Lady’s 9 Essential Items for Your London Packing List

Today I want to share my London packing list with you. If you’re planning a trip to the UK capital and you want a local’s advice for what to put in your bag, read on for A Lady in London’s travel essentials for the city. From clothing to accessories and gadgets, these items will help you travel light, be prepared for the British weather, and arrive looking (and living) like a local. I’ve included a free downloadable checklist as well.

London Packing List

So you’ve booked a trip to London. You have your passport ready, your flights reserved, and your hotel sorted. You’re excited to touch down and start exploring the UK capital.

But first you have to pack your bags. While it may seem like a daunting task, knowing what to bring can make it easier. Wherever you’re traveling from and however long you’re staying, my London packing list can help.

If you haven’t seen my general packing posts yet, it’s a good idea to start by checking them out. Beginning with my guide to what to wear in London, I’ve covered a lot of topics. I’ve also created packing lists for winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

If you want to learn about the London climate and monthly temperatures before you visit, you can take a look at my blog post about the London weather. It has more details about what to expect each month throughout the year.

1. Luggage

Before you start packing, you need something to put all your stuff in. Whether you’re planning to bring a suitcase, a carry-on, or a duffel bag, I recommend traveling as light as possible.

London is big and crowded, and being burdened with bulky luggage can make your trip difficult. You don’t want to get stuck on the tube at rush hour with a big suitcase. And that’s to say nothing of dragging it over cobblestones.

I’ve written all about how to pack with just a carry-on, and I’ve even been interviewed about it in The New York Times. If you need help packing light, I recommend taking a look at those articles for my tips.

I’ve also published a post about my favorite suitcase, so if you’re in need of luggage, I suggest checking it out.

2. Clothing

The next item on my London packing list is clothing. From outer layers to undergarments, you’ll need to come prepared for the British weather.

Below you’ll find general articles of clothing to bring. My aforementioned seasonal packing lists can help you decide what to pack at various times of year, too.

T-Shirts

Basics like T-shirts are essential for any month in London. In the warmer months they’re all you need, and in the cooler seasons they come into their own as layering items.

Depending on the weather, I wear sweaters with short or long-sleeved T-shirts underneath. They’re perfect for both for style and for when it’s so hot on the tube I have to de-layer as soon as I board a train.

If you want my advice, you can get the long-sleeved T-shirts I recommend here, and the short-sleeved T-shirts I suggest here.

Sweaters

Next on my list is sweaters (say jumpers if you want to sound like a Brit). I wear these year-round, and I love classic styles and seasonal colors. They’re ideal for mixing and matching with other clothes, too.

London can be chilly throughout the year, and a sweater is just the thing to keep you warm and stylish at the same time. I have sweaters in many fabrics, and I wear lighter ones in warmer weather and thicker ones in winter.

If you layer them with T-shirts underneath, you’ll be comfortable whether it’s warm or cold outside. If you want to see the sweaters I recommend, you can find them here.

Coats & Jackets

Over my T-shirts and sweaters comes a coat or jacket. The unpredictability of the British weather means its imperative to come prepared for all climatic conditions. No matter the time of year, it can be sunny one minute and rainy the next.

Whether you wear a trench coat in spring or summer, or a wool coat in autumn or winter, it’s a good idea to have an outer layer on hand. A jacket is one of the most important articles of clothing you’ll bring to London, and it’s worth investing in a quality one.

If you need a trench coat, you can get the one I recommend here. If you want a winter coat, you can get the one I suggest here.

Scarves

The next item on my London packing list is a scarf. One of the most effective ways to keep your body temperature steady when the weather fluctuates is to have something to wrap around your neck.

Scarves are also good accessories for adding color to a capsule wardrobe (if you don’t know what that is, see my aforementioned blog post about how to pack with just a carry-on).

Seasonal colors can complete a look, help style an outfit, or dress up a casual outfit if you go to afternoon tea or a nice dinner.

I own scarves in all shapes, weights, knits, and colors, and I love pairing them with what I’m wearing. If you want to do the same, you can get the ones I recommend here.

Skirts & Dresses

Other great packing essentials for London are dresses and skirts. Not only can they be great things to wear seasonally, but they’re also versatile for day and night.

Whether you pack monochromatic ones or skirts and dresses sporting bold prints and patterns, there are lots of options. Long ones are great for the cooler months, and short ones are ideal for when the weather warms up.

Skirts and dresses are perfect for times when you need to smarten up a casual look on the go, too. Add a few well-placed accessories, and you’ll be all set. If you want my advice, you can see my recommendations for skirts here and dresses here.

Tights

Tights are another London packing essential. Not only are they ideal for layering under a skirt or dress on a chilly day, but they’re also great if you want a thin layer under your jeans or trousers on a freezing cold one.

You can have a lot of fun styling tights as well. From colors to patterns and textures, there’s no shortage to choose from. They come in different weights, too, so you can pick the appropriate thickness for the time of year you’ll be in town.

I keep a mix of classic black tights and colorful accent ones in my wardrobe. You can’t go wrong whatever hues you choose. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can get the ones I recommend here.

Jeans & Trousers

Next on my packing list for London are jeans and trousers. Given the whimsical nature of the British weather, having a variety will ensure you’re ready for any temperature.

I love jeans. I wear them most days, rain or shine, winter or summer. Throughout a lot of the year (and certainly during the shoulder seasons) they’re the perfect things to pair with light sweaters and sneakers.

I own a range of other trousers, too. I like ones that are durable enough to withstand the rain, warm enough to resist the cold, and light enough to breathe when the mercury rises. If you want my recommendations, you can get the jeans I recommend here and the trousers I like here.

As an aside, I often get asked whether men wear shorts in London. The answer depends on the man. London is such an international city that you’ll see every kind of outfit imaginable.

Some British men don’t wear them, and some do. My opinion is that if you want to wear shorts, go ahead and do it.

The same goes for women. While it’s more common for British women to wear shorts, some don’t. I wear shorts all the time when it’s warm outside (you can take the Lady out of California, but you can’t take California out of the Lady).

Socks & Undergarments

You know your preferences for socks and undergarments, so I won’t go into detail. Just remember to pack them, as they’re easy to forget when thinking about the outer layers you’ll need to bring.

If you’re visiting London in winter, you might also consider long underwear. Whether you get a thin pair or a warm fleece pair, they can be lifesavers when it’s snowing outside. If you need a pair, you can see my recommendations here.

Winter Items

Winter in London brings with it a whole separate list of items you should consider bringing. In addition to heavier coats, sweaters, scarves, undergarments, socks, and shoes, you’ll want to pack things like a winter hat and gloves.

If you want my recommendations, you can get the hat I recommend here and the gloves I suggest here.

3. Shoes

The next item on my London packing list is shoes. Regardless of how you spend your time in the city, you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking. As such, it’s a good idea to bring comfortable shoes (especially if you’re treading on cobbles or if it’s wet or snowing).

Sneakers

A good pair of sneakers (call them trainers if you want to sound like a Brit) is essential. I swear by these lace-up shoes when the weather is too warm for winter boots but not hot enough for sandals or flats.

Not only do sneakers keep my feet dry in unexpected rain showers, but they’re also great for walking. I always have a pair on hand. They’re comfortable, versatile, and come in all kinds of styles. If you want my advice, you can get the ones I recommend here.

Flats & Sandals

Flats and sandals are great for when the weather warms up. I love a good pair of flats for dressing up a casual look without having to wear heels. If you want my recommendation, you can get a pair of flats here.

Sandals and flip-flops are perfect for summer, especially comfortable ones that let you walk all day and look cute at night. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can get a pair of sandals here.

Boots

In the cooler months, you’ll need boots. London is cold and wet in the winter, and boots are essential for keeping your feet warm and dry.

In the winter, I recommend getting a pair of high boots. Whether you go knee-high or over-the-knee is up to you, but they’ll help keep your legs warm in addition to your feet. If you want my recommendation, you can get a pair here.

In spring and autumn, you can get away with ankle boots. They’re great for when the weather is cool but not too cold. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can get a pair here.

Dress Shoes

London is more formal than some cities, and it’s a good idea to bring dress shoes so you can smarten up for afternoon tea, a nice meal, or a night out.

Heels are always an option (I like to bring them in my bag and change right before I go inside), but you can easily get away with dressy flats if you don’t want to risk your stiletto getting caught in the cobblestones (or just a crack in the sidewalk). If you want my recommendation, you can get a pair here.

Accessories

We all have our favorite accessories for styling an outfit. Whether you love a good belt or a great bracelet, you can bring a few things to complete your looks.

4. Umbrella

It rains in London. No matter what time of year you travel to the city, it’s likely you’ll experience a drizzle or a downpour. In light of that, an umbrella is one of the most important things to pack. Many locals (myself included) never leave home without one.

Given how prone I am to losing them, I always opt for a balance of price and quality when I buy an umbrella. I need one that won’t cost a fortune, but isn’t going to blow inside out when the wind picks up (and it always does).

I also love umbrellas that are small enough to fit in my handbag. There plenty of mornings when I can’t tell whether it will rain or not, so having a compact one ensures it won’t burden me if I don’t need it. If you want my recommendation, this one is just the thing.

5. Sunglasses

The next item on my London packing list is sunglasses. As much as it rains in London, it can be very sunny as well. From one day to the next (or one hour to the next), the weather might call for an umbrella followed by a pair of sunglasses.

I always have them on hand. As with my umbrella, I keep them in my handbag at all times. They’re perfect on bright, sunny days, and they can be ideal accessories for styling an outfit.

My sunglasses have strong cases that can withstand some battering in my bag, and they have classic frames. If you you want my advice, you can get the pair I suggest here.

6. Bag

Given there’s so much layering and so many things to carry in London, the next item on my packing list is a handbag. A good one is just the thing to hold an umbrella, a sweater or jacket, a scarf, and accessories like sunglasses. And a camera, of course.

Good bags come in all shapes and sizes, but I recommend getting a lightweight one that won’t weigh you down as you walk all over the city. I swear by the large Longchamp Le Pliage tote bag. It’s roomy, durable, waterproof, light, and above all, it packs so well it barely takes up any room in my luggage.

This bag revolutionized my life in London and my travels (it’s visited over 100 countries with me). I don’t know what I would do without it. If you want to follow suit, you can get one here.

7. Gadgets

Beyond clothing and accessories, it’s a good idea to pack all your necessary gadgets when you come to London.

Headphones

I don’t go anywhere without my Bose in-ear noise-canceling headphones. They keep me entertained on the tube and help me survive long-haul flights.

My headphones are the most important things I travel with. I would rather stay home than go anywhere without them. If you want a pair, you can get them here.

Phone Charger & Portable Charger

When it comes to my phone, I’m never without a regular charger and a portable charger. A day out in London can drain a battery like nothing else, especially if you’re taking lots of videos or using maps to get around. If you need a portable one, you can get the one I recommend here.

eSIM

Speaking of phones, if you’re coming from abroad, it’s helpful to get an eSIM when you visit London. They’re usually much cheaper than a roaming plan from from your data provider, and they’re really simple and easy to set up. I’ve used them all over the world and I highly recommend them.

I always use eSIMs from a company called aloSIM. They offer digital SIMs for cheap local data when you travel. If you want to follow in my footsteps, use the code “ALADYINLONDON” to get 15% off your first purchase here.

Apps

As far as my phone itself, there are a few apps I always use to help me navigate London. Google Maps is a must, especially in the maze of streets in Soho and Covent Garden.

Additionally, a lot of Londoners swear by Citymapper to get around on foot, tube, or other transport.

Universal Adapter

Another good thing to pack for London is a universal adapter. These little things have plugs for all global power outlets. They’re great for charging electronics in airports, on planes, and in hotel rooms.

No matter where you travel, you can pack it in your bag and know you’ll have the right plug for the right socket when you arrive. It’s also useful for expats like me, who own some electronics with foreign plugs and some with UK plugs.

Add to that the fact that it comes with a USB charging port, and it’s even helpful when you travel domestically. If you need one, you can get one here.

8. Toiletries

You know your routine for brushing your teeth, showering, putting on make-up, and doing your hair. Remember to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (if your accommodation doesn’t provide it), face wash, prescriptions, and make-up.

When packing, I recommend getting travel sizes of all your usual toiletries so they don’t take up too much room in your luggage. It’s also helpful to get a pack of travel-size bottles for your liquids. You can get the ones I recommend here.

Beyond the usual toiletries and cosmetics, it’s a good idea to bring moisturizer to keep your face hydrated if you’re visiting during the winter months.

You’ll also want to bring plenty of sunscreen to keep you from looking like a lobster if you’re traveling to the UK outside the winter months (yes, you can get sunburned in London).

If you’re considering packing things like hairdryers, make sure to keep in mind that the electricity is different in the UK than in other countries.

Your hairdryer probably won’t work in the UK, so it’s best to leave it at home. Most accommodations will have one for you anyway.

9. Other Items

Depending on your personal preferences, sleep habits, and travel style, there are a few other things that might help you have a good experience while visiting London.

Earplugs

The next item on my London packing list is a good pair of earplugs. They’re are a staple, especially if you’re trying to fall asleep in the heart of the city. London is loud, and I sleep with earplugs every night.

I’ve tested a million different kinds over the years, and I love Ohropax. Their soft earplugs have helped me sleep blissfully through a lot noisy nights. You can get them here.

If you really want to block out noise, you can get noise-canceling Sleepbuds. I got these as a gift for Christmas, and I love them. You can get a pair here.

Eye Mask

An eye mask is also a lifesaver if you’re sensitive to light. This is particularly true during the summer, when it gets light around 4am. If you need one, you can get one here.

London Packing Checklist

How to Pack for London

I hope you’ve found my London packing list helpful, and that it will help you prepare for your trip.

If you’re flying to the United Kingdom from another continent, you can look at my long-haul packing list and my post about jet lag tips for more packing ideas and advice for the flight, too.

Above all, don’t forget your passport and travel documents. You can buy most things when you arrive, but you can’t get to London without your passport. And we wouldn’t want that.

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

Pin it!