What to Pack on a 3-Week Trip to Scotland and England in Early Autumn

My wife and I are excited to soon be embarking on a three-week trip to Britain. We’ll be spending just over a week in Scotland, just over a week on the coast in southwest England, and a couple days in London on the tail end.

I looked at historical weather data for the past 6 years for the autumn months to get a feel for the highs, lows and averages we should expect. Basically, it’ll be weather like I’d expect in northern Indiana where I grew up at this time of year—with perhaps a bit more rain. For the part of our trip in Scotland, we are going to road trip through the Highlands, making it all the way to Skye (stopping in Glencoe along the way, with lots of other vistas planned), plus a day trip to Islay as well as sightseeing Edinburgh and Stirling. In England, I’ll be dressing in coat and tie for at least part of every day. And in London, we’ll be primarily sightseeing the main attractions.

We like to travel carry-on only when possible. That means I have to pack versatilely, expecting to get multiple wears out of what I bring, and being able to mix and match so I don’t repeat outfits much if at all. I’m checking a bag on this particular trip, since we have a direct flight (meaning lost luggage is much less likely), since we’ll have a car for much of our time there (meaning we won’t have to lug massive bags all over public transit between cities), and since our airline includes it for free in our ticket price. That said, I’m saving room to bring home some Scotch and still trying to maximize my available luggage space. And I’m sure my wife will ask to use some of my checked bag’s space, too.

So, all those things considered, here is my packing list. I’ll write a post after I return to let you know how well it went. Not pictured is one crewneck cotton sweater (arrrgh forgot to lay it out in this flat lay), and of course socks, undergarments and sleeping attire.

2 sportcoats

• 1 Navy Fall-Winter weight sportcoat (similar from Brooks Brothers; similar from Spier & Mackay; similar from Eidos unstructured)
• 1 Brown F/W weight Donegal sportcoat (similar 1 from Brooks Brothers; somewhat similar 2 from Brooks Brothers; similar from Spier & Mackay)

5 button-up shirts

• University stripe OCBD (same shirt from Knottery; similar from Brooks Brothers)
• White spread-collar dress shirt (same shirt; similar)
• Light blue cutaway collar chambray popover (same; similar)
• Light blue-stripe linen-cotton cutaway collar shirt (similar fabric in all-cotton from Propercloth—use the second link for $20 off)
• Blue OCBD popover (Propercloth heavy Oxford)

4 pairs of trousers

• 2 pairs denim (one medium fade [similar], one light fade [similar])
• 2 pairs chinos (one khaki, one British khaki, both from Brooks Brothers)
• 1 pair light grey flannel trousers (similar 1, similar 2)
• 1 light grey cotton pullover sweater (not pictured; similar in cashmere)

3 ties

• Grey cotton POW tie
• Navy cashmere knit (similar)
• Navy medallion ancient madder

2 pairs shoes

• Scotch-grain Peal & Co. brogues w/ Dainite sole (similar lower price from Allen Edmonds for BB; similar BB 2; these are same maker but different last)
• Snuff suede Meermin chukkas w/ Dainite sole

• 1 Barbour Ashby 
• 1 Navy cashmere scarf (similar)
• 1 Travel Umbrella