British Summer Travel Essentials
What to pack for the perfect getaway
Whether you are travelling around the UK, going overseas, heading for a beach holiday, city-break or family getaway, here’s my top picks of the best British brands to pack this summer.
Pala Baobab Sunglasses, £125, palaeyewear.com
This Brighton-based ethical sunnies brand makes stunning shades and does good. The high-quality brand funds eyecare projects in Africa through Vision Action, via passionate owner John Pritchard.
Portable Porter The Carry On suitcase, £225, portableporter.com
This British heritage suitcase brand was born out of the owner’s grandfather’s post-war design for a portable case and has a retro feel, but sleek functionality. I love it.
Stackers backpack, £85, stackers.com
It’s really hard to find a backpack that fulfils every need. With loads of pockets, including one big enough for a laptop, I think I might have found the solution.
Bubble bum car seat, £34.99, bubblebum.co
If you are travelling with kids, these inflatable car seats from a Northern Irish company, are great for cutting down the cargo. I just bought two.
Ceci Paolo Legami Folding Umbrella, £15.99, cecipaolo.com
If you’re holidaying in the UK, it’s best to be prepared for a downpour. I love this foldable umbrella by Ceci Paolo, a lifestyle brand based in Ledbury, Herefordshire.
Corinne Alexander goldfish washbag, £24, corrinealexander.co.uk
If your washbag needs a bit of a wash, treat yourself to a lovely new one from small British brand Corrine Alexander. It’s 100% cotton and British-made.
National Trust straw hat, £28, nationaltrust.org.uk
I love a classic straw hat and you can’t get more classic than this specially-made one, with ribbon, from the National Trust.
Tweedmill picnic blanket, £49.50, magrigg.co.uk
It isn’t a British summer without a picnic and if your blanket needs an upgrade, like mine, then try this Tweedmill Newbury Quilted Star rug with waterproof backing and carry strap.
Accessorize beach bag, £30, accessorize.com
If you are heading to the beach this summer, do it in style. I like the look of this large stripe tote bag from Accessorize, with zip fastening, so it can double as a day bag.
Kalme Day Defence SPF25, £21.95, kalme.co.uk
For a gentle, but effective moisturiser, the British company, Skin Shop, stocks Kalme Day Defence, which promises to protect against the sun and reduce redness. Suitable for sensitive skin, it’s vegan and free from chemical nasties.
Trinny London Sheer Shimmer, £24, trinnylondon.com
I’m a fan of Trinny London and if you are on the move, her stackable pots are brilliant. You can take your whole make-up bag in a little row. The Sheer Shimmer works as lip tint and cheek tint and comes in a range of shades.
Dandydill Way Children’s Shampoo and Conditioner, £18, dandydillway.com
Finally, I’m always on the look-out for gentle products for my children and so am excited to discover Dandydill Way, a London-based children’s grooming brand founded by Tania Rodney, ex make-up artist to the stars. The luxury eco-brand uses foraged wild hawthorn berries and has won awards and a cult-following.