Routes

Host Jenni Falconer welcomes former England rugby international turned DJ James Haskell aboard the Quiet Coach in this episode of Routes from LNER. From the unwritten rules of the quiet carriage to the realities of life spent travelling the world for rugby, James shares stories from the road and reflects on the experiences that have shaped him beyond the pitch.The conversation explores James’s time living abroad, including his stint in Japan and the culture shocks that come with adapting to a completely different language and way of life. He and Jenni discuss how travel can broaden your perspective, the places that leave a lasting impression, and how looking back on old memories can sometimes feel like revisiting someone else’s life.They also dive into the show’s “Snacks, Tracks & Hacks” segment, where James reveals his go-to travel snacks, what he listens to on long journeys, and the little tips that make travelling easier. Along the way, Jenni shares a hilarious parenting travel story about a missing cuddly toy that turned into a full-scale family mission to replace it.

What happens when a 6ft4 former England rugby star swaps the pitch for the DJ booth and somehow ends up sharing a bath with Madonna? On this episode of Routes from LNER, James Haskell joins Jenni Falconer for a brilliantly unpredictable journey to Edinburgh, packed with sharp humour and seriously good stories.James looks back at life playing international rugby, his years living in France near the Champs-Élysées, and the cultural curveballs that come with competing around the world. He shares what touring Scotland really feels like as an England player, why travel gives him rare moments of quiet, and how the Australian jungle tested him during I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2019.Now an international DJ and heading into a new chapter on Celebs Go Dating, James talks about life after elite sport, performing to thousands, fatherhood, and building a second career in the public eye. Funny, frank and consistently surprising, this is a conversation that goes far beyond rugby, and proves reinvention can be just as competitive as the game itself.

From secretly filming sketches in the art department to turning up at TV meetings in full character, this week’s Quiet Coach guest has never taken the conventional route. In this episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with comedian, actor, artist and podcaster Leigh Francis for a funny, chaotic and surprisingly honest chat about creativity, confidence and carving out a career by backing yourself, even when no one else quite understands what you’re doing. From missing out on art college to becoming a senior graphic designer drawing crocodiles on demand, Leigh shares how eight years of graft (and a lot of dressing up) led to his big break.There are brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about inventing his characters, where Leigh speaks about living by the motto “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap,” why he still spends his downtime sewing, sculpting and building green-screen studios in his loft, and how proud he feels bringing wife Jill into the spotlight on their podcast, Unlikely Friends. It’s a candid look at ego, insecurity, hard work and the joy of still loving what you do.Plus, as always, we get into snacks, tracks and hacks, including five-pound Mini Gems from WHSmith, accidental double breakfasts in first class, a loft full of abandoned travel pillows, and the unforgettable moment he forgot his ESTA and ended up flying to Florida with nothing but a backpack. Warm, self-deprecating and packed with laugh-out-loud moments, this is a relaxed and revealing conversation about staying playful, taking risks, and never quite doing things the normal way.

From Leeds beginnings and Bridlington beach trips to Halloween weddings and first overseas adventures, Leigh Francis’s life off-screen is as colourful as the characters he’s created. In this episode of Routes, Leigh joins Jenni to talk about growing up in Yorkshire, the chaotic comedy worlds of Celebrity Juice and Bo’ Selecta, and how his childhood shaped his sense of humour. He reflects on early travel experiences, static caravan holidays, and his first drunken friend holiday abroad, which set the tone for a lifetime of hilarious misadventures.Leigh shares stories that are equal parts funny and heartfelt, from carrying a life-size Howard the Duck on the train to visiting his favourite locations from Back to the Future, and the time he met Pharrell while wearing the same hat. He talks about family road trips through Whitby, the joy of Comic‑Con cosplay, and the creative process behind iconic characters like Keith Lemon. Along the way, there’s laughter, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the experiences that fuel his comedy.He also opens up about life on the road, being recognised (or not!) around the world, and the special journeys he’s shared with his wife and kids. Whether it’s memories of seaside arcades, discovering the magic of Disney on honeymoon, or everyday family life, this episode is a silly, personal, and unfiltered look at the laughs, travel tales, and roots that have made Leigh who he is.

Welcome back to The Quiet Coach, where Siân Welby shares what happens when she’s on the move. From spotting familiar faces on Hollywood boulevards to navigating jet-lagged mornings, Sian talks about how she keeps travel manageable, with Pringles and a stash of Haribo at the ready, a few podcasts queued up for long train journeys, and by finding the perfect seat.She opens up about her favourite travel hacks, from taking a multi-plug extension lead on holiday to keeping a baby entertained with simple tricks like masking tape. Siân also shares how she finds quiet moments on busy trains, enjoys watching the countryside roll by, and makes the most of every journey, whether it is a brief escape or a rare moment of calm.LA left its mark, inspiring her to dream big and reminding her how small details, like a street she has walked past or a billboard she spots, can make travel feel surprising, fun, and sometimes a little magical.

Siân Welby’s route into broadcasting has been shaped by curiosity, instinct and a willingness to say yes before she had everything figured out. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the Capital Breakfast presenter joins Jenni to talk about the journeys, both literal and personal, that have defined her life and career so far.She reflects on growing up with classic British seaside holidays, discovering the thrill of travel on her first trip to Disney World, and heading to Spain at 16 on her first holiday without her parents. As her career began to take shape, those early adventures turned into unexpected work trips, including filming in Las Vegas at 19 while still juggling retail jobs at home, and later travelling the world with Formula E, visiting cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong and collecting memories that stayed with her long after she returned home.Siân also opens up about finding her place in broadcasting, from learning the ropes in live sport and weather presenting to becoming one of the most recognisable voices on UK radio. She shares what early starts really feel like, the pressure and unpredictability of live television, the viral weather moments that changed her career, and why radio pushed her further than anything else she’s done. The conversation touches on motherhood, navigating travel with a young child, and how her relationship with travel has shifted towards slower, simpler breaks by the sea... making this a funny, honest and reflective episode about growth, balance and knowing when to slow the pace.

From learning lines in the Quiet Coach to racing through stations at the last minute, Sam Heughan reveals what travel really looks like when you’re juggling acting, adventure, and a suitcase stashed in every corner of the world. In this episode of The Quiet Coach, Sam joins Jenni to talk about how he travels, how he works on the move, and why trains are one of his favourite places to think, reflect, and occasionally fall asleep.Sam shares stories about practising lines in public, overhearing Al Pacino rehearse Shakespeare mid-flight, and why he hates arriving anywhere early. He opens up about travelling light, running as a way to explore new cities, and the slightly alarming moment airport security were more concerned about a battery pack than a huge blade in his luggage.There’s also talk of cocktails, fitness, motorbikes, and karaoke (including a brave Ronan Keating choice), plus reflections on Nepal, Everest, and how travel continues to shape the way he lives and works. From quiet train journeys to epic bike rides through the Himalayas, this is a relaxed, funny, and wide-ranging conversation about movement, curiosity, and never quite standing still.

From Highland adventures and Himalayan expeditions to motorbike road trips and mezcal-fuelled misadventures, Sam Heughan’s life off screen is every bit as epic as his most famous role. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the Outlander star joins Jenni to talk about the places that shaped him, the journeys that pushed him out of his comfort zone, and why the south of Scotland deserves just as much love as the Highlands.Sam reflects on the emotional moment of finishing Outlander after more than a decade, what it felt like to say goodbye to Jamie Fraser, and how he decided to mark the end of that chapter by trekking to Everest Base Camp. He shares stories of freezing night shoots in kilts, being recognised in Kathmandu, and watching the sun set over Everest from 20,000 feet. Along the way, he talks about growing up in southwest Scotland, discovering acting at school in Edinburgh, and why adventure and the outdoors have always been part of who he is.There’s also plenty of talk about cocktails, creativity, and building his own distillery in Galloway, including the story behind a papaya margarita mixed in the back of a van in rural Mexico, his obsession with perfecting gin and vodka, and why bartenders are some of the most creative people he knows. Add in motorbike trips through Florida and California, Shakespeare at Stratford-upon-Avon, and this episode becomes a wide-ranging, inspiring conversation about adventure, craft, and always saying yes to the journey.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

Welcome back to the Quiet Coach, where chef and TV presenter James Martin reveals his travel essentials and the moments that have shaped him as a traveler. From Red Bull and Mars bar breakfasts to throwing mugs in the bin, this is where we get into the wonderfully peculiar habits that come from decades in professional kitchens. In this episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with James for a brilliantly honest chat about life on the road and why he values home more than any hotel room.James opens up about his love of flying and the countryside, explaining how getting his pilot's license gave him a sense of freedom that dwarfs even passing your driving test. He shares stories from his early days working in London restaurants, including late night trips to KFC with fellow chefs, and admits that any chef claiming they don't live off fast food is lying. There's also his mate's restaurant with a full time DJ, why music has become essential to his life, and his partner Kim’s newfound obsession with Greggs bacon sandwiches.Expect plenty of laughs as James explains his absolute horror of people drinking from mugs, why he always arrives early to avoid the baffling phenomenon of people running for trains, and a touching moment where he reflects on a BBC documentary about loneliness that changed his perspective, reminding us all to take five minutes to say hello and make time for people.

From washing pots at eight years old in a Yorkshire castle to becoming one of Britain's most beloved TV chefs, James Martin's journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the flat cap wearing chef joins Jenni to share stories of break dancing for fish and chips in York, being dropped off at French vineyards as a kid, and why failing cookery at school was the best thing that ever happened to him.James opens up about growing up on a pig farm in North Yorkshire, his dad's unusual career as a wine judge and lorry driver, and those formative summers spent in Bordeaux châteaux learning to cook duck and grill steaks on repurposed gates. He reveals the £20 note his dad gave him when he left for London at 16 (with a blunt message attached), his first terrifying day as an accidental pastry chef, and why his granddad refused to take his flat cap off at Harrods. From working 18 hour days in London kitchens to cooking seven course meals on moving trains, James explains why dyslexia is a superpower and how respecting ingredients from an early age shaped his entire career.This episode is packed with warm nostalgia, Yorkshire wisdom, and passionate views on the perfect bacon sandwich (white sliced bread, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and absolutely no avocado). James also shares why Scotland holds such a special place in his heart, the life changing moment when Michèl Roux called him "the only guy who can cook on TV," and his cookbook creation process that sees him invent 64 brand new recipes in a single week. Plus, a cautionary tale about elastic band planes in Corfu.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

Welcome back to the Quiet Coach, where we dive into Erin Richards' travel essentials and the moments that have shaped her as a traveler. From chocolate obsessions to meditation retreats, this is where we get into the details.Erin's always got dark chocolate in her bag, usually around 90% cocoa, and she's got her top three brands ranked like a proper connoisseur. She's more of a podcast person than music, currently obsessed with something called the Telepathy Tapes, and her travel hack is beautifully cheeky: order hot water for free at coffee shops and add your own herbal tea bags. Thailand and Hawaii both changed her profoundly through meditation retreats, teaching her she had all the tools she needed within herself. During COVID she saw Michelangelo's David in Florence with only three people in the room, though she admits she completely ruined the romantic moment with her husband. She's learned she's a brilliant traveler who's finally stopped running through airports, a small victory she credits to her husband's influence, and unpacking immediately to make any space feel like home is essential when you're constantly on the move.

From childhood camping trips in France to missing flights in spectacular fashion, Erin Richards has always been someone who thrives on movement and discovery. The Gotham star joins Jenni to chat about her journey from Penarth to Hollywood and back again, with plenty of wild stories along the way.Growing up, Erin was the kind of kid who'd pile into the back of her mum's Chrysler seven seater with her sisters and drive through France for what felt like days. Those childhood camping trips planted something deep, a love of being in transit that's never really left her. At eighteen, armed with money from her first acting job on a Welsh TV show, she took off on a proper gap year adventure through Canada, New Zealand and Australia, hitchhiking without a second thought and throwing herself into every extreme sport going. She remembers jumping into the ocean and landing right next to a whale shark, just this extraordinary moment of being utterly present and alive. These days, as a mum with another baby on the way, she won't even do rollercoasters anymore, that shift in perspective where suddenly you're not the lead character in your own story.What comes through most is how travel has shaped everything, from her decade in LA and New York to finally returning home to Cardiff. She's someone who used to run for every single plane but has recently started packing the day before for the first time in her life, a small miracle of maturity. Expect tales of her deeply embarrassing teddy bear that she once had her sister rescue from a Gatwick Hilton, that transformative ten day cleanse in Thailand where she drank clay mixed with watermelon juice, directing her first UK series back home in Wales, and the family house in France that her mum and aunt bought on impulse when they popped out for apples.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this very special Christmas edition of Routes, Jenni invites you to a festive celebration filled with laughter, travel stories, and holiday cheer. Whether you're journeying near or far, this episode brings you Christmas traditions and stories from some of Jenni's past and future guests.Penny Lancaster shares her love for Christmas parties, tree decorating battles with Rod, and why having a chef means she actually enjoys the day. Ella Eyre takes us through her spreadsheet planned three day menu from beef Wellington to Yorkshire pudding toasties. Stephen Mangan explains why he's the designated washer-upper and his quest to work out New Year properly. Suzi Ruffell brings festive enthusiasm from 1st December, love for Christmas films, and cooking while pickled on Buck's Fizz. Erin Richards reveals her family's three hour present circle and accidentally spending New Year countdown alone on the M4. James Martin shares why he took over cooking 30 years ago, feeding 20 people, and sending live lobsters to Holly Willoughby. Sam Heughan's mission to roast Brussels sprouts properly and why dry January should be disbanded.Warning: Expect family moments, festive fun and of course, a bit of Christmas chaos to get you in the festive spirit.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

What happens when a self-confessed show off who was made to feel stupid at school becomes a bestselling author and one of the UK's most loved comedians? In this Quiet Coach episode, Suzi Ruffell opens up about her journey from struggling with severe dyslexia to writing a book that surprised even herself. She reveals how she actually writes her standup, working from single word cue cards and improvising stories on stage rather than scripting every line, and shares the lovely moment her publisher told her "I don't care how you spell things, I care about your story," which opened up a whole new world for someone who'd been told they couldn't write.Expect candid chat about letting go of the good gigs before your ego gets unbearable, the travel essential ear plugs that deaden sound without blocking it completely, and why there's always a whippet draped across her on the sofa at home. Plus, Suzi's train snack of choice is refreshingly sensible (fruit salad and biscuits with endless cups of tea), she's got strong opinions about audiobooks for thrillers versus physical books for gentler reads, and she shares the rhythms of tour life from weekly Tuesday morning podcast recordings with best mate Tom Allen to winding down with ice plunges she can only manage for thirty seconds.

From childhood holidays in caravans with cousins to selling out Edinburgh Festival shows and traveling the country on tour, Suzi Ruffell's life has been shaped by journeys both literal and creative. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the award winning comedian and Sunday Times bestselling author chats with Jenni about her love of train travel, how she became a standup storyteller, and why Edinburgh Festival is basically "clown town on a train."Suzi reflects on her early years in Portsmouth, those magical trips to Disney World (courtesy of her dad's lorry selling connections), and how she went from drama school graduate working in a pub to building a comedy career with nothing but open mic nights and determination. She also shares behind the scenes tales of writing her book on trains around the country, the mixed bag of Edinburgh Festival experiences, and that chaotic dash across Switzerland involving three trains, one double decker, and an hour to spare before the Lionesses Euro final.Expect laughter, honest chat about imposter syndrome, and some proper train enthusiasm too, including why Suzi loves the disconnection of rail travel, her elaborate system for working on trains (involving ear defenders and a privacy screen), and that time she accidentally blagged her way into a FIFA party with Maisie Adam. Plus, find out what it's like when your five year old daughter thinks you're the coolest person alive, even if your shows would be better with songs and dances.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down with actor, comedian and presenter Stephen Mangan to talk about his travel obsessions, from panic buying enough fruit to open a market stall to running 40 miles a week just to stay on top of his snack habit. A devoted Quiet Coach fan who can't understand why anyone would want to hear someone else's phone conversation, Stephen proves he's got strong opinions about train etiquette but absolutely no self control when it comes to blueberries, protein shakes, and post recording gift baskets.He shares the travel traditions that have become non negotiable in his life, from listening to the entire White Album with his sons on the drive from Knock airport to his family's Irish hometown (no skipping allowed) to his transformation from minimalist packer to someone who now travels with his own pillow, multiple heart monitors, and possibly his own milk supply if he doesn't trust the destination. There's warmth and honesty as he admits he's not really someone who travels to arrive somewhere, he genuinely loves the journey itself, whether that's dreaming about spending weeks walking the Southwest Coast Path or simply settling on a train with a book knowing he's got time to read. It's a funny, surprisingly relatable listen that proves even someone who presents Landscape Artist of the Year still needs to be constantly on the move, even if they can't quite explain why.

This week on Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer is joined by the brilliant Stephen Mangan, an actor, author and all round storyteller with a lifetime of travel mishaps and memories. From childhood road trips to County Mayo with fifty two cousins waiting at the other end, to ferry crossings, car sickness and cassettes on loop, Stephen paints a vivid picture of holidays that felt like travelling halfway around the world. The tales only get wilder, including sleeping on an anthill in Lisbon, nearly drifting out to sea in Portugal and waking up to a snake or possibly a rope on the roof of his tent in California.Stephen also reflects on the journeys that shaped his career, from his early theatre years in Nottingham, where he first felt the thrill of being paid to act, to his interrailing adventures and a thirty three hour train across the Rockies that remains one of his favourite trips. He shares how travel opened his world long before mobile phones, why running is his favourite way to explore new places and what it is really like touring the UK for Landscape Artist of the Year.This is a warm, funny and surprisingly tender episode that celebrates curiosity, independence and the pure wonder of seeing new places from a train window. Stephen’s stories prove that even the toughest travel moments become the ones you never forget.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER, Jenni Falconer sits down for a calm catch-up with singer-songwriter Ella Eyre to talk about her favourite travel rituals, go-to comfort snacks, and the little luxuries that make touring life bearable. From her love of skincare routines and Yorkshire Tea-dipped jammy dodgers to her trusty travel kettle for those American hotels that never have one, Ella proves she’s got the art of the journey nailed.She shares the travel moments that shaped her most, from life at boarding school in Somerset to the inspiration she found in Japan’s culture, food, and impeccable knives. There’s plenty of warmth and humour too, as she reveals her obsession with crisps, her deep affection for off-menu podcasts, and why she can’t travel without her own pillow that smells like home.And in true Quiet Coach style, Ella reflects on the lessons travel has taught her, staying calm when things go wrong, adapting quickly, and always finding light at the end of a delayed connection. It’s a soft, funny, and surprisingly honest listen that proves even global pop stars need a good biscuit, a face mask, and a plan B plug adapter.

From wild childhood holidays with “The Wild Bunch” to performing at the BRIT Awards and waking up in a new country every day, Ella Eyre’s life has always been in motion. In this episode of Routes from LNER, the Brit Award-winning artist chats with Jenni about her early adventures, her love of travel, and the lessons learned along the way.Ella reflects on going from Brit School musical theatre student to global pop star, the whirlwind of her first hit with Rudimental, and why her latest album, Everything in Time, marks a turning point of independence and creative freedom. She also shares tales of camping in Morocco, songwriting in Jamaica, and the glamorous chaos of performing on Necker Island.Expect laughter, nostalgia, and a few travel hacks too, including why Ella never boards a train without her microwaveable egg poacher, her French bulldog Iggy, and a solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER

In this episode of The Quiet Coach on Routes from LNER, Jenni sits down with presenter, photographer and all-round adventurer Penny Lancaster for a relaxed chat about all things travel, rest and those little rituals that make journeys special. From her love of peace and quiet on board (no phone calls please!) to how she truly unwinds when she’s away from home, Penny shares what travel looks like when she’s off the clock – think massages, saunas and slow swims with no time pressures.She also takes us to one of her favourite places in the world: Tanzania. Penny paints a picture of dawn safaris with picnic breakfasts, breathtaking wildlife moments and the dream of seeing it all again from a hot air balloon. We hear about the family’s must-pack snacks (British tea and Cadbury’s are non-negotiable), the soundtrack to her getaways, and the simple hacks she swears by – like packing cubes, hanging bags and how to beat jet lag. It’s a conversation full of warmth, great tips and travel inspiration, with plenty of laughs along the way.