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A simple packing list for spring in England – brought to you by a local!
Spring is one of my favourite seasons in England. The countryside is full of wildflowers, many historic buildings are coated in colourful wisteria, and the (usually) mild weather is great for sightseeing.
It’s also a shoulder season, so many tourist hotspots are much quieter than during summer.
Of course, the payoff is that the weather – which is famously unpredictable in England – is even less predictable during spring! So you have to prepare for everything. Below, I’ve shared my top tips to help you pack, whether you’re heading on a city break or an outdoorsy trip to the British countryside. Hope it helps…
Spring in England: Prepare for All Weather!
There’s a reason talking about the weather is a national pastime in England! We get a lot of it, and it’s often a mixed bag – especially during shoulder seasons like spring and autumn.
Some days can be hotter than summer, but other times it might rain for days on end. It’s even been known to snow in early spring! And sometimes, we get it all in one day, so you’ll often find yourself going from a T-shirt to a jumper and back to a T-shirt again.
Spring runs from March to May, and things change quite dramatically during those three months. Early spring is usually still quite cool: average temperatures in London in March range from lows of around 4°C to highs of 12°C. May, on the other hand, is usually much warmer, with an average high of 18°C (source = Met Office).
You should also note that temperatures and weather can differ significantly throughout the country (despite how small it is!). The south of England is generally a little warmer than the north.
Top Tip: Check the weather using a reliable source when planning your trip – I find the Met Office is usually the most accurate. Specifically check the cities/locations you’ll be visiting, rather than the whole country.
Spring Packing List for England
1. Pack Plenty of Layers!
As mentioned above, spring in England can mean lots of sporadic weather – and it’s not unusual to go from wind and rain to warm and sunny, and back again, all in a few hours! The key is to dress in layers so that you can put them on or take them off as needed.
Ideally, keep the layers lightweight so they’re not annoying to carry if you take them off. A long-sleeved t-shirt teamed with a cashmere jumper or a fleece, with a coat on top, is perfect.
2. Outwear: a decent, lightweight waterproof
I always say that you need at least four different coats if you live in England – depending on what the weather’s doing! But if you’re packing for a spring trip here, you can probably only bring one.
Opt for something lightweight but thick enough to keep you warm on cooler days. Ideally, you’ll want it to be wind- and water-resistant, especially in the earlier spring months when rain is common. A waterproof parka is ideal – I’ve shared some examples below:
- Joules Women’s Shoreside Rain Jacket
- Regatta Womens Bayarma Waterproof Jacket
- FatFace Tiegan Teal Blue Waterproof Coat (I have this one and it’s perfect for spring)
If you want something a bit more stylish, you could opt for something like a thick denim jacket, shacket, or bomber jacket, teamed with a jumper for warmth. I’d recommend popping a foldaway packable rain jacket (like this one) or reusable poncho (like this one) in your bag in case of a downpour.
3. Footwear: comfortable and water-resistant
What footwear you need to pack for Autumn in England depends on where you’re going and what you plan on doing. What you’ll need for city sightseeing will be pretty different from what you might need for a camping trip in the countryside.
For city breaks, I recommend a pair of comfortable trainers (sneakers). I LOVE Skechers for this, I have a pair of Skechers GOwalk 6 Trainers and they’re perfect for walking around cities… as long as it doesn’t rain. A pair of comfortable ankle boots are also ideal (preferably water-resistant). Team them with jeans, or a skirt with tights*, for a more stylish look that’s still comfy.
*Top Tip: Opt for thermal leggings or tights if it’s particularly cold. These Mountain Warehouse ones are good quality and reasonably priced.
If you’re planning an outdoorsy break in the English countryside then a decent pair of walking boots is also a must. You need sturdy, water-resistant boots with good grip and plenty of ankle support. I’ve been using a pair of Mountain 600s from Danner for a year now and I swear by them.
Spring England Packing List: Basics
- Waterproof coat or jacket: opt for one that’s lightweight and not too thick, but still wind-proof.
- Hat and gloves (if you’re visiting in early spring and expecting cool weather)
- Scarf
- Backpack: look for something comfortable and water-resistant to use as a daypack while you’re out exploring.
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Underwear + socks.
- Pyjamas: most hotels have decent heating, but a cosy pair of PJ’s is usually a good idea in spring anyway!
- Swimwear if needed (if your hotel has a spa or a pool)
What to Pack for City Breaks
- Jeans
- Ankle boots
- Comfy trainers
- T-shirts / long-sleeved tops
- Lightweight/thin jumpers for layering
- Long-sleaved dress or a skirt and a long-sleeved top)
- (Team it with tights or leggings, especially in early spring – and with thermal tights if cold weather is forecast).
- Formal wear for evenings (if needed): A dress with a warm cardigan/cape/jacket, tights or leggings, and a decent coat should be fine.
What to Pack for Countryside Breaks
- Waterproof coat
- Hiking boots – look for water-resistant boots with good grip and ankle support. I swear by my Danners!
- Hiking trousers – look for trousers that are quick-drying and allow movement.
- Thermal leggings (for extra cold days)
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Long-sleaved thermal top
- Flannel shirt or a lightweight fleece as an outer layer
- Thick fleece or wool jumper as an outer layer for colder days
- Boot socks (opt for Merino wool as it’s breathable and more smell-resistant)
- Wellington boots (not strictly a necessity but can be handy for muddy camping trips)
What’s on your spring packing list for England? Have I missed anything?
