UK Rail Planning Tips for Confident Travel

Planning train travel in the UK can feel confusing, even overwhelming. Conflicting advice online, outdated blog posts, and well-meaning Facebook comments often leave visitors unsure which tickets to buy, when to book, or whether they are even planning the right route.

In this episode Tracy and UK rail expert Doug talk through why UK train travel causes so much uncertainty for visitors and, more importantly, how to plan with confidence instead.

Doug explains the most common issues he sees when travellers come to him for help, including relying on incorrect information, misunderstanding ticket types, and trying to plan complex routes without understanding how the UK rail system actually works. We also discuss how to spot reliable rail advice, what questions you should be asking when planning your journey, and why personalised guidance can save both time and money.

You’ll hear how Doug supports travellers through UK Train Travel Q&A sessions, itinerary reviews, and practical planning tools, as well as when railcards and passes make sense for your trip.

If you are planning to travel by train in the UK and want clarity, reassurance, and realistic advice from someone who truly understands the system, this episode will help you feel far more prepared before you book a single ticket.

👉 Full show notes and helpful links at uktravelplanning.com/episode-188

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode 157 - 15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid Them
• Episode 151 – Essential UK Train Travel Tips and Q&A for First-Time Travellers
• Episode 43 – Unravelling the Mysteries of Train Travel in the UK [Expert Answers to 15 Frequently Asked Questions]

🎟️ 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 ❤️

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 included an afternoon tea.

In this episode, we cover:
• limited opening dates and why planning around the calendar matters
• ticket options including general entry, guided tours, special events, and afternoon tea
• how to get to Highclere Castle from London via Newbury
• taxi, driving, parking, and accessibility tips
• the no-photography policy inside the house and how to enjoy the visit anyway
• highlights of the house, gardens, and Capability Brown landscape

🎙 Get in touch via SpeakPipe
Have you visited Highclere Castle, or are you planning a visit? What are you most looking forward to?

👉 Full show notes and helpful links at uktravelplanning.com/episode-187

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #185 – Set-Jetting in the UK: Movie and TV Locations to Visit
• Episode #127 – Solo Travel in London : Trip Report with Melissa Jones
• Episode #168– England Trip Report: Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights

🎟️ 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 ❤️

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 afternoon teas. They highlight how market culture, traditional pub snacks, and diverse international flavours can all be squeezed into a London itinerary - without overwhelming your schedule or missing out on memorable experiences.

The episode also spotlights the value of food tours for discovering local history, culture, and forging new friendships over delicious bites.

⭐️ Guest - Becki Newell from Walks and Devour Tours
📝 Show Notes - Episode 186

• Episode #147 – Explore London + Edinburgh with Walks + Devour Tours [2025 Update with Charley Sullivan]
• Episode #91 – A Taste of London: A Conversation with Charley Bennett from Devour Food Tours
• Episode #167 - Must-Do Experiences, Secret Spots + Foodie Favourites

🎟️ 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 ❤️

This week we explore the growing trend of set-jetting – travelling to destinations inspired by TV series, films, and books.

With major new releases, returning favourites, and big anniversaries coming up in 2026, set-jetting is only getting bigger. From Bridgerton and Outlander to Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, and classic novels like Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice, this episode looks at how what we watch and read is shaping UK travel plans.

We share places we have visited because of TV, film, and books, alongside real listener stories from the UK Travel Planning community. We also cover the practical side of planning these trips – including tickets, transport, timing, and why guided tours can often be the best option.

Whether you’re already planning a set-jetting trip or just starting to dream, this episode will help you turn inspiration into a UK itinerary that actually works.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 185

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #168 – England Trip Report: Castles, Countryside + Iconic Sights
• Episode #176 – A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1)
• Episode #127 – Solo Travel in London: Trip Report with Melissa Jones

🎟️ 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 ❤️

Deciding whether to travel around the UK by train, by car, or by using a combination of both is one of the biggest planning decisions you will make. In this episode, we talk through the pros and cons of each option so you can decide what works best for your route, travel style, and priorities.

We explain how UK train travel works in practice and why trains are often the best choice for getting between major cities and towns. We also clear up a common misconception: once you arrive in places like London, York, Edinburgh, or Bath, you generally do not need a car, as these cities are compact, walkable, and well served by local transport.

We then look at when driving makes more sense, particularly for countryside destinations and rural regions, and share common planning mistakes to avoid adding unnecessary stress or cost to your trip.

In this episode, you will learn:

• When trains are the best option for travelling between UK cities and towns
• Why cities like London, York, Edinburgh, and Bath are best explored on foot once you arrive
• How the main UK rail routes fit into itinerary planning
• When hiring a car makes sense for countryside and rural destinations
• Why combining trains for long distances and cars for short rural loops often works best

📝 Show Notes - Episode 184

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #157 - Train Travel Mistakes
• Episode #155 - Road Trip Planning Mistakes
• Episode #182 - Planning a UK trip

🎟️ 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 ❤️

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 attraction list
• How to structure days with two nearby highlights and one flexible option
• How contactless payments and Oyster fare caps work
• When to use the Tube, buses, Thames Clippers, or simply walk
• How station walking distances, queues, and crowds affect timing
• Why accommodation location matters more than many visitors expect
• Practical budget tips including free museums, pre-theatre menus, markets, and meal deals
• When experiences like Sky Garden, Buckingham Palace openings and special exhibitions need booking ahead
• How major 2026 events such as the London Marathon, Wimbledon, and Notting Hill Carnival affect crowds and transport

If you want a London trip that trades rushing for rhythm and overwhelm for clarity, this episode will help you plan with confidence.

📝 Show Notes - Episode 183

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #68 – Choosing the Best Place to Stay in London
• Episode #161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid Them
• Episode #106 – Guide to the London Pass with Daryl Bennett

🎟️ 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 ❤️

We share a clear, practical plan for designing a realistic UK trip in 2026. From choosing dates and budget to matching transport with routes, this episode focuses on what actually matters so your itinerary feels calm and doable. We also cover key 2026 dates, booking timelines, UK ETA requirements, and the most common planning mistakes to avoid.

In this episode we cover:

• Dates & expectations: picking dates before places to avoid disappointment
• Budgeting: setting a realistic budget that shapes your itinerary
• Route planning: clustering destinations that flow by rail or road
• Transport choices: choosing trains, cars, or a combination based on your itinerary
• Advance bookings: when to book accommodation, tours, and automatic cars
• Entry requirements: understanding UK ETA rules and using the official site
• Common mistakes: avoiding cramming too much in and unrealistic travel times
• Peak periods: planning around school holidays, bank holidays, marathons, and festivals
• Money & packing: paying contactless and packing layers for changeable weather
• Planning tools: using our free challenge, itinerary planners, itinerary planning guides, & maps to help provide clarity.

🎟️ 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 ❤️

We look back on our biggest year yet, highlight the most-loved London and regional episodes, and share what’s coming next. Expect more rail know-how, trusted partner recommendations, deeper dives into London neighbourhoods, and practical tools to help you plan an unrushed UK trip.

In this episode:

• Download milestones and global audience growth
• Most popular London episodes, including deep dives on the Tower of London
• Trusted partners for airport transfers, black cab tours, and small-group Cotswolds experiences
• Bath highlights and the easiest ways to reach the city by train
• Listener questions on pacing, itineraries, and where to stay
• Clear guidance on UK rail travel, including passes and seat reservations
• eBook and YouTube guides for key train routes and major stations
• Planning support options, including video critiques and one-to-one consultations
• Travel highlights from 2025 across Scotland, London, and Northern Ireland
• What’s coming in 2026, including London neighbourhood deep dives and planning workshops
• How to suggest topics via SpeakPipe, email, and Facebook groups
• Ways to support the podcast through sharing, sponsorship, and five-star reviews

📝 Show Notes - Episode 181

🎧 Listen to next:

• Episode #132 – London 2025: 12 Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Trip
• Episode #133 – Discovering London: 5 Unmissable Experiences for Your 2025 Adventure
• Episode #142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful Tips

🎟️ 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 ❤️