Everything to Pack For Your Next London Trip — From Walking Shoes to an Umbrella

Tacomege Transparent Ring Grip ($4)

My most niche packing recommendation is this phone ring grip, which has a couple different benefits. Firstly, a lot of London sightseeing involves looking up at old buildings or churches, and this accessory provides better grip support so that you can take photos on your phone with only one hand, rather than needing both. Additionally, while London is generally a safe city, it does have a lot of incidents involving phone theft — i.e. robbers literally grabbing devices from people's hands while they're using them. This ring grip offers an extra layer of protection so that you can hold onto your phone more tightly.

Small Leather Coin Purse ($7, originally $13)

Whenever I travel abroad, I like to bring along a small coin purse in addition to my normal wallet, that way I can keep the coins I collect separate from my normal US currency. In London, the currency is referred to as a British pound, and includes sterling coinage — often with distinct designs. While you can get away with strictly using an international credit card while traveling throughout the city, I like to carry a small amount of physical currency just in case.

Downy Wrinkle Release Spray ($8)

While many high-end London hotels come equipped with in-room ironing boards, others do not — which means you either need to travel with a portable steamer or opt for something more space-friendly like this Downy Wrinkle Release Spray. It's easy to use; simply spray it on the fabric of choice (ideally lighter, more delicate pieces), tug and smooth out wrinkles, then allow it some time to dry. Not only is it effective at lifting wrinkles from clothes, but it also boasts a fresh linen scent that masks odors, too.

Morfone 16-Pack Travel Bottles Set ($8, originally $10)

Even when I check a bag, I still prefer to have my toiletries and makeup pouch on the flight; this just gives me insurance that if my suitcase doesn't make it to my final destination, I won't have to worry about replacing my skin-care or makeup products once I land (which oftentimes cost more than my clothes). From London to Paris, Copenhagen, and even Amsterdam, this travel toiletry set has been a staple on all of my trips abroad. It comes with plenty of bottles for liquids and moisturizers, and I've never had a problem getting through security or customs with it. See why I love this Amazon toiletry bag so much in this review of the Morfone Travel Bottles Set.

AceMining Portable Door Lock ($15, originally $21)

While it might not be applicable to all UK hotels, many of the ones I've stayed at in cities like London and Manchester don't have deadbolts on the hotel room doors. The rooms are still equipped with basic locking systems, but if you (like me) have watched one too many TikTok videos on hotel safety etiquette, I recommend traveling with this portable door lock to be extra safe — especially if you're a solo traveler.

"London: A Guide for Curious Wanderers" Hardcover Book ($16, originally $22)

One of my best recommendations for first-time travelers to London — or even those who have visited before — is to invest in a quality guidebook. The city has such an expansive history and I find that without the right direction, I often miss out on understanding the significance of certain sights, palaces, and even parks. I purchased this copy from Daunt Books in Marylebone, a bookstore in central London, and it provided great context on some of the city's most overlooked gems.

Tessan Type G Travel Adapter ($16, originally $18)

If you didn't already know, many wall outlets and sockets are shaped differently in the UK than they are in the US — and even throughout most of Europe. You can purchase a universal travel adapter, but if you're looking for one that's specific to the UK (and countries like England or Ireland), I recommend this option from Amazon. It's equipped with multiple USB ports so you can charge several items at once, and works great for everything from iPhone chargers to hair styling tools and more.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Patches ($16)

Longer flights always manage to bring even my most deep-rooted zits to fruition; I'll hop on a flight with clear skin and walk off of it with three fresh pimples. To counter developing zits at the source, I turn to these hydrocolloid acne patches from Cosrx. They're transparent and match my skin's tone, so they aren't super noticeable. The set also comes with patches in multiple sizes, so I can choose the option that's best suited to my spots.

Goothdurs Mini Travel Compact Windproof Umbrella ($17)

London is known for its rainy weather, with high precipitation rates in nearly every season — though the spring and fall can be especially wet. I've always encountered multiple rainstorms whenever I've visited the city, which is why having an umbrella with you at all times is so essential. I love this compact option from Amazon because it's tiny and designed to fit in even the smallest of bags, including crossbody purses and larger clutches.

PrettyLittleThing White Contrast Mesh Sneakers ($18, originally $45)

While London is a larger city, it's also incredibly walkable. If you have time, one of my favorite things is doing a walking loop from Soho or Mayfair to Hyde Park down through Kensington and the museum district, then venturing east through Chelsea and Westminster. It requires some pretty serious mileage, but the route gives you a taste of the city's best spots — including shops, theaters, palaces, and historical sites. Regardless of what your itinerary looks like, you'll want to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. I wore these chunky PrettyLittleThing sneakers on my most recent visit and loved the cloud-like, cushioned support they provided. Plus, white sneakers are easy to pair with any outfit.

Merit Flush Cruelty-Free Blush Balm ($30)

London is my favorite city in the world, which means that whenever I visit, I want to spend as much time exploring and as little time in my room as possible. To keep my makeup looking fresh for those longer days outside of the hotel, I like having this blush balm handy. It's compact, boasts a rosy tint, and is easy to apply in restaurant or shop bathrooms. It's also great if you're bouncing between appointments or tours and don't necessarily have time to freshen up at your hotel before dinner.

PrettyLittleThing Black Plisse One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress ($30, originally $50)

You can't beat London's nightlife scene. Whether you're attending a cabaret show at Lio London, indulging in a couple drinks at The Prince, or planning to catch a show in the West End, there's so much happening on any given night. With that, I recommend packing a formal black dress that can work for a variety of dress codes — just like this midi style from PrettyLittleThing. It's sophisticated, sexy, and endlessly comfortable, plus you can easily dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds ($80, originally $129)

Few things in life are better than exploring a new city while listening to your favorite music. It's a euphoric experience that can cement a memory in a whole new way; whenever I hear a song that I listened to while in a specific city, I'm immediately transported back to that moment in time and can reminisce. Prior to trips, I'll even put together a playlist with songs that I think match the vibe of the destination and season — see my latest London-inspired Spotify playlist for further proof. These Apple AirPods ensure you can listen to your favorite tunes without the hassle of unnecessary cords.

MZ Wallace Medium Metro Deluxe Tote ($275)

I once described this as my "Mary Poppins-esque bag" in a review of the MZ Wallace Tote, and I stand by that description. With 11 separate compartments, it's remarkable just how much I can actually squeeze into this travel bag. Not only does it fit seamlessly under airplane seats, but it's also easy to store in overhead bins on trains (including London railways).

A Day's March Milli Trench Coat ($340)

Trench coats feel synonymous with London fashion, particularly during the city's rainier months. I love this style from A Day's March because it has a water-repellant coating that's designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. The jacket's oversize fit provides a more lived-in feel, while the deep side pockets offer plenty of space for holding my iPhone, umbrella, or even wallet.

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.