UK Travel Planning

Tracy Collins
  • 4.9 (192)
  • 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. 4d ago

    Visiting the Lake District? What to Know Before You Go

    The Lake District looks compact on a map, but valleys, passes and narrow lanes turn "nearby" into a proper journey. Briony Wilson from Mountain Goat Tours in Windermere, a Lakes local of more than 20 years, shares how to get there by train, whether you need a car, how many nights to plan and where to base yourself. Where the Lakes sit: 90 minutes from Manchester, three hours from London by trainWhy the scale catches first-time visitors outArriving by train via Oxenholme to Windermere Getting around by bus, cruise and toursParking, narrow lanes and steep passes: when a car is more hassle than helpMountain Goat tours for first-timers: Ten Lakes, Six Lakes and Beatrix PotterHow many nights to plan: two minimum, three or four if you canChoosing a base: Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, Keswick or KendalOn the water: Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Buttermere and ConistonLiterary stops: Dove Cottage, Hill Top and Swallows and Amazons countryGentle walks: Orrest Head, Tarn Hows, Aira Force and Miles Without StilesQuickfire picks: sticky toffee pudding, Blea Tarn and Kendal Mint CakeMountain Goat Tours discount: use code UKTRAV10 for 10% off.  If you have a question for Briony, leave us a SpeakPipe message, and we'll pass it on.  Share this episode with anyone planning a Lake District break, and leave a review to help other travellers find the show.  ⭐️ Guest - Briony Wilson from Mountain Goat Tours 📝 Show Notes - Episode 221 Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  2. Sep 29

    Where to Stay in London: 12 Best Areas Compared

    We break London down into 12 areas so you can choose a neighbourhood that matches your plans, your budget and the kind of trip you want. Doug and I share which area suits each of us, the pros and cons of each one, and three things to check on a hotel listing before you book. In this episode: - Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square: a top pick for first-time visitors who want theatres, restaurants and sights within walking distance - Tower Bridge and the City of London: beside the river, steeped in history and much quieter once the office workers go home - South Bank, Bankside, Southwark and Waterloo: riverside walks, the Christmas market and easy day trips from Waterloo station - South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea: free museums, great for families and close to Hyde Park, with prices to match - Greenwich: a village feel, maritime history and an easy trip back by DLR, train or Uber Boat - Shoreditch and Spitalfields: markets, street art, some of the best food in London and late nights - Camden and King's Cross: three train stations, the Eurostar and a wide range of accommodation - Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia: a calmer central stay near the British Museum, and what to check in townhouse hotels - Mayfair, Marylebone and Oxford Street: special occasions, shopping and Chiltern line trains, and why I would not stay on Oxford Street itself - Westminster and St James's: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and St James's Park on the doorstep - Soho: for theatre lovers who want to walk back after the show, with noise to consider - Notting Hill and Little Venice: pretty streets, photos and the canal, a little removed from the main sights - Three checks before you book: a lift, air conditioning in summer, and room and bed size You'll find our full guide to all 12 areas, with hotel picks at three budgets and a map, at londontravelplanning.com.  Everything is linked in the show notes at https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-220/, along with Episode 68 on how to choose your area and our Ultimate London Travel Planning Map. If you have a question, leave us a voice message on SpeakPipe. If you know someone planning a trip to London, please share this episode with them, and leave a review in your podcast app to help other travellers find the show.  We also write a free weekly newsletter, The Great British Trip, every Saturday morning.  Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  3. Sep 24 ·  Bonus

    London in October 2026: What's On + Travel Tips

    October in London feels cosy, colourful and much easier to enjoy when you plan around the rain, the shorter days and the half-term rush. This is the second episode of our monthly London bonus series from London Travel Planning, where we look ahead each month at what is on, what to book, and what will sell out before you get there. This episode is sponsored by WalksDevour, and I am joined again by Charley Sullivan from their London team. Everything you need to know if you are visiting London in October 2026, from the weather to the tickets to book now for Christmas. * October weather: highs around 16°C (61°F), lows around 10°C (50°F), and rain on roughly one day in three * Daylight and the clocks: shorter afternoons, and the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October * Half term (26 to 30 October): what it means for the Tower and the Abbey, and the quieter times to visit * What to pack: a fold-up waterproof, comfy shoes and plenty of layers * Autumn leaves: St Dunstan in the East, Little Venice, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Crystal Palace Park * Halloween at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kew, plus Charley's picks * Exhibitions and theatre: Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Frida at Tate Modern, the David Bowie Centre and The Lives of Others with Keira Knightley * Diwali on the Square and the three NFL games in London * Book now: Christmas at Kew, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Bonfire Night at Alexandra Palace * Sold out for 2026: the Bayeux Tapestry and Her Life in Style, and the dates for 2027 tickets * Ceremony of the Keys: how to still go this October with the VIP WalksDevour evening * October's most booked tour: Tastes, Tales and Traditional Ales * Tour of the month: the new Express Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace tour, and who it suits * Your questions: visiting in half-term week, and the Changing of the Guard in October * A quick note: the regular Changing of the Guard runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sundays have a separate Sunday Parade, so check the Household Division calendar before you go EXCLUSIVE LISTENER OFFER: 5% off WalksDevour tours with code LTP5. Book before midnight UK time on Thursday 8 October 2026, valid on any tour departing to the end of 2026. 👉 Book with WalksDevour here Do you have a question about visiting London? Leave us a message on SpeakPipe, and I will answer it in the next bonus episode, London in November, on 29 October. 📝 Show Notes - Bonus episode 2  Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  4. Sep 22

    York Travel Guide - What to know before you visit

    Many people give York a day and leave wishing they had stayed longer. York local Sinead from York Travel Expert joins Tracy in the next episode of our Before You Visit series, covering what to know before a first trip: how to get there, where to stay, what to book, and when not to go. Where York is: two hours from London King's Cross by direct train, roughly halfway to EdinburghWhy you do not need a car: cobbles, snickelways and a walled centre you can cross in 15 minutesPark and ride at £4 return against £15 to £20 a day to park in the cityAccessibility: the one step-free way onto the walls, Jorvik's one wheelchair at a time rule, wheelchair hire and accessible toiletsHow long to stay: 2 to 3 days for the city, 6 or 7 to add the Dales, the Moors and the coastInside or outside the walls: character and Minster bells against lifts and parkingYork Minster: what the £20 ticket includes, the free guided tours, the £6 tower climb and the best stretch of wall for viewsOne day in York: the Minster first, the Shambles early or late, and which museum to chooseWhat most visitors miss: Treasurer's House, Holy Trinity on Goodramgate and the riverside walkDay trips: Castle Howard, Whitby, Harrogate, Knaresborough and the North Yorkshire Moors RailwayWhen not to book: race days, Residents Weekend in late January and Christmas market crowdsThe one thing to book before you go: afternoon tea with a Minster viewListener discounts Mountain Goat (small group tours from York and the Lake District): code UKTRAV10 for 10% off York Travel Expert (Sinead's guide to York) Full show notes: https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-219/ Planning a trip to York and still have a question? Leave Tracy a voice message on SpeakPipe, and she will pass it on to Sinead. Know someone adding York to their UK itinerary? Send this episode their way, and a review helps other travellers find the show.  We also write a free weekly newsletter, The Great British Trip, every Saturday morning: https://thegreatbritishtrip.substack.com/ Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  5. Sep 15

    UK Train Travel: West Highland Line Scotland Full Guide

    The West Highland Line is the kind of train journey you plan a whole trip around. Tracy and Doug take you from Glasgow Queen Street into the Scottish Highlands and explain how the route works in real life: where it splits at Crianlarich, whether to choose Oban, Fort William or the full run to Mallaig, which side of the train to sit on, and how the Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail services and the Jacobite steam train fit into a plan. Where the West Highland Line starts and ends, and why it has two very different endsHow the train divides at Crianlarich, and why you will not end up in the wrong portionGlasgow to Loch Lomond: when the commuter belt gives way to the HighlandsCrianlarich to Fort William highlights: Rannoch Moor, Corrour and the approach to Ben NevisFort William to Mallaig: the Glenfinnan Viaduct, lochs, white beaches and island viewsMallaig or Oban: overnight stay, quick turnaround, or gateway to Skye, Mull and IonaWhich side of the train to sit on, and why it is not worth stressing overCaledonian Sleeper Highlander: sleeper up, daytime backJacobite steam train versus the regular ScotRail service on the same routeTickets, Railcards and the BritRail Pass, and why a return is good valueSeat reservations, Wi-Fi, catering and luggage: what to expect on boardDoing the full route in a day, and why daylight hours matterAccessibility: step-free stations and Passenger AssistIf you have a question about train travel in the UK, leave us a message via SpeakPipe or drop us an email.  Doug runs train travel Q&A sessions and can also help you plan your rail itinerary.  If this episode helps you plan your own West Highland Line adventure, share it with anyone planning a trip to Scotland and leave us a review.  Show notes - Episode 218 Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  6. Sep 8

    London and Far North Scotland: Autumn Travel Tips

    Want a UK autumn trip that feels more atmospheric and less frantic? In part two of our autumn special we travel from the far north of Scotland to London to find out why autumn might be the most rewarding time to explore, from dark skies and quieter roads to cosy streets and early festive sparkle.  Sally-Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours and Charley and Becki from WalksDevour Tours share practical planning tips, the best places to look for seasonal magic, and how to make the most of shorter days without feeling rushed. The far north of Scotland's autumn mood: quieter roads and better value hotel prices as the season shiftsRealistic Northern Lights chances, where to look, and why the dark skies are worth the trip anywayAutumn colour without forests: heather, layered landscapes and morning mists over the lochsWhere to see the deer rut, and safe driving advice at dusk and in low lightHow to plan your days around shorter daylight hours in October and NovemberLondon's post summer rhythm, cosy streets, and why the parks are underrated for autumn colourTheatre, museums, galleries and tours that suit cooler weather and lighter crowdsAutumn evenings done well: canal walks, gas lamps, bookshops and fireside pubsWhen London's Christmas lights and markets switch on, and why late November can beat DecemberIf autumn is in your plans, we'd love to hear where you're heading, so send us a message via SpeakPipe (link below), and if you've enjoyed this two-part special please share it with someone planning their own UK trip.  A quick review on your favourite podcast app helps other travellers find us too.  Show notes - Episode 217 Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  7. Sep 1

    Visiting England in Autumn: Lake District, Cotswolds and Devon

    Golden woodlands, quiet villages and cosy pubs. Autumn in the UK has a magic you do not get in high summer. In part one of our two part autumn special, three local experts share what really changes across September, October and November in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and Devon. Lake District autumn colour hotspots including Tarn Hows and WastwaterHow September, October and November differ for weather, light and atmosphereWalk ideas for non hikers and why low-level routes often win in autumnMountain Goat tours running through autumn, including the September-only Mountain Passes tourThe Cotswolds in the quieter months and why market towns suit autumn travelBest timing for Cotswolds autumn colour, plus Hidcote and Batsford ArboretumHarvest farm shops, local produce and Bonfire Night fireworksGo Cotswolds autumn favourites, Oxford departures and the Bath Christmas market datesDevon's tree tunnels, woodland colour and wildlife on Dartmoor and ExmoorCider, apple orchards, top farm shops and the rise of English vineyardsWhat stays open through autumn and when visitor hours start to shortenLISTENER DISCOUNTS Mountain Goat Tours, Lake District: 10% off with code UKTRAV10 https://www.mountain-goat.comGo Cotswolds: 5% off with code UKTRAVPLAN https://www.gocotswolds.co.ukUnique Devon Tours: https://www.uniquedevon.toursShow notes - Episode 216 Part two lands next week with the far north of Scotland and London.  If autumn is in your plans, send us a message via SpeakPipe and tell us where you are heading, and do share this with anyone planning a UK trip. Reviews help other travellers find the podcast.  We also write a free weekly newsletter, The Great British Trip, every Saturday morning: https://thegreatbritishtrip.substack.com/ Planning your UK or Ireland trip? Rabbie's small-group tours are a brilliant way to see more without the hassle of driving or planning it all yourself. With departures including Edinburgh, London and Dublin, it's easy to add a multi-day adventure to your itinerary.  See their tours and current offers: Rabbies. com. Use code UKTP10 for 10% off. Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

  8. Aug 27 ·  Bonus

    London in September 2026: What's On + Travel Tips

    September in London feels calmer, brighter and more walkable once the school holiday rush fades. This is the first episode of our monthly London bonus series from London Travel Planning, looking ahead each month at what is on, what to book and what will sell out before you get there. This episode is sponsored by WalksDevour, and I am joined by Charley Sullivan from their London team. Everything you need to know if you are visiting London in September 2026, from the weather to the tickets that sell out first. September crowds: what changes once the school holidays endWeather and packing: highs of 19 to 20°C, lows of 12 to 13°C, and why layers winDaylight hours: 13.5 at the start of the month, 11.5 by the endBayeux Tapestry at the British Museum: sold out, and how to get tickets for 2027British Museum membership: what it costs and what priority booking gets youQueen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, extended to April 2027Buckingham Palace State Rooms: the last month of the year they are openCeremony of the Keys: a rare photo-free experience, and how to visit with the VIP WalksDevour optionFree and quirky: Totally Thames, Open House Festival and the Southwark Bridge sheep driveLondon Fashion Week and the Last Night of the PromsUK ETA: what it costs, when to apply and which sites to avoidTour of the month: London in a Day, plus private options and accessibilityCorrection: the Sheep Drive is on Sunday 27 September 2026, not October as mentioned in the episodeEXCLUSIVE LISTENER OFFER: 5% off WalksDevour tours with code UKTP5. Book before midnight UK time on 10 September 2026, valid on any tour departing to the end of 2026. 👉 Book with WalksDevour here Do you have a question about visiting London or about the WalksDevour tours? Leave us a message on SpeakPipe, and we will put it to Charley in the next bonus episode on 24 September.  📝 Show Notes - Bonus episode 1 Support the show 🗺 FREE UK Trip Planning Roadmap - plan your UK trip step by step ⭐️ Need help planning your UK trip? Choose the option that works best for you: UK Trip Quick Answers - a 30-minute live Zoom for your UK trip questions.Video Reviews (available anytime) - send us your itinerary for detailed feedback.1:1 Consultations - live Zoom session with Doug & Tracy. 🚆 Travelling by train? - Get expert help from Doug, our resident rail expert with 25+ years on the UK network.🎤 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 ...

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4.9
out of 5
192 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
    223
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 UK Travel Planning
  • Show Website
    UK Travel Planning

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