I need jacket advice

I would suggest a sweater and a light rain jacket for layering.

The key word is "layers."

Don't bring a heavy jacket, no matter how cool it is. You want to add layers gradually. Start with a t-shirt. If that's not enough, put on a light long-sleeve shirt over it. If you still need more, add a light sweater. Then i needed, add a light jacket or zipper hoodie. Assuming your trip is coming up son, I can't imagine you'll need more than that (except a light rain jacket or poncho). If you're still cold, well it's Scotland and England -- I hear they make great wool sweaters! Buy yourself a souvenir and enjoy it!

This is a FAQ. General answer is layering. See:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html
Rain/wind outer shell + insulation layer suitable for the season.

PS I've been in the outskirts of Fort Worth during snow storms and freezing rains as well as the days when it cools down to 100F after 8 pm.

I agree with the others about wearing something that is light even if it is not as super cool. The waterproof rain jacket will also be windproof too. I use a polarfleece 100 vest under my rain jacket if I need more warmth. Last year I also tried a combo of waterproof jacket and cashmere sweater which did well too.

I did a quick look a the North Face jackets on their website and they all look waterproof. Be sure to get that level, NOT just water resistant.

I run hot, do you as well? If so then a sweater and a waterPROOF unlined shell (with hood?) is perfect. Make sure shell fits comfortably over sweater/sweatshirt. When are you traveling?

I actually leave in 10 days (May 9th) so I just want to be prepared. The leather jacket is out and looks like I'll be getting the north face rain jacket. Plus it seems like it'll fold into a nice pouch thingy. I like that it'll take up less room. And I do run hot, so I don't think I'll ever freeze. I just wanted to stay nice and dry. Thanks for all the advice! This is my first time traveling outside the US and this forum has helped tremendously.

I would take a waterproof jacket that you can wear a fleece under and layer. This time of year, it will be cool in all the places you are going to visit. Expect rain, especially in Ireland and Northern England and Scotland. We were in Ireland in July and experienced a lot of rain and cool weather. If you are going to be near the west coast of Ireland or Scotland, make sure it is really waterproof. If I go back to Ireland, Im taking a light jacket with Gortex. (just make sure its good quality). I lived in England for 25 years and April is not a warm month. You may get a few days of 65 degree but most days it will be in the 50 degree range and overcast. I would also throw in a pair of gloves and something for your ears. That west coast of Ireland and Scotland can be quite cold at times when the wind kicks up.

Also consider protecting your stuff from water damage. Think cameras, phones, paper etc. I have a lightweight "drysack" for moisture critical stuff that go into my backpack. Alternative if small is to have some gallon size Zip-lock bags or even garbage bags. While trekking, a waterproof map case is critical unless you have the newer Ordinance Survey waterproof Active maps.

PS Wool or synthetic socks function better when wet than cotton socks. I surface treat my boots that have a breathable waterproof (e.g. Goretex) membrane with NikWax products: http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/productselector/waterproofing.php

Yes, I agree with Edgar. Take some ziplock bags to cover camera and essentials from the rain. Smartwool socks are great. I also took vortex waterproof north face shoes that kept my feet completely dry when hiking. Just spoke with family in UK, who live near London, they said it is really cold over there right now. Its it suppose to get a little warmer, but be prepared.

I would bring a light fleece jacket/pull-over and a light rain jacket (that could double for a wind breaker). I love fleece for travel. It dries super fast and it's very light weight. You can squish it up in your suitcase. Even in hot weather, I bring fleece for the airplane. In cooler weather, a light fleece will keep you warm if you wear long sleeves underneath. And, as has already been pointed out, if you are still cold, you'll be in a great place to buy a wool sweater!

Have a wonderful trip!

I usually am pretty warm, especially with the aforementioned layers but I have started always carrying smartwool glove liners with me. They are light, ride in the pockets of either my vest or my waterproof shell, but are warm when I need something extra. Depending on where you live you might or might not be able to find merino wool glove liners this time of year!

My husband and I both have packable rain jackets. They take up little space but have kept us plenty warm when we were in the Norwegian fjords on a boat with the cold breeze blowing on us.

Just to be contrary, all but one of my many trips to the UK I have worn a leather jacket without the added lining. The only trip that I didn't was in July. To me the worst cold is damp cold, and even summer is not always that warm in the UK (and I love that about the weather). There is enough room to layer under my leather jacket if I need to do so. I also can leave my leather jacket in the room on a hot day, if one occurs. According to the weather averages for May, just in London which is milder than other places I assume, there is only a 17% chance of sun, average high is 65 degrees, average low is 50 degrees. I also feel I look much nicer in a leather jacket than a gortex or similar outdoor coat. That being said, I did take a dark, plain quilted light jacket to Sweden last year, but only because it promised to be warmer than my leather jacket and I was going to Vasterbotten. I dressed it up with scarves. So my recommendation would be to consider how you dress at home regarding formality level and dress accordingly on your trip so you will feel comfortable.