England is a popular holiday destination at any time of year, so plan well ahead when booking flight tickets. London, the capital city, is pretty much busy year-round but in general April to the end of September is high season for tourism and when many visitors arrive on cheap flights to England. Most people fly into London as it offers the cheapest flights to England, it’s also the best jumping off point if you want to explore Ireland or Europe. Public holiday periods, especially around Christmas / New Year, and July to August when the Brits are on holiday, can see dramatic hikes in the price of flight tickets and accommodation. If you plan on travelling during peak seasons or busy periods, then start keeping an eye on flight ticket prices four months in advance, the cheapest flights to England will sell out more quickly during peak travel season.
Off Season:
November through March is considered the low season for travelling to England and if you don’t mind the colder weather you can pick up some real bargains on flights and accommodation. For many Aussies, escaping the heat of summer at home and experiencing a proper English winter can be a reason to travel at this time, as well as the London theatre season and post-Christmas sales. Note that many castles, stately homes and museums, especially outside London, have reduced hours during these months.
When is the best time to book a flight to England?
The weather is typically a factor in deciding when to book a flight to England, and as this can be unpredictable even in summer, it’s best to come prepared with a few layers and a jacket. In general the south is the warmest, the west gets the most rain and the north is the coldest. Due to its proximity to the continent, it’s not unheard of for England to experience heatwaves in summer where temperatures can rise to the mid-30s. Winters are usually frosty and cold and snowfall is common, especially in the north of England.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to cheap flights to England from Australia as this is a competitive travel route amongst many airlines. Some of the cheapest flights to England can be found through the Asia / China route with airlines such as Singapore, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia and Air China, keep an eye out for earlybird deals and last minute flight specials. Two popular Middle Eastern airlines that offer long-haul flights to England from Australia are Emirates flying via Dubai and Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi.
How to get from the airport to the city centre?
Flights to England from Australia will land either at Heathrow Airport (LHR), the largest airport in the UK, or Gatwick Airport (LGW). Both airports have first-rate train networks enabling visitors to quickly reach central London. Heathrow offers the Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect and the London Underground (travel times: 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 55 minutes respectively). Gatwick has the Gatwick Express which runs every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 30 minutes.
England insider information
London, where most cheap flights to England land, is an expensive city, but one place where you can save some money is on the museums and galleries. Most of them offer free admission. The British Museum alone would take a week to get around.
The London Eye, which stands on the South Bank of the River Thames, is one of the must-see stops along the River Thames. The giant wheel offers views of up to 40km - if you get a fine day.
Gloucestershire, is famous for a different kind of wheel. On the last Monday in May, a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down Cooper's Hill. Hundreds of contestants run, in hot pursuit. Find out more in our top 10 cheese destinations.
Stonehenge is the most famous ancient monument, but it's not possible to get very close to the stones. At Avebury, 32km away, you can walk up and touch them.
Glastonbury is more than the yearly, muddy, music festival. It is where fabled King Arthur and his queen Guinevere are said to be buried - a simple notice board marks the spot.
In Gloucestershire, on the last Monday in May, a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down Cooper's Hill. Hundreds of contestants run, in hot pursuit.
Europe's largest street party, and second only in the world to the Rio Carnival, the Notting Hill Carnival in West London is held at the end of August.
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