British Isles Cruise Weather

[Littled7287]

Sailing on the Sept 10 British Isles cruise and starting to really plan. Would like to take advantage of sales etc as the seasons change so trying to plan appropriate attire. From googling it seems like it’ll be rainy and cool. Wondering about some first hand experiences and recommendations for cruise and excursion attire. Thank you all! Also looking for recommendations for a few days in London precruise if you have any must dos you’d like to pass along!

 

[holula]

I live in the UK, it could be a total mix in September so pack everything. Possibly rain, possibly 25C and sunny. I cruised the same week this year, it was absolutely baking (for the UK!) on departure day! Absolutely no need for a jacket. The day we disembarked it was much cooler.

 

[Garyjames220]

I live in the uk. Prepare for rain, anything better is a bonus.

I very much doubt it won’t rain at some point during your 7 nights, the question is more how many days will it.

 

[Littled7287]

I live in the UK, it could be a total mix in September so pack everything. Possibly rain, possibly 25C and sunny. I cruised the same week this year, it was absolutely baking (for the UK!) on departure day! Absolutely no need for a jacket. The day we disembarked it was much cooler.

Sounds like layers and a good rain jacket are the way to go!

 

[RAD]

Sounds like how you need to pack for an Alaska cruise, expect everything.

 

[KDG]

We took this cruise in 2018. Bring layers and a raincoat.

We took the high speed train from Dover to St. Pancras/Kings Cross station in London. We stayed about 2 blocks away at a Premier Inn as it was easy to roll our luggage over there and it was a comfortable place to stay. From there, you can explore London by bus, tube or walking. You can even take the tube directly to Heathrow from this location so you wouldn’t have to book a car service or taxi to take you to the airport.

We have also taken the train into London from Gatwick airport if you find a good flight into there. It seems like Heathrow is charging high fees lately and having staffing issues so flying to/from Gatwick might be a good alternative for you.

 

[hmsTigger]

eddie bauer guide pro pants or something similar water proof, packable, quick dry if you do get drenched No wrinkle Perfect!
Can look casual or dressy
Hooded Rain jacket, layers, went in 2018 and 2019 both were warmer than normal and only sprinkles of rain.

 

[ahen]

Sounds like layers and a good rain jacket are the way to go!

We have done this cruise, layers and rainwear are important, But I think that it was colder when we went to Norway. We have flown into Gatwick every time we've been to London and taken the Gatwick express into London which was super easy. I would try to plan out what you want to do in London, for example going to Windsor Castle pretty much takes an entire day.

 

[auntlynne]

Must do’s? If you enjoy theater, check out what’s happening at The Globe or in the West End. High-priced shows from the US are often a steal in London. There’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that fans might enjoy (3.5 hours, not a Steal, though).

The British Museum is chock-full of interesting artifacts. One of the greatest collections of Egyptian and Greek antiquities. Rosetta Stone. Guttenburg Bible. Admission is free, but require a reserved ticket.

Tower of London with the Crown Jewels. Guided tour. We had an excellent Beefeater lead our group. The Tower Bridge is right there.

Afternoon tea. Pubs with or without food or beer. Food from so many regions of the world. Borough Market in Bermondsey with food stalls (South side of the river across the Tower Bridge).

Walk around Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria statue, Green Park. View Westminster Palace (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben.

Just walking around London is an adventure. Walk across the Milkenium Bridge. Take a HOHO bus tour to get an overview; double decker top deck if not raining. And ride the Tube - but mind the step.

"Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - Samuel Johnson, 1777. Only two days Pre-cruise?

(Members of my family have also stayed at Premier Inns and would do so again. And other hotels.)