I’ve been to London and the Midlands from New Years Eve for a two week trip. One point... it is difficult to pack for this trip...
Was a huge swing in temperatures and climate during the stay. Luckily I had a home base and a place to stash clothing with a clothes dryer.
For example, something I’ll never forget, THe day I went to Stonehenge... started in a Midlands hotel, raining and windy, by the time I reached Stonehenge it was a blamy 65F and clear skies. By the time we got back to London that night it was 37F and raining with heavy gusts. Downright freezing in the concrete jungle during that night’s pub crawl....
Also,,, it costs a good US$1200 to buy a top quality winter rain slicker in London....
I spent three weeks in the British Isles during the month of January back in the 70’s once, and I was amazed at how warm it could get from time to time. In fact, I remember being so impressed at how green Ireland was at that time of the year and was told, “That’s because of the Gulf stream.”
They were referring to the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico, believe it or not. Apparently, it can have a big effect in that neck of the woods at that time of the year.
I remember that the entire time I was in Scotland, I NEVER saw the sun. Not once. On a side note, I’m a pretty well-traveled man, and I have never been ANYWHERE where the people were as warm and kind as they are in Scotland.
Finally, in England, it was rainy and damp the entire time I was there. That, I think, is typical for that time of the year. I might also suggest that you Google “Weather By Month In England (or Scotland)” and read what they have to say about average temps and rainfall amounts.
Then, of course, that WAS in the 70’s when I was there. There was that Global Cooling thing going on back then, if I recall.
Yes, but there are Costco stores in England, and they do recognize your US membership cards, and their clothes won't cost a small fortune...:^)
First stop in Sept. was Costco to get a coat for the cold wife...:^)
If you like Walmart junk, just go to a super ASDA supermarket - all of the Walmart junk is there - same owners.