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 London

Kristen 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 next

• Episode #136 – Unveiling the Cotswolds: Top Experiences and Insider Tips with Expert Lisa Benjamin
• Episode #115 – Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Cotswolds Adventure with Lisa Benjamin of GoCotswolds
• Episode #97 – Easy day trips from London by train (Part 2)

Need help planning your trip? Book your personalised itinerary consultation with Tracy and Doug Collins – UK travel planning experts – for tailored advice based on your travel style, interests, and timeframe. Book your consultation here.

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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 interests

Check 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 next

• Episode #43 - Unravelling the mysteries of train travel in the UK
• Episode #80 - Planning your perfect UK rail adventure
• Episode #2 - Tips for travelling the UK by train

Need help planning your trip? Book your personalised itinerary consultation with Tracy and Doug Collins – UK travel planning experts – for tailored advice based on your travel style, interests, and timeframe. Book your consultation here.

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work 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!

Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK monarch, represents centuries of British heritage while offering visitors a glimpse into the royal lifestyle through its magnificent State Rooms and gardens. We share comprehensive insights for planning your visit, from ticket options and tour experiences to practical tips and fascinating palace facts.

• Palace has 750 rooms, including 78 bathrooms, its own post office, and a cinema
• Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, became a royal residence in 1761
• Royal Standard flag indicates the monarch is in residence; Union Jack means they're away
• State Rooms open July-September with standard, small group, and exclusive tour options
• Essential to book tickets months in advance as tours sell out quickly
• Exclusive small group tours are available at other times throughout the year
• New for 2025: opportunity to enter through the iconic front gates
• Highlights include the State Rooms, Throne Room, Picture Gallery, and Grand Staircase
• Gardens open in summer, featuring 39 acres with a lake, rose garden, and tennis court
• Green Park tube station is closest at a 6-minute walk
• Photography is not permitted inside the palace, but is allowed in the gardens
• Convert your ticket to a one-year pass by signing it and getting it stamped
• Nearby attractions include Changing of the Guard, St. James's Park, and Westminster Abbey

If you're planning a visit to Buckingham Palace or have questions, leave us a voice message via the SpeakPipe link in our show notes.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 150

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #146 - Guide to visiting Westminster Abbey
• Episode #142 - Guide to visiting the Tower of London
• Episode #138 - Explore London with Discover Real London black cab tours

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here
➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here

Work 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!