My husband and I are going to London and then Northern Italy, and we plan on traveling "light" using backpacks for luggage (the size you can carry on a flight). My question is, will castles and different attractions let you take your backpack inside if you're en route to your next destination? If a place in Europe forbids you from taking in larger bags (larger than a purse) are they pretty good about providing lockers or a check system? Specifically, I was wondering about Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, and then attractions in Italy in general. Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
864 posts
I'm guessing you'll be traveling by train and if so there are generally left luggage depots in major terminals. Goodle to check out your route and specific train stations. As a rule of thumb you will not be allowed to take a backpack into museums, castles etc. Left bag desks are generally available. If there are sites you really want to see check out their web page, just about every site has one. Hampton Court has some lockers or you can leave your packs in the Warders office (not always available).
Posted by
Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, Canada
307 posts
Traveling by train, I've done things like this ( and I travel light with just a convertible carry on as well..less than 20 lbs)..I arrive by air at Heathrow early morning, but am departing that evening by train from Liverpool Street Station for Harwich..what to do with my carry on all day? Take the Tube to Liverpool Street, deposit carry on in Left Luggage office, take daypack( which is very lightweight and easily stuffed in the carry on while on the move), and now have all day to wander London unhindered, with the essentials for the day in the daypack, important stuff( passport, credit cards,tickets etc ) in a moneybelt around my waist...while traveling to Regensburg, with a couple hour stop in Munich (so time to wander around),what to do with my carry on? Deposit it in the luggage lockers in train station, grab daypack, you're now free to wander, and visit tourist sites with no carry on to be concerned about...
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
If you plan just to stop in a town then catch a train to your next stop, the best option is left luggage. Most stations near major tourist stops will have left luggage/locker options. The ones that don't are the really small stations (Moselkerns/Burg Eltz comes to mind). If you are staying the night but can't check in until later, left luggage is also an option (especially if you sleep close to the trian station). Most places you stay will allow you to your bag early and check in later. Most major sites that don't allow bags offer a bag check. You should be able to tell their bag rules/facilities by visiting their website.