Are you heading to the UK and wondering what to pack? Our definitive UK packing list has everything you need for your trip, whatever the season. Use this article with our UK Travel Packing Essentials List to ensure you have all your UK travel packing essentials.
In this article, you will find exactly what to pack for your UK vacation to ensure you are prepared with everything you need and not under (or over) packed for your trip.
There are a number of things to consider when preparing your UK packing list including:
Planning and preparation are the best steps to ensure you pack exactly what you need for your trip. Consider your answers to the above questions as you read this article.
Read on for my essential UK packing list.
Table Of ContentsThe time of year you are visiting the UK can influence what you will need to pack. Broadly speaking the UK is warm in summer and cold in the winter.
The climate is however notoriously unreliable. For example, May can be a glorious month with hot sunny days one year but a gloomy washout the next.
Expect rain. And expect weather patterns to change rapidly. Sunny and warm one day but raining and chilly the next.
Packing tips to prepare for UK weather
Ensure you pack comfortable footwear. If you are planning to buy new shoes for your trip make sure you wear them before you travel. There is nothing worse than acquiring a blister or two on your first day.
In winter I recommend boots. Ensure that they are waterproof to keep your feet warm and dry.
In summer sandals are fine especially on warmer days. Avoid flip flops as they are not the best footwear in the UK at any time!
Sneakers are a great option all year round and practical for most activities. Just ensure that they are waterproof.
I recommend planning carefully when it comes to deciding what luggage to use. If you are travelling round the UK by train for example you may want to reconsider taking an enormous suitcase!
I recommend a medium-sized wheelie suitcase for UK travel. If you want to take one carry on only it is important to check size requirements with your airline as some airlines are more generous than others.
Consider your weight allowance too. If your suitcase is full and/or at its weight limit on your outbound flight it means you can’t buy any souvenirs when you are in the UK! An expandable suitcase would be an excellent option for those of you intending to purchase gifts and souvenirs of your trip.
I also highly recommend using packing cubes as an efficient way to arrange your suitcase. It took me a while to be convinced but not I use them every time I travel. They are particularly useful if you are planning to change locations during your UK vacation as you can pack clothing into packing cubes for each destination.
Make sure your bag/suitcase is easily manoeuvrable and lightweight especially if you are intending to use public transport in the UK.
