UK Travel Planning

Tracy Collins
  • 4.9 (185)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    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 highlightsBest day trips from London, including Bath and multi-stop guided optionsStandout UK train journeys, from Settle to Carlisle to the Caledonian SleeperBritish foods worth trying, including Scotch eggs and classic cakesFavourite churches and cathedrals, with Winchester, Salisbury and CanterburyCastles we recommend, from the Tower of London to Wales and NorthumberlandWildlife and landscape moments, including puffins and Highland sceneryMuseums we never skip, from the V&A to the National Railway MuseumBest seasons to visit the UK, comparing spring and early autumnOne-place picks for first-time visitors, from Chatsworth to the CotswoldsIf 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 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    50 min

  2. Jun 16

    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 summerThe Royal Mile: closes, courts, wynds and the hidden gardens most visitors walk straight pastThe Real Mary King's Close: Edinburgh's buried 17th century street, and what to expect if you don't love enclosed spacesPalace of Holyroodhouse: Mary Queen of Scots, Holyrood Abbey and why to check for last minute closuresArthur's Seat or Calton Hill: which viewpoint suits you, depending on your fitness levelNational Museum of Scotland: free entry, a brilliant rainy day option and a rooftop view most people missGreyfriars Kirkyard: Greyfriars Bobby, grave robbers and the city's spookier sideCamera Obscura: Victorian optical magic and five floors of illusions for familiesEdinburgh food and drink: haggis at Makars Mash Bar, whisky tastings and our favourite afternoon tea in the whole of the UK at The DomeRoyal Yacht Britannia: take the tram to LeithDay 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 outPlanning 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 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    43 min

  3. Jun 9

    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 UndergroundLondon zones, daily caps, Oyster card versus contactlessTube etiquette: letting people off, escalator rules, and mind the gapTower Bridge versus London Bridge and how to tell them apartLast entry times and planning attraction visits realisticallyChanging of the Guard: checking schedules, arriving early, and using a tour for the best viewYeoman Warders at the Tower of London: how they live and why a VIP tour is worth itRed phone box photos and why to check before stepping insideLondon black cabs and The Knowledge: why they are unlike any taxi in the worldAfternoon tea versus high tea versus cream tea: what to expect and how to bookSundays in London: restricted trading hours and booking your Sunday roastService charge and tipping: how to spot the 12.5% and avoid paying twicePronunciation: Leicester Square, Greenwich, Southwark, Holborn, Tottenham, and the Marylebone debate.📝 Show Notes - Episode 204 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    55 min

  4. Jun 2

    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 calmerBooking accommodation and restaurants early, especially in rural areasDevon highlights including Dartmoor, coast days, literary tours and vineyard tastingsFar north Scotland advice on long daylight hours, wildlife spotting and midge conditionsLondon summer energy with parks, Thames walks, late-night galleries and seasonal royal accessCotswolds summer blooms with Hidcote, Kiftsgate, lavender fields and village fêtesAvoiding the Cotswolds honeypot villages by exploring quieter spots and countryside trailsLake District summer highlights including lake cruises, mountain passes, heritage railways and traditional local eventsSend 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! 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    1h 10m

  5. May 26

    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 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    52 min

  6. May 19

    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 correctlyDeciding how many nights you need and why three works wellChoosing between Old Town and New Town for where to stayUnderstanding the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and why August requires advance bookingPlanning for hills, cobbles, steps and viewpoint walks like Calton Hill and Arthur's SeatGetting off the Royal Mile for better wandering, food and souvenirsConsidering The Real Mary King's Close and booking ahead in summerPlanning around Edinburgh daylight hours, fast-changing weather and seasonal pros and consTaking the train from London to Edinburgh and using trams and buses once you arriveVisiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse and checking closure datesMaking time for Leith and the Royal Yacht BritanniaBuilding in breathing space plus easy day trips if you stay longerIf 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 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    40 min

  7. May 12

    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 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    56 min

  8. May 5

    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 Englandmeeting Chris Horsey and the English Bus approach to small group touringhearing from Lucy, one of the English Bus guides, on what makes each route specialStonehenge and Bath as a high-impact pairing across thousands of years of historyKent as a "petri dish" of English history from Romans to WWIIWhite Cliffs viewpoints, Dover Castle highlights and how to use your time thereCanterbury as an underrated city with cathedral time and a guided walk backStratford upon Avon priorities including Shakespeare's birthplaceCotswolds villages, back roads, and why small vehicles matter for accessOxford walking tour tactics including watching for open college doorsbooking advice, lead times, age suitability, mobility considerations, and London pick-up pointsenter the exclusive 5% discount at checkout - UKTP5 - The English Bus⭐️ Guest - Chris Horsey and Lucy from The English Bus 📝 Show Notes - Episode 199 🎟️ Sponsored by Walks Tours & Devour Tours. Explore London with expert guides, from sightseeing to food tours. 👉 Book London sightseeing tours with Walks 👉 Book London food tours with Devour 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 ➡️ 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 at no extra cost. Thank you ❤️

    1h 19m
See All (206)

4.9
out of 5
185 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Collins
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UK Travel Planning
  • Show Website
    UK Travel Planning

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