Packing for a road trip can be challenging, especially if you’re trying to figure out what to pack for a long drive in the UK, where the unpredictable weather makes outfit choices tricky.
Having travelled to over 50 countries and explored countless destinations at home in the UK by car, I like to think I’m a pretty good packer.
I’ve got packing for road trips in England down to a fine art this year while we’ve been unable to fly abroad (cheers, ‘rona!) and wanted to share a packing list for road trips that you can use whether you’re exploring Cornwall’s beaches or driving Scotland’s North Coast 500.
After my Lake District road trip in a VW Transporter campervan, I put together a handy UK road trip packing checklist that you can use for any road journeys you’re planning. It will be useful no matter what season you’re travelling in.
The majority of these things to pack for a road trip are for both long car trips and campervan or motorhome adventures. Obviously, when it comes to clothing you should just adapt the quantity based on the length of your trip.
I’m so pleased to be able to share this post because I suffered with terrible driving anxiety for a long time. You can read about how I beat my fear of driving if you’re going through the same thing.
Essentials to pack for a UK road trip
Where possible, I’ve tried to include eco–friendly and sustainable products and brands in my UK road trip packing checklist.
All of the links included are for reputable websites I know you can trust – mainly Amazon but a few other websites I use myself. Some links are affiliate (as mentioned at the beginning of this post), which means I make a very small commission if you buy stuff after clicking them. You don’t pay any extra!
- Save money on your UK road trip with these memberships you can buy online before your trip
English Heritage
National Trust
These memberships give you free access to over 900 attractions and free parking across the UK at participating venues!
Road trip essentials for your car or campervan
1. Driver’s license, car registration and insurance details – You can’t go far without them.
2. Car manual – In case of any car mishaps.
3. Map – Both a paper map and an offline version of Google Maps for your route.
4. Hands-free mount for your phone – If you don’t have Sat Nav or just know you can’t rely on it down some of the UK’s country lanes, Google Maps can come to the rescue. A phone mount will keep your phone secure and make driving while following its instructions safer.
5. Engine coolant
6. Spare tyre
7. Fuel in a portable container
8. Emergency kit – Ideally, you’ll have someone with you who actually knows what to do with it. Check the different options here.
Clothes to pack for your UK road trip
Pack your clothes in a large rucksack and keep everything inside organised using packing cubes. During our campervan trip, we just stuffed all of our bedding and outerwear into bin bags to keep it out of the way and clean when we weren’t using it!
I pack a mix of comfy clothes to wear in the car and nice outfits for exploring Britain’s many cute villages. In the Lake District, we had an amazing afternoon tea overlooking Lake Windermere that I just had to dress up for!
9. Underwear – We all pack enough underwear to cover peeing ourselves every day, right? Never mind the fact that we haven’t done that since we were kids…
10. Sports bra – Ladies if you’re going hiking on your UK holiday, invest in a decent sports bra! I have this one and it’s perfect for medium impact activity. If you’re going like, trampolining, maybe go for something with more support.
11. Socks – Take more than you need! There’s nothing worse than cold, soggy feet.
12. Leggings – I love these ones because they’re ultra comfortable, flattering and great for outdoor activities but they won’t look out of place at the pub afterwards. I have two pairs because I was so happy with the first pair I bought.
I also have a pair of Bamboo Clothing yoga pants that are super comfy for long journeys and are made from sustainable materials. They have some lovely bright colours and patterns on their site.
13. Denim shorts – Versatile and easy to whip on if the sun comes out! I’ve had my Levis for eight years and they’re still going strong.
14. Tops – Pack colours that will go with your leggings and can be layered. Hawkshead do some great outdoorsy tops.
15. Sweatshirt or knitted cardigan – The more layers, the better really.
16. Nice jeans – For pub visits or if you get sick of leggings. Definitely not for wearing in the car itself. What are you, a psychopath?
17. A dress or outfit for any fancy places you go – I tend to take a few options because the beauty of road trips is that you’re not limited by luggage restrictions! I’ve linked a few failsafe options below.
18. Sandals – If you’re doing a British road trip in the summer months, a comfy pair of sandals will keep your feet cool without causing blisters. The gorgeous tan Barbour pair in the photo above (gifted) are available on Shuperb.
19. Flip flops – Even if the weather in Britain doesn’t exactly call for an open shoe, flip flops are a road trip essential if you’re going to be using campsite showers. No way am I putting my bare feet on those floors!
20. Trainers – Pack a pair that can be dressed up or down – I wouldn’t bother with heels, but a nice pair of versatile but comfy shoes that you can wear to the pub are a must! I love these lightweight, eco-friendly travel shoes.
21. Swimwear – I was all talk in the end when I declared that I planned to go wild swimming in the Lakes. It was way too cold! If you’re braver than me or happen to be planning a road trip in the middle of June, go for it though.
22. Water shoes – An absolute must if you’re going wild swimming.
23. Pyjamas – If you’re on a multi-day road trip.
Outdoor gear to pack for a road trip
24. Sun hat or cap – Keep your face and head protected from UV rays.
25. Hiking boots – I have this charcoal grey pair and I love them.
26. A waterproof jacket or rain coat – My pink one is a three-in-one so it’s ideal for the UK’s weather. I often throw the light inner jacket on for dog walks in the warmer months. It has been a ride or die since I got it. Plus, it looks cute! Also comes in grey if pink isn’t your thing.
I also have a brilliant ‘Winterberry’ jacket from Craghoppers. It was brilliant on my trip to the Norwegian Fjords, so it can definitely handle the UK’s wind and rain!
Toiletries and medicines for your road trip
27. Loo roll – You can’t always rely on public toilets to have it!
28. Biodegradable baby wipes – Handy for wiping spills and on-the-go clean-ups.
29. Hand sanitiser – It’s 2020 people!
30. Toothpaste and toothbrush – I have a bamboo toothbrush which is better for the environment.
31. Shower gel – If you’re going to have access to showers.
32. Deodorant – This ultra powerful roll-on will see you through any adventure.
33. Something to clean your face – On a road trip, I skip my usual seven-step skincare routine. Instead, I like using Micellar water and reusable cotton pads because you don’t need water to rinse the product off your skin.
34. Moisturiser with an SPF – So important. I love this one because it has SPF 50 and doesn’t cause breakouts.
35. Eye cream – Not exactly essential but nice to have. This is my current favourite.
36. Makeup (if you wear it) – I tend to take a streamlined makeup kit when I’m travelling which includes a BB cream with light coverage, a bronzer and brush, concealer, lipstick and mascara.
37. Sun lotion – Even in the colder months, sun protection is a must-have. I’ve just been sent lots of Sun Bum stuff to try and it smells amazing!
38. Aftersun – As above.
39. Insect repellant – Especially for Scottish road trips because midgies are a nightmare!
40. Lip balm – I like this one.
41. Hairbrush, bobbles and grips
42. Dry shampoo – If possible, skip washing your hair while you’re road tripping. Trying to dry dripping wet hair under the feeble British sun is a recipe for the sniffles. I’ve tried countless dry shampoos and always go back to this brand.
43. First-aid kit – or at least plasters, Compeed and some antiseptic cream.
44. Period products and contraception
45. Any medicine you’re taking – Use a pill box to keep things organised and ensure you don’t lose random loose packets!
46. Berocca – Lifesaver for hangovers.
47. Paracetamol – See above.
Comfy road trip must haves
These items to pack for your road trip are mostly useful for camping trips, but the first few are handy whether you’re sleeping in your vehicle, a hotel or a tent!
48. Snoody – What’s a snoody you ask? Oh, only the cosiest item of clothing ever! Part hoody and part blanket, this lined snoody is one of the best presents Tom has ever bought me. It has thumb holes so you can keep your hands warm and a large pocket. I’m actually wearing it inside-out in the picture because it gets too warm with the lining on the inside!
49. Fluffy socks – Especially if you’re camping or sleeping in your vehicle.
50. Travel blankets / duvets
51. Sleeping bag / liner
52. Sheet – We took a flat sheet to line the rock n’ roll bed in the campervan.
53. Travel pillows
54. Eye mask
Gadgets and other useful road trip accessories
55. Chargers – For your phone and any other electronics you’re bringing with you.
56. Battery pack – A good power pack is vital for road trips. This one is the highest rated on Amazon. I’ve tried so many cheap ones and they just break! Always read the reviews before you buy.
57. Camera – I have an Olympus EPL-7 and I’d struggle with anything else. it’s ideal for travel because it’s relatively small and not as bulky as a DSLR. I’ve got my eye on the newer EPL-9.
58. GoPro – Even if you don’t do Youtube, a GoPro is great for easily documenting your trip. I have the HERO9.
59. Portable speaker – I’ve had this bluetooth speaker for a few years and we’ve had no problems with it. The sound quality is great. We take it on holiday for hotel rooms and had it in the campervan (playing quietly so we didn’t disturb our neighbours).
60. Portable Wi-Fi device – If your road trip is going to take you to remote destinations, having your own Wi-Fi device is going to come in handy. God forbid we have to go cold turkey!
61. Headphones – Especially handy if there are a few of you and you all have different taste in music.
62. Fitbit – I was obsessed with checking how many steps I’d done on my Lake District trip!
Fun things to pack on a road trip
64. Road trip games
65. Alcohol! (Obviously, this is only to be consumed when you park up and bed down for the night.)
66. Books or a kindle – I’d be lost without mine!
67. An audible subscription – I get car-sick so I can’t read books while the vehicle is moving, but audible lets you listen to your book and you don’t need your hands! You can get a free 30 day trial here.
Snacks you can pack for a road trip
68. A cool bag – Filled with ice packs that you’ve frozen ahead of time. An essential for long car journeys!
69. A cute picnic basket – The one I’ve linked comes with all the cutlery etc inside.
70. Cereal bars
71. Dried fruit and nuts
72. Crisps
73. Crackers
74. Peanut butter
75. Water – It’s important to include large bottles of water in your road trip bag in case you end up stranded somewhere. Hopefully that won’t happen though.
Things to pack for an Autumn or Winter road trip
76. Tyre chains – Particularly if your road trip is taking in the North of England or Scotland! I once got stuck in snow in the Scottish Highlands…
78. Wooly hat
79. Scarf
80. Gloves
81. Thermal socks
82. Thermal skins
Other stuff to pack for your road trip, whatever the season!
83. Face masks – in case you feel unwell during the trip.
84. Reusable water bottles – Better for the planet and easier on your budget in the long-run!
85. Backpack for daytime – Check out my review of my favourite daytime backpack for women.
86. Tote bag – Perfect for taking your stuff to the showers or carrying snacks.
87. Towels or travel towels
88. Picnic blanket
89. Biodegradable bin bags – Remember, leave no trace.
90. Wet bags – For swimwear, gross towels, that top you dropped on the wet floor…
91. Dry bags – To keep your valuables safe and dry in a downpour.
92. Umbrella – Yes, even if you’re packing for a summer road trip in Britain.
93. Small mirror
94. Torch
95. Fan – If you’re packing things for a summer car journey in the UK, a fan might be handy on the hotter days.
96. Sunglasses
97. Corkscrew and bottle opener
Places to visit on your UK road trip
Northumberland’s best glamping sites
Going to the Lakes? There are a few things to know about the Lake District before you go!
Go to my UK travel section or read this England itinerary for a pre-planned route.
Going further afield? Get some inspiration with this post on the best road trip destinations around the world.
Search for accommodation in the UK
Not camping or sleeping in your vehicle? Use the booking.com box below to find and book accommodation.
Booking.comI hope you’ve found this guide to what to pack on a road trip in the UK helpful! You can pin the below pics to your road trip planning board to come back to this post later.
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