The UK Travel Planning Podcast is full of practical tips and advice to help you plan your dream trip to the UK whether you are visiting England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Travel expert Tracy Collins shares years of knowledge and experience of travelling to, and around, the UK to help you plan your UK itinerary. Listen to special guest interviews full of travel inspiration and practical tips for popular and off the beaten path destinations. Learn more about the best ways to travel around the UK (including by train), about British culture and history and much more! Tune in and let us help you plan your perfect UK itinerary with all the places and experiences you have been dreaming of. UK Travel Planning - helping YOU plan YOUR perfect UK vacation.
The departure boards are flashing, the station is heaving, and there is still no platform number. If that scene makes your heart race, you are exactly who we made this episode for. With more than 25 years working on the UK railways, Doug joins Tracy to walk through London's mainline stations in plain English, so your first UK rail trip starts with calm, not panic. Why London has multiple terminal stations, and how that affects boarding and timing Which London stations serve which parts of the UK and Europe, including the Eurostar A quick station by station guide to King's Cross, St Pancras, Euston, Paddington, Waterloo, Victoria, Liverpool Street and Marylebone How airport links shape your choice of station and where to stay in London How to check your train before you leave using National Rail tools and live running info How to read departure boards, including final destination and stopping patterns Why platform numbers often appear late, and why that is completely normal Ticket barriers, using the wider gates with bags, and when to ask staff Seat reservations being free, when to reserve, and how unreserved coaches work Luggage rules, keeping your bags secure, and what accessibility assistance can cover Peak versus off peak basics, and when cheaper tickets are more likely Doug's Calm Down Checklist for a smooth, stress-free departure If this takes some of the mystery out of London's stations, please subscribe, share it with a nervous traveller, and leave a quick review on your favourite podcast app. Want personal help with your trip? You can book Doug for a 30 minute train travel Q&A or a full consultation. And do subscribe to our YouTube channel for Doug's new confidence series. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 212 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
6 Week UK Road Trip: England and Scotland
Rochelle talks us through a 41-day UK road trip from Bath to the Scottish Highlands and back to London, sharing what worked, what surprised her, and how planning early made the whole trip calmer. We swap honest notes on UK driving, smart booking tactics, and the tours, meals and accidental stops that turned into lifelong memories. Planning a long UK itinerary without trying to do too much Leaving Heathrow before the Easter crowds and saving London for the end Coping with UK driving as visitors, from narrow lanes to complex roundabouts Using phone navigation when the in-car sat nav falls short The full route: Salisbury, Bath, the Cotswolds, the Peak District, the Lake District, Northumberland, Skye, Inverness, Pitlochry, Berwick-upon-Tweed, York and London Favourite moments: the Old Man of Storr at sunrise, York food finds, a surprise stop at St Abbs An accommodation mix including a castle stay and a standout manor hotel A laundry strategy for multi-week travel, from washing machines to heated towel rails UK food highlights: Sunday roasts, scones, Scotch egg, haggis, black pudding, Irn-Bru and cider London experiences: early Tower of London entry, a food and pub walking tour, and meeting fellow listeners Discover Real London black cab tours for orientation, photography and a James Bond and Ted Lasso trip to Richmond If you've enjoyed the show, why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app? Share it with anyone planning their own UK road trip. We love to hear from you, and you never know, you may receive a shout out in a future episode. ⭐️ Guest - Rochelle C 📝 Show Notes - Episode 211 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Top 10 Things to Do in London in 2026
Planning a London trip? In this episode we share the experiences that earned a place on our 2026 favourites list, and how to make each one work for your own itinerary. From food tours and royal palaces to day trips, exhibitions and a night in a real Tudor castle, everything here is something we did ourselves this year. Which two London food tours are worth booking (and the historic pubs they take you to) How to combine Changing of the Guard, Kensington Palace + afternoon tea at the Orangery in one day The best small group day trips from London: Dover, Canterbury, Oxford, Stratford + the Cotswolds How to reach Jane Austen's House at Chawton by train and taxi, step by step Two walking tours that reveal a Westminster and Soho most visitors never see The exhibitions to book now: Queen Elizabeth II - Her Life in Style at the King's Gallery Our honest Chelsea Flower Show verdict: timing, crowds and whether it's worth the ticket price Where to eat in 2026: Pick and Cheese, Mercato Mayfair + the Sunday roast at Borough Market Three gardens for a calm reset from the crowds (two of them free) Why Mr Fogg's murder mystery evening is one of London's most fun nights out The museums that surprised us, including the Postal Museum's underground Mail Rail How Mystery Guides turn an afternoon into a self-guided treasure hunt The 500 year old castle near Bristol where you can sleep where Henry VIII did 📝 Show Notes - Episode 210 If you have a question after listening, or a favourite London experience of your own, send us a message via SpeakPipe. If you know anyone planning a trip to London or the UK, share the episode with them, it really helps us. And if you've enjoyed the show, why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app? Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
10 Ways We Help You Plan Your UK Trip
Tracy and Doug step back from the destinations to share who they are and ten ways they help you plan a smarter UK trip, from the podcast and websites to consultations, products and a 30,000 strong community. Two Brits who know the UK inside out, now based in Australia, with Doug's near 30 years on the railways behind every train answer. In this episode: The lived experience behind the podcast, and why it shapes the advice Why a real person beats a generic AI itinerary or conflicting internet advice Where to start when UK trip planning feels overwhelming Practical help for UK train travel: tickets, railcards, reservations and routes Cutting wasted time and money by fixing geography and removing duplication Honest partner recommendations, personally vetted so you can book with confidence Visual planning through YouTube, Shorts, Reels and station walk-throughs Planners, toolkits and ebooks that save hours of research One to one consultations, video itinerary reviews and last minute Q&A sessions Facebook communities for reassurance, tips and real traveller experiences Wherever you are in your planning, pick one resource and start there. Listen to the podcast, read the articles on the website and watch Doug's videos on YouTube. Know someone planning a UK trip? Please share our resources, websites and podcast with them. And if you've enjoyed the show, send us a SpeakPipe message or leave a review on your favourite podcast app. It really helps. Happy UK Travel Planning! 📝 Show Notes - Episode 209 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Northern England Road Trip: Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and County Durham
Tracy and Doug take you through the Northern England leg of their recent trip: a route across County Durham, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District that blends driving, trains and small group tours. The idea is simple. Copy what worked, skip the stress, and let the small practical tips make the big scenery easier to enjoy. In this episode: Picking up a hire car at Edinburgh Airport quickly via the tram, and why full cover takes the excess worry away Beamish Living Museum of the North: pit village life, period shops, the trams and a family history connection Planning Haworth around the steep cobbled hill, the right shoes, the car parks and Brontë Parsonage opening days A Yorkshire Dales loop taking in Ribblehead Viaduct, Dent station, Hawes and Wensleydale Creamery Finding "Darrowby" in Grassington for the All Creatures Great and Small filming locations Adding Malham Cove and Bolton Abbey, with a note on parking costs and access Switching from car to trains, including the Settle to Carlisle line and a York base right by the station Using Mountain Goat small group tours for the Dales and the Ten Lakes Spectacular to skip the driving and parking pressure Practical reminders: automatics, driving on the left, passing place etiquette and carrying coins for the loos Got a question after listening, or planning a trip to the north yourself? Send us a SpeakPipe message, and please share the podcast with anyone planning a UK trip. If you've enjoyed the show, a review on your favourite podcast app really helps. Happy UK Travel Planning! 📝 Show Notes - Episode 208 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Scottish Islands Trip Part 2: Guide to Visiting the Isle of Mull
Puffins that waddle right up to you, dolphins pacing the bow, sea eagles overhead and a sea cave so famous it sparked a Mendelssohn symphony. It all sounds like a once in a lifetime trip. We wanted to make it something you can actually plan, even if you are travelling without a car and juggling real-world ferry times, bus links and unpredictable Scottish weather. We pick up the journey in Oban and talk through a clear Inner Hebrides itinerary built around public transport: ferry over to the Isle of Mull, bus to Tobermory for a few nights, then a full day boat trip to Lunga for puffins and on to Staffa for Fingal's Cave. Along the way we share the unglamorous details that make or break island travel, like when to arrive as a foot passenger, what layers you genuinely need on the water, how popular tours sell out, and why bringing your own food is non-negotiable on some boat days. From there we cover the wider Mull experience with a guided wildlife tour for golden eagles and white tailed eagles, then travel across to Fionnphort for a day on Iona. We talk about Iona Abbey, the island's distinctive feel, the Book of Kells connection, and how to book ferries in the right order and handle cancellations when they happen. The trip finishes with a scenic ride to Fort William and an overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper, turning the journey home into part of the adventure. Subscribe, share with a friend planning a UK trip, and a quick review on your favourite podcast app means the world. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 207 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
UK Top 10: Best Cities, Castles, Museums and Day Trips
We put ourselves on the spot with ten UK travel categories and share the places, journeys and moments we genuinely love after decades of travelling around the country. The conversation turns into a practical lesson on how to choose priorities for a first UK trip without getting overwhelmed. Favourite cities outside London, with York and Edinburgh highlights Best day trips from London, including Bath and multi-stop guided options Standout UK train journeys, from Settle to Carlisle to the Caledonian Sleeper British foods worth trying, including Scotch eggs and classic cakes Favourite churches and cathedrals, with Winchester, Salisbury and Canterbury Castles we recommend, from the Tower of London to Wales and Northumberland Wildlife and landscape moments, including puffins and Highland scenery Museums we never skip, from the V&A to the National Railway Museum Best seasons to visit the UK, comparing spring and early autumn One-place picks for first-time visitors, from Chatsworth to the Cotswolds If you'd like to get in touch, leave us a message on SpeakPipe. Share this with anyone you know who is planning a trip to the UK. If you've enjoyed the show, please leave us a review on your favourite podcast app. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 206 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
12 Things to See, Do and Experience in Edinburgh
Edinburgh looks compact until you start climbing its hills, chasing viewpoints and discovering how much the Old Town packs into its closes and lanes. Fresh from five days in the city, Tracy and Doug cut through the noise with a clear, listener-friendly menu of their 12 favourite things to do in Edinburgh, drawn from decades of visits between them. Pick what fits your time, your budget and your energy. We start with the big hitters worth planning around first, then the practical bits that make or break a day: booking tickets early, timing your visits and wearing shoes that can handle steep streets. Here's what we cover: Edinburgh Castle: Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel and why you need to book ahead in summer The Royal Mile: closes, courts, wynds and the hidden gardens most visitors walk straight past The Real Mary King's Close: Edinburgh's buried 17th century street, and what to expect if you don't love enclosed spaces Palace of Holyroodhouse: Mary Queen of Scots, Holyrood Abbey and why to check for last minute closures Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill: which viewpoint suits you, depending on your fitness level National Museum of Scotland: free entry, a brilliant rainy day option and a rooftop view most people miss Greyfriars Kirkyard: Greyfriars Bobby, grave robbers and the city's spookier side Camera Obscura: Victorian optical magic and five floors of illusions for families Edinburgh food and drink: haggis at Makars Mash Bar, whisky tastings and our favourite afternoon tea in the whole of the UK at The Dome Royal Yacht Britannia: take the tram to Leith Day trips with Rabbie's: St Andrews, Fife, Alnwick and Bamburgh ( use code UKTP10 for 10% off via our link ) Islander workshop: make your own Harris Tweed bag , and book ahead because it sells out Planning your own trip to Edinburgh? Leave us a SpeakPipe message with your questions, share this episode with anyone heading to Scotland, and if you enjoy the podcast we'd love you to leave a review on your favourite app. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 205 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
12 Things That Will Confuse You About London (Until You Know the Rules)
London has its own unwritten rules and once you know them, the city makes so much more sense. In this episode Tracy and Doug share 12 things that confuse visitors most, so you can move around with confidence and make the most of every day. They cover: Tube map versus real distance and when walking beats taking the Underground London zones, daily caps, Oyster card versus contactless Tube etiquette: letting people off, escalator rules, and mind the gap Tower Bridge versus London Bridge and how to tell them apart Last entry times and planning attraction visits realistically Changing of the Guard: checking schedules, arriving early, and using a tour for the best view Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London: how they live and why a VIP tour is worth it Red phone box photos and why to check before stepping inside London black cabs and The Knowledge: why they are unlike any taxi in the world Afternoon tea versus high tea versus cream tea: what to expect and how to book Sundays in London: restricted trading hours and booking your Sunday roast Service charge and tipping: how to spot the 12.5% and avoid paying twice Pronunciation: Leicester Square, Greenwich, Southwark, Holborn, Tottenham, and the Marylebone debate. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 204 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Visiting London and the UK in Summer: Weather, Events + Best Places to Visit
In this episode we bring together five local experts to share what UK summer travel really looks like from June through August, with practical advice on crowds, long daylight hours and booking ahead. We hop from Devon to the far north of Scotland, down to London, across the Cotswolds and up to the Lake District to help you plan days that feel memorable rather than hectic. Timing summer travel around school holidays and why June can feel calmer Booking accommodation and restaurants early, especially in rural areas Devon highlights including Dartmoor, coast days, literary tours and vineyard tastings Far north Scotland advice on long daylight hours, wildlife spotting and midge conditions London summer energy with parks, Thames walks, late-night galleries and seasonal royal access Cotswolds summer blooms with Hidcote, Kiftsgate, lavender fields and village fêtes Avoiding the Cotswolds honeypot villages by exploring quieter spots and countryside trails Lake District summer highlights including lake cruises, mountain passes, heritage railways and traditional local events Send us a message via SpeakPipe and if you've enjoyed the episode, a review on your favourite podcast app goes a long way in helping others find us. Happy UK Travel Planning! Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Scottish Islands Road Trip Part 1: Lewis and Harris Travel Guide
White sand beaches, ancient stone circles, single-track roads, and ferries that sell out months ahead. Scotland's islands are pure magic when you plan them properly, and we've just come back from an Outer Hebrides road trip ready to share the route and the reality so you can plan your own Lewis and Harris adventure with confidence. We start with the nuts and bolts: driving north from the Midlands, choosing the scenic Glencoe route, staying overnight in Ullapool, and taking the CalMac ferry to Stornoway. Then we get into what actually makes or breaks a Scottish islands itinerary, booking ferries first, locking in accommodation early, and building in flexibility for the weather. We also cover food strategy, from stocking up in Stornoway for self-catering to why reservations matter, plus a few standout places we genuinely rate. From there it's all on-the-ground tips for Lewis and Harris: how to handle passing places on single-track roads, what to watch for with lambs and livestock, when petrol stations might be shut, and why bilingual Scottish Gaelic signs are part of the experience. We finish with the moments you should not miss, beaches like Uig Sands and Luskentyre, the Callanish Stones, blackhouses, and local crafts including Harris Tweed, before giving an honest take on Skye's crowds, parking, and overtourism. Subscribe so you catch Part 2 on Mull and Iona, and if you enjoyed this one, a quick review on your favourite podcast app means the world. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 202 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Before You Visit Edinburgh: 12 Things to Know Before Your First Trip
We share 12 essential Edinburgh travel tips that help you avoid the common first-timer mistakes and plan a visit that actually feels relaxed. From pronunciation and neighbourhood choice to seasonal crowds, daylight, and the best add-ons beyond the Royal Mile, we make it easier to build an Edinburgh itinerary that fits your pace. Saying Edinburgh and Princes Street correctly Deciding how many nights you need and why three works well Choosing between Old Town and New Town for where to stay Understanding the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and why August requires advance booking Planning for hills, cobbles, steps and viewpoint walks like Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat Getting off the Royal Mile for better wandering, food and souvenirs Considering The Real Mary King's Close and booking ahead in summer Planning around Edinburgh daylight hours, fast-changing weather and seasonal pros and cons Taking the train from London to Edinburgh and using trams and buses once you arrive Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse and checking closure dates Making time for Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia Building in breathing space plus easy day trips if you stay longer If you want help putting your full Scotland (or UK) itinerary together, Doug and I are available for consultations. Leave me a message via SpeakPipe and let me know what city or area you'd like me to talk through next. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 201 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
UK Travel Planning: Best Tips, Train Myths, and Must-See Destinations [200 Episodes Special]
We celebrate 200 episodes by sharing the practical UK travel planning tips that save you time, money, and stress, plus the misconceptions that trip up first-time visitors. We also share the places that still surprise us and what we’re building next to help you plan a UK trip that feels doable and memorable. • grouping London attractions to cut wasted travel time • using supermarket meal deals to keep costs down • booking must do attractions in advance without overplanning everything • planning UK train routes early and comparing ticket and pass options • clearing up train myths around tickets “selling out” and paid seat reservations • building realistic itineraries with transfer time, rest breaks, and weather backup plans • getting beyond London with day trips to see more of the UK • destinations that surprised us most including Scottish islands and the Settle Carlisle line • British food myths plus what to try and why a food tour helps early on • what’s coming next including “before you visit” guides and London monthly events episodes • how to use our websites, YouTube channel, Facebook groups, freebies, and consults 📝 Show Notes - Episode 200 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Day Tours from London: What to Expect on an tour with The English Bus
Some of the best day tours from London don't start with a train timetable - they start with stepping onto a small group minibus and letting someone else handle the route. We get out of London for the day and show how small group tours make big-ticket places feel easy, personal and genuinely memorable. We talk through four standout routes with The English Bus and share what to expect on the road, on the ground, and when it comes to booking. why a day trip from London changes how you see England meeting Chris Horsey and the English Bus approach to small group touring hearing from Lucy, one of the English Bus guides, on what makes each route special Stonehenge and Bath as a high-impact pairing across thousands of years of history Kent as a "petri dish" of English history from Romans to WWII White Cliffs viewpoints, Dover Castle highlights and how to use your time there Canterbury as an underrated city with cathedral time and a guided walk back Stratford upon Avon priorities including Shakespeare's birthplace Cotswolds villages, back roads, and why small vehicles matter for access Oxford walking tour tactics including watching for open college doors booking advice, lead times, age suitability, mobility considerations, and London pick-up points enter the exclusive 5% discount at checkout - UKTP5 - The English Bus ⭐️ Guest - Chris Horsey and Lucy from The English Bus 📝 Show Notes - Episode 199 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
12 Things That Will Confuse You in the UK (Until You Know the Rules)
If you have ever been asked “You alright?” in Britain and wondered whether you look unwell, you are not alone. We’re decoding the everyday UK habits that catch travellers off guard, even when they’ve visited before. Tracy and Doug share a light, practical guide to the social rules that locals follow without thinking, so you can step off the plane feeling more confident and less confused. We talk through 12 classic British culture shocks that show up on UK holidays and London city breaks: the sacred art of queuing, the automatic “sorry” that appears even when someone else is in the wrong, and the understated way we describe everything from weather to opinions. We also dig into British humour, where irony and sarcasm often come with a straight face, plus the quiet etiquette on public transport where eye contact can feel like a major event. Along the way, we tackle UK travel essentials that save time and embarrassment: how ordering works in a pub, what “buying a round” really means, how tipping works in restaurants versus pubs, and why UK place name pronunciation is basically its own sport. We also clear up the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom and why Scottish and Welsh identity matters. If you’re planning UK travel, subscribe for weekly destination guides and practical tips, share this with a friend visiting Britain, and leave us a review so more travellers can find the podcast. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 198 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Mystery Guides: Outdoor Escape Room Adventures in UK Cities
We chat with Jack Wells, founder of Mystery Guides , about turning UK city exploring into a story-led treasure hunt using a physical book, real history and real hidden treasure. Tracy shares her own experience doing the Winchester guide - and why it's one of those travel days that genuinely sticks with you. What a Mystery Guide is and how it works on the day Why a physical book beats doing it on your phone Tracy's first Mystery Guide in Winchester and the shared experience of bumping into others doing it too Where you can do Mystery Guides across the UK and how Jack chooses new locations How Jack builds each guide from real events, local lore and unsolved mysteries Accessibility, what to bring, and how the built-in hints help if you get stuck Who these adventures suit best and what new guides are coming next Exclusive discount: Use code UKTP15 for 15% off at mysteryguides.co.uk ⭐️ Guest - Jack Wells 📝 Show Notes - Episode 197 Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
UK in December and January: What to Do, Where to Go + Two-Month Trip Report
What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals how almost every experience on his list came directly from editing the show. Ryan covers his favourite moments in York and London: the wonderful Old York Tea House, the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre, the theatrical York Ghost Bus Tour, and a self-guided mystery adventure through Stratford-upon-Avon with a Mystery Guide. In London, the V&A, Westminster Abbey, and Churchill War Rooms all exceeded expectations, while an evening at Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration in Covent Garden turned into one of the trip's unexpected highlights. We also get into food and drink: Sunday roasts, cream teas, the great scone debate, the cheese conveyor belt at Pick and Cheese, Irn-Bru, supermarket meal deals, and the baffling brilliance of frozen mashed potato. Ryan also shares his top practical tip for any international visitor, and talks honestly about what he would do differently next time. Whether you're planning your first trip to the UK or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with recommendations, real talk and plenty of laughs. You can find links to all the places and experiences Ryan mentioned, plus some photos from the trip, in the show notes at uktravelplanning.com/episode-196 . Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
Planning Accessible UK Travel: Essential Tips for Exploring London and Beyond
Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic. We talk through the real decisions that make accessible UK travel work: starting early, turning a wish list into an energy-friendly plan, and researching each attraction for seating, step-free routes, and the sections that simply won't work. Laura explains how she handled iconic sights like the London Eye, the Tower of London, and Edinburgh Castle by pacing herself, skipping stair-heavy sections, and speaking up clearly when she needed to sit. Transport is a big part of the story too. We dig into London's accessibility options, why buses and taxis are worth budgeting for, and why hop-on hop-off buses are underrated for tired legs. Laura also gives an honest account of the UK's Passenger Assistance Service on trains, what the help actually looks like, how luggage is handled, and why flexible tickets can be a lifesaver. We also cover airport assistance lessons from Edinburgh and Heathrow, including what went wrong during a terminal transfer and how to avoid it next time. Whether you're planning accessible travel in the UK, travelling with someone who is, or simply want a calmer and more confident approach, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. You can find our comprehensive guide to accessible travel in the UK, including a free downloadable checklist, in the show notes at uktravelplanning.com/episode-195 . Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
London & Edinburgh Trip Report: A Mother–Daughter UK Adventure
We map a mother–daughter journey through London and Edinburgh, showing how a smart South Kensington base, well-timed museum visits, and scenic rail travel turned a packed plan into a calm, joy-filled trip. Highlights include the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Borough Market food finds, and a Cotswolds day trip plus first-class train travel to Edinburgh and unforgettable meals along the way. In this episode we cover: • choosing South Kensington as a quiet, walkable London base • using first-class trains instead of flying to Edinburgh • late-night museum strategy to skip the crowds • the Ceremony of the Keys as a signature history moment • Hampton Court and Windsor on a guided coach tour • a Cotswolds in a Day tour with GoCotswolds for rest and village charm • art highlights at the V&A, National Gallery, and Tate Britain • why St Giles’ Cathedral and Holyroodhouse won over Edinburgh Castle • food wins: Borough Market, Dishoom, Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea, Makar’s Mash Bar • managing food allergies and navigating UK meal deals • coping with Tube strikes, taxis, and long walking days • packing smart, luggage storage, and souvenir strategy • one key takeaway: pick a base you genuinely enjoy staying in You can find photos from Amy’s trip, plus links to her hotels, tours, and restaurants at: 👉 https://uktravelplanning.com/episode194 🎧 Listen to next Episode #142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips Episode #58 Edinburgh Travel 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors Episode #186 – Eating Your Way Through London [What, Where + Food Tours] Episode #38 – A tasty Introduction to some of Britain’s most iconic foods If you would like to support the podcast, as Amy kindly does each week, you can sponsor us via this link from just three US dollars a month. It’s less than a cup of coffee and helps us keep producing the show to help you plan your perfect UK trip. Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
London Walking Tours with Fantastic Walks: Robin Launder's Expert Guide to the City
Many visitors see a lot in London but still leave feeling like they do not quite understand it. In this episode, Tracy Collins is joined by Robin Launder , founder of Fantastic Walks , to explore how walking tours and storytelling bring London’s history to life. Robin shares how his background as a history and English teacher , plus years in education training , shapes the way he guides. You will hear why stories stick, what surprises first timers most about walking tours, and how guides balance humour with the heavier parts of London’s past. We also chat through some of Robin’s most popular themed walks including Soho Rock and Roll , Westminster Wonders , Hidden London (Trafalgar Square to Covent Garden and back), Churchill , and Jack the Ripper (informed by Robin’s earlier career in the prison service and his criminology background). Use exclusive code UKTP10 for 10% discount when booking a London walking tour with Robin at Fantastic Walks . 👉 Full show notes and helpful links at uktravelplanning.com/episode-193 🎧 Listen to next: Episode #189 – How to Plan a London Itinerary: Expert Tips, Must-See Landmarks & Common Mistakes to Avoid Episode #186 – Eating Your Way Through London [What, Where + Food Tours] Episode #167 - Must-Do London Experiences, Secret Spots + Foodie Favourites Still planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning everything yourself. With departures from cities such as Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary. Have a look at their tours and any current offers on their website - Rabbies.com Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions. Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network. 🎤 Leave us a voice message ➡️ Sponsor our show ➡️ Leave us a tip Work With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. Using them supports the podcast ...
