Before we start with the packing list, we would like to eliminate some confusion. Many may ask what is the difference between England, Great Britain (GB), and the United Kingdom (UK). We would like to clear this up, so that it is understandable to which country exactly our 16 must-have England packing list refers to and for which travel destination you will find tips for the perfect trip 2021 🙂
First, there are not 3 names for one country. But all 3 names include England. Let’s start with the most obvious one, England refers only to England – no Scotland, no Wales, no Northern Ireland. When we talk about Great Britain we add 2 more countries – Scotland and Wales. You can remember that very easily. They are all countries that are on the same island. And the United Kingdom is then completed with Northern Ireland – Very important: not Ireland! Now that we have clarified that, let’s focus on England 🙂
England has to fight with many prejudices… Always bad weather, terrible food, English people are very arrogant, they drink a lot of alcohol and then misbehave, the country is dull and gray. However, anyone who has been to England knows that none of these prejudices are true (of course there are exceptions, as in every country). Southern England and the lake district national park alone are such breathtakingly beautiful places that you can easily spend several days there. Also, you will have a hard time finding Indian food outside of India as good as in England. In addition, the English are incredibly polite and helpful. Even in an anonymous city like London, you will get help within seconds if you ask for it.
In this article, we give you helpful tips on travel gadgets for your packing list (which we, of course, tested ourselves in England) as well as valuable information about activities in England, the seasons in England and of course some general advice to assist you on your trip.
In order to enjoy all this without any problems, good planning is essential. So you can save time and money and enjoy your vacation in England to the fullest.
Regardless of your next destination, we also have some general information and tips for you in this article:
Smart Travel Planning – 5 Tips to Save Money on your next Trip
15 Travel Gadgets you need on your England Packing List!
Trekking Poles
Like already mentioned, England has some amazing places to go hiking. Our favorite hike is along Hadrian’s Wall. Here you are about 135 km on the road and can well use the support of a few trekking poles. Of course, there are many other possibilities to hike in England. We would love to read about your next hike here on Traxplorio 🙂
Packing Cubes
Originally we bought these Packing Cubes in order to get along with a small piece of luggage even on a short weekend trip. But we quickly fell in love with the practical Cubes. You can not only save a lot of space but also organize your luggage and save unnecessary packing and unpacking time. That’s why they should not only be part of your England packing list but also of your general travel equipment.
Universal Travel Adapter
A Travel Adapter is a must-have on every journey! With it, you don’t have to worry about the sockets at your destination and you can charge your devices quickly on your own. Especially handy are the USB ports, which allow you to charge several devices at the same time at one socket. In England, the sockets are different than in many other European countries, so you should check beforehand if your adapters fit.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot
With all the beautiful places and trails in England, this packing list should not be without a good pair of hiking boots. If you don’t have one yet, here is our absolute recommendation. Lowa stands for quality and durability. I myself have been using it for years and am more than satisfied. If you put these hiking boots on your England packing list, we recommend you put them on to save some space in your luggage.
Water Filter Bottle
The WATER TO GO Water Filter Bottle is truly one of our favorites. You may not necessarily need a filter to drink the water in England… However, it won’t hurt either. And if you’re on a long hike, you can refill your water supply at the nearest creek. It filters the bacteria out of the water and allows you to always have access to freshwater 🙂 Of course, it is also more sustainable than buying plastic bottles on-site!
Backpacking Backpack
Depending on how you want to travel in England, a backpacking backpack can be a great option. We have linked our loyal companions for you. When buying a backpack for hiking, it is very important to make sure that the weight is well distributed and your back is not put under the wrong load. Both backpacks have a large volume. We recommend not to exceed this volume, otherwise, it will be too heavy.
Dual-Port USB Car Charger Adapter
Are you planning to do a little road trip in England? Of course, it is also important that you do not run out of navigation while driving 😉 It is a small but very useful companion which you should always have in your car even when at home. There are several USB ports with which you can even charge your camera equipment for the next stop while driving. Make sure to add it to your England packing list.
Magnetic In-Car Phone Holder
A perfect addition to this is this little helper! Although public transportation in England is very well developed, some places can be reached much easier by car. Besides, having your own car gives you another way to travel and more freedom. After all, you don’t want to arrive at the sights together with the other tourists. This In Car Phone Holder is highly recommended as it is compatible with any car and smartphone.
Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack
If you have a big backpack with you, of course, you don’t want to walk around with it all the time. This small practical ultra lightweight packable backpack is perfect for every trip! The daypack’s adjustable breathable straps ensure a proper fit and comfortable all-day use. We are really surprised by how comfortable and robust it is. A clear recommendation!
Repel Windproof Umbrella
Okay, we admit it. It can happen that it rains in England 😀 If it is then of course we want you to be well prepared. Just then you will be glad not to have forgotten this umbrella while packing. So even a walk during unpleasant weather is not a problem anymore. For an England trip, this umbrella should always be worth considering.
Earth Pak Dry Bag
Above we have already mentioned the possibility of rain. But so that you do not have to let this affect your outdoor adventures, we recommend the Earth Pak Dry Bags! To protect your equipment from water, a dry bag is mandatory. In case of bad weather, this dry bag is the best alternative from our point of view.
Waterproof Jacket
And one more clothing tip to make sure you’re prepared for all weather conditions. With a waterproof jacket, you don’t have to fear anything. These two models for men and women are tested by ourselves. They are really our absolute favorite jackets! Other jackets are nevertheless of course also highly recommended (otherwise you are wearing – like us – the same outfit many vacation pictures 😀 )
Travel Security Belt
Another great item for your safety in England is this practical Travel Security Belt. It protects you from pickpockets and you always have enough money with you. Compared to a chest pouch or similar, another big advantage is that you can even swim in the sea (even if that’s kind of cold in England 😀 ) with the belt and always have your money with you. This item should definitely be on your England packing list as it does not even take up space in your luggage.
Refillable Bottles with Hook (e.g. for hand sanitizer)
These Refillable Bottles with hook are a good idea on any trip! In the current situation, they are perfect to fill with hand sanitizer and clip to your backpack. This way you have your sanitizer at hand in seconds. But of course, you can also fill them with all other types of liquids, such as shower gel. A great addition to your England packing list.
Powerbank
Be it on a city trip like London, Manchester, or Liverpool where you extensively using your cell phone to navigate or if you are hiking a lot. At some point, you run out of battery. Simply connect your cell phone to this powerbank and the battery is no longer a problem. Ever since we are using our smartphones, a powerbank is a must-have on your packing list.
More England Packing List Gadgets which may come in handy
Bonus Tip: Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how quickly something unexpected can happen. However, in order for you to worry as little as possible during your well-deserved vacation, we have fought our way through the insurance jungle for you and looked for a reliable partner. Thereby we have stumbled upon WorldNomads.com. Insurance is always a very sensitive topic and honestly, we would rather do without it and spend the money on vacation for other nice things. But if something should happen, you are more than happy to have a partner like WorldNomads on your side!
Why WorldNomads has impressed us so much?
- Backed by specialized insurance providers and global assistance partners
- You can always buy the insurance online, even if you are already traveling
- You can adjust your insurance coverage during the trip and claim online
- They cover a range of adventure sports and activities
- Very high availability worldwide
6 Things you DO NOT need in England
Activated Charcoal
We don’t know why it’s on so many packing lists. Food in England is greasy, but of very good quality. We have been to England many times and never had any problems. Of course you can always get something everywhere and if you have a sensitive stomach it is better to be prepared.
Hairdryer
Another thing that is on many packing lists… but why? 😀 we would say that the availability of hairdryers in England is above average 😉 So if you don’t need to dry your hair on the go, you can save the extra weight.
Valuable jewelry
Of course, it depends on your interests when traveling. But in general, we recommend that you only bring what you really need (e.g. camera equipment). However, England is very safe and you don’t have to worry about being robbed.
Too many clothes
If you like shopping you should leave some space in your luggage, because in England there are a lot of shopping possibilities. We also love the English design – it is simply timeless.
Cash
Actually, you do not need to have money with you because there are ATMs everywhere. In addition, card payment is also accepted in many places. So if you have one more beer in the pub, you don’t have to worry about not being able to pay for it 🙂
Hanging toilet case
This product was found on many England packing lists. And I also thought it was a good idea, since it’s a bit narrow in London, for example. It turned out that the bag also did not fit in our bathroom 😀 Therefore it is not a recommendation of ours.
3 Special Accommodations to stay in England
Holiday Inn Express Southwark
Of course, many people are drawn to London when they travel to England for the first time. Most likely you will end up here too, so why not spend a few nights here? The Holiday Inn Express Southwark is our top recommendation. The rooms are very large by London standards and the value for money is unbeatable. No matter where you are in London, you can get anywhere with the excellent local transport. We especially liked the breakfast 🙂
Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station
The Hotel Indigo Manchester leaves nothing to be desired. No wonder it is one of the top picks in Manchester. It is located directly at the Manchester Victoria station. You can get to Old Trafford in a few minutes and experience the unique atmosphere of an English football match. The location is really great for exploring the city and the hotel itself also has an excellent cocktail bar to enjoy the evening.
The Devon Court
And finally, accommodation for those who also want to treat themselves. The Devon Court is family run and located in the heart of Torquay. The region around Torquay is also one of the most beautiful in England. The highlight of this accommodation is the heated outdoor swimming pool! If you want you can also be at the sea within 5 minutes. The English breakfast was delicious. We stayed one night longer than planned because we also underestimated how much there is to do in Torquay and the surrounding area.
Budget flights to England
4 seasons in England. What to experience and what to be aware of
Spring in England (March – May)
The days are getting longer, the first rays of the sun are peeking through the clouds and the tourist crowds are still absent: spring is one of the most beautiful and best seasons to visit England! While temperatures in March are still often around 6 – 11°C, they can already rise to 18°C in May, so you can explore England in mild temperatures and sunshine – and often even at a bargain price!
Basically, there is no perfect time to travel due to the varied weather in England. However, because of the Gulf Stream, the weather in the UK is generally milder than the rest of Europe but also rainier for that very reason. You may get lucky and be able to head out in golden sunshine in a t-shirt. But it’s also possible that the sun won’t show up at all for two weeks and you’ll get a lot of rain instead. So all year round, never go out without an umbrella or rain jacket! Take a look at our packing list so that you are well prepared for the English weather.
Which activities are most recommended in spring?
As winter turns to spring, nature awakens and the gardens of England burst into colors. For all nature and botany lovers among you, spring is definitely recommended. So get out there and take a walk to see the spectacle! Trees are budding, crocuses, daffodils, magnolias, and rhododendrons are blooming and birds are chirping at you. The bluebells are particularly popular in England and cover many meadows and forests from April like a purple carpet of flowers – breathtakingly beautiful!
For a walking vacation, the south of England is particularly suitable in spring, because there it is already a little warmer in April and there is more to discover … plus a higher probability of sunshine. Travel to the Jurassic Coast and see the fascinating rock formations. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, take a trip to the mystical stone circle Stonehenge. Either way, don’t forget your walking shoes in spring, because there is so much to discover in nature! Alternatively, the region is also ideal for cycling or other outdoor sports.
Summer in England (June – August)
The most popular time to travel to England is probably the summer from June to early autumn in September. These months are characterized by less precipitation than the other months and the temperatures are very pleasant with 20 ° C. You can expect up to seven hours of sunshine a day, so it’s a great way to travel!
… the only catch: the good weather unfortunately also brings a large number of people with it. You should take this into account if you want to visit famous sights such as Madame Tussaud’s in London during your trip to England. Longer waiting times are to be expected.
Which activities are most recommended in summer?
For travelers who want to enjoy a beach vacation on the coast, the summer months are ideal. The best place for a simple beach vacation is on the southwest coast in Devon. Together with Cornwall, these two counties are most influenced by the Gulf Stream, so you can expect Mediterranean weather and beautiful sandy beaches. If you need a little more action, then you will certainly find it on the north coast of Cornwall. There the sea is rougher and invites you to surf.
Similar to spring, England is a great place for hiking in summer, as temperatures are not excessively hot in summer. How about, for example, the highest mountain in England in the Lake District or the Cotswolds Hills, which are also called the “Heart of England”? You can expect rolling hills, flower-filled gardens, and picturesque typical British villages.
Are you more drawn to the city? Well, there’s London, which is popular all year round. If you don’t mind crowds of tourists and selfie sticks, then London in the summer is certainly a good choice. Otherwise, I recommend a less crowded city like Liverpool as an alternative. Or you can combine the city with the beach and travel to Brighton, the largest seaside resort in the UK and one of the most beautiful cities in England. By the way, London is only two hours away, so you could combine that for a side trip as well.
Last but not least: festivals! … in Bristol, one of the hippest cities in England. In summer, for example, there is the Harbour Fest and the International Balloon Fiesta city, where hundreds of hot air balloons can be seen in the sky. Add cider and the party can start.
To sum up, in summer you really have all the doors open for a successful trip to England!
Autumn in England (September – November)
Weather conditions vary greatly in the fall. While in September temperatures of up to 19 °C can be reached, it can be very cool in November with temperatures under 10 °C. In addition, the probability is very high in October that you get a few rain showers during your trip to England. So you have to dress up warm and practical. To make your trip as easy as possible, our packing list will help you. Be sure to add weather-appropriate clothing to your luggage so that you can enjoy your vacation.
The high humidity in the UK, by the way, means that fog is a common occurrence in late autumn and winter… no wonder English authors like Agatha Christie and Edgar Wallace took this as inspiration for their spooky stories and detective novels.
Which activities are most recommended in autumn?
The south of England is a colorful place in autumn, and the peace and quiet of the countryside begin to return. So if you travel to the south coast in September, you’ll have the chance of almost empty sandy beaches and warm temperatures for walking and swimming (but only if you’re not sensitive to the cold). At this time of year, you can also see migratory birds and wildlife such as foxes, deer, and stags.
Dartmoor National Park also offers great scenery in the fall. The southern moorland is lined with beautiful heathland and is great for activities such as climbing, horse riding, cycling, fishing, and hiking. There are lots of spooky stories around the moorland, so a visit in rain and fog is also worthwhile.
Autumn is also a great time for a city break, as there are fewer visitors, prices are lower (whether for flights, accommodation or sightseeing) and you can wander around museums, castles, football stadiums, and pubs while it’s pouring outside. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool – you’re spoiled for choice!
Winter in England (December – February)
When you think of winter travel, the UK or England is probably not the first place that comes to mind. Admittedly, the weather at this time of year is not too great either, rather unstable, cold, wet, and also windy. The days are relatively short and the temperatures reach a maximum of 15 °C, at night they even drop to below -10 °C.
Nevertheless, a trip to England is worthwhile in winter as well, because there is a lot to discover and experience even at this time of year. And winter has one big advantage: there are almost no tourists on the road and with a little bit of luck you can catch a super last-minute deal.
Which activities are most recommended in winter?
What do you immediately think of in winter? Snow and Christmas! Well, unfortunately, England doesn’t really have snow, but it does have beautiful Christmas markets, especially beautiful ones you can find in York, in the north of England. The city is full of Christmas stalls where you can buy presents and delicious English specialties. In the dark evening hours (and there are many of them in England in winter) the city shines in the magical glow of lights.
And speaking of city breaks: You should visit London in winter! In the run-up to Christmas, the city is beautifully lit and decorated. You have the opportunity to ice skate and watch performances. But London also has great advantages in January and February. The city is much emptier, so you can get tickets and restaurant reservations more easily or, for example, watch the famous changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace in peace. If the weather is too much for you, London also has a lot of indoor activities to offer. How about a Harry Potter Studio Tour or the London Dungeon, which will teach you about the creepy legends of Jack the Ripper?
For all football lovers, of course, a real English football match is not to be missed. After all, football was born right there. So combine your city trip with a Premier League football event. You have the opportunity to see world-famous teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal London.
Are you looking for relaxation after your city trip? Then let’s go to Bath! The city is famous for its history as a Roman spa town. You can still visit the hot springs in the Roman walls and warm-up and pamper yourself in the adjacent spa.
As you can see, England has a lot to offer, especially in the winter months, so a trip is really worth it.
10 Interesting Facts about England!
Some of the most visited landmarks in the world are located in England
Of course, the sights of London immediately come to mind. For example, the home of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, or the most famous Ferris wheel in the world – the London Eye. But if you are outside of London there is much more to explore. Stonehenge, York Minster, and Anwick Castle are just a few examples.
London is the biggest city in Europe
Before some loudly contradict, it is of course not the largest city in europe in terms of area…. but by population. More than 9 million people live in London.
England is home to the largest inhabited castle in the world
It’s Windsor Castle! The Queen lives not only in Buckingham Palace but also here. For over 1000 years, Windsor Castle has been the home of England’s kings and queens. There are also many books and movies about Windsor Castle.
Speaking of the Queen, did you know that she is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler? Vlad the Impaler serves as the inspiration for Dracula. Conspiracy theories about the Queen also being a vampire and therefore immortal are found quite often. Even though many English people might even want this to be true, we think this “fact” is rather unlikely 🙂
115 is a special number for all ocean lovers
This number describes the maximum number of kilometers you can be away from the ocean in England. So no matter where you are in England, within 115km (or about 2-3h. drive) you are at the ocean 🙂
Tourists in London are very lazy 😀
Tourists in London seem to really love the good public transportation infrastructure. The reason for this is that the most popular tube route is the one from Leicester Square to Covent Garden…. although you could cover this distance much faster on foot.
In addition, the tube system in London is also the first and largest underground system in the world.
There are 13 British overseas territories
Due to colonization and other historical reasons, there are still many British territories outside of England. These include the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. But also Gibraltar and Saint Helena.
Since 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom and therefore also England is no longer part of the European Union (EU). This leads to a variety of new arrangements and also rules for the entry and exit to/from England. It is still far from being clarified exactly, so you better inform yourself before your entry/exit once again at the official sources.
England has the biggest airport on the European continent
Many already know – it is London Heathrow. One of the reasons for this is that London is also the most international and connected financial center in the world. Normally, over 600 flights land there every day.
The “www” was invented by an English scientist
An English scientist named Tim Berners-Lee is to thank for the fact that we can use the Internet the way we do today. He invented the World Wide Web. Without Tim, many things that are taken for granted today would not be possible. That’s why you can read this article right now and hopefully prepare yourself full of anticipation for your next trip to England 🙂
