What kind of jacket will I need in the summer?

I second a waterproof rain jacket that is lightweight. Lots of options online. I like Altrec.com which usually has lots of things on sale. I also like REI, but without stopping to look, do not know if you have one nearby. I also second also adding a lightweight merino wool base layer, hat & scarf if your the type that is colder than others in the same weather at home. I'm cold most of the time in the winter, so I do find that without having a car there and spending most of our time walking to our sites, if it's a cloudy and/or rainy, I'm cold and learned to bring the layers talked about in this posting. If the son is even partially out, I'm in my first layer which is always a nice UPF short sleeve shirt. Theater, I've seen anything go there. As far as jeans, the biggest downfall is the rain and they take longer to dry. My daughter does it and it doesn't bother her. Just depends on you. I also use Merrill Jungle Moc's that are comfortable for walking, but was pleasantly surprised on our last trip when they were waterproof. My feet stayed warm in a big downpour, so I was happy.

Consider bringing a knit winter hat. A winter hat takes up almost no space in your luggage but winter hat plus the windbreaker/rainjacket and light fleece will extend your comfort zone further than adding a second insulation layer.

You've got the right idea, about the number of layers, but I've never found that those wad-up things keep out more water than you find in a light sprinkle. A decent soft, waterproof jacket will only stiff you about a hundred bucks - - you should consider something like that. I'd also toss in one light-weight, long-sleeve tee-shirt type thing for an extra layer in case the highlands sneak up on you. I like waffle cotten, my wife prefers silk - - they both seem to work about as well. EDIT: What Ed said about the hat. I don't even go to the desert without one of those knit watch caps.

I have a self storing that works just fine. THE KEY is that it has to be WATERPROOF, not weather resistant, rain resistant or some other play on words that want to lead you to believe that it is waterproof when it is not. REI or backpack stores are good places to start. And I would not take jeans not a style issue or wear jeans in Europe question BUT a function of utility. Once jeans are wet they take forever to dry. Again, REI has a travel adventure line which are all synthetic blends of travel clothing that look good - even at the theater are easy to careful and dry quickly. Some of the blends are weather resistant and do nicely in a light rain.

Layers! I have been in Scotland and Northern England that time of year. Rain gear is a must. I wouldn't hesitate to bring a lightweight wool or other base layer, a fleece and a good rain jacket. Jeans take a lot of space in luggage, have you considered other lighter weight fabrics?

I have been in the UK many times in July and August, never ever needed a winter hat...it's not that cold in the summer. Yes, it's a good idea to have a rain jacket with a hood and light fleece jacket. They are a lot of people that wear jeans to the theatre but I feel the it's more respectful to wear slacks and a nice top. As Frank said, if you are out in the rain and your jeans get wet it will take forever to dry, if you have dockers and something similar they will dry rather fast.

I am going to second the suggestion of water proof, not water resistant jacket with a hood. Also, you can take a hat, or if it get really cold pick one up. I have lovely souvenir watchcap type hat from Scotland. ; ) I visited Brugges, Amsterdam, and Scotland last July. It was sweltering in Brugges and Amsterdam, and then it was very cold in Scotland. I think it was in the 40's Fahrenheit. It was single digit Celsius. I always buy a sweater when I visit Scotland, so you might want to think about that as another option. Pam

Rainjacket/windbreaker should be taken any time of year in Scotland. A few years ago, we were there during an extreme hot spell in July, it was only momentary! Even when it is not raining I find the strong wind in some areas to be very COLD. To pack as lightly as possible, we wear our jackets and sweaters on the plane. Jackets can be stowed in the overhead bin and the sweaters make fine pillows or blankets for the flight. When the weather is doubtful, drop into a pub for soup - 20 minutes later the sun is shining. We'll be there in May.

I frequently wear jeans to the theatre in London. I find the audience at most London theatres to be very casually dressed. Plus, it is dark and the actors can't see me. Many of the theatres are not the most comfortable. I always bring a raincoat with a hood and a wool sweater in the summer. The hood is easier to manage than the umbrella if you have luggage and are walking in the rain. I also like a longer raincoat (one to the knees). It keeps your pants dry when you walk around in the rain.

My wife has a black burlington style coat/raincoat which she always takes whenever we go to Britain. (in summer she leaves the lining at home). Always comes in handy in one form or other- looks quite dressy at the theater too. Wears it on the plane rather than packing it. that and sweaters

A packable rain shell is perfect. It needs to be water proof. I like it to be long enough to cover my bottom and have a hood. Keep it with you, even when it seems really nice out - I learned that the hard way in London. Even in the summer I always want a warm layer. You will probably experience at least some cool weather during your trip. You won't be the only casually dressed person at the theater during the summer.

Thanks for all the good feedback! We don't have an REI nearby, but I found waterproof rain jackets that stuff into their own pockets on sale at Eastern Mtn Sports this weekend, and bought them for me and my daughter, as well as some super light weight quick drying pants that I can definitely also "dress up" to wear to the theatre. We'll pack an extra light layer as well.