UK Travel Planning

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 built in 1405• Boasts award-winning restaurants and reputedly one of England's oldest pubs, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks• Birthplace of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) with exceptional independent pubs• Hosts numerous festivals throughout the year celebrating its Roman and medieval heritage• Winner of Best Large Outdoor Market in Britain 2024• Features an Art Deco cinema restored through community donations• Perfect for history lovers with connections to the War of the Roses and famous historical figuresFor more information, visit enjoystalbans.com or follow Enjoy St Albans on Instagram and Facebook.⭐️ Guest - Vivien Cannon, Manager of St Albans City Centre BID 📝 Show Notes - Episode 160🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #96 - Easy day trips from London by train (Part 1)Episode #97 - Easy day trips from London by train (Part 2)Episode #46 – Discovering the Magic: A Guide to Visiting Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios in LondonSupport 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!

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 to Jane Austen connections and delicious local dining, we share practical travel advice, insider tips, and insights to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to see more, join us as we explore what makes Bath such a special, relaxing, and memorable destination.📝 Show Notes - Episode 159🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #96 - Easy day trips from London by train (Part 1)Episode #97 - Easy day trips from London by train (Part 2)Episode #136 - Unveiling the Cotswolds: Top Experiences and Insider TipsSupport 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!

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 assistance and access to records not available online• Balance your itinerary between genealogy research, sightseeing, and necessary downtime• Consider becoming a member of historical societies in ancestral locations to deepen your connections• Book essential experiences like the Caledonian Sleeper train and Edinburgh Castle early access tours well in advance• Be prepared for emotional moments when standing where ancestors once stood• Reach out to potential distant relatives before travelling – you may end up meeting family you never knew existed• Visit museums that show period-appropriate homes to understand how ancestors lived• Remember that you are an ambassador for your home country – bring your best self along with your luggageIf you're dreaming of turning your family tree into a travel route, start your research now and be open to the serendipitous connections that often arise when travelling with a genealogical focus.⭐️ Guest - Rita Fox📝 Show Notes - Episode 158🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #127 - Solo Travel in LondonEpisode # 103 - From Lands End to John O'GroatsEpisode # 98 - From Liverpool to London and beyondSupport 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!

Discover the top 15 blunders first-time travelers make when navigating UK train travel. Learn why it's crucial to arrive early at stations and make seat reservations for long journeys. Find out how to avoid disruptions, especially on Sundays, and why packing light is a game-changer. Get smart tips on using travel apps for real-time updates and ensuring your belongings stay safe in busy stations. Plus, hear how different ticket types and railcards can save you money while exploring scenic routes!

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 accommodations, including the Royal Horse Guards Hotel and The Cookie Jar in Alnwick• Private tour with archaeologist Alex Iles through Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle was the trip highlight• Billy Shiel's boat tour to the Farne Islands provided close encounters with puffins, arctic terns, and seals• The Old York Tea Room in Goodramgate offers cream tea that Deborah rates as better than Betty's• Magical unplanned moments included witnessing sunset and sunrise over Whitby Abbey from their hotel room• For returning UK visitors, Deborah recommends exploring beyond London and trying different transportation modesIf you enjoy our podcast and want us to continue providing free UK travel information, please consider becoming a supporter. You can make a one-off donation or sponsor us monthly, like Deborah. Visit the link in our show notes to help us keep the podcast going.⭐️ Guest - Deb Harsen📝 Show Notes - Episode 156🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #65 - Trip Report with Deborah HarsenEpisode #32 - 4 week Scotland and England trip report with Deborah HarsenEpisode #123 - Family fun in London [Trip Report with Cathy Stephens]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!

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 thousands of miles across the UK and helped countless travellers plan their journeys, we've witnessed the same mistakes happening time and again.In this practical guide, we reveal the 15 most common UK driving pitfalls and how to avoid them. From the shocking truth about journey times (that 50-mile drive could take twice as long as you think!) to the critical importance of booking an automatic car well in advance, we cover essential knowledge that guidebooks often miss. We'll explain why driving in London is a mistake most travellers regret, how to navigate the UK's unique parking systems, and why checking if your accommodation actually has parking facilities could save your holiday from disaster.Whether you're used to driving on the left or not, the UK presents unique challenges that can catch even experienced international drivers off guard. We share insider advice on handling motorway driving, understanding road terminology, and preparing for the infamous British weather. Plus, we reveal the truth about rental car insurance and why paying extra for zero excess might be the best decision you make.Our goal isn't to discourage you – a UK road trip can be truly magical when done right. With proper planning and realistic expectations, you'll be free to enjoy those winding coastal roads and picturesque villages without the stress. Listen now to transform your UK driving experience from potentially nerve-wracking to absolutely brilliant!📝 Show Notes - Episode 155🎧 Listen to nextEpisode 12 - Preparing to drive in the UK with TripiamoEpisode 112 - Driving in the UK like a local: Expert tips from Tripiamo's John CorteseEpisode 79 - Planning your UK road trip (Expert Tips and Itinerary Ideas)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 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 public transport. They also discuss staying connected with eSIMs, using Wise cards for spending, and making the most of the festive season with Christmas markets and museums.Whether you’re planning a winter trip or just curious about what it’s like to explore the UK off-season, this episode is packed with helpful insights, travel stories, and seasonal inspiration.⭐️ Guest - Abigail Hannah of Aotearoa Adventures📝 Show Notes - Episode 154🎧 Listen to nextEpisode 152 – Trip Report: London and Cotswolds Highlights with Kristen GonzalezEpisode 71 – Unveiling the Magic: London at Christmas – Top Things to Do and SeeEpisode 102 – Discovering the Charms of Brighton: Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your VisitSupport 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!

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 align perfectly with both summer and winter solstices, showcasing remarkable astronomical knowledge• Visitors arrive at a dedicated visitor centre located 1.5 miles from the actual stones• The excellent museum provides crucial context about the site's history and significance• Free shuttle buses run every 10 minutes between the visitor centre and the monument• You cannot touch the stones even with special inner circle access tours• Weather protection is essential as you'll be completely exposed on Salisbury plain• Multiple transport options exist, including train to Salisbury, plus tour bus, driving, or organised tours• The nearby Avebury stone circle offers a complementary experience where you can touch the stones• Book tickets in advance, especially during peak summer months, to guarantee entry• English Heritage and National Trust members receive free entryFor more information about visiting Stonehenge and other UK destinations, join our UK Travel Planning Facebook community where we share tips, answer questions and help you plan your perfect UK trip.📝 Show Notes - Episode 153🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #109 – Day Tours with The English Bus: From London to Stonehenge, Bath & moreEpisode 104 – From Stonehenge to Canterbury & Beyond with Tailored ToursEpisode 139 – Exploring Bath and Beyond: Unique Tours and Tips with Daniel HancockSupport 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 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 coastal day trip from London.• Choosing the Cotswolds and London combination to showcase diverse aspects of England• Using private transfers instead of driving or navigating train connections• Taking two different Go Cotswolds tours to maximise exploration of picturesque villages• Staying in Covent Garden as the perfect London base with excellent dining and entertainment options• Finding the ideal balance between scheduled tours and free time for spontaneous exploration• Enjoying unique experiences like a historic Royal Pub tour, afternoon tea on a bus, and Tower Bridge's glass floor walkways• Discovering Mr. Fogg's Society of Exploration for cocktails and small plates in London• Visiting the Seven Sisters cliffs and Brighton on a well-organised day trip from LondonKristen also offers invaluable tips for travel planning, particularly on booking ahead. Tune in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs to help you plan your own perfect UK getaway!⭐️ Guest - Kristen Gonzalez📝 Show Notes - Episode 152🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #136 – Unveiling the Cotswolds: Top Experiences and Insider Tips with Expert Lisa BenjaminEpisode #115 – Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Cotswolds Adventure with Lisa Benjamin of GoCotswoldsEpisode #97 – Easy day trips from London by train (Part 2)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!

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• Ideal time to arrive at stations: At least 30 minutes before departure for major journeys• Booking train tickets: National Rail Enquiries provides the most accurate journey planning information• Money-saving tips: Book advance tickets for long journeys, use railcards when eligible• Luggage management: Ensure you can carry your own bags, look for storage at carriage ends and between seats• Left luggage options: Available at major stations, bus stations, and through third-party services• BritRail Pass details: Offers flexibility but assess if it's worth it for your specific itinerary• Scenic journey recommendations: Consider factors like time of year, daylight hours and personal interestsCheck out Doug's e-book Guide to UK Train Travel for more comprehensive information, and join our UK Train Travel Tips Facebook group for ongoing advice.📝 Show Notes - Episode 151🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #43 - Unravelling the mysteries of train travel in the UKEpisode #80 - Planning your perfect UK rail adventureEpisode #2 - Tips for travelling the UK by trainSupport 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!