My family and I are going for a 10 day West England trip in the middle of April this year. I'm wondering if we should buy some rain boots ahead of time for the weather? We will be visiting some small towns and medium sized cities, but I have three kids and we will be running around some farms and play areas as well. Or should I just wing it and buy some cheap wellies when we get in the UK? Any suggestions?
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
I would wait to see if you need them, it doesn't rain everyday, and it might not rain at all while you are there. If it turns out that you need them you could go to a charity shop (2nd hand store) and get some cheap ones. At the end of your trip you could either donate them back to a shop, there are a lot so you wouldn't have trouble finding one, or just throw them away, so you don't have to carry them back home.
I just looked at AccuWeather forecast for Cornwall, April 2017, and of course it could change and probably will, just to give you an idea, but as of now it's calling for rain on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, 18th-22nd, it's says a touch of rain so not an all day rain.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9025 posts
Boots for five people would fill a whole suitcase. Buy them there if really needed. It is really uncomfortable to walk around on streets with them, don't you think?
Posted by
Atlanta
5237 posts
Try to use some type of "regular" water repellent or resistant shoes and carry a pair of dry socks in the day bag just in case. Has worked quite well for us.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I really don't think it would be practical to expect no rain in the western part of England in April. I looked at the Cornwall weather averages for April and they average 20 days with rain! Now, not every day is a downpour, but they average 60mm. So, if you are planning on spending most of your time out doors you'll need to have a way to keep your feet dry!
But, it is not comfortable walking around and touring in rain boots. Ask anyone who commutes in NYC wearing them! But for tromping around farms and play grounds it may be another story. I think that the suggestion for serious water resistant/water proof walking boots might be best particularly if you plan on hiking. If you're just touring then they don't need to be as "serious". I would then look for the second hand shop to buy some rain boots and start looking right away or when you're in the biggest town.
Or maybe just look for these. At today's exchange rate they could be less than $20. :)
Pam
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I really don't think it would be practical to expect no rain in the western part of England in April. I looked at the Cornwall weather averages for April and they average 20 days with rain! Now, not every day is a downpour, but they average 60mm. So, if you are planning on spending most of your time out doors you'll need to have a way to keep your feet dry!
But, it is not comfortable walking around and touring in rain boots. Ask anyone who commutes in NYC wearing them! But for tromping around farms and play grounds it may be another story. I think that the suggestion for serious water resistant/water proof walking boots might be best particularly if you plan on hiking. If you're just touring then they don't need to be as "serious". I would then look for the second hand shop to buy some rain boots and start looking right away or when you're in the biggest town.
Or maybe just look for these. At today's exchange rate they could be less than $20. :)
Pam
Posted by
2599 posts
It is quite ridiculous for Accuweather to state at this state that it will rain certain dates in April. (They are just trying to give the impression that they are clever dicks)! The fact is that this far ahead, nobody knows - although we do know what the average weather is for any particular week. I suggest that you go on this site prior to leaving home for a more accurate idea of what the weather will be like:>http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Exeter/forecasts/latest