Scotland Summer Packing List: What I’m Bringing to Shetland, Liverpool, and The Open
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Post-trip update: I originally put this packing list together before our summer trip to the UK, which included five days in Shetland, time in Liverpool and two days at The Open. Now that we’re home, I’ve shared a full breakdown of what I actually wore and used, what worked well and what I’d change next time in My UK Packing List Review: What I Packed vs. What I Actually Used.
Why Packing for Scotland is Different
Creating a Scotland summer packing list is a little different than packing for most summer vacations.
In a single afternoon, you might experience sunshine, rain, and chilly coastal winds. Add in long days walking a links golf course and sightseeing in cities like London and Liverpool, and suddenly your packing strategy becomes much more important.
This trip included five days in the Shetland Islands, time in London and Liverpool, and two days attending The Open Championship. I also played a round on a links course near Liverpool. Since I rented clubs, I didn’t have to worry about traveling with a golf bag, but I still needed clothing and accessories that could work for both sightseeing and a day on the course.
When putting together my Scotland summer packing list, I focused on versatility. I wanted clothing and gear that would work for sightseeing, golf, and unpredictable weather without overpacking.
Here’s what made it into my suitcase.
The Open Championship Spectator Essentials
Watching The Open isn’t like attending most sporting events. You’ll spend hours walking, standing, and following players across an exposed links course. Comfort matters just as much as the weather forecast.
After attending two days of The Open, I can confirm that comfortable shoes and being prepared for a lot of walking are especially important. We logged between 15,000 and 20,000 steps each day. For more firsthand tips, read What It’s Really Like to Attend The Open Championship.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
This is probably the item I’m least willing to leave at home.
This was one of the items I was least willing to leave at home. Weather can change quickly on a links course, and there isn’t much shelter once you’re out on the course. I’d rather carry a lightweight rain jacket all day than wish I’d packed one.
What I’m packing: Sun Mountain Women’s Monsoon Jacket
Why I chose it: I have a packable rain jacket perfect for sightseeing, but I really needed one that would also work for viewing The Open and playing a round of golf. This one from Sun Mountain is packable and fits easily in a golf bag or small backpack
→ See my rain jacket on PGA TOUR Superstore
Waterproof Walking Shoes
I’ve learned from previous trips that comfortable shoes are one of the best investments you can make.
We logged between 15,000 and 20,000 steps each day we attended The Open, often across grass and uneven terrain. I was glad I’d brought walking shoes that were already broken in rather than gambling on a new pair.
What I’m packing: New Balance Walking Shoes
Why I chose them: Technically, these aren’t listed as water-resistant, but I have a hard time finding wide-width shoes that feel good on my feet, so I tend to stick with something I know works. While these aren’t “water-resistant,” the leather upper helps keep your feet relatively dry, especially when compared to athletic shoes with mesh uppers.
Tip: Always bring two pairs of comfortable walking shoes. I made the mistake of only bringing one pair (once only and never again), and I ended up spending hours using a flimsy hotel hair dryer trying to get them dry for the next day.
→ Check today’s price on Amazon
Golf Rain Pants
Rain pants were one of the items I debated before the trip but ultimately decided to bring. We got lucky with the weather and I didn’t end up needing them, but they’re still something I’d consider packing for another Open because spending an entire day outside in wet weather is a very different situation from getting caught in a quick shower.
You can see what else I used, didn’t use and would pack differently in my UK Packing List Review.
What I’m packing: Pebble Beach Dry-Luxe 31″ Rain Women’s Golf Pants
Why I chose them: Since I probably won’t wear these often (outside of this trip), I didn’t want to spend a ton of money. These pants are affordable, ship quickly, and come from a brand and store I trust.
→ View my pants on PGA TOUR Superstore
Scotland Summer Packing List: Smart Layers for UK Weather
If there’s one packing lesson that this trip reinforced, it’s this: layers are everything. Rather than packing bulky clothing, lightweight pieces that you can easily add or remove throughout the day are much more versatile.
Shetland was the part of our trip where layers mattered most because so much of our time was spent outdoors exploring the islands. If you’re planning a trip there, my Shetland Islands Travel Guide covers our five-day itinerary, driving around the islands and what we learned along the way.
Moisture-Wicking Tops
Performance clothing works well whether I’m sightseeing, attending The Open, or playing a round of golf. Instead of separate outfits for every activity, I’m packing versatile pieces that can do double duty.
What I’m packing: Pullovers and Polos
Why I chose them: These items are from my go-to brands on Amazon when I’m looking for affordable pieces for golf, workouts, or relaxing on the weekends
→ See my favorite travel layers on Amazon
Lightweight Vest
A vest is one of those items that doesn’t seem exciting until you actually need it. It adds warmth during cool mornings without feeling bulky or restricting movement, which makes it an easy layer for unpredictable UK weather.
What I’m packing: Lightweight Water-Resistant Vest
Why I chose it: I wanted a layer that would provide warmth and help keep me dry during rainy, cool mornings both on and off the course.
Wind-Resistant Travel Umbrella
A compact travel umbrella designed to hold up better in windy conditions can be useful when the weather changes.
What I’m packing: Royal Walk Windproof Folding Travel Umbrella
Why I chose it: I love that this umbrella is sturdy but still relatively compact and has a vented double canopy to help keep it from flipping during strong winds.
Golf Gear I’m Bringing
One of the most memorable parts of this trip was playing a round on a links course near Liverpool. I rented clubs, but there were still a few golf items worth bringing from home.
Golf Glove
A golf glove takes almost no room in a suitcase, and I’d rather play with one I already know fits well.
What I’m packing: Callaway Golf Fusion Glove
Why I chose it: These are my favorite gloves that I’ve been using for awhile. Since I’m renting clubs, it will be nice to at least have my favorite glove.
→ View my golf glove on Amazon
Golf Balls
I brought a few golf balls rather than relying on whatever was available at the course. Since it was my first links golf experience, bringing something familiar from home made sense.
What I’m packing: Callaway Golf Reva Golf Balls
Why I chose it: Another familiar item to help with an unfamiliar course and clubs. I might get a few side eyes from serious players for the pink balls, but I have a terrible time seeing white golf balls, and I am going to need all of the help I can get.
Golf Pants and Joggers
One reason I love traveling with golf apparel is that it doesn’t look like “golf clothes.” Performance polos, lightweight quarter-zips, and golf pants work just as well for sightseeing and casual dinners.
Packing clothes that serve multiple purposes helps keep my suitcase under control.
What I’m packing: Traditional Cropped Golf Pants and Joggers
Why I chose them: Since I didn’t know how formal the course would be when I originally packed, I brought a pair of traditional golf pants to be safe. They could also double as slacks for a slightly nicer dinner. I also packed my favorite joggers, which worked for casual sightseeing and The Open.
→ See my favorite golf pants and joggers
Small Golf Accessories
I’ll also be tossing a few small items into my bag:
- Ball marker
- Divot tool
- Extra tees
- Microfiber towel
These don’t take up much room, but they’ll help me feel prepared for my first round of links golf.
→ Browse golf accessories on Amazon
Travel Gear for London & Liverpool
Once I leave the golf course, my priorities shift from weather protection to convenience and security.
Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag is one travel item that comes with me on almost every international trip. It’s comfortable to wear all day and keeps important items close while navigating airports, train stations, and busy city streets.
What I’m packing: Leather Crossbody Bag Zipper Shoulder Camera Purse
Why I chose it: I prefer a bag that looks more like a purse than a tactical travel bag. I’ve been using this one on my past few trips, and it holds a ton of stuff, including my camera.
UK Travel Adapter
This isn’t the most exciting purchase, but forgetting it would definitely make the trip less enjoyable. It’s a small item that’s easy to pack and even easier to overlook.
What I’m packing: UK Adapters for Travel 2 Pack
Why I chose it: Since I’m only going to the UK this time, I can save space by bringing my UK-only adaptors. These have plenty of slots to plug in all of my devices. Having a 2-pack is super convenient so I can keep one by my nightstand and have another to move around the hotel room as needed.
→ View UK travel adapters on Amazon
Other Items on My Scotland Summer Packing List
A few additional items earning a spot in my suitcase include:
- Portable power bank
- Compression packing cubes
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Extra charging cable
- Basic OTC medications – yes, you can buy most things you need at the pharmacy, but if there is anything you can’t live without, bring it. I have had difficulties finding my preferred OTC cold/allergy medicines abroad.
Many of these are items I learned to appreciate after previous international trips, and I make sure I always have these with me.
Ready for Scotland
Every destination requires a slightly different approach, and this Scotland summer packing list reflects a unique combination of sightseeing, golf, and unpredictable weather.
Now that I’m home, I’ve put together a full post-trip review of what I actually used, what stayed in my suitcase and what I’d pack differently next time. Read My UK Packing List Review: What I Packed vs. What I Actually Used for the full breakdown.
If you’re planning a similar adventure, I hope this Scotland summer packing list helps you feel a little more prepared before you zip up your suitcase.
Planning more European travel? Read my guide on Packing for a Viking River Cruise to Eastern Europe
