Plan to have everything accessible but secure — London travel checks are quick, but you’ll want originals and digital backups.

• Passport + photocopy (keep copy separate from original) — valid for the whole trip
• UK entry requirements: check visa status if not a visa-exempt passport holder; if required, bring visa printout or e‑visa screenshot
• Travel insurance card & policy number (photo on phone + printed summary)
• Printed and digital confirmations: flight, accommodation, train tickets (if traveling outside London), and any theatre/museum reservations — keep at least one printed copy
• Payment: 2x chip-and-PIN credit/debit cards (notify bank), plus ~£100–£200 in cash for the first day (taxis, markets). Contactless is common — have a bank card with contactless enabled.
• Transport: consider an Oyster card or set your bank card for contactless fares; have the app or info for National Rail/Tube offline

Early May in London is typically cool and changeable — think layers and smart-casual versatile pieces for museums, pubs, and possible rain.

• 3–4 lightweight tops (cotton/merino blend) for layering
• 1–2 long-sleeve shirts or blouses for slightly dressier evenings
• 1 packable, water-resistant trench or raincoat (classic London essential) — a hood is useful
• 1 lightweight fleece or merino sweater (good for chilly mornings on the Thames)
• 1 packable down vest or thin insulated jacket for colder evenings
• 2 bottoms: one pair of comfortable jeans and one pair of smarter trousers or a skirt (neutral colors mix well)
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes (water-resistant leather trainers or supportive sneakers) — expect cobbles and pavement
• 1 pair of smarter shoes (loafers, ankle boots, or flats) if you plan nicer dinners or theatre
• 1 compact umbrella (small but sturdy) — London rain is often sudden
• 4–6 pairs of socks and underwear plus a set of sleepwear
• Light scarf — easy to add polish and warmth
• Cultural note: London is informal but stylish; pack layers you can mix for museums, galleries, and pubs

Bring travel-sized staples and a couple of things that can be surprisingly hard to replace quickly.

• Everyday toiletries in TSA-friendly containers (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner)
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (sunny spells can surprise you when sitting in parks)
• Moisturizer and lip balm (wind and cool air can dry skin)
• Prescription medications (in original packaging + copy of prescription)
• Basic toiletry extras: travel shaving kit, contact lens solution, tampons/pads (brands vary by store)
• Small travel first-aid kit (plasters, pain reliever, antihistamine)
• Hand sanitizer & small pack of tissues (convenient on public transport)

You’ll need adaptors and a plan for maps and tickets on the go.

• Phone + charger and portable power bank (10–20,000 mAh)
• UK plug adapter (Type G) — UK voltage 230V; most modern chargers are dual-voltage
• Universal travel power strip if you have multiple devices and limited sockets
• Headphones (noise-cancelling if you prefer quiet on flights/Trains)
• E‑reader or small book for the flight and spare downtime in cafes
• Camera or smartphone lens attachments if you enjoy photography; extra SD card
• Download offline maps and key apps: Citymapper or Google Maps, National Rail/National Express, TfL, and any booked venue apps. Save tickets/screenshots offline.

Be ready for packed museums, variable weather, and busy streets.

• Any prescription medications + a brief meds list (dosages) in case you need a local pharmacy
• Over-the-counter basics: paracetamol/ibuprofen, travel sickness tablets if you get queasy on Tube curves
• Small padlock for hostel/hotel lockers if needed
• Reusable face masks and small bottle of hand sanitizer (if you prefer extra caution in crowded areas)

Early May often brings cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the occasional shower — layers are key.

• Light waterproof jacket or trench (already mentioned) and compact umbrella
• Thin wool/merino base layer if you feel the cold easily
• Packable rain cover for backpacks or a waterproof dry bag for electronics

Carry a slim daypack for walking between sights and an easy way to stay comfortable on long museum days.

• Small daypack or crossbody bag (anti-theft if you prefer)
• Refillable water bottle (many public water fountains and cafés will refill)
• Metro/Oyster card or contactless card stored accessibly
• Portable umbrella folded inside day bag
• Foldable tote for market finds or extra layers
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small snack (granola bar)
• Pen and a small notebook or journal (useful for jotting directions or memorable details)

Tailor these to enjoy London's cultural and culinary offerings.

• Smart-casual outfit for a West End theatre night or nicer dinner (dress, shirt and blazer, or smart blouse)
• Comfortable shoes for long museum days (British Museum, Tate Modern involve a lot of walking)
• Reusable coffee cup if you like frequent café visits — many cafés give a small discount
• Plug-in travel umbrella and a small camera or binoculars if you plan river or skyline viewing

A few things seasoned London visitors always pack and often forget:

• Packing cubes: keep outfits together and compress layers for city travel
• Leave space for shopping: you may want room for a book from Daunt Books or a knit from a market
• A day-to-night scarf: transforms casual daytime clothes for an evening out and doubles as a light wrap
• Zip-lock bags for receipts, wet items, or to keep electronics dry during showers
• Small laundry soap sheets if you want to do quick washes in a sink — saves luggage space
• Print or screenshot emergency contacts: your embassy, local insurance hotline, hotel phone, and the number for your bank’s lost-card line

Enjoy London in May: comfortable layers, a good waterproof, and shoes you trust will make wandering its streets and museums effortless. Pack with flexibility in mind and you’ll be ready for cool mornings, mild afternoons, sudden showers, and unexpectedly beautiful light over the Thames.