Europe · Best May–Sep
UK packing list for families
A UK trip with kids usually means London plus a train ride or two, maybe to Edinburgh, the Cotswolds, or the Welsh coast. The weather shifts with every stop, so packing one smart layering system and luggage you can carry on a platform makes the whole trip smoother.
Photo by Sam Williams on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on England & the UK
- The UK is easy to link by train, but stations involve a lot of walking and stairs, and luggage racks fill fast. I pack each child a small roller they can manage and book seat reservations on long routes like London to Edinburgh, which runs about four and a half hours.
- Weather changes as you head north and west. Scotland and Wales run cooler, windier, and wetter than London, even in July, so I plan a layering system everyone wears every day rather than separate wardrobes for each stop.
- Pace it with kids by giving London four or five nights and the next stops at least three each. US travelers now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before flying to the UK, so apply for every family member, including babies, well before you go.
Best timeMay–Sep
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneyBritish pound
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in England & the UK
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Your packing edit
England & the UK
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Compact umbrellaSmall enough for a daypack for the quick London showers.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable waterproof jacketKristina's pickShowers roll through year-round, especially in Scotland and Wales.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Waterproof walking shoesCastle grounds, moors, and Highland paths are often muddy.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Midge repellentTiny biting midges are out in the Scottish Highlands in summer.
Documents & tech20
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Contactless card for the TubeTap in and out on the Tube and buses with daily fare caps, and young kids ride free with an adult.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
England & the UK weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F 8°C | Cold, damp, and dark early, colder in Scotland with snow in the Highlands | |
| February | 48°F 9°C | Cold, damp, and dark early, colder in Scotland with snow in the Highlands | |
| March | 53°F 12°C | Cool spring with daffodils, longer days, and frequent showers | |
| April | 59°F 15°C | Cool spring with daffodils, longer days, and frequent showers | Bluebells carpeting English and Welsh woodlands in late spring |
| May | 65°F 18°C | Mild and green with very long evenings, especially up north | Bluebells carpeting English and Welsh woodlands in late spring Chelsea Flower Show in London in late May Highland Games in towns across Scotland |
| June | 70°F 21°C | Mild and green with very long evenings, especially up north | Trooping the Colour for the King's official birthday in June Highland Games in towns across Scotland |
| July | 74°F 23°C | Warmest stretch, still changeable, busiest travel season | Highland Games in towns across Scotland |
| August | 74°F 23°C | Warmest stretch, still changeable, busiest travel season | Highland Games in towns across Scotland Edinburgh's festivals, including the Fringe, all August |
| September | 68°F 20°C | Crisp September turning wetter and windier into November | Highland Games in towns across Scotland |
| October | 60°F 16°C | Crisp September turning wetter and windier into November | |
| November | 52°F 11°C | Crisp September turning wetter and windier into November | Bonfire Night on November 5, then holiday lights and Christmas markets |
| December | 47°F 8°C | Cold, damp, and dark early, colder in Scotland with snow in the Highlands | Bonfire Night on November 5, then holiday lights and Christmas markets |
Questions families ask
England & the UK with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit England & the UK with kids?
The best time is May–Sep. Warmest stretch, still changeable, busiest travel season
What's the weather like in England & the UK?
Typical daytime highs range from about 47°F (8°C) in January to about 74°F (23°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for England & the UK?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for England & the UK?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for England & the UK with kids?
The UK is easy to link by train, but stations involve a lot of walking and stairs, and luggage racks fill fast. I pack each child a small roller they can manage and book seat reservations on long routes like London to Edinburgh, which runs about four and a half hours.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.