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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.
168 Episodes
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This week on the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by Amy Carpenter from Texas, who shares her unforgettable two-week adventure exploring England with her husband, Mark. Amy takes us through the highlights of their carefully planned itinerary, from the bustling streets of London to the charm of the Cotswolds, iconic castles, and literary landmarks. Highlights included Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, and quiet moments at St D...
In this episode, guest host Karen interviews Tracy about her favourite London experiences, from afternoon teas and hidden gems to festive traditions and foodie highlights. Highlights include: • The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, a historic after-hours ritual • Afternoon teas with a twist such as Peter Pan at The Shard or the classic Ritz indulgence • Greenwich’s Painted Hall and the National Portrait Gallery’s world-class art • Foodie experiences includin...
Lori-Ann and Nick Mancini transform their daughters' Irish dance opportunity into an unforgettable 20-day family adventure across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, blending cultural experiences with memorable exploration. • Flying direct from Orlando to Dublin before driving through Ireland and Northern Ireland • Discovering the surprising beauty of Northern Ireland, including Tollymore Forest, Giant's Causeway and Silent Valley • Flying to Edinburgh and experiencing Holyrood ...
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by her friend Karen for a deep dive into her favourite places in London. Drawing on years of living, working, and exploring the capital, Tracy shares the landmarks, gardens, markets, and quiet corners that she loves most. From must-see icons like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace to the vibrant streets of Notting Hill, the views (and pelicans) of St James’s Park, the beauty of Kew Gardens...
Michael Goldsmith shares his deeply personal journey across the UK, inspired by his family's connection to the Titanic, and fulfilled through a carefully planned itinerary that combines ship, rail, and coach travel. He explains how research and personalised travel advice helped him create a meaningful trip that connected him with family history and distant relatives. • Taking the Queen Mary II across the Atlantic in honour of ancestors who boarded the Titanic • Visiting Southampton, Stonehen...
The beautiful and historic North East England offers visitors dramatic scenery, centuries of history, and friendly locals in a region filled with special places to explore. • North East England includes the stunning Northumberland coast, Newcastle, Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Holy Island • Alex Iles of Iles Tours brings the region's past to life through storytelling and archaeology • Archaeological findings reveal that Hadrian's Wall wasn't just a barrier but facilitated trade and cultural ex...
Mary and Chris from Minnesota share insights from their fifth trip to the UK, spanning 28 days across South Wales, Cornwall, the Jurassic Coast, and East Anglia. Their adventures in a tiny Fiat 500 took them to castle ruins, stunning gardens, Roman remains, and hidden treasures while connecting with locals and experiencing the authentic Britain beyond tourist hotspots. • Travelling for their fifth visit to the UK, Mary and Chris spent 28 days exploring areas they hadn't fully experienced bef...
1We share 12 common mistakes first-time visitors make when planning a trip to London, along with alternative suggestions for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Our practical advice is based on decades of experience visiting and living in London, as well as helping thousands plan their perfect trips. • Overpacking your itinerary – focus on one area per day instead of racing across the city • Booking attractions too late – secure popular experiences as soon as you confirm your date...
St Albans offers a perfect day trip from London with its rich Roman heritage, medieval architecture, and renowned foodie scene, all just 20 minutes by train from central London. • Just 20 minutes by train from St Pancras International • Home to extensive Roman ruins including an ancient theatre still used for performances today • Contains the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain - St Albans Cathedral • Features England's only surviving medieval town belfry - the Clock Tower...
When you think of travel in England, the historic city of Bath might be high on your list - and for good reason. In this episode, we dive into everything you need to know to plan your perfect visit to Bath. Drawing on our many personal experiences and favourite spots, we answer common questions about how to get there, top things to see and do, where to stay, and whether it’s best for a day trip or a more extended stay. From the iconic Roman baths and striking Georgian architecture...
Rita Fox and her wife, Katie, embarked on a life-changing journey through England and Scotland, tracing their ancestors' footsteps and discovering not only their family history but also unexpected connections that continue to enrich their lives today. • Begin ancestry research by building upon family knowledge and using online resources like Ancestry.com, FindAGrave.com, and ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk • Contact local family history societies before your trip – they can provide invaluable assista...
Doug and Tracy reveal the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when planning UK train journeys, drawing from their extensive experience helping thousands plan stress-free rail trips across Britain. • Getting advice from non-experts who share outdated or incorrect information • Travelling on Sundays when engineering works and staffing issues cause the most disruptions • Bringing too much luggage that becomes difficult to manage on trains and in stations • Not booking assistance services at...
Returning guest Deborah Harsen shares the highlights from her sixth UK adventure, exploring the east coast from London to Edinburgh by train with her husband while sharing practical tips and magical moments from their journey. • Deborah's lifelong love of the UK began with Twiggy and her grandmother reading Jane Austen to her • Train travel shaped their itinerary along England's east coast with stops in London, York, Whitby, Newcastle, Alnwick, and Edinburgh • Deborah splurged on special acc...
Dreaming of meandering through the Cotswolds countryside or cruising along Scotland's North Coast 500? Before you grab those keys, there's crucial information you need to know about driving in the UK that could make or break your road trip experience. The romantic notion of spontaneously exploring Britain's charming villages and stunning landscapes can quickly turn stressful when faced with the reality of narrow country lanes, baffling roundabouts, and parking nightmares. Having driven thous...
In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with New Zealander Abigail Hannah, who recently spent a month exploring the UK in winter. From sparkling Christmas lights in London to bracing coastal walks in Brighton and cosy family moments on the Isle of Wight, Abigail shares her honest reflections on what it’s like to travel the UK in the colder months. Expect practical tips for navigating winter travel—how to pack smart, budget effectively, and make the most of trains and pu...
Stonehenge ranks among Britain's most iconic landmarks, drawing nearly a million visitors yearly to marvel at the mysterious stone formation that has stood for over 4,000 years. We share everything you need to know about visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from transportation options to insider tips that will enhance your experience. • Two types of stones make up Stonehenge - sarsen stones from 25 miles away and bluestones transported an incredible 150 miles from Wales • The stones ali...
In episode 152 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, guest Kristen Gonzalez shares her eight-day family adventure through England with her husband and parents in their late 70s, highlighting their experiences in London and the Cotswolds during April. She details their thoughtful planning process, excellent transportation arrangements with XFA Cars, and memorable tours including Go Cotswolds excursions (enter code UKTAVPLAN for a 5% discount for our UKTP community) and a Seven Sisters...
Doug joins me to answer your most common questions about UK train travel, sharing expert advice drawn from years of experience navigating Britain's railways. • Getting to the correct platform: Arrive with plenty of time, check departure boards, use rail apps, and ask station staff • Finding first class carriages: Look for platform markings indicating coach positions and ask station staff for guidance • Managing platform changes: Keep checking information screens and listen for announcements ...
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK monarch, represents centuries of British heritage while offering visitors a glimpse into the royal lifestyle through its magnificent State Rooms and gardens. We share comprehensive insights for planning your visit, from ticket options and tour experiences to practical tips and fascinating palace facts. • Palace has 750 rooms, including 78 bathrooms, its own post office, and a cinema • Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, became ...
Nathan shares his experiences from a March 2025 trip to London with his wife Sara, where they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and rediscovered the city after nearly two decades since their last visit. • Dealing with unexpected travel disruptions when airport worker strikes in Germany shortened their London stay from five to three days • Using the Discover Real London Black Cab Tour to explore hidden corners of the city with knowledgeable driver Matt • Staying at the Conrad London S...
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This is the best UK trip planning pod casts I have found! I really enjoyed the information on the trains as it makes it seem less overwhelming to use them as we tour. It is awesome that they are actually interviewing people who live in the location such as York. You really get a locals perspective so its not just based on "touristy" stuff. I am definitely going to use the restaurant suggestions! All I can say is I want MORE! Please?!