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 L…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, espec...more
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 me…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 e...more
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 memorabl…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 Englan...more
The founder of a food-tour company tells us in delicious detail about some of his favorite eats to enjoy on the streets of Rome. Then a British tour guide shares how to take in London's historic core as well as its changing landscape on a visit to the boroughs of The City and Westminster. And a tour…The founder of a food-tour company tells us in delicious detail about some of his favorite eats to enjoy on the streets of Rome. Then a British tour guide shares how to take in London's historic core as well as its changing landscape on a visit to the boroughs of The City and Westminster. And a tour guide from Lisbon illuminates the contrasts between Portugal's bustling cities and the more traditional way of life that persists in the countryside.more
On College Green in London's Westminster, surrounded by historic buildings, we talk to Frances Linzee Gordon about what it takes to become an elite, Blue Badge Guide, and the challenges that lie in wait when you begin working. Find a guide who suits you at britainsbestguides.org
What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals ho…What happens when the person who has edited nearly 100 episodes of this podcast finally puts all those travel tips to the test on his own UK trip? In this episode, our editor Ryan Fairweather from New Zealand shares highlights from his two-month visit to the UK with his partner Tilly, and reveals how almost every experience on his list came directly from editing the show. Ryan covers his favourite moments in York and London: the wonderful Old York Tea House, the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre...more
Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered…Dreaming of a trip to the British Isles? In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie of Wonder and Beyond Travel break down four distinct ways to experience Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and London — with expert insight on their favorite travel partner, CIE Tours. What's covered in this episode: 🥾 Walking & Hiking Tours (Small Group, Max 16) Perfect for the active explorer, CIE's small-group hiking tours cover wild coastlines, hidden gems, and iconic landscapes. Ryan ...more
Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic…Planning a UK trip when standing still hurts, stairs are a gamble, and transport feels unpredictable can be genuinely daunting. In this episode, Laura Dilts shares how she built a London and Scotland itinerary around a back injury, without shrinking the trip down to safe choices or missing the magic. We talk through the real decisions that make accessible UK travel work: starting early, turning a wish list into an energy-friendly plan, and researching each attraction for seating, step-free ro...more
We map a mother–daughter journey through London and Edinburgh, showing how a smart South Kensington base, well-timed museum visits, and scenic rail travel turned a packed plan into a calm, joy-filled trip. Highlights include the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Boro…We map a mother–daughter journey through London and Edinburgh, showing how a smart South Kensington base, well-timed museum visits, and scenic rail travel turned a packed plan into a calm, joy-filled trip. Highlights include the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Borough Market food finds, and a Cotswolds day trip plus first-class train travel to Edinburgh and unforgettable meals along the way. In this episode we cover: • choosing South Kensington as a quiet, w...more
Many visitors see a lot in London but still leave feeling like they do not quite understand it. In this episode, Tracy Collins is joined by Robin Launder, founder of Fantastic Walks, to explore how walking tours and storytelling bring London’s history to life. Robin shares how his background as a hi…Many visitors see a lot in London but still leave feeling like they do not quite understand it. In this episode, Tracy Collins is joined by Robin Launder, founder of Fantastic Walks, to explore how walking tours and storytelling bring London’s history to life. Robin shares how his background as a history and English teacher, plus years in education training, shapes the way he guides. You will hear why stories stick, what surprises first timers most about walking tours, and how guides balance ...more
Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Tr…Hear about visiting the hidden gems of London, England, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane from Jonty Travels about this city he once called home.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.
Why visit London?
London is one of the world's great cities, and it can easily fill a week, if not two, exploring the city. Everyone has heard of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Tate Modern, Changing of the Guard, British Museum, and the London Eye, but there are so many more sights that are arguably as interesting and less busy.
Jonty lived in the UK for the first 29 years of his life, worked in London for 5 years, and visited London almost every year for 15 years after moving to New Zealand.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/hidden-gems-of-london/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesmore
London has some of the best museums in the world — but with so many options, how do you decide which ones are right for you? In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug guide you through London’s most popular museums to help you choose the ones that match your interests and pla…London has some of the best museums in the world — but with so many options, how do you decide which ones are right for you? In this episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug guide you through London’s most popular museums to help you choose the ones that match your interests and plan your visit confidently. From iconic institutions like the British Museum and the V&A to the London Transport Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich, we cover: Who each museum is best suited f...more
If you’re wondering whether a London black cab tour is worth adding to your itinerary, this episode will help you decide. Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to talk through what actually happens on a black cab tour, how it differs from bus or walking tours, and why many first-time vi…If you’re wondering whether a London black cab tour is worth adding to your itinerary, this episode will help you decide. Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to talk through what actually happens on a black cab tour, how it differs from bus or walking tours, and why many first-time visitors choose to start their trip this way. You’ll learn how licensed cab drivers complete “The Knowledge”, what special road privileges black cabs have, and how those factors can change your exper...more
Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer tri…Spring flips a switch across the UK, and we’re here for the first warm light, the wisteria‑framed streets, and the rush of longer evenings. We pull together clear, local advice from London to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Devon, and the far north of Scotland so you can plan a smarter, calmer trip. We kick off in London with Becki from Walks and Devour: cherry blossom in parks, Kew’s treetop walkway, canal strolls from Hackney Wick to King’s Cross, and midweek Borough Market eats. We also...more
Planning a London itinerary sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. With so many iconic landmarks, historic sites, museums, neighbourhoods and experiences to choose from, it is easy to overpack your days, waste time travelling across the city, or miss the moments that truly make London speci…Planning a London itinerary sounds simple… until you actually try to do it. With so many iconic landmarks, historic sites, museums, neighbourhoods and experiences to choose from, it is easy to overpack your days, waste time travelling across the city, or miss the moments that truly make London special. In this week's episode Tracy is joined by Becki from Walks and Devour Tours to share expert advice on building a realistic, well-paced, and memorable London itinerary. Together they discuss: • ...more
In this week's episode we walk through exactly what you need to know before visiting Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey. We share practical planning tips from our own recent visits, covering ticket options, how to get there from London, what to expect on the day, and the…In this week's episode we walk through exactly what you need to know before visiting Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for Downton Abbey. We share practical planning tips from our own recent visits, covering ticket options, how to get there from London, what to expect on the day, and the small details that make the difference between a rushed visit and a memorable one. Guest Melissa Jones also joins to share her first-hand experience of a guided tour to Highclere Castle which inc...more
This week Tracy Collins sits down with Becki from Devour Tours to explore the vibrant food scene of London. The episode tackles the myth of "beige and boring" British cuisine, offering a mouthwatering guide to the best dishes, afternoon teas, food tours, markets, and hidden gems across the city. Tra…This week Tracy Collins sits down with Becki from Devour Tours to explore the vibrant food scene of London. The episode tackles the myth of "beige and boring" British cuisine, offering a mouthwatering guide to the best dishes, afternoon teas, food tours, markets, and hidden gems across the city. Tracy Collins and Becki delve into the expectations and surprises first-time visitors encounter with London food, covering everything from fresh market fare to classic Sunday roasts and opulent aftern...more
Jack Rathmell grew up in Pennsylvania Amish country and after only a year in college, decamped to South Africa, first as a volunteer and later as a student and resident. He now lives in London and has written a memoir about his experiences, "How The Rhino Lost His Horn."
Mentioned in this episode:
…Jack Rathmell grew up in Pennsylvania Amish country and after only a year in college, decamped to South Africa, first as a volunteer and later as a student and resident. He now lives in London and has written a memoir about his experiences, "How The Rhino Lost His Horn."
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.
In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Afternoon Tea, from its royal British origins to how the experience works today, tea selections, tiered bites, etiquette tips, and the little luxury extras that make it special. Plus we share the unforgettable afterno…In this week’s Just the Tip, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Afternoon Tea, from its royal British origins to how the experience works today, tea selections, tiered bites, etiquette tips, and the little luxury extras that make it special. Plus we share the unforgettable afternoon teas we’ve done around the world and the iconic ones still on our bucket list.
A few places we’ve done afternoon tea and loved!
• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada
• Claridges in London, UK
• Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada
• Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong
• The Driskill in Austin, TX USA
• LondonHouse in Chicago, IL USA
—---------------------------------------
Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront
Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
Contains affiliate links, thanks for supporting Travel Squad Podcast!more
London should not feel like a sprint across Zones 1 to 3. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies to help you plan London in a way that saves time, protects your energy, and makes the city easier to enjoy. Rather than rushing between scattered attractions, we explain how to plan b…London should not feel like a sprint across Zones 1 to 3. In this episode, we share practical, real-world strategies to help you plan London in a way that saves time, protects your energy, and makes the city easier to enjoy. Rather than rushing between scattered attractions, we explain how to plan by areas, make smarter transport choices, and design days that feel calmer and more enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: Why planning London by neighbourhood works better than chasing a long ...more