I’m prone to throw things in a suitcase quickly before heading out the door for a quick road trip or a visit with family. But when I plan to travel to some place new where I’ll be on the go touring, I start months in advance mapping out what I will wear and pack. Since I’m fewer than five weeks out from my 10-day trip to London and the Cotswolds, I’ve already got a pretty good start on my travel capsule for the trip. Let me catch you up and share a little of my process, and I’d love your feedback if you have experience with similar excursions.
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I’m visiting the UK mid-May and will be there for 10 days. I did a similar trip in 2023, but that was in August and mostly in London, with daytime excursions to Windsor Palace and Oxford. I understand the temperatures will be cooler in May, and the likelihood of rain is a little higher as well. But the bigger difference in the two trips to England is that this one includes several days in the Cotswolds, where we will be doing moderate hiking, too.
In fact, my trip coordinator, Shelly Wildman of Discover Walkabout, has highly recommended that we have waterproof hiking shoes or boots. And I know I’ll also need a waterproof or at least water-resistant rain jacket and hat or hood. We will be hiking about 5 miles for two or three days, so for those days I want moisture-wicking base layers that are cool and comfortable. But for the city I want to have clothes appropriate for a show, tea, shopping and strolling through gardens. You can see that planning my travel capsule for this trip has been a little tricky. Oh! And I need {and want} to get it all in a carry-on suitcase and large personal item of some sort.
Above you can see all of the items I’m currently considering for the trip. I will not take all of these. However, the plan is to take most of what you see in that graphic. I’m trying to decided between a couple of pairs of hiking shoes, I doubt I need that many tops, I’m uncertain about the jeans and I’m questioning whether I need both a pullover cotton/silk blend sweater and a cashmere cardigan.
How I Planned My Travel Capsule for London + the Cotswolds
Before I share more details about my proposed travel capsule for London and the Cotswolds in May, let me walk you through the process of how I got here.
FIRST I started with the necessary shoes. I know I need waterproof hiking shoes for the Cotswolds, but I want them potentially to work for heavy walking days in London as well…maybe. I also want a second pair of shoes that I can wear to dinner or a show, if I decide to go to one during my free time. And I need a third pair of shoes I could walk in comfortably, but maybe not all day or every day. I’d like to keep it to three pair total, including the shoes in which I travel.
I’m still trying to decide between my Oboz B-DRY hiking shoes, which I’ve had for several years and wore very comfortably almost daily in Alaska, and my new Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, which are a bit heavy but very cushioned. I’ve pretty much settled on my Ally flats for my dress shoe. They’re very comfortable and go nicely with virtually everything in my capsule. The color is really not as pink as in the photo above, but more true, cool beige. And I’m strongly considering my Tretorn sneakers for my third shoe because they look nice with my dresses and other street clothes, but they are very comfortable, too. I don’t want to walk all day in them. But they’ll serve me very well for fairly long distances. And finally, I really hope I can fit my bedroom slippers into my luggage, too, because I like having something to slip into when I’m resting and getting dressed. These orthopedic slippers have great arch support and cushion, so they’ll feel like a treat at the end of the day. Probably I’ll have to travel in my hiking shoes.
SECOND, I considered my rain jacket. I needed to find a lightweight jacket that I can wear hiking as well as in the city. And since it would be my only waterproof option, I knew it would influence the color palette for the rest of my clothes. I ordered the Ralph Lauren hooded raincoat in red and LOVE it. The silhouette, color and hood are favorite features. However, I’ve decided to go with the Barbour Babbity reversible raincoat instead. I’m crazy about the plaid side, as well as the all navy option. It’s lightweight and truly waterproof. The colors are easier to work with. And since it doesn’t have a hood, I purchased the Wharf Street rain hat. Of course I’ll also carry an umbrella, but that won’t necessarily be convenient for hiking days.
BECAUSE my rain jacket set my color palette for me, I proceeded to select other clothing items that fit my needs and work with that color scheme. Following are a few thoughts about the items I’m packing.
- I didn’t wear any dresses last time I went to London, and this time I really want to do that. I’m considering several, but for right now I think the Me+Em summer midi dress in cheesecloth and the J.Jill cap sleeve A-line dress are the top contenders. They should both dress up and down nicely and wear very comfortably. They work nicely under the denim jacket I plan to include, but I could also put a sweater over my shoulders with them.
- I plan to travel in an outfit that is polished, but comfortable, so I can also have that to wear at the hotel or house in the evenings.
- I want moisture-wicking pants I can hike in, but that also dress up, if needed. So I’m planning to take two pairs of my Athleta Endless high rise pants. I may end up with just one pair.
- But I also want a pair of pants that really look a little more polished, but still comfortable, for tea time, shows, shopping, etc. So I found these Nic+Zoe bi-stretch Plaza demi boot ankle pants that I absolutely love. They’re slenderizing and very comfortable. They do come in neutrals here, but I’ve opted for the Daiquiri red. I found two tops that pair beautifully with them, but I can wear other things from my capsule with them as well.
- I’m not sure I need a pair of jeans on the trip, but I’m hesitant to go without them. I know I’ll be craving denim after a week in synthetic fabric pants and dresses. So if I take jeans they need to be ankle length in order to work with my shoes. I’ve tentatively got these on the rolling rack where I’ve collected everything. And if I do take jeans, I might as well thrown in a button-up shirt, too, for the same reason.
Finally, before we quickly run through a few outfit inspiration boards, let’s talk about the all essential shoulder bag. I knew I wanted a shoulder bag that can convert to a crossbody. I wanted one that works nicely with my shoe colors, specifically my dressier shoe. I prefer a bag with several interior pouches and zip pockets for travel, and it absolutely needs to have a full exterior zipper of course. For me, that zipper needs to be completed. Know what I mean? I don’t want to have to fuss with the tail end of the zipper hanging out, having to push it back in and struggling to zip without holding the tail. Finally, I need to LOVE the bag. I want it to look polished and stylish, not just travel-worthy. That’s just me. I don’t care about the RFID functionality so much, but I do want a good sturdy bag that I can wear close to my body. Oh! And another big feature is that it needs to pack easily into my personal bag when I’m boarding the plane.
So… I’ve decided on the Melrose crossbody leather bag in the color sand by THE SAK. It checks every single box that I listed above. It actually almost matches my Ally flats perfectly. And, bonus, it matches my Tretorns, too! I highly recommend this bag for travel or busy everydays.
Travel & Relaxation Outfit
I plan to travel in my Varley rolled cuff pant and half zip top in the same rich raspberry. I’m not sure actually if it will work with my white denim jacket or not. So that’s something I’ll have to work on, perhaps traveling with a different jacket.
I’ll need to travel in my bulkiest shoes, so that will probably be my hiking shoes. And while I know I’ll pack my Away Bigger Carry-On Flex, I haven’t decided whether I’ll take my Everywhere Bag, shown above, or try one of their backpacks. Any thoughts? My other quandary is that when I arrive in London I won’t be able to check into my hotel until hours later. So I can store my bag at the hotel, but I’ll need to get out and do a little sightseeing right away. That means I’ll be in my Varley travel outfit. Hmm. Not sure about that. Maybe I could change clothes in a bathroom? Thoughts?
Touring London
In London we’ll be doing walking tours but also shopping, dining out and just people watching. I plan to wear both dresses if the weather allows.
Dinner Out in London
I’ve created an option for dinner out here, but I could wear these looks for other things on our itinerary as well.
The Nic+Zoe Plaza pants are the hinge piece here, but both of those tops look beautiful and so flattering with them. I did size up in those pants for a really nice fit, as I usually have to in Nic+Zoe’s more fitted pants. I also sized up to a large in the tops for a roomier fit. I got my true to size 10 in the rain jacket for a really nice fit that I can layer under.
Walking the Cotswolds
My friend Shelly of Discover Walkabout is actually leading two trips to London and the Cotswolds this spring. The other one focuses on gardens and promises to be equally delightful. But my trip, on which I’ll be joined by my dear friend since 7th grade (she traveled with me last time, too) and four other women, is considered the “active” trip. Shelly highly recommends waterproof walking or hiking shoes and I know I’ll also be more comfortable in activewear pants and tops.
Just a personal preference, but I really like hiking in button-up shirts. I already have and enjoy the blue Tropicwear short sleeve shirt, and I’ve ordered the red one. They’ll make great base layers, but if it’s really cool I can add a t-shirt underneath. And I just don’t travel without my Endless high rise pants, even if I’m just doing city walking or exercise. I may end up with just one pair of those, but I need to check with Shelly for more specifics on the itinerary before I give up a pair.
Enjoying Oxford
We have one morning in Oxford as we transfer from London to the Cotswolds. But then my friend Candy and I are staying an extra night there at the end of our trip, too. So I actually have a couple of days in this historic city, one of my and Candy’s favorites. I could wear this navy and white striped dress, but this is also about the time on the trip when I figure I’ll be craving a comfortable pair of jeans and a silky soft button-up shirt.
So those are just a few examples of outfits I can put together with my travel capsule for London and the Cotswolds in May. If you look through the entire capsule, I think you’ll see that there are many more possibilities. And I’ll certainly be streamlining this list a little before I actually head out.
If you have experience traveling in this part of the world during May, I’d love to read your thoughts. Especially if you did any hiking around the Cotswolds, please let me know about your experience. I welcome anyone’s input, but I definitely value those with experience. I’ll keep you updated as the trip approaches. And of course I’ll share my final capsule as well as outfits from the trip itself.
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Blessed for My Day
Yesterday Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. What a hope-filled day! It’s certainly inspiring to be reminded of the love that compelled Jesus to die for us and the power that raised Him from the grave, our sins atoned for once and for all.
But the Easter celebration shouldn’t just warm our hearts and give us assurance of our own future resurrection to glory. It should also compel us to share that hope with others around us. Look around you today. This world is filled with people who are hopeless. That hopelessness shows up in many forms: depression, anxiety, fear, anger, greed. But the root is the same. They can’t see beyond the here and now and they feel stuck in their bad habits and destructive patterns. Let’s offer them the same hope we have found…out of the same love with which Jesus drew us to Himself.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ~ 1 John 3:16
Great post today. I will be traveling soon and am having trouble deciding what to take. I will need field clothes and hiking boots for the day. For dinner I would like to get “cleaned up”. I’m not sure what to take for the cleaned up portion. AND it all has to be in a carry-on. Shoes are a problem. I’ll have to wear my hiking boots to travel as they take up too much space in my carryon suitcase. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.
Scarves!!! And I have a wrinkled up, scrunched pair of cheap velvet gloves in the pockets of all my possibly-cold-weather jackets & coats. Amazon carries them in various colors. Boy, have I been GLAD I remembered them!!!
I think your capsule wardrobe looks really good. I wonder if you might need any waterproof hiking pants- maybe something to ask your guide Shelly about. For me I don’t wear white on the airplane because of spills. I love wearing jeans so if the weather permits I always have a pair with me when traveling.
I am excited for you and I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.
One of my favorite bloggers, Jo-Lynne Shane, has made the same trip at about the same time of year. I recommend you read her archived post on “what to pack” You might get some good tips. Have fun!
Yes, I’ve followed Jo-Lynne for years and we are personal friends. I actually got the JCrew cardigan through her post. However Jo-Lynne’s trip did not include the hiking. This is a new activity Shelly added just this year. But otherwise I’ve very much found Jo-Lynne’s packing recommendations very helpful.
I’m planning my fourth trip to the UK in August, each time in a different season. Our May weather on one trip was cold and rainy one day and sunny and warmer the next. You nailed the capsule wardrobe. I’ve noticed that several London restaurants posted notices that “no trainers allowed”. On my last two trips, I’ve worn a pair of Sketchers that look like flats or loafers that were easy to wear walking tin he city and still acceptable everywhere.
I look forward to hearing what you eventually bring as you have many different activities planned. I’ve been to the UK many times and have concluded one can’t predict the weather one gets. When in Durham County in June, it was very cold and rainy so I did not wear my planned skirt/top outfit. In September another time, London and the Lake Region were very warm, when I brought long sleeve tops. In Ireland in August, it was quite hot and no rain, but cold and rainy in June. I usually bring my reversible/packable raincoat, waterproof Ecco runners and an umbrella. I tend to bring a couple dress pants for going out to theater, dinner and no longer bring dresses/skirts; the exception being when we attended an August wedding in Ireland, where I brought 3 dresses. I often don’t feel like dressing up when traveling as my husband doesn’t and I want to match the smart casual that he prefers for going out. Enjoy your trip and looking forward to hearing all about it. Oxford is a beautiful city. Make sure to take the walking tour of the university.
My daughter and her husband live in England so we go a lot. I was in London last September. It was very chilly by the time I left later in the month. My must have’s are my New Balance sneakers. They are waterproof not just water resistant. I wear them everywhere-even with casual dresses. I also carry a light weight cashmere scarf or pashmina. It’s great for planes and trains but can also be a dressy wrap. Finally, a raincoat with a hood. I will never again buy a trench or raincoat unless it has a hood. It rains everyday in England! My latest coat is by Ciao Milano 1969. I love the gold hardware and it is also waterproof. Not water resistant. Have fun!
Kelly do you have links to your water proof NB sneakers and raincoat?
Check with Jo-Lynne Shane for the new Quince personal carry on bag she’s been trying out and loves as she says it has so much room in it. Infact she’s been using it instead of the backpack she took last year on trips from the same company as your luggage and bag you show here. So if you want a backpack she’d give you link to one she likes also. Love capsule you set up. Great job.
As I read this, I kept thinking: where have I heard this before? Then I saw comment by reader Cindy, that Jo-Lynne Shane took this same trip. HA! Yes, she did, I just searched her site, and she did the same type of London and Cotswolds trip in May last year, with carry-on luggage only. Else, I’m no help. I almost never travel. I just enjoy trips vicariously through others.
Yes I told Kay to check out Jo-Lynne last week for capsule clothes ideas and she said she did.
Well there you go! 🙂 I don’t read every single post, depends on what my work schedule is like. Sometimes I am so busy I miss out on my favorite fashion blogs (insert sobbing face). This is the first post of Kay’s that I have read about her upcoming trip to England. 🙂
I get that. I only follow 3…. Kay, Jo-Lynne and Cindy. Have a good day. 😃
Great capsule wardrobe! Don’t worry about changing out of your travel outfit when you arrive. I prefer to give my face a good wash, moisturize, and brush my teeth! Fluff my hair with a bit of water. Store everything else with the hotel, then take a walk! Hopefully your first night is in a good location to take a walk, people watch, maybe visit a nearby park or museum, have a cup of tea, nice meal … Then get a good night sleep! Enjoy! You will look “Dressed for your Day” for the trip!
I’m heading out for a South East Island Cruise aboard American Cruise Lines. I’m packing using the 3×3 system. Dressed for My Day, too!
What a wonderful trip you’re planning! Just a thought – I bought that Barbour raincoat you showed, and I think it’s great for in-town short rain exposure, liking ducking into stores from the car or a short walk, but I’d suggest a more serious waterproof hooded longish jacket from an outdoor clothing company, like Lands End, REI. Orvis, or a more serious rain coat from Barbour. When rain and wind start up, a hood really is best.
Kay just was thinking of my one and only trip to London and it too was May and I was cold so I’d bring a scarf of some sort.
How exciting for you to travel to one of my favorite places. I have been to the Cotswolds and LOVED it. You will think that you are in New England and know nowt the reason for the name. Predictly it will be cold and rainy as you said but I am sure you already have a plan for packing. I traveled to London once with my cousin in July and told her it was going to be warm but also expect it to be cool too. WRONG, they had a heat wave in the 90’s which never happens there so you never know. Enjoy and wish I was going with you!
Hi Kay, always love your emails and YouTubecontent! Love looking at capsule wardrobes, I always get great ideas from you! After turning a certain age, I decided I better work through my long bucket list so I take two major long trips a year. I like to layer, so my go to long haul flight outfit seems to always be Soho five pocket ponte pants, a Pima cotton long or short sleeve shirt, a chambray shirt and a jacket with zippered pockets, all coincidentally from Talbots. The outfit is comfortable, polished, making it ideal to go from plane to immediate sightseeing in London, Lima or any other major city. it is also low-key so it doesn’t scream tourist.
Since you have to go with a carry-on, I would select lightweight fabrics, such as Merino wool, cashmere and the tech fabrics used for pants at L.L. Bean or Athleta. Maybe take one very packable dress instead of several.
The raincoat you selected is beautiful, don’t know how practical it would be for hiking. I agree, 100% with the other poster who said to look up videos from people who have traveled to the Cotswolds. That is what I did before going to Galápagos, Machu Picchu, and South Africa, they were very helpful. And I would vote for the backpack as it is much easier on your shoulders!
These are just my gentle opinions, of course! Can’t wait to see what more you come up with! Thank you again for all you do😊
Hi Kay
Love your wardrobe for your trip.
As a Brit I would think about taking the lovely Ralph Lauren raincoat for the Cotswolds, and not take a Trench coat. If you consider this is not smart enough for London & sightseeing I would stick with a jacket & umbrella.
I would also take some shorts for walking as May can be lovely and warm. The backpack seems a good idea but I would think about a very thin lightweight backpack (the sort you can get from Amazon) just for water, hat, phone & sunscreen, necessities whilst you are walking, again, just in case it is very warm. The UK can be 30C (80F) but it can be 15C (60F) in May, no telling.
Have a great time – Bourton-on-the-Water is my personal favourite ❤️. Have a great time, Jane
As a Brit, my only comment would be that you would look less like a tourist if you left the red trousers at home and took the jeans instead. If you don’t mind loving touristy, then of course wear what you love.
Forgot to mention that I have only been to London twice, once in June when it was very, very hot and again in July, when it was very cold and wet. During that trip, we also went to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath and we were glad to have warm rain gear! Agree with the other posters that it is a good idea to take lightweight hat, and gloves for your hiking😊
Sounds like a fun trip. I saw a video talking about a crackdown on carry on luggage, with airlines being very strict about luggage meeting the exact size requirements and making you check and pay for luggage that does not comply. It was recommended that you look for luggage that is 2026 approved. Personally I have not experienced anyone having issues but the video also said the program was starting with larger airports. Has anyone had issues this year??
Hi Kay, our grandboy lives in England, he was last seen wearing a parka walking his dog on the sea coast. If it were me, (and I run cold) I would swap the white jean jacket for a dark classic blue, take two long sleeved hiking shirts to double as a different day outfit with accessories. I would include a fleece performance jacket with hood to give you a layer under your rain or jean jacket if needed (and give you a hood). I always pack a sporty light down vest that packs small, (zips into it’s own pocket) and is a great layer over anything including your pajamas, lol! Smart wooly socks to cover for ankle pants, a warmer pullover sweater, cashmere is light? and take a fashion tip from my granddaughter with a solid color dress, she pops a top or sweater over, adds sporty mary janes, and gets a totally different skirt outfit look! I also always take a pair of dark leggings, longer v-neck tee, tank top and chambray shirt. Those pieces have saved the day numerous times. Happy Travels everyone!!
Hi Kay, I have lived in England all my life and the weather here is frequently varied. In May it could be cool but dry, wet, windy or warm sunshine. As you are visiting the south of the UK it is likely to be a bit milder, possibly low to mid 60s. Contrary to a previous opinion it definitely doesn’t rain every day and some summers are so dry we have no rain at all. You will need a hat to protect your head from the sun but I wouldn’t think you will need gloves. For hiking, my preference would be a waterproof coat with a hood.
What a fabulous upcoming trip! My only suggestion is to take a completely waterproof (not water resistant) jacket with a hood. If it’s windy, a hood stays on much better than a hat. Last time I visited the area (in Sept.) it was very wet and windy. My waterproof jacket and sneakers saved my trip. My travel umbrella was useless. I always take a pair of jeans on trips unless I’m headed to a tropical beach.
I agree with all the other British ladies. May here is absolutely unpredictable so you’ll need layers. I recommend a waterproof jacket with hood like a Berghaus with its removable fleece liner which can act as an extra layer over other things if it’s cold.
Cornish brand Seasalt have rain coats and jackets and they have a shop in Oxford if you want to check them out for interest while you are here.
Shelly will give you the best advice though.
BTW while on the subject of British weather, I visited the US in 1981 (had a wonderful time in Texas and California) and was surprised to see the London Fog fashion label. The famous London pea-souper fogs were history before I was born as a result of the Clean Air Act of 1956 – 70 years ago! 😉
Have a great time here, Kay and Candy.
I will be traveling to England (Devon and Cornwall) about the same time and have traveled there many times before. I find the Spring weather (45-65 degrees) too chilly to wear a dress unless you wear tights or boots. Have a lovely trip!!
Well done, Kay. I think you are well prepared. Your shoe selection is perfect and ready for all occasions. As we did one day of hiking in the Cotswolds, I think that the layers you have chosen are perfect. I was chilly in the morning but gradually warmed up significantly in the afternoon as the sun rose and the further we hiked. The other days in the Cotswolds, we still spent significant time walking and touring going from one beautiful town to another. Should you need your raincoat, I think it is perfect. My husband and I had matching Patagonia coats and I am so grateful we didn’t need them. What was I thinking?
Your outfits are well thought out with a perfect blend of casual pants, tops, dresses, a dressier pant, shoes, etc. I also like your choice of a crossbody to use after your arrival. That is what I always do and though functionality is important, we still desire to look nice. All this talk reminds me of our lovely trip as we celebrated the end of my journey through stomach cancer. I was and remain so grateful to God for health and wholeness. Traveling through the Cotswolds, looking across the green pastures and often seeing sheep grazing in the fields, tears would well in my eyes. I was reminded of how well I was shepherded as I walked through that valley. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Travel well. Chris
Take the Oboz broken in hiking shoes and good socks! Check the weather before you go but assume it’s going to be colder than you expect. Wear one really warm heavy cotton sweater on the plane. You have way too much stuff. I am goin
Just my two cents. I’ve been to England 11 times and wouldn’t take an umbrella or a hair dryer.
The umbrella is always bashing into people and will inevitably get left behind in a shop. Just wear the hat.
Also, all of your hotels should have a hair dryer. You can check ahead in their info.
Have fun!
Thanks for sharing Lori. I’ll reconsider the umbrella. However, I’m not staying at a hotel the second half of my trip, so the hairdryer is really a must for me.
Thank you for this video. I will be going to London in May, and have been there many times in that month.( My daughter lives there )
First- great walking shoes because you will be doing loads of walking.
Second- prepare for cold , rainy, and hot days. I took a warm rainproof jacket and got a lot of use of it. Umbrella too.
Also, take a thin merino wool sweater and add a cotton cardigan and nice jacket.
Third pants Jeans, casual pants, and dressier pants.
Fourth- a nice dress
Tops- one for every third day, a dressy one, a hiking one, 2T shirts and the rest smart casual.
Shoes- hiking, walking , dressier ones (no heels)
I think you can fit that in a carry on, but you will have to wear the hiking boots, and jacket.
Have fun.
,
This looks like such an amazing trip—and you’re incredibly well prepared! One small tip for your arrival hotel: consider booking an extra night for the day you land. That way your room is ready as soon as you get there, and you can skip the whole “changing in the bathroom” situation 😊
Also, I have both the Away carry-on and the backpack, and I’d definitely recommend the backpack for this kind of trip. It holds nearly as much but is so much easier to manage on the go.
Thanks for weighing in on the backpack. I don’t think I can pay for another day on my hotel at this point, but that’s a smart idea for the future.
Love your plan! My daughter and I did something very similar in May of 2024. My only suggestion would be to make sure your ankles and lower legs are covered up when you’re walking/hiking throughout the Cotswolds. Those stinging nettles can really getcha! I think next time I’ll throw a little tube of cortisone in my bag as well. Have the best time!
Ooh! 😮 I’ve not heard about those. Oh my. I will have to work around those. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi, long-term lurker here – and really appreciate your help in staying current. I’m British and therefore very familiar with our variable weather. These days you could have days which are very hot and dry – some years we are sitting in the garden in summer clothes in May. Other times it can be torrential rain for days. And evenings tend to be much cooler. As you’re walking in the Cotswolds I’d be prepared for heavy rain and mud – but it could be beautiful weather. Personally I’d definitely take the second pair of walking trousers as you could get muddy. I also feel a bit uneasy about your lovely coat – could you, for example, easily climb over stile between fields in it? And would it pack down into your little backpack on hotter days? I think most Brits would have a more informal hooded waterproof jacket, often one which packs down into a small bag. And a long sleeved jumper or sweatshirt just in case. I hope you won’t need these but you might …. Hope this helps.
Hi Kay,
I live in Southeast England and regularly visit the Cotswolds in London. I’ve been following you for the last few months and love your posts, even though I’ve no idea how to access the stores you share about. But I’ve learnt a lot from the principles you share.
In May here it can be cold or warm, sunny or rainy. Generally speaking when travelling make sure you have suncream and a waterproof. My top tip would be to have some thermal base layers that you can wear under your outer layers for the colder days. I always have some comfortable thermal leggings and a long sleeve thermal tee shirt readily available.
Enjoy your trip!
Kay glad to see that you’re rethinking the raincoat for a more waterproof one with sealed seams, a must have. Besides living in WA state and knowing a thing or two about rain, we were in Europe early May last year and got wet wearing my favorite travel raincoat Cole Haan travel packable raincoat. Should have brought my Lands End Squall or Patagonia.
Hi Kay, another Brit here. I’ve been following you for a couple of years now and love your content. I live in Henley on Thames near Oxford and my daughter lives in the Cotswolds and I would agree that you could get any weather in May, but it is absolutely my favourite month in this part of the country. Everything is very green and lush, with cow parsley lining all the roads and wisteria decorating many of the beautiful golden stone buildings of the Cotswolds. I would take layers, and be prepared to both wrap up and shed them in one day! It is rarely very cold in May, but it can also be quite warm, and when the sun does come out and you are walking you can get quite hot, so be sure to take sunscreen and water. It can also rain, unfortunately, so be prepared! The Cotswolds is pretty relaxed both daytime and evening unless you are going somewhere very smart. You are in the countryside, so comfort and practicality are usually most important, although elevated country brands like Barbour, Holland Cooper and Fairfax and Favour are quite commonly seen. London can be a little more dressy, and dress codes for some venues specify no trainers (sneakers!) or jeans. Have a wonderful trip, Kay, and I look forward to seeing your blog posts!