually much cheaper than buying on the day.
- Tap a contactless card or phone on London’s Tube and buses; daily fare caps apply automatically.
Entry for Canadians
- Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. It costs £20 for applications made since April 8, 2026, allows multiple visits of up to six months, and lasts two years or until your passport expires.
- Apply through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app. Other websites may charge more for the same thing.
- Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so the ETA applies there too — including if you cross the border from Ireland.
Practical notes
- The currency is the pound sterling (£). Plugs are type G, 230 V — bring an adapter.
- Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
- Since July 2026, Edinburgh adds a 5% visitor levy to paid accommodation, capped at five nights.
- Glasgow adds a 5% visitor levy to stays from January 25, 2027, for bookings made since April 1, 2026.
- 999 is the UK emergency number, and 112 also works.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
United Kingdom planning questions
Do Canadians need an ETA to visit the UK?
Yes. Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to the UK. It costs £20 for applications made since April 8, 2026, allows multiple visits of up to six months, and lasts two years or until your passport expires. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so the ETA applies there too — including if you cross the border from Ireland.
How long is the train from London to Edinburgh?
About four and a half hours from King’s Cross on the fastest services, arriving at Edinburgh Waverley in the heart of the city. It is usually easier than flying once you count airport time, and the scenery along the northeast coast is a bonus.
Should I visit Edinburgh in August?
Only if the festivals are the point. August brings the Fringe, the International Festival and the Tattoo — wonderful, but hotels book up far in advance and prices rise. If you just want to see the city, May, June or September are calmer.
Do I need both Edinburgh and Glasgow?
Not always. Edinburgh is the classic first stop for history and architecture. Glasgow suits travellers who like music, design and free museums, and it is the better launch point for Loch Lomond and the west Highlands. They are under an hour apart, so it is easy to include both.
Back to the United Kingdom overview
Let’s plan your UK trip
Tell me which cities are on your list, roughly when you would like to go, and whether the Highlands are part of it. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, trains and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.