Packing Advice for Southern England in September

The sea temperature in September will be as warm as it gets in the U.K. But it very much depends on what you are used to as to whether you will find it warm. To put it in some context Denver is at about 40 degrees north. Cornwall is at 50 degrees, so a lot further north. People will be swimming but many will be in wet suits. My wife would be swimming, but then she was swimming in the sea in the Shetlands in the first week of May.

Many beaches in the south east will be pebbly, but generally sandy further west.

What about a pair of water shoes that are more sneaker-y? Here is one from Merrell, but it's 8oz/shoe:
https://www.merrell.com/US/en/wildwood-aerosport/48932W.html?dwvar_48932W_color=J068150#cgid=women-water-shoes&start=1

Or a water sandal that is more "dressy" like the popular Keen Rose? They weigh even more:
https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/womens-rose-sandal-black-neutral-gray

Carry them in your backpack in case an opportunity arises on your hike?

The obvious answer is a very light pair of "water socks," but they won't provide any stability walking on wet rocks and don't offer any other use.

A quick google of max water temp at Beachy Head is 68F.

We brought heavy hiking boots with us for hiking in the mountains in France last month (the right footwear for the task), and in London for the last three days of the trip, they definitely took up space in the suitcases, and made them heavier. So be it.

But if you’re doing long walks in England, and not outright mountain trekking/climbing/hiking, do you have (or would you consider getting) low-top “light” hiking shoes or boots? They’re sized more like sneakers, but offer more support than just tennis shoes or running shoes. You can get them with waterproof Gore-tex, and with rugged Vibram soles. They don’t take up the space, and aren’t as heavy, as full-on high-top hiking boots, but might be the right footwear for long, even strenuous walking in England, especially when bulk and weight are concerns.

In my view, not that many beaches are 'rocky' but many - notably in the South East - are shingle rather than sand. There are lovely sandy beaches in Cornwall.

The sea around the UK is never 'warm' and if you want to really swim, you'll probably want a wet suit. Wading up to your knees or waist on a nice day, should be OK.

An alternative to packing is to purchase beach shoes in Dover. Leave them at a cloting donation center at the end of your trip.

Having spent 5 1/2 weeks in England in March and April of this year (including Cornwall and Devon) and traveling during VERY wet weather, here are my thoughts. I did not bring hiking books, although I did do some hiking. Instead, I brought a pair of Low-Leather Oboz walking shoes, that are much sturdier than most sneakers, water-resistant, and were great for those long treks and hikes. And I was in some wet areas (believe me, a few times I was in flooded areas), but my shoes stayed pretty dry overall. You can find them online at Oboz, Amazon, Backcountry and REI and in many specialty shoe stores and sporting good stores like REI. I liked them much better than hiking books and they weighed a lot less, too.

For the beach, I would stick with a pair of lightweight sandals or water shoes that are comfortable and sturdy. Then bring along a pair of lightweight dressy flats, although quite frankly, I think you'd be fine just wearing the sandals out to dinner. Believe me, no one will care over there. :-)

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I like the idea of buying beach shoes when we get there and donating them at the end. I may look into that. I had been considering the low-top hiking shoes Cyn and Mardee suggested. In Colorado they are sometimes called trail runners. I hesitated because it will be easier for water to get over the tops of them, but realistically we probably won't be walking if it is that wet. Thank you for putting me on that line of thought.

Definitely don't want to deal with wetsuits, so we will be happy to wade in a little bit. @Johnew52 - yes, 10 degrees further north makes a lot of difference, but we live at 5,000 feet (1600ish meters), and we can hike at 7200 feet (2200ish meters) within 10 minutes of our house. We have traveled 6 or 7 degrees further north in the US (say Northern Minnesota/Wisconsin) in springtime and been shocked at how much further along the spring blooms are. Elevation makes so much difference in climate that we have trouble knowing what to expect at sea level :)

I would take hiking boots of you plan to do a lot of walking. The ankle support is really helpful on uneven ground. If it’s just light walking then trail runners would be good with the added advantage that you can wear them as regular sneakers as well. I wouldn’t want to only have hiking boots and no other sneakers.

You will be able to manage without sandals. If you want to dip your feet in the sea you’ll be ok in bare feet in most places.

Check the weather forecast just before you leave and use this to assist with packing. It’s possible the weather could be quite warm at that time of year (not usual but possible) in which case you might want shorts.

We have traveled 6 or 7 degrees further north in the US (say Northern Minnesota/Wisconsin) in springtime and been shocked at how much further along the spring blooms are

Yep, we don't see flowers here till almost summer. This year was an exception as our winter was relatively mild, but that was unusual.

I do a lot of hiking along the South Coast and in September I will usually wear hiking shoes. My boots won't appear until it starts to become wet and muddy and usually when I transition from shorts to trousers so that is typically around the beginning of November.

I won't go swimming off the South Coast for the sole reason of sewage dumping by the water companies. It's frequent and successive governments are not interested in doing anything about it. I'm open to paddling if I'm walking the dog on the beach and when doing so I usually wear a pair of Merrell water shoes, they're very lightweight but offer a more substantial sole than other water shoes which is very handy for stoney beaches.

I like the idea of buying beach shoes when we get there and donating
them at the end.

Thanks. I often purchase or prepare to purchase a few items while on multi-week trips. I travel with an expandable carry-on backpack this doesn't fit the airline sizer when expanded. However, I can expand it for train travel once I hit the ground. I often travel off-season, so I go with a good rain jacket, but no rain pants. Those I will buy if the weather is especially nasty and I am doing any significant walking. Ditto for an additional layer if its cold. Either thermal underware and or a fleece jacket or sweater. No big purchase. And I don't mind giving it away to someone who needs it.

The sea around the UK is never 'warm' and if you want to really swim, you'll probably want a wet suit. Wading up to your knees or waist on a nice day, should be OK.

In common with lots of people, I happily swim in the sea in a normal swimsuit between May and November, and friends of mine swim year round in swimsuits not wetsuits.

I guess it depends what you’re used to, though. I was brought up (and learned to swim) from the shingle beaches of southern England.

Footwear, I agree with Mardee - a good pair of walking shoes (maybe Goretex) will take you most places. I only use walking boots for serious moorland or coastal hikes and find my Merrell walking shoes are versatile for town or country.

In mid-September, the weather in southern England is generally mild, but the sea temperature might still be quite cool. Air temperatures can range from 14°C to 19°C (57°F to 66°F), and while the weather can be pleasant for coastal walks, swimming might be chilly for many.

For your trip, packing water sandals like Tevas could be a smart choice. They’re versatile for wading and exploring rocky beaches, providing protection and comfort when walking in water or on uneven surfaces. Even if you don’t swim, having them will enhance your experience at the coast. A swimsuit is also a good idea for the occasional warm day or for just enjoying the seaside atmosphere.

You might want to bring your hiking boots and dressy flats, as planned, but consider leaving out sneakers if you need to save space. Opting for multifunctional footwear like water sandals can help you stay comfortable and prepared for a variety of activities without overpacking.

I would suggest water 'socks.' They have rubber tread, but fabric uppers. I take them on all across the pond flights and wear as my night socks for middle of night trips to bathroom. No messing with my shoes in middle of the night. When I get to my destination, I just wash them in my hotel room. They also double as slippers for in the hotel room as well as for walking on the beach.

Thank you all for your help. I found some trail runners in my price range and that will allow room for the Tevas I already own.
I appreciate this community!