| Cover | Dec. 14, 2023 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 14, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38067 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Verona Pharma plc |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001657312 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1489389 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3 More London Riverside |
| Entity Address, City or Town | London |
| Entity Address, Country | GB |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | SE1 2RE |
| Country Region | 44 |
| City Area Code | 203 |
| Local Phone Number | 283 4200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary shares, nominal value £0.05 per share* |
| Trading Symbol | VRNA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
