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!

Nathan shares his experiences from a March 2025 trip to London with his wife Sara, where they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and rediscovered the city after nearly two decades since their last visit.

• Dealing with unexpected travel disruptions when airport worker strikes in Germany shortened their London stay from five to three days
• Using the Discover Real London Black Cab Tour to explore hidden corners of the city with knowledgeable driver Matt
• Staying at the Conrad London St James, perfectly located across from St James's Park Tube Station
• Experiencing the ease of London's public transportation system with contactless payments
• Taking a day trip to Windsor Castle with time to explore Eton
• Enjoying memorable meals at The Guinea Grill, Borough Market, and historic pubs like The Grenadier
• Finding March to be an ideal time to visit London with fewer crowds and reasonable prices
• Embracing a slower travel pace by wandering neighbourhoods and saving major attractions for future visits
• Arranging airport transfers with XFA Cars for stress-free arrival after a long flight

If you're planning a trip to London, don't overpack your schedule. Take time to wander, look up at the architecture, and immerse yourself in each neighborhood. London rewards those who slow down and leave something for next time.

⭐️ Guest - Nathan Pickle
📝 Show Notes - Episode 149

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #138 - Explore London with Discover Real London Black Cab Tours
• Episode #134 - Expert insights on London Airport transfers and beyond with Riz of XFA Cars
• Episode #127 - London Trip Report with Melissa Jones

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!

London is generally safe compared to other major global cities. Still, like any busy metropolis, it has its share of tourist scams and petty crime that visitors should be aware of.

• Keep valuables secure in anti-theft bags and hotel safes
• Plan routes before leaving your accommodation to avoid looking lost
• Research neighbourhoods thoroughly before booking accommodation
• Use contactless payments wherever possible instead of carrying cash
• Always cross streets at designated crossings, watching for traffic from the left
• Be especially vigilant in tourist hotspots like Leicester Square and Westminster Bridge
• Watch out for common scams like street gambling and fake charity collectors
• Use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services, especially at night
• Keep bags in front of you on public transport and during crowded situations
• Consider a phone lanyard or wrist tether to prevent snatch-and-grab thefts
• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation

📝 Show Notes - Episode 148

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #105 - Top 10 London Experiences
• Episode #91 - A Taste of London with Devour Food Tours
• Episode #4 - Tips for first-time visitors to London

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!

Charlie Sullivan from Walks and Devour Tours returns to share exciting new small-group experiences in London and Edinburgh that offer exclusive access and immersive storytelling beyond typical tourist experiences.

• New Brixton food tour exploring Caribbean, African and Latin American cuisine including visiting Maureen's home for authentic jerk chicken
• Redeveloped Borough Market tour now includes Leadenhall Market and a private wine and cheese tasting
• New royal tour featuring Kensington Palace, guard change viewing and afternoon tea at the Orangerie
• Exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle – the only tour company allowed inside before opening hours
• "Edinburgh in a Day" tour including private castle access, Royal Mile walk and Holyrood Palace visit
• Access to normally restricted areas in Edinburgh Castle including Royal Apartments and Crown Room
• Alternative Scotch Whisky Experience when Holyrood Palace closes for royal engagements
• Small group sizes and expert local guides who share compelling stories and historical context
• Practical tip for Edinburgh visitors: wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and bring layers for unpredictable weather

⭐️ Guest - Charley Bennett from Walks Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 147

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #84 - Exploring London's Walks Tours
• Episode #91 - A Taste of London with Devour Tours
• Episode #132 - Top Tips for Visiting London in 2025

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!

In episode 146 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy delves into one of London's most iconic landmarks: Westminster Abbey. With its rich royal history and stunning Gothic architecture, this working cathedral is a must-visit for anyone exploring the capital.

Tracy provides a comprehensive guide to planning your visit, including essential tips on ticket purchasing, the best tours, and must-see sites within the Abbey. From the Coronation Chair to Poets' Corner, discover the treasures that make Westminster Abbey a living history book.

Learn about the significance of the Abbey, which has hosted every British monarch's coronation since 1066 and is the final resting place of numerous notable figures. Tracy shares her personal highlights and practical advice to ensure you make the most of your visit, including optimal timing to avoid queues, accessibility options, and the best places to grab a bite nearby.

Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking a beautiful space to reflect, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your experience at Westminster Abbey.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 146

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #142 - Guide to visiting the Tower of London
• Episode #133 - Top 5 London experiences for 2025
• Episode #126 - London Pass Itinerary Challenge
• Episode #84 - Exploring London with Walks 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!

Train journeys through Scotland offer spectacular scenery and connect major cities, but they can present unexpected challenges when severe weather strikes.

• Travelling from Edinburgh to Inverness via the scenic coastal route through Dundee and Aberdeen
• Strategic stops at St Andrews (via Leuchars) and Aberdeen's Maritime Museum
• Weather disruptions forcing schedule changes and an extended stay in Inverness
• Navigating cancellations by using alternative routes and transportation methods
• Comparing the coastal route with the Highland Main Line through the Cairngorms
• The importance of flexible tickets when travelling by train in Scotland
• Essential apps and preparation tips for train travel contingencies
• Accommodation recommendation: Blackfriars Hotel near Inverness Station
• Train travel offering a unique perspective of Scotland's diverse landscapes

For more information about train travel in the UK, check out our UK train travel e-book on the UK Travel Planning website. If you have any questions about train travel in Scotland or anywhere in the UK, leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 145

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #73 - Exploring Scotland: Unforgettable day trips from Edinburgh by train
• 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

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!