What to Pack For an Autumn City Break in the UK

If you’re planning on exploring closer to home this Autumn, here’s a list of the essentials to help you make the most of your city exploring.

Layers, Layers, Layers!

As anyone who’s lived here even a hot minute knows, the weather in the UK can be changeable as hell – whatever season. Autumn especially sees the skies flip-flopping between sunshine, showers and storms in the space of hours, so making sure you’ve packed for surprise weather changes means you can enjoy your city break.

I like to take layers with me – it’s easy to roll a jumper up into a small backpack, to carry around with you as you’re walking around.

A warm coat is an absolute must, especially towards the later end of Autumn. Bonus points if it’s waterproof! (see below) If it’s looking to be cold, a hat, scarf and gloves don’t take up much space in your travel bag and will keep you super cosy.

Sturdy & Comfortable Footwear

One of my favourite things about autumn? Boot season, baby! If you’re walking around a city exploring, you’re gonna want footwear that keep your feet cosy AND comfortable.

I was recently gifted a pair of (vegan) Dr Martens Chelsea boots, which are absolutely perfect for exploring cities in. I’ve been wearing DMs to festivals since I was a teenager, but their range of Chelsea boots offer a smarter look, with the same durability and quality. Just make sure you break in your DMs first!

Waterproof Gear

With the aforementioned changeable weather in our fair British Isles, make sure you’re prepared for a downpour. Nope, I’m not talking those weird waterproof trousers your dad wears fishing. If you’re going hiking in the mountains, maybe, but for an autumn city break, you’ll probably just need the basics. Getting cosy in a pub until the weather brightens up is one option – but if you want to get out and about, you might need something to keep you dry.

A small, folding umbrella is ideal for popping into your bag in case of unexpected showers. Okay, we’re in the UK – I’m not sure ‘unexpected’ is the word!

The Little Essentials

• Not just for autumn, but when I’m on a city break, I’ll always pack a portable charger and a cable to charge my phone, to save going back to the hotel when I’m out and about.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. I *always* forget these and have to make an emergency trip to Boots. Don’t be like me.
• I like to bring my own shower gel and shampoo, unless the hotel offers a sustainable option instead of small plastic bottles of toiletries.
• A book/e-reader – for the train, quiet nights in a hotel, or while you’re getting cosy in the pub to avoid the rainstorm…