The Night Riviera Sleeper Train: London Paddington to Penzance

The lights are up, the markets are humming, and we’re taking a quiet moment to say thank you. This festive check-in is our love letter to the UK travel community that carried us through a milestone year—every listen, share, question, and review made the journey brighter and bolder.We share the simple joys that make a British Christmas feel special: mince pies in a cosy pub, the pop of a cracker and those wobbly paper crowns, twinkling streets in market towns, and the King’s Speech as a gentle pause in the day. Think of it as a pocket guide to seasonal atmosphere—small rituals that turn a winter trip into a memory you’ll reach for again and again.You’ll also hear from friends who bring the UK to life on the ground. Sally Ann from North Coast Explorer Tours beams in from Scotland’s far north with stories of puffins, dolphins, red deer, rainbows, sunsets, and sometimes the northern lights, plus winter’s quieter pleasures of coastal walks and fireside evenings. Lisa at Go Cotswolds sends warm wishes and an open door for 2026, reminding us why stone villages and rolling paths never lose their magic. And from the capital, Discover Real London shares a cheerful London welcome for the year ahead. XFA Cars rounds things out with practical holiday travel cheer - stay safe, keep plans flexible, and let the festive spirit lead the way.We’re taking a short break to enjoy the holidays, then we’re back with our final show of 2025: a lively roundup of standout moments, UK travel highlights, and a peek behind the scenes at the numbers you helped us hit. If you’re planning a winter trip, this update is a warm nudge toward the best of the season - lights, markets, and the joy of slowing down in places that reward unhurried wandering.If this little festive postcard made you smile, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves the UK, and leave a quick review. What’s the one British holiday tradition you can’t wait to try?📝 Show Notes - Episode 180🎧 Listen to next:Episode 170 – Essential Tips for Visiting London at Christmas and New YearEpisode 154 Winter Travel in London and the UK From Coastal Walks to Christmas MagicEpisode 169 – Scotland Travel Tips: 15 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

Listener Laura Norton returns to share how she turned a dream anniversary trip into reality. From Beatles must-dos in Liverpool and a week based at St Katharine Docks in London to a quick hop to Paris, a powerful D-Day tour in Normandy, and a relaxing voyage home on the Queen Mary 2, Laura breaks down what worked, what she’d tweak, and the tips that saved time and stress. If you are planning a similar UK itinerary with a France add-on, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use straight away.What you’ll learn• Beatles highlights in Liverpool and how to stay at George Harrison’s childhood home • Why reserving seats on busy train days matters and how to use the Tube with contactless • London base tips near Tower Bridge plus day trips to the Harry Potter Studio Tour and Thorpe Abbotts • How to structure a Paris stopover and reach Normandy for a full-day D-Day tour • Caen to Portsmouth by ferry logistics before sailing on the Queen Mary 2 • Packing lessons for rail and cruise combos and managing without guaranteed air conditioning • A real-world medication hiccup solved in the UK and why travel insurance matters • The value of an early consult with Tracy and Doug to refine routes and timings⭐️ Guest - Laura Norton📝 Show Notes - Episode 179🎧 Listen to next:Episode #100 – Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Special Edition of UK Travel Planning PodcastEpisode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood homeEpisode #152 – Trip Report: London and Cotswolds Highlights with Kristen GonzalezSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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 178 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug take you to Liverpool, the vibrant northern city famous for music, football and maritime history. Discover must-see Beatles landmarks, the Royal Albert Dock, St George’s Hall and more, with insider tips on where to stay, eat and explore. You will hear practical advice on getting there by train, getting around on foot and Merseyrail, and how to book unmissable Beatles experiences such as the Magical Mystery Tour. Football fans will love Doug’s Anfield stadium insights. Tune in for expert recommendations and inspiration to add Liverpool to your UK itinerary.📝 Show Notes - Episode 178🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #29: Chat with Ken Lambert – Beatles fan + owner of George Harrison’s childhood homeEpisode #98 From Liverpool to London & Beyond – UK Trip Report with Vernetta and TherronEpisode #128 – Explore North Wales & Beyond: Customised Cruise Shore Excursions with John HadwinSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

Following on from last week’s episode, we follow Lauren’s UK sabbatical as it shifts from a teen-led literary road trip to a soulful pilgrimage in  Pembrokeshire and a belated honeymoon through the Brecon Beacons and Cotswolds. From ancient holy wells and monastic islands to bookshop hunts and crowd-beating tips, this episode celebrates slow, meaningful travel across Britain.• Why a pilgrimage and how to choose a route with the British Pilgrimage Trust • Highlights of the Way of St David from Fishguard to St Davids • Staying at St Non’s Retreat Centre as a peaceful home base • Caldey Island stillness, monastic history, and handmade chocolate • Brecon Beacons hikes with Tolkien links and sweeping views • Hay-on-Wye bookshop discoveries and literary nostalgia • Chipping Campden base and a 12-mile Cotswold Way walk • Managing August crowds, parking, and small-group Cotswolds tours • Off-the-beaten-path ideas like the Rollright Stones • Final advice: pack light, walk slow, stay open⭐️ Guest - Lauren Eanes📝 Show Notes - Episode 177🎧 Listen to next:Episode #176 - A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1) – Planning a Trip with Teens with Lauren EanesEpisode #52 – Exploring North Wales: An Introduction with Doug CollinsEpisode #143 – Experience North Wales: Outdoor Adventures, Gastronomy, and Historical WondersSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

This week  on the podcast Tracy chats with listener Lauren Eanes, who turned her family’s shared love of books into a literary-themed UK adventure. From Dickens’ Broadstairs and Winnie-the-Pooh’s Ashdown Forest to Tolkien and Lewis in Oxford and the landscapes of Watership Down, Lauren shares how stories shaped their itinerary - and how she kept her teens engaged along the way.You’ll hear practical tips for planning a smooth family trip: combining trains with short car hire, using Airbnbs and meal deals to budget for splurges, and building in rest days for happy travellers. Packed with inspiration, logistics, and lessons learned, this episode shows how to bring Britain’s literary world to life for the whole family.⭐️ Guest - Lauren Eanes📝 Show Notes - Episode 176🎧 Listen to next:Episode #46 – Discovering the Magic: A Guide to Visiting Harry Potter Studios in LondonEpisode #13 – Trip report: A fun-filled family adventure in LondonEpisode #123 – Family Fun in London: Cathy Stephens’ Trip ReportSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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 this episode, host Tracy Collins is once again joined by Lisa Benjamin from Go Cotswolds to dive deep into Stratford-upon-Avon - the world-renowned birthplace of William Shakespeare and a destination that deserves more than just a day trip.Together they share why Stratford is the perfect place to slow down and stay longer, from scenic riverside walks, rowing and cruises to hidden Royal Shakespeare Company gems like the free tower and museum. Discover how to make the most of your visit with insider tips on: • Starting with the Stratford Town Walk • Best areas to stay – from cosy B&Bs to central hotels • Cafes, bakeries, pubs and standout local restaurants • Getting around on foot, by bus or hop-on hop-off • Avoiding traffic and timing your visit for markets, Mop Fair and festivals • Quick wins for smart booking, passes and reservationsLisa also explains why Stratford makes an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds, with easy access to award-winning Go Cotswolds tours and routes.🎧 Tune in for practical planning advice, local stories, and tips that help you experience the real Stratford-upon-Avon - plus get 5% off Go Cotswolds tours when you book direct at gocotswolds.co.uk using the discount code UKTravPlan.💬 Have a question for Lisa? Leave us a voice message via the Speakpipe link below!⭐️ Guest - Lisa Benjamin from GoCotswolds📝 Show Notes - Episode 175🎧 Listen to next:Episode #136 – Unveiling the Cotswolds: Top Experiences and Insider Tips with Expert Lisa BenjaminEpisode #115 – Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Cotswolds Adventure with Lisa Benjamin of GoCotswoldsEpisode #107 – Exploring the Cotswolds with Lisa Benjamin from GoCotswolds ToursSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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 174 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by resident train travel expert Doug Collins to share highlights from his six-week rail adventure across the UK. Travelling from London to Scotland and back again, Doug explored major cities, rural stations and some of Britain’s most scenic routes while gathering video content for upcoming YouTube guides.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Which UK train routes offer the most spectacular views✅ How to use passes like the BritRail Flexipass to save money and travel easily ✅ Tips for planning, booking and adapting a multi-week rail itinerary ✅ What to expect when travelling by train across England, Scotland and Wales ✅ How to make the most of UK Travel Planning resources, from our Guide to UK Train Travel ebook and itinerary consults to upcoming train workshopsWhether you’re dreaming of a rail-focused itinerary or just want insider insight into how the UK rail network really works, this episode is packed with practical advice, first-hand stories and expert recommendations to help you travel with confidence.📹 Follow UK Travel Planning on YouTube📝 Show Notes - Episode 174🎧 Listen to nextEpisode 171 – Guide to the Night Riviera Sleeper Train (London to Penzance)Episode 157: 15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid ThemEpisode 141 – Caledonian Sleeper Update [+ Route Choices and Travel Tips]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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

Planning a trip to the UK and want to make the most of every moment? In this episode, Laura shares how she celebrated her 60th birthday with a 15-day journey across England and Scotland, combining solo adventure, accessible travel planning, and plenty of unforgettable experiences.You’ll learn how to: ✅ Plan a realistic itinerary that balances sightseeing and rest ✅ Navigate London during busy times like Tube strikes ✅ Make the most of flex tickets, early entry tours and coach trips ✅ Travel confidently with mobility considerations ✅ Turn detours into highlights with the right mindsetFrom London’s iconic attractions and afternoon tea favourites to the dramatic Highlands and windswept beauty of Orkney, Laura’s story is packed with practical tips, inspiration, and confidence-boosting advice for travellers of all ages and abilities.Perfect for: solo travellers, over-50s adventurers, and anyone planning a UK or Scotland itinerary.📝 Show Notes - Episode 173🎧 Listen to nextEpisode 123 – Family Fun in London: Cathy Stephens’ Trip ReportEpisode 161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid ThemEpisode 142 – Exploring the Tower of London: History, Highlights, and Helpful TipsSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

This special episode was originally recorded for the Germany Travel Planning Podcast, where Tracy joined Cate to share insider tips for making the most of a London layover.Turn your short stop in London into a compact yet rewarding adventure. Learn how to plan 24 to 48 hours in the UK capital without feeling rushed, from choosing a central base to making the most of every meal and moment.Discover how to stay smart, move efficiently and see a few essentials deeply rather than frantically. We cover where to stay, what to eat, and how to fit in the top sights while leaving time to simply enjoy being in London.In this episode: • Why Zone 1 locations make the perfect layover base • Hotel and area tips around Covent Garden, the British Museum and Borough Market • How to combine Tube, bus and river boat travel, plus when to book a black cab tour • Food favourites: Borough Market picks, Pick & Cheese, Café in the Crypt and the V&A café • Afternoon tea tips: traditional vs themed and when to book • Must-see highlights: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the V&A • Why Greenwich belongs on even short itineraries and the best ways to reach it • Christmas in London: best lights routes, timing and warmth tips • Pacing your visit, footwear and layers to stay comfortable • Easy day trips from London, including Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury and WindsorIf you have enjoyed the show, please leave a quick review or send us feedback via text. We love hearing from listeners, and your comment might even get a shout-out in a future episode.📝 Show Notes - Episode 172Tracy was a guest on the Germany Travel Planning Podcast for this episode.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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!

The Night Riviera is one of only two UK sleeper trains, and it might be the most relaxing way to wake up in Cornwall. UK Travel Planning’s rail expert Doug Collins shares his first-hand ride and the small choices that make a big difference to comfort and views.In this episodeHow to book simply and avoid common pitfallsWhen to arrive and how lounge access can upgrade your nightWhat berths are really like and how sleep felt in practiceThe easy breakfast strategy for a picture-perfect arrivalExactly which side to sit for the best coastal viewsPlusWhat to do when plans change and seat reservations are not in placeHow the Night Riviera compares with the Caledonian Sleeper📝 Show Notes - Episode 171🎧 Listen to nextEpisode #157: 15 UK Train Travel Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make and How to Avoid ThemEpisode #141 – Caledonian Sleeper Update [+ Route Choices and Travel Tips]Episode #151 – Essential UK Train Travel Tips and Q&A for First-Time TravellersSupport 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 via SpeakPipe ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking hereWork With Us - Contact [email protected] 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!