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Packing list for a UK holiday

Packing list for a UK holiday

Here’s your ultimate packing list for a UK holiday. If you’re just after the list in bullet point format with no waffle then please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full list. If you’d like some ideas and recommendations for specific products then keep reading to see my favourite items when packing for a UK holiday.

Today I’m sharing a packing list for a UK holiday to ensure you’ve got everything you need and you don’t forget the essentials.

Packing for a UK holiday isn’t easy because we have such varied weather. One minute it’s warm and sunny and the next it’s snowing. 

One thing you can almost always guarantee during a UK holiday is that it will rain at some point. If it doesn’t rain during your UK trip then you’ve been very, very lucky!

If all else fails, blue jeans and a white t-shirt never look out of place!

Create a capsule wardrobe

Stick with one colour theme so you can pack lighter and all items can work together.

A windproof and waterproof jacket on the beach? Yea…it’s the kind of place!

And don’t even think about visiting without a warm coat for the winter!

What clothes to pack for a UK holiday

Temperatures are mild in the UK and ‘jeans and a t-shirt’ is our go-to outfit for any occasion.

We wear jeans and a t-shirt all year round! You can dress it up, dress it down, add a warmer layer, take off a layer when it’s hot and you can wear this outfit in most circumstances.

If you’re ever in doubt, wear jeans and a t-shirt! No matter what your age, jeans and a t-shirt will be fine.

Visiting Bamburgh Castle

Jeans

Levi’s 501 are my absolute favourites. If I’m trying to pack light then I’ll stick to Levi’s super skinny high rise in black because they’re suitable for so many situations (they’re linked below and yes, I buy them on Amazon because you can order loads of sizes and send them back before you’ve paid for anything). I’ll wear them with heels to go out for dinner, hiking boots to go walking, trainers for a casual day out, sandals when it’s hot.

You get the picture. These are a versatile pair of jeans and I wouldn’t be without them for a holiday in the UK.

Levi's Mile High Super Skinny Women's Jeans Black Ground (Black) 30 28
  • Ultra high rise with a super sleek silhouette
  • Levi's sculpt with hyperstretch is an advanced blend of lycra and cotton fibers for extreme stretch
  • Made with water and ltLess technology - Uses 96 Percent less water than standard finishing techniques

Jumpers

Whether you call them jumpers or sweatshirts, these are a staple item when you’re packing for a holiday in the UK.

Once again, we love a jumper because it can be dressy or casual, really warm or just a light layer.

Aokosor Ladies Sweatshirt V Neck Jumpers Womens Long Sleeve Tops with Pockets Side Split Black Size...
  • 【FEATURES】: V neck jumpers highlights your elegant neck curve, two side pockets make it easy to carry your belongings such as keys and cards
  • 【MATCH】: Goes with anything! Especially nice length for leggings. It has a basic cut, which makes it the ideal base for many outfits.
  • 【OCCASION】: Casual and loose style makes it great for a variety of activities. Suitable for daily wear, work, outdoor, vacation, shopping, dating and lounge around the house
Vancavoo Women's Sweatshirt Long Sleeve Casual Tunic Tops Ladies Jumpers Plain Crewneck Pullover...
  • 【Comfortable Fabric】This women's long sleeve top is made of high-quality CVC wool fleece brushed fabric, the composition of the fabric contains 60% polyester, 35% cotton, 5% spandex. Elastic, soft...
  • 【Unique Design】Comfortable round neck and solid color loose top make you look more stylish and elegant, the very special front hem with cross kink design adds highlights to women's long sleeves,...
  • 【Color & Size】We provide you with women's loose long sleeves sweatshirt in black, gray, khaki, wine red, navy blue; sizes are S, M, L, XL, XXL。Has a cute little size, and loose plus Large size,...

Light t-shirts and vests

We do get plenty of mild to warm days in the UK through the spring, summer and autumn so pack some t-shirts or vests for those rare days when the sun comes out.

Casual shirts are also really easy and they can be comfy and casual but still look put together.

Amazon Essentials Women's Classic-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt, Pack of 2, White, M
  • Close-but-comfortable fit with easy movement
  • Lightweight jersey cotton blend with stretch
  • An Amazon brand
Ladies Blouses, Casual Summer Long Sleeve Tunic Tops, Oversized Plain Button Down Up Shirt, Plus...
  • ❤Unique Design: The white shirts for women will help you achieve a casual yet put-together look! Lightweight and comfortable fabric creates a collared neckline, rolled-up 3/4 sleeves, buttoning...
  • ❤Adjustable Sleeve Design: Get chic, effortless style with the womens summer tops. This button down shirts is comfy and casual as ever, with no sacrifice of sleek style! The styling possibilities...
  • ❤Incredible Comfort: Stand out from the crowd this season with these women's tops and blouses from our latest collection. Made of advanced 95% Polyester 5% Spandex, the comfy fabric is very...

Light jacket

The light jacket is another essential thing to pack for a holiday in the UK! This isn’t your big coat, this is a lighter version for those days when you need more than just a jumper.

A light shacket is also perfect
Amazon Essentials Women's Utility Jacket, Black, M
  • This multi-season must-have jacket is comfortable and easy to wear
  • Comes in a relaxed fit with interior drawcord to cinch at waist
  • Everyday made better: we listen to customer feedback and fine-tune every detail to ensure quality, fit, and comfort
Amazon Essentials Women's Lightweight Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer...
  • Slightly tailored fit through the waist
  • An Amazon brand
  • Please note, the size located on the care label in this garment corresponds to US sizing. Please use the size charts on the product detail page to find the equivalent size
janisramone Womens Plain Shacket Jacket Oversized Baggy Button Up Pocket Fleece Casual Shirt Coat...
  • 😍 Plain Oversized Shacket: Jackets are always best in style and never goes out of trend. Baggy jackets are best outerwear ever. This Baggy jacket is for those who loves to wear boyfriends oversized...
  • 😍 This is the best classic solid color baggy shacket with collar, two front and side pockets. Baggy Jackets look absolutely stunning on causal meetings and evening parties. This high fashioned,...
  • 😍 High Quality Fabric: Material used in this jacket if very safe, skin friendly and sweat free. Inner side of the jacket is very soft and cool so that you can comfortably wear in summer weather....

Comfortable shoes

We do a lot of walking here in the UK, whether it’s around towns and cities or through the countryside. Make sure you have comfortable shoes to ensure you’re happy on your feet all day.

My staple shoes are:

  • Dr Martens for winter
  • Veja trainers for spring
  • Birkenstocks for summer
  • Adidas walking trainers for hikes
  • On Cloudnova – just for everything because they’re so comfortable
Dr. Martens Women's 2976 Leonore Chelsea Boots, Black Black 001, 9 UK
  • Constructed for comfort on the iconic Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole
  • This boot is Goodyear-welted, meaning the upper and sole are sewn together in our heat-sealed z-welt stitch.
  • Good abrasion and slip resistance
Veja Women Campo Sneakers Extra White - Black 5 UK
  • The size indicated on the label is: 38 EU
  • Express shipping with taxes and duties included + Free returns within 30 days
Birkenstock MAYARI Birko-Flor Patent, Women's Sandals, Black (Black Patent), 4.5 UK (37 EU)
  • Suede Leather covered Cork Latex Footbed
  • Birkoflor Upper
  • Adjustable Strap
adidas Women's Terrex Trailmaker Hiking Walking Shoe, Core Black/Core Black/Halo Silver, 11
  • Women's lightweight hiking shoes with a rugged outsole
  • STABLE, FLEXIBLE UPPER: Stretchy textile upper with EVA stability frame
  • CUSHIONED UNDERFOOT: EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning

An umbrella

You’ll always need an umbrella! If you don’t have an umbrella, make sure you have a waterproof jacket with a hood!

Folding Travel Umbrella,6 Ribs Mini Travel Umbrella Strong Umbrella Folding Sun Umbrella Windproof...
  • 【Package Include】You will get 1 piece windproof travel umbrella and 1 piece square capsule case,There are 3 styles of black,pink and blue for your choice. The open size of summer travel umbrella...
  • 【Compact for Travel】Our compact mini umbrella come with capsule case,At 16cm/6.3inch in length when our lightweight umbrella closed.is the perfect compromise between umbrella size and...
  • 【99% UV Protection】UV protection, black coating inside blocks 99% rays, provide protection and keep cool in hot weather.Well built with 6 reinforced fiberglass ribs and durable metal shaft, the...
Regatta Womens Romine Waterproof Parka Jacket - Black - 12
  • Isotex: Waterproof, breathable and windproof membrane technology
  • Thermoguard: Quick dry synthetic fibre insulation that traps air
  • The turn-up cuffs with luxury faux fur trim bring cosy style

Packing list for a UK holiday in the winter

Blaze Wear Explorer Jacket - heated jacket review

There are a few extra things you’ll have to pack if your trip is in the winter.

  1. A warm coat (consider a heated jacket)
  2. Gloves
  3. Hat
  4. Waterproof boots
  5. Warm socks
UK holiday packing list

Packing list for a UK holiday in the summer

  1. Sunglasses
  2. Sun cream
  3. Shorts
  4. Skirts or dresses
  5. Sun hat
Sale
NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Sun Spray SPF30 (200 ml), Moisturising Suncream Spray with SPF30,...
  • Moisturising protection: NIVEA's moisturising cream spray offers effective protection against sun exposure with its highly effective UVA/UVB filter
  • SPF 30: NIVEA sun cream SPF 30 offers a medium level of sun protection which protects against sun exposure and UV-induced skin damage
  • Water-resistant: The moisturising suncream 30 is highly water resistant so will last longer in the sunshine. Make sure to reapply after entering the water
10 things you need to know before buying a holiday caravan

Toiletries for a UK holiday

You’ll need your normal toiletries you use at home such as:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Moisturiser
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

You’ll also need:

Insect repellent (especially if you’ll be spending any time near lakes or rivers in the summer)

Sunscreen in the summer

Jungle Formula Maximum Repellent Aerosol 125ml - Maximum Strength Repellent Aerosol against...
  • Up to 9 hours of total protection: Maximum strength insect repellent - Excellent for travellers to long-haul destinations. Up to 9hrs common mosquito (Culex), 8hrs malaria mosquito (Anopheles), 5hrs...
  • Insect Repellent Factor 4: Jungle Formula Maximum ANY DESTINATION has an insect repellent factor of 4 - The highest level on the IRF scale. Jungle Formula is available in kids (IRF2) and Medium (IRF3)
  • Jungle Formula Maximum repellent aerosol contains 50% DEET and 1% Geraniol - Maximum protection for adults and children over 12 years of age

Packing list for a UK beach holiday

  • Wetsuits (especially for kids)
  • Beach towels (if you’re short on space, opt for microfibre beach towels like the Dock & Bay ones)
  • Beach umbrella
  • Beach chairs
  • Windbreak
  • Bat and ball
  • Buckets and spades
Sale
Mountain Warehouse Junior Kids Shorty Wetsuit - 2.5mm Thickness, Neoprene Kids Wetsuit, Flat Seams...
  • UV Protect Max - tested up to UPF 50+
  • Flat Seams - Combined with a close fit to prevent chafing and provide extra comfort
  • Use - this wetsuit is suitable for bodyboarding & surfing, however should not be used for long distance swimming or triathlons
Dock & Bay Beach Towel - Quick Dry, Sand Free - Compact, Lightweight - 100% Recycled - Includes Bag...
  • PERFECT FOR THE BEACH - With a towel that is great for drying off after a dip in the sea or to kick back and sunbathe with, choose from two striped designs both ideal for the beach - the two-toned...
  • SAND FREE BEACH TOWEL - The ultimate beach companion that leaves the sand at the beach for castles. The high-quality material means all you need to do is give it a shake and all sand will simply fall...
  • 100% RECYCLED MATERIAL - Our towels are made from 100% recycled materials comprised of a mix of 83% polyester and 17% polyamide. Not only are they extremely soft with a pleasant feel, but they are...
Flamingueo Beach Umbrella - Beach Umbrella Protection UV50+, Beach Umbrella, Large Beach Umbrella,...
  • UNIQUE RETRO DESIGN: The beach umbrella is the fashion accessory this summer, Brisbane arrives to teleport you to paradise beaches. Our unique two-tone stripe design will protect you from the sun's...
  • HEAVY DUTY STRUCTURE AND DURABLE MATERIAL: Our terrace umbrella is sturdy and light (2.1 kg), its structure of 8 fiberglass rods provides the rigidity, strength and flexibility needed to be safe under...
  • HIGH PROTECTION AND EASY ASSEMBLY: Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays in style thanks to its high UV+50 sun protection of the beach umbrella, blocking 98-99% of the sun rays. Mounting the folding...
Sale
SONGMICS Beach Chair, Folding Camping Chair, Portable Outdoor Chair, Carry as a Backpack, with...
  • [Comfortable Sitting] Backrest height: 65 cm, adjustable from 110 to 180° (4 positions); seat size: 48 x 39 cm (D x W); seat height: 21 cm; everything in this beach chair is designed for you to sit...
  • [Portable & Foldable] This camping chair weighs 3.1 kg and has a shoulder strap so that it can be easily carried, even by children. When folded, it measures 66.5 x 70 x 11 cm and fits in the boot of...
  • [150 kg Load] The aluminium frame with 0.9 mm thick tube walls is sturdy; 600D Oxford fabric with a water-resistant coating is wear-resistant and durable. This outdoor chair can support up to 150 kg

Packing list for a UK countryside holiday

Wellies

Walking boots

Small backpack for walks

Boot buddy for muddy boots

The Boot Buddy - Shoe & Boot Cleaner Brush: Scrub Clean Walking & Hiking Boots, Golf Shoes, Football...
  • MULTIPLE USES − The Boot Buddy is as effective with bikes, wheelchair or pram wheels as it is with boots; so whether you've been jumping in muddy puddles, playing on wet and muddy fields, hiking up...
  • CLEANS BOOTS AND FOOTWEAR IN MINUTES − Not electric, hand operated and very easy to use - The Boot Buddy takes the strain out of cleaning footwear; cleaning the most stubborn mud in minutes,...
  • AS SEEN ON BBC’S DRAGONS' DEN − The Boot Buddy is brought to you from the Dragons Den Youngest Entrepreneur, supported by 3 of the UK's most successful investors.
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack, 25L Small Water Resistant Rucksack Foldable Travel...
  • 🎒【FLEXIBLE AND CONVENIENT】Our ultra lightweight foldable backpack weight is 290 g,the expansion size is 41×27×20 cm,and the folding size is 19×19×5 cm.Small foldable backpack is an ideal...
  • 🎒【REASONABLE AND ORDERLY】Our ultra lightweight foldable backpack capacity is 25L,and the pocket structure layout is reasonable and orderly.One main bag can accommodate sandwich lunch boxes and...
  • 🎒【HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS】Our light foldable backpack is water resistance (note:not completely waterproof).We use high-tear nylon fabrics and use the latest double-layer wear-resistant process...

Packing list for a UK city holiday

Crossbody bag for your valuables

Smart clothes for evenings out

Sale
Lily England Crossbody Bags for Women with Adjustable Wide Strap & Chain - Vegan Leather Crossbody...
  • Smart And Stylish Design: Our women's cross-body bag is designed to keep your items secure with multiple pockets for safe storage. With an on-trend design, our handbags for women crossbody can take...
  • Premium Handbag: Our small crossbody bag for women is crafted with high-quality fabrics and materials, making it both elegant and durable. A stylish vegan leather outer and premium lining, this side...
  • Spacious Storage: Our travel crossbody bag provides ample storage for all your essentials on the go, including mobile phone, wallet, makeup, and more, with big, zippered compartments. Our cross body...

Other essential things to pack for your UK holiday

Plug adaptor

Phone charger

Credit or debit card that will work in the UK

No products found.

Your simple, bullet point packing list for a UK holiday

  • Jeans
  • Jumpers
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and PJs
  • Light jacket
  • Dr Martens for winter
  • Veja trainers for spring
  • Birkenstocks for summer
  • Adidas walking trainers for hikes
  • On Cloudnova – just for everything because they’re so comfortable
  • Umbrella
  • Waterproof coat with a hood
  • A warm coat (consider a heated jacket)
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Waterproof boots
  • Warm socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Shorts
  • Skirts or dresses
  • Sun hat
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Moisturiser
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Insect repellent 
  • Sunscreen in the summer
  • Wetsuits (especially for kids)
  • Beach towels 
  • Beach umbrella
  • Beach chairs
  • Windbreak
  • Bat and ball
  • Buckets and spades
  • Wellies
  • Walking boots
  • Small backpack for walks
  • Boot buddy for muddy boots
  • Crossbody bag for your valuables
  • Smart clothes for evenings out
  • Plug adaptor
  • Phone charger
  • Credit or debit card that will work in the UK