Gretna, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Gretna, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Gretna, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gretna, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Gretna, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gretna, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gretna, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gretna, England, United Kingdom by month

January

January for Gretna can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you find the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Gretna is cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Gretna can be brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April here is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Gretna is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Gretna in June, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

Traveling to Gretna in July, you will notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Gretna is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gretna, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

Traveling to Gretna in September, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Gretna is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Gretna, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Gretna can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Gretna, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December here is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Gretna. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Gretna Green Story Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Gretna, England, United Kingdom

Nestled in the countryside of Cumbria, England just north of the border with Scotland, Gretna is a charming village with a rich history and an array of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are the top tourist attractions to check out when visiting Gretna.

1. Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop - This historic landmark is steeped in history and folklore. It is said to have been the location where young couples eloped to marry in secret and without their parents' consent. Today, the attraction features a museum and gift shop, as well as the original blacksmiths shop where couples can still get married!

2. Devil's Porridge Museum - This fascinating museum is dedicated to showcasing the story of the local munitions industry during World War I. Here, visitors can take a guided tour of the exhibitions, learn about the lives of munitions workers, and see rare historical artifacts.

3. The Old Toll Bar Museum - A restored Georgian house that now serves as a museum, showcasing the history of the village of Gretna and its surrounding areas. The museum has an abundance of local artifacts on display as well as a period dining room from the 1800s.

4. Rum Story - This interactive museum tells the story of rum and how it helped Caribbean slaves escape slavery to live a life of freedom. The museum is located in the nearby town of Whitehaven and is well worth the short trip.

5. Nature walks - The rolling hills and open countryside surrounding Gretna are perfect for scenic nature walks. There are a number of walking paths in the area, including the Annanhead Hill Walk which features breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

6. Carlisle Castle - A short distance from Gretna lies Carlisle Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its rich history and explore its impressive structure.

7. Roman Frontier - Just south of Gretna lies Hadrian's Wall, a stunning example of Roman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the wall and visit historical sites such as the Roman Fort Museum.

Whether you're interested in history, culture or nature, there is plenty to see and do in and around the charming village of Gretna. So, whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with family, make sure you add these attractions to your itinerary and enjoy exploring this beautiful corner of Cumbria!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Lincoln Park, New Jersey, United States of America, Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Ezcaray, Spain, Purmamarca, Argentina, Borehamwood, England, United Kingdom, Reutte, Austria, Büsum, Germany, Western Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada, Hamavouna, Comoros, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada, and Daisen, Japan.