Comments on: Packing for London + the Cotswolds in May

By: Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:11:05 +0000

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!

By: TerryP

TerryP — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:50:53 +0000

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.

By: Penny

Penny — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:00:59 +0000

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!

By: Julia

Julia — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:46:22 +0000

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.