The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your London Adventure

When planning an exciting city break, most people spend most time planning factors such as accommodation, booking tickets for attractions and making reservations at the best restaurants. However, most visitors to London fail to consider what they should be packing for a trip to this eclectic city!

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, ensuring you have the right items to make the trip enjoyable is vital. In this article, we’ll share a list of essentials that should be on your tick list when packing for a trip to the UK’s capital city.

Why Packing Smart Is Essential for Your London Trip

Did you know that 62% of people admit that they find packing for a trip stressful? This shocking statistic means that many tourists feel the pressure before they’ve even stepped foot outside their door, so we think it’s obvious why knowing what to pack is essential. 

Packing smart for a trip to London will ensure that any visit runs smoothly. Considering the best items to take can also help visitors get more out of the city, which is why we think knowing what to pack is an important piece of information to know before going to London. Packing smart is also essential for a trip to London as it ensures that visitors are not lugging around heavy suitcases filled with items that could have been left at home when travelling to and from their chosen hotel. Other reasons also include being prepared for the unpredictable British weather, saving money once you arrive in London by not having to buy forgotten items and being able to change plans at the last minute without worry as packed items facilitate any activity.

What Basic Items Should be Packed for a Trip to London?

With 90% of adults admitting to overpacking for trips away, we wanted to make your life easier by sharing a simple list of essential items to take to London. Below is an outline of all of the basic items you should consider when packing for London, with some items of course, being optional based on access to resources once in the city where you are travelling from:

• Travel Documents—These will differ depending on where you are travelling from, and examples include passports, visas, and travel insurance certificates. 
• Local currency and/or a bank card that offers suitable exchange rates when spending money in pounds sterling.
• Gadgets—If you are visiting from outside the UK, remember your mobile devices, chargers, and travel plugs. 
• Clothing – It’s important to match your clothing to your planned activities. This could include comfortable items for walks around London or dressy items if you are attending nice eateries. Be sure to pack for each planned occasion and don’t forget the essentials like nightwear and workout gear if you like to stay active.
• Shoes – We don’t think it’s a good idea to overpack footwear as these items can take up extra room in your case. It’s best to pack one pair of shoes that are more comfortable for walking around and one for special occasions. 
• Toiletries – You can also pack whatever you like for toiletries, but don’t panic if you forget anything, as there are plenty of stores around the city to pick things up. You will also always have access to a selection of personal care items if you are staying in one of our hotels (Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotel)

Seasonal Packing Guide: What to Bring Based on the Weather

Another consideration to make when packing is what seasonal weather you are likely to encounter when visiting London. Whether you are visiting London to take in some seasonal Christmas Markets or looking to sunbathe during the warmer months in a park, planning for changes in weather is important.

For autumn and winter, you will also want to pack some extra layers, warm clothing, and waterproof items like raincoats and an umbrella. It can also get drizzly in the Spring and Summer, so waterproof pieces are a staple at all times of the year when visiting London. Other items to consider for the warmer months in the city include sunblock, hats, glasses and light layers for sudden changes in weather (we all know that British seasons are unpredictable!).

However, as with the list of essential items, you can also easily pick up seasonal items once in London, so don’t worry if you forget pieces or if you are running low on space.

Must-Have Items for Exploring London’s Attractions

Another important element to consider when packing for a London adventure is ensuring you are prepared for planned day trips. Below, we’ve highlighted some items you may also want to consider if you are going to be spending time visiting top attractions like royal landmarks or the modern marvel, the London Eye.

Travel Essentials

Be sure to plan for how you can best get around London easily by considering items like travel cards. You can choose to pick up an Oyster card or simply use a contactless debit card to easily use most forms of public transport in the city. Other items you may want to pack include travel maps and be-booked tickets for attractions.

Phone/Camera and Battery Pack 

No trip to London is complete without taking plenty of snaps to remember special moments. As well as packing your chosen phone and/or camera, be sure to bring spare batteries and battery packs based on your device. You are likely to be spending lots of time out and about with many memories to capture which can mean a midday recharge is essential.

A Tote Bag or Rucksack

You should also consider taking a smaller back that can be easily used when travelling around the city to hold essential items like wallets and other personal items. These bags should be lightweight, feature secure fastening closures and not be too large, as some attractions may restrict the size of bags. Bags may also need to be checked at some venues, so be sure that there are not any concealed pockets to eliminate the chance of issues arising.

Water Bottle

You will also need to remain hydrated when exploring the city so it’s always a good idea to pack a reusable bottle. This can be filled in both restaurants and in attractions to ensure you always have a refreshment close to hand. Some attractions also won’t allow you to bring in filled bottles so it’s good to have a reusable option so that you can easily fill up when allowed.

Packing Tips for Business vs. Leisure Travel

London isn’t just known for attracting tourists each year but also a large number of business travellers. Some additional items that those attending for corporate reasons will want to consider are as follows:

• Laptop and a suitable carry case
• Smart clothing for corporate occasions and for entertaining clients at London’s special restaurants
• Relevant stationary and business collateral
• Suit and dress bags which can be used alongside dry cleaning services which are offered by most London hotels

Enhance Your Stay with Crown Group of Hotels’ Travel Amenities

Choosing the right hotel for a trip to London is just as important as ensuring your suitcase includes all of the essential items we have listed in this article. When you book a stay with any of the Crown Group of Hotels, you are guaranteed a comfortable and well-equipped London which takes the stress of choosing the right place away.

Thanks to our conveniently located hotels, it’s not a big deal if you forget a travel item as you can easily pop out to a nearby store to pick up your missing product. Our team is also always available to help with sourcing essential items plus can also offer advice on other aspects of creating the perfect trip such as recommending tailored travel plans or helping to plan transport connections. 

To start planning your perfect trip to London, contact our team now or click here to book a stay at one of our hotels.