UK Travel Planning

In episode 30 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Doug and I talk through our Scotland road trip itinerary from May 2022. We spent 18 days travelling around Scotland - starting and ending in Edinburgh.We carefully planned our itinerary to make the most of our time in Scotland and visited many beautiful destinations. We also spent 5 days of the trip driving the famous North Coast 500 route around far north Scotland. What you will learn in this episodeHow we planned our Scottish road tripOur exact day-to-day itineraryInformation about each destinationThe highlights along the way (there were many)Where we saw Highland cows What it was like driving part of the North Coast 500Some of our favourite accommodation choicesThings we learnt along the way and tips to help make the most of your Scottish road trip.For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-30/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Support the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 29 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, we chat with Ken Lambert a lifelong fan of the Beatles and in particular George Harrison.In 2022 Ken bid on (and subsequently won that bid) to purchase George Harrison's childhood home in Liverpool. In this podcast, he shares his fascinating story from George Harrison fan to now owner of a property closely associated with the Beatles. Also, learn how you can actually now stay in the former Beatles home - an absolute must for any Beatles fan.He shares how he redecorated the front room using photographs taken in the late 1950s and early 1960s. And it is in this front room the Quarrymen practised and where George, John and Paul's creative juices flowed.Topics covered in this episode include:How to book a stay at Upton Green >> Email hello@guest365.co.uk and quote "Upton Green/ UK Travel Planning" in the subject lineInformation about Ken's Facebook group >> See more photos and videos of the Beatles and Upton Green hereThe story behind Ken's love of the Beatles and in particular George Harrison and how he ended up placing the winning bid to purchase the Upton Green propertyInformation about when George Harrison lived in the house.How Ken redecorated the front room home to look as it did in the days when George lived there and Paul and John would practice with him.How Ken since he purchased the house has met many people associated with the Beatles including the manager of the Cavern Club in the 1960s and some former members of the Quarrymen.Ken's number one tip for any Beatles fan visiting LiverpoolFor further information and the full show notes for this episode visit UKTravelPlanning.com/episode-29>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Support the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 28 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, we chat with Rob Bruns about his family's week-long visit to London in the summer of 2022. This visit was at the end of a month-long trip around England and Scotland (you can hear our chat with Rob about the previous 3 weeks of the journey in episode #18)In this episode, you will learnHow Rob planned their London itineraryA day-by-day account of what they did and where they visitedHow Rob and his family took 2 day trips out of London and how they got thereWhere they stayed in LondonThe souvenirs they purchasedTheir favourite experiences in London included taking part in the Big British Bake-offWhich afternoon tea the Bruns family enjoyed in LondonTheir favourite places to eat (including ice cream and for bubble waffles)How Rob and Heather prepared their 11-year-old son for the tripFor further information and the full show notes for this episode visit UKTravelPlanning.com/episode-28>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Support the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 27 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast discover the magical beauty of the Cotswolds with Victoria from Cotswold Teacup Tours."The Cotswolds is such a beautiful and quintessential English part of the country. And to live in it and to be able to take tours around there I'm not surprised you absolutely love it." -TracyVictoria is the owner of Cotswold Teacup Tours which takes small groups on private tours of the Cotswolds. She loves the area and is passionate about sharing her local knowledge and experience of this beautiful part of England.In this podcast, Victoria chats with Tracy about the Cotswolds and answers a variety of questions from members of the UK Travel Planning Facebook group. She also shares interesting stories and photos of the Cotswolds including photos she took of the snow which fell in the Cotswolds in December 2022.In this episode, you will learn the following:Discover the beauty of the UK in winter by exploring the picturesque snow-covered Cotswolds.Learn about some favourite English pubs and tea rooms in the Cotswolds.Uncover a little of the history of the Cotswolds. Learn about locally produced foods, goods and souvenirs available to purchase when you visit.A few walks that you can take in the Cotswolds.Find out how to book a private tour of the Cotswolds with Victoria's Cotswold Teacup ToursFor further information and the full show notes for this episode visit UKTravelPlanning.com/episode-27>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Support the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 26 of the UK Travel Planning podcast, we discuss the various train routes available between London and Edinburgh. Learn about the various options you have to travel by train between London and Edinburgh plus suggested places to stop off along the way. We share how it is possible to spend a few hours in York (plus what to do with luggage) and what you can do and see in the city. Durham and Newcastle are also discussed as possible places to alight the train for a few hours before continuing to Edinburgh.We share some tips about what to look out for along the route north of Durham and also where to sit on the train for the best views of the Northumberland Coast.Various ticket and pass options are discussed including the BritRail pass and Global Eurail Pass.Train route options back to London are covered too including which major cities through which each route passes. Learn about the various trains that operate on these lines including the Caledonian Sleeper Service and Lumo service.For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-26/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 25 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, I chat with friends Liz Attwood and Melinda Ecker who, with their respective husbands, Kent and Ken, planned a trip to revisit the destinations they had enjoyed during a coach tour around England together in 2019. While the coach tour had provided them with an introduction to many places they just knew they had to return for further exploration and to spend a few days in their favourite destinations. And in September 2022 the 2 couples did just that travelling around England by train.In this episode, you will learnHow Liz and Melinda planned their tripThe destinations they chose to revisit including London, the Cotswolds, Bath, St Ives and York plus highlights of their itineraryAccommodation options they recommendTheir experiences of train travel in the UK and using BritRail PassesFavourite cafes and restaurants along the wayFavourite tours and day excursionsHow they travelled around England for 3 weeks with only carry-on Their top tip for anyone planning a trip to the UKFor further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-25/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In this episode, we address one of the most frequently raised questions from those planning a visit to London. The question is quite simply how to get around London on public transport.The good news is that the public transport system in London is excellent with many options available to get around. The downside however is that all those options can be a bit mind-boggling! First-time visitors to London and returning travellers alike can find the transport system a real challenge. With multiple forms of transport on offer and multiple ways of getting around London, it can make travel planning seem very daunting.This podcast is aimed at introducing you to the many options available for getting around London to make it a little less stressful and more fun!In this episode, you will learn The various public transport options in London includes the Underground (or Tube), Overground trains, the Elizabeth Line, London buses, Docklands Light Railway and Uber Boat. The different methods of paying for transport in London such as the Oyster card and contactless.Practical tips to help you get around London.For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-24/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In this week's episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast Tracy shares information and tips for visiting London in December. This is her favourite time of year to visit the UK capital with so much to see and do and the fabulous festive atmosphere to enjoy.Topics covered in this episode include:What to expect when visiting London in DecemberWhat sort of weather you can expect Hours of daylight in London in December (sunrise and sunset times)What to pack Answers to frequently asked questions about visiting London in December We share some of our favourite things to do in London in December includingEnjoying the Christmas lightsTaking a festive tour whether a walking tour, cruise down the Thames, Christmas market tour or bus tourSome of our favourite marketsSpecial events such as at Kew Gardens or Harry Potter studiosGoing to a PantomimeTalking a stroll through one of the Royal ParksWhat is open (and closed) on Christmas Day plus suggestions about things to doWhat is open (and closed) on Boxing Day plus suggestions about things to doInformation about public transport in London on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing DayFor further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-23/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 22 of the UK Travel Planning podcast, I chat with special guest Debbie Harsen about her month-long trip to England and Scotland in 2022 with her eldest adult daughter Emily.Debbie lives in Pennsylvania and has a lifelong love of the UK.  She is an experienced traveller who has visited the UK on many occasions. This was her daughter Emily's first trip.In this episode, Debbie shares UK travel inspiration plus tips about how she planned her trip, how they got around, their favourite destinations, favourite foods and how both herself and Emily managed to pack for a month with carry-on and no checked baggage!Topics covered in this episode include:How far in advance Debbie started planning their month long trip and useful resources she found to help her plan.How Emily and Debbie worked together to plan their itinerary and choose the destinations to visit on this trip.Why Debbie decided to use tour companies for two main parts of the their trip.Debbie and Emily's highlights - both experiences and destinations.Favourite foods including good ole British fish and chips and Sunday Roast.Their favourite accommodations during their stay.Day trip destinations from London including Bath, Stonehenge and Canterbury.Debbie's tips for anyone planning a trip to the UK for the first time.For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-22/>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebook.Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In episode 21 of the podcast, we share our favourite experiences from our 12-week spring/summer tour of England and Scotland.These include 3 very different accommodation options, a castle famous for appearing in a popular TV costume drama, a road trip, a train ride, a photoshoot in London, a football match and a landmark which is the title of a song associated with Vera Lynn.We have chosen experiences which include destinations in England (including London) and Scotland and we know will provide inspiration for your own travels around the UK. We struggled to choose only 10 and I am sure if we chose on a different day we would probably come up with a different list. Listen to this episode to discover our favourites.For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-21/Connect with us - Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram | YouTubeSupport the show⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: Video Reviews (available anytime) — send us your itinerary for detailed feedback. 1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact info@uktravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!