In episode 116 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins sits down with Heather Welday to discuss her recent family adventure to England. Heather, a librarian from Southern California, travelled with her husband and two children for 12 days, exploring iconic locations like London, Stratford upon Avon, Oxford, and Bath.
Heather shares valuable insights and practical tips, from the importance of booking popular attractions early to handling public transportation challenges. You’ll hear about their favourite accommodations, fantastic food experiences, and must-see sights like Shakespeare’s birthplace and Stonehenge. Heather also offers packing tips and advice on efficient travel planning, all while recounting the highs and lows of their journey.
Get ready for an episode full of helpful advice, delightful anecdotes, and the importance of knowing your family’s travel style. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip, you won’t want to miss Heather’s wonderful experiences and helpful tips.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the UK Travel Planning podcast with guest Heather Welday
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Episode 116 – Show Notes
❇️ Key topics and bullets
Introduction and Welcoming the Guest
– Tracy Collins, founder of the UK travel website, introduces herself.
– Heather Welday, a librarian from Southern California, is welcomed as the guest.
– Heather travelled with her husband and two children for a 12-day trip in June 2024.
Trip Itinerary and Locations Visited
– London
– Stratford upon Avon
– Oxford
– Bath
Pre-Trip Planning and Resources
– Utilized the UK travel planning website, podcast, and Facebook group.
– Booked a consult with Tracy and another individual named Doug.
Practical Tips and Experiences
– **Booking Early:** Importance of booking tickets early to avoid long queues.
– Successfully accessed Westminster and Tower of London by booking first thing at opening.
– **Packing and Travel Challenges:**
– Packed 19-inch suitcases and additional outfits in backpacks.
– Faced challenges with laundry due to unpredictable weather.
– Used a laundry line and ziplock baggies for efficient packing.
Accommodations
– **Stratford upon Avon:** Best accommodation due to location, amenities, and convenience.
– **Bath:** Flat praised for its location near attractions.
– **London Travel Lodge:** Mixed feelings about room sizes, but appreciated its location for transportation access.
Transportation Challenges
– Public transportation instead of hiring a car.
– Encountered crowded city bus substitute for a train.
– Missed opportunity to purchase a railcard, leading to extra expenses.
– Specific transportation challenges:
– Flight changes and check-in difficulties.
– Daughter’s airsickness during an overnight flight.
– Wi-Fi and tech issues.
– A seven-hour journey from Stratford upon Avon to Bath due to cancelled trains, losing time in Bath.
Souvenirs and Memorable Purchases
– Collected Christmas ornaments, books, and rubber ducks dressed as historical figures.
– Tracy expressed interest in starting her rubber duck collection.
Food Experiences and Recommendations
– Enjoyed meal deals at supermarkets like Sainsbury, Marks and Spencer’s, and Tesco Express.
– Favorite meals:
– Sunday roast at King’s Cross Station.
– Meal at the Westgate Pub in Bath.
– Fish and chips in the Cotswolds and Bath.
– Pasties in Lacock.
– Butterbeer at Harry Potter Studios.
– Fresh strawberries at Borough Market.
Favorite Experiences and Attractions
– **Shakespeare’s Birthplace:** Enjoyed visiting in Stratford upon Avon.
– **Stonehenge:** Had a private tour and found it memorable.
– **Westminster Abbey:** Took a Verger tour.
– **Hidcote Gardens:** Day trip to northern Cotswolds.
– Enjoyed tours with Footprint Tours, Victoria of Cotswold Teacup tours, and free walking tour in Bath.
– **Castle Combe and the Cotswolds:** Discussed logistics and popularity.
Challenges and Reflections
– Tracy empathized with the Sunday travel challenges and loss of time in Bath.
– Importance of consulting someone for trip planning and having fresh eyes on planning.
Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
– Heather expresses gratitude for being on the show.
– Tracy wraps up, encourages feedback and reviews on the podcast app.
– Tracy wishes the audience “Happy UK Travel Planning.”
Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 116
Useful resources
- Best meals:
- *Sunday Roast at Fuller’s Parcel Yard Pub — in King’s Cross Station, London
- *French onion soup at Fourteas Cafe, Stratford-upon-Avon
- *Pub meal (steak & ale pie, mac & cheese, peas) at The West Gate Pub, Bath (my very favourite)
- *Cheese & onion pasty from the local shop, Lacock
- *Strawberries in Borough Market
- *Meal Deals
- Accommodations:
- London — Travelodge London King’s Cross Royal Scot
- Stratford-upon-Avon — VRBO near Shakespeare’s birthplace, Property #90603ha (our best accommodation)
- Bath — VRBO near Sally Lunn’s, Property #2633756
- Tours:
- Westminster Abbey, Verger tour
- Oxford, Footprints walking tour
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswold Teacup Tours
- Bath, free city walking tour
- From Bath, Mad Max tour of Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, and Castle Combe
- Heather was also a guest on episode #100 of the UK Travel Planning podcast.
- Travel Guides – Bath, Stratford upon Avon, Bath and Oxford.
- Episode #107 Exploring the Cotswolds with Lisa of GoCotswolds
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