What to pack for United Kingdom
The UK has a mild, changeable maritime climate. Rain can fall in any month, summers are generally warm rather than hot, and winters are cool and damp rather than very cold. Scotland and the north are cooler and windier than the south.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with United Kingdom in mind
- A waterproof jacket — more useful than an umbrella in wind
- Layers: a sweater (jumper) works in most months
- Shoes that cope with wet pavements
- A Type G plug adapter if you are visiting from abroad
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- City break packing list · 48 items
- Road trip packing list · 46 items
- Business trip packing list · 49 items
- London packing list · by season
What to eat in United Kingdom
These are dishes most visitors to the United Kingdom will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Fish and chips
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips.
FishGluten
Full English breakfast
Eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomato and toast.
Contains porkEggGluten
Sunday roast
Roast meat with Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, vegetables and gravy.
GlutenEggDairy
Shepherd's pie
Minced lamb topped with mashed potato.
Dairy
Cream tea
Scones with clotted cream and jam, with a pot of tea.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Chicken tikka masala
Creamy, spiced British-Indian curry.
DairyNuts & peanuts
Sticky toffee pudding
Date sponge with toffee sauce.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyEgg
Avoiding pork? In this list, Full English breakfast usually contains pork.
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 07:00–09:30 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 12:00–14:00 |
| Dinner | 18:00–21:00 |
| Tipping | 10–12.5% in sit-down restaurants if no service charge is on the bill. Not expected when ordering at a pub bar. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Easy to find |
| Vegetarian food | Easy to find |
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- Greggs — Bakery chain for sausage rolls, pastries and sandwiches.
- Wagamama — Pan-Asian noodle restaurants.
- Pizza Express — Casual pizza restaurants.
- Wetherspoon — Budget pub chain serving food all day.
- Leon — Fast food with healthier options.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for the United Kingdom. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- Passport valid for your whole stay. The UK requires your passport to be valid for the length of your stay. GOV.UK — ETA (opens in a new tab)
- Get a UK ETA before you travel. Most visitors who do not need a visa must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation, including when transiting. It costs £16 and lasts 2 years. GOV.UK — ETA (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- No entry authorisation needed. You can travel here with your national passport or ID card. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in United Kingdom?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in United Kingdom?
10–12.5% in sit-down restaurants if no service charge is on the bill. Not expected when ordering at a pub bar.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in United Kingdom?
Halal food: easy to find. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Cream tea and Sticky toffee pudding. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.