Do I need rainboots on my trip to England?

You said "cold and wet", that's about right, let's say "cool and damp." Count on rain some days. You need layers and something that works against rain/drizzle. Weather-wise, London and Bath in February have been likened to Vancouver British Columbia and Seattle in February.

You will be fine without rainboots. In London, on days when it is pouring rain you will probably choose to spend most of your times indoors (museums, shops, theatre, etc.). Just bring an umbrella and an extra pair of shoes. Lightweight wool socks are also good; they are warm and dry quickly.

While in London during the last 10 days of September last year, it rained for part of the day on one day, and part of the day on another, and both days I wore my rain jacket packable shell and used an umbrella. I wore leather shoes and didn't feel like I needed anything else, and was glad I hadn't packed shoes for rain as most of the time it didn't rain. And very much so you'll be spending most of your time indoors anyway (on board a bus, on the tube, in a museum, in a pub, shopping, etc).

I was also wondering about this. I was in London for 8 days in December and it did not rain ONCE! But this time I am going in April so I am wondering if I should bring boots or buy some there.

Don't waste luggage space with rain boots. You won't need them. And if you do, at the most, it will be only once in a two week period. Rain is unpredictable.

I have been there several times and never found enough water to require special boots. Even when it rains, the water won't be deep enough to be of concern.

Thank you so much for your advice. I guess my biggest challenge will be the temperature change and not the wetness. It's been hard finding winter clothing due to the fact that all the stores are now stocking "Summer" clothes. Thank goodness for the internet. I'm sure I'll be able to find something. Thanks again. I love this helpline!

Bringing rain boots to England would be like carrying coals to Newcastle. If you need them, you can buy green "Wellies" at many stores and have a fun souvenir to enjoy while gardening or car-washing at home.

You won't need rain boots, though they can be bought readily as someone suggested. On the other hand, you need something better than sandals! A good pair of runners would be fine. If you travel by tube to your places of interest, you do not have far to go outside if it is wet. As you say, temperature may be a bigger challenge. Enjoy your stay - London is a fascinating place. Been there twice in the past three years and would (hopefully will) return in a heartbeat.

London is obviously cooler than San Diego, but it rarely gets bone-chillingly cold. A sweater, a light coat, a scarf, wool socks and perhaps a hat and gloves will be all you'll need beyond your normal clothes most of the time. Oh, and you'll only need rainboots if you plan to walk through the moors.

Kari - Most english will not allow the weather to affect their footwear. A lot of times storms will be in and out in a matter of an hour. If you intend to go out and explore pasturelands etc, sure consider a pair of wellies. However if you are in the city most conventional footwear should be fine.

If it is a matter of concern for you. Head up to REI. I know there is one in Encinitas. Grab yourself a pair a pair Gortex or Waterproof walking shoes. Those will give you good support and keep your feet dry. They are also usable when you return to San Diego

What great advice! I will be walking along some pastural paths into the city of Bath from Bathwick Hill. I'll check out REI but will also hope to find some wellies somewhere in London if need be. I love the advice about wool pants because I was planning on just bringing jeans and never thought about the fact that they don't dry very quickly. Thank you everyone for your consideration. It's all so helpful. Sincerely, Kari

Take enough extra money to buy a nice, oversize, English umbrella once you get there. In bygone days you could bring it home when you complete your trip but now the airline would charge you to bring it so just leave it for someone who is cold and damp in the UK.