What to pack for a summer trip around the UK

[Jujubeansjo]

I am doing a summer roadtrip (well trains mainly) around the UK, including all 4 countries at some point... coastal, city and countryside.

What should I pack? Not big into hiking etc but want to be practical and try and have proper clothing for all weathers, occasions etc. Taking 1 suitcase and a backpack. All ideas welcome.

Pack for every season 👍

I was thinking layers, waterproof jacket, trainers, sandals, sweaters/cardigans, t shirts, swimwear, jeans etc

I run hot so no heavy jackets although I'm resisting the urge to buy a new denim jacket for the summer

It's the city v country v coastal thats making me want to overpack

That's the trouble with UK/northern europe. You have to pack for everything from 14°and constant rain to a 30° heatwave. Layers are your friend. And quick drying fabrics.

This one is a good report. https://www.reddit.com/r/HerOneBag/comments/1lx9us7/trip_report_6_weeks_in_netherlands_and_uk_train/

Ankle length waterproof with hood

How long will your trip be?

This. You could experience those extremes on the same day, without even moving location.

Look at the weather over the last few weeks. May was mostly glorious, hot and sunny. Then June arrived and it was cold and pissed it down. People reported their heating turning itself on because the thermostat showed how cold it was. Windy too.

Now it looks like it's warming up again, but it probably won't last long and in my memory, August is often cold and rainy too - DP works a lot over the summer so I get phone calls from him complaining about being stuck in a muddy campsite somewhere and I've taken to making Christmas cakes on August BH Monday while I'm home alone with shit weather.

If it's not windy, but potentially showery, an umbrella might be a good choice, so you can stay dry without having to wear a coat.

Oh blimey. When in the summer and for how long? I find that the evenings are often starting to get a chill at the end of August when close to the coast in the northern parts of the UK, in a way that doesn't happen in July at the same temperature. But as a pp said, you probably need to cover everything from 14 degrees to low 30s! I'm assuming as you don't mention any events, you'll be mooching touristly and can just dress to be comfortable.

Layers, of course. I would want a thin waterproof and a hoodie/similar thickness- denim jacket might work for this. If you're not going to be hiking then I'm guessing you won't have any need for boots. So probably travel in sturdy, waterproof trainers, and pack a pair of sandals/flip flops/crocs.

I think one sundress/jumpsuit. Thin trousers, perhaps wide legged. One thicker pair, though not jeans as they're heavier, and probably one shorts/preferred hot weather bottom half clothing as you run hot. Mostly short sleeved tops but I would want one or two long sleeved also, in case of chilly evenings. That should mean you can mix and match.

We went away in March and I took a mix of spring and winter clothing. Wore both equally. My best pack was a thin lightweight fleece with a long waterproof jacket to go over the top. That way, I could wear either separately or both together. And I've got lots of trousers that dry quickly if they get soaked.

Waterproof jacket with hood
very light puffa that folds to nothing and you can wear under the waterproof
fleece
tshirts
convertible trousers that zip off to shorts

Will you be taking a full sized case or a cabin size? I’ve recently done two train trips with a cabin bag and rucksack. I’ve travelled in walking trousers (the quick drying kind), T shirt, hoody and have a lightweight puffa and a lightweight waterproof which both fold into little bags, in my rucksack. In my case I packed lightweight jeans (halara), linen trousers, short sleeve T shirts, a long sleeve T shirt and a cotton round neck cardigan. I also took a spare pair of trainers (which I didn’t wear) plus sandals. Plus PJs and underwear! To allow for warmer weather I would probably swap out the second pair of trainers for shorts and maybe a dress or skirt. I’m not a fan of denim jackets for travel.

i have a largish rucksack for actual journeys but also take a lightweight folding rucksack in my case to take out with me during the day at my destination, plus a small cross body bag.

It slightly depends on how much you feel the cold and/or heat. I hate the heat but don't mind the cold too much. For me, there is no day in the UK summer that would require winter clothing at all, although the wettest, greyest day can be a bit chilly. Most August bank holidays I've been camping and while some years the rain has made it grim, grimgrim, the most challenging bit is there'll be a period of 20 minutes to 4 hours when the sun breaks through and microwaves you in the waterproofs.

I would essentially pack a summer wardrobe of light trousers, short sleeve tops and summer dresses, but to make it a three season wardrobe I'd bring a thin cardigan, a thick hoodie and a light waterproof. On terrible cold days wear all three for a warm coat but mix and match accordingly for hot and rainy or dry and a tiny bit chilly. Id also bring a pair or two if lightweight leggings that can go on or off under dresses or thin trousers. If spending time in Shetland or Scottish Highlands, I'd consider taking a fleece in addition to your other layers.

Shoes should be a pair of trainers plus a lightweight smart pair of sandals for going out (but comfy enough you could put them on and sightsee if your trainers get soaked.

Also bring a pretty scarf for dressing up and emergency extra layer that fits easily in a bag

Clothes wise sounds like you have a good idea already - tops you can layer and definitely a waterproof jacket. Even shoes that are comfortable and will be ok in wet weather.
Other practical things like a universal travel adapter, portable power bank, a small day bag, reusable water bottle.I’ve taken to using those foldable bottles so they’re easy to travel with. And one of those all in one toiletry bags with little pouches that keep your makeup / dry and wet things separate - makes it so much easier when you’re travelling around and packing and unpacking frequently. I have one like this I’ve travelling with for years

www.tribefeel.com/products/4-in-1-travel-makeup-organiser

If it was me I’d honestly just pack leggings and T-shirts for the majority with a few nice outfits for meals out, I wouldn’t bother with dresses or anything that needs ironing! A couple of cardigan/hoodies for layering and a waterproof light coat.

Thanks so much for everyone's helpful suggestions! Much appreciated 🙏

We are travelling around the UK for 2 and a half months! I have nothing waterproof so those need to be the priority!

I hate being hot so definitely want layers and no heavy winter coat or even too heavy anything.

We are sharing a large suitcase and a backpack each so lots of room. Staying in a mix of caravan, chalet, hotels and cottages... so things like hairdryers etc are probably hit and miss but too heavy to cart around. Air dry it is!

@Jujubeansjo
I normally take a travel size dry shampoo with me so I can always give my hair a freshen up if I find I’m without hairdryer and it’s a bit chilly, or I simply don’t have time to wash it.

Hopefully at some time during your travels you’ll either have a washer-dryer in your accommodation or you’ll be able to find a launderette. That should help you enormously.

most self catering accommodation will have a hair dryer and I assume you'll have laundry faciltiies?
layers is key - it could be jumpers and waterproofs one day and shorts & t-shirts the next!
I'd bring a couple of lightweight pairs of trousers or leggings, a couple of pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans. T-shirts / tops/shirts, maybe a couple of vest tops (you can always wear them under things for warmth!), a couple of hoodies or fleeces and a waterproof jacket. Waterproof walking trainers, comfortable city trainers, flipflops for around the house.