What to Pack for an Overseas Trip to the UK (What You’ll Actually Use)
Packing for an overseas trip to the UK is different from packing for most vacations. This guide covers what you’ll actually use, what you can skips, and the items that made our trip smoother and less stressful.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, England, or anywhere in the UK, these are the exact items that proved worth packing — and the few we’d leave behind next time.
You’ll walk far more than expected, deal with rain more often than forecasted, and need a few
specific items that people don’t realize matter until they’re already there. This list isn’t about
outfits or trends — it’s about what actually made our trip easier, more comfortable, and far less
stressful.
If I were packing for the UK again, these are the items I wouldn’t skip.
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If you’re heading specifically to Scotland, you can read more about our first days in Edinburgh here – Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland: Cozy Corners & Historic Charm
Planning Your UK Trip?
Before packing, make sure your accommodations are sorted — especially in cities like Edinburgh or London where rooms book quickly during peak season.
I always compare locations carefully to stay within walking distance of train stations or historic centers. You can check availability and current rates here:
👉 Browse UK hotels and stays here
UK Travel Essentials I Actually Used (Start Here)
If you only read one section, make it this one. These were the items we relied on every single
day.
Waterproof Walking Shoes (Do Not Skip This)
Walking in the UK — especially in places like Edinburgh, Inverness, or smaller towns — means
cobblestones, hills, stairs, uneven pavement, and long days on your feet.
I packed two types of shoes:
- Waterproof sneakers for everyday walking
- Lightweight hiking boots for extra ankle support on longer days
Both were broken in before the trip, waterproof, and supportive. That combination mattered far
more than style. These are the exact pairs I used:
Waterproof Hiking Boots for walking, hiking and climbing
Abbos Slip-On Sneakers for Walking and Tennis Lightweight and Casual
Lightweight Rain Jacket (UK Weather Reality)
Rain isn’t occasional in the UK — it’s expected.
A lightweight rain jacket is essential, but the best option is one with:
- waterproof outer layer
- packable puffer liner that compresses down small
This gave me warmth on cold mornings, rain protection throughout the day, and flexibility
without packing multiple coats.
Columbia Arcadia II Jacket Packable
Columbia Packable Puffer Jacket
UK Power Adapter (One of the Most Overlooked Items)
UK outlets are different, and you’ll need a proper adapter to charge phones, battery packs, and
other electronics.
I used a multi-port UK adapter that handled multiple devices at once — which was invaluable in
hotels with limited outlets.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Small Day Bag (Doubles as a Carry-On)
A classic day bag that can also be used as your plane carry-on is one of the most useful travel
items you can bring.
Look for one that:
- sits comfortably while walking
- fits daily essentials
- transitions easily from travel day to sightseeing
I used mine constantly. This is the day pack I used while in the UK.
Waterfly Small Lightweight Packable Backpack
Compression Packing Cubes (Made Packing + Returning Home Easier)
Packing cubes made a bigger difference than I expected.
They kept clothing organized, compressed bulky items, and — most importantly — made room
to bring things home without shipping anything back.
Beeyond Compression Packing Cubes – 6 pieces
Socks Matter More Than You Think
This surprised me more than anything else.
I packed Smartwool socks in two varieties:
- thin, moisture-wicking socks for everyday walking
- thicker socks for colder or longer walking days
They kept feet dry, prevented blisters, and stayed comfortable even in damp weather — which
matters in Scotland and throughout the UK. These are the ones I prefer and recommend:
Smartwool Nordic Target cushion crew socks
Electronics That Made Travel Easier
Portable Battery Pack (Long-Lasting)
Between maps, photos, and navigation, phones drain fast. A long-lasting portable battery pack
meant we never worried about being stranded without directions.
This is especially helpful on long travel days or when using trains and buses. Below is the exact one I used:
INIU Portable Charger Ultra Slim
Air Tags (Peace of Mind for Checked Bags)
I highly recommend Air Tags.
We used four total:
- one in each checked bag
- one in each carry-on
There were two of us traveling, and knowing exactly where our bags were — especially during
airport transfers — removed a huge amount of stress. These are the Air Tags I recommend that worked:
The Packing Step That Saved Us the Most Stress
Before leaving, I created a fully itemized packing list for our two-week trip.
That list helped us:
- confirm clothing, shoes, and gear
- ensure all required paperwork was completed
- organize medical necessity documentation if needed
- avoid last-minute panic packing
Having everything written out meant nothing important was forgotten — and that peace of mind
carried into the trip itself.
What NOT to Pack for the UK
A few things we didn’t need:
- heavy, bulky coats
- multiple handbags
- outfits that couldn’t be layered
- shoes that weren’t already broken in
Layering and comfort matter far more than variety.
A Simple Way to Keep Everything Organized
I keep my full UK packing list updated with different options depending on budget and travel
style, including shoes, jackets, bags, and travel accessories.
This is especially helpful if you’re planning a longer trip or visiting multiple regions. For longer stays, booking centrally located accommodations made daily travel much easier.
Tips: UK Cash Tip – One Small Tip About Cash in the UK
Most places accept cards, but having some UK cash (pounds and pence) is still useful. Public restrooms in some areas require coins, and small vendors don’t always take cards.
I arranged a small amount before traveling and was glad I did. You can exchange money at the airport upon arrival, but that is risky as they are not always open and do not always have paper money available with the number of travelers coming and going. It’s best to arrange 2 to 3 weeks before leaving for your trip.
Final Thoughts
Packing well for the UK isn’t about bringing more — it’s about bringing the right things.
Comfortable waterproof shoes, weather-appropriate layers, reliable power options, and smart
organization made our trip smoother from start to finish. If you’re walking historic streets,
hopping trains, or spending full days exploring, these essentials truly matter.
Planning your UK trips? I’ve linked the exact travel gear I use and trust above. Start with the shoes and adapter – those matter most.
If you’re still comparing hotels or neighborhoods in the UK, I’ve linked a simple search tool above that lets you browse current rates in one place.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Mary Ann and I’m the creator of My Tasteful Threads, where I share practical travel guides, cozy
living ideas, and real-life experiences from trips across the U.S. and abroad — including
Scotland and the UK. My content focuses on what actually works, not just what looks good
online.
I share practical travel notes like this — packing lists, what worked, and what I’d do differently next time.
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